* 5 * Peeps * 12 * Times *

Here is our * 5 * Peeps * 12 * Times * photo for August.  I am super grateful to have another family photo!!  Emilie is still home (2 weeks as of tomorrow), fever free and doing well.  Her next chemo treatment is tentatively scheduled for Friday and her last LP showed that her spinal fluid is clear of cancer cells!!!!  Nicolas is home from "Nurse Nana's" and the house is full of wonderful noise.  He lost his first tooth while at Nana's.  Nana told him that the tooth fairy that visits her house only leaves a quarter, so he brought his tooth home to place under his pillow because he was hoping for "20 bucks"!  Paul is busy with football and baseball.  He is enjoying football although I am not liking the bruises he comes home with.  

Life is good!  Really, really good!

Words

Word art using Bendaroos by Emilie.

These are the words of a girl with leukemia.
These are the words of a girl who must use a wheelchair because her legs are not "working".
These are the words of a girl who has thinning hair.
These are the words of a girl who spent the majority of her summer vacation in a hospital.
These are the words of a girl who will not start school with her classmates and friends.

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:8 (The Message)

"Normal" Is So Overrated!

**Update  8/22 @ 2:13 pm**

Nicolas' blood test came back NORMAL!!!! Thank you Jesus!!!

We have redefined normal in our family.  Actually, everyday "normal" takes on a new meaning.  Today our "normal" is....
Nicolas is still sick with a fever and some "junk" in his lungs and is now on a second antibiotic.  We requested a blood test just because we are overly concerned.  He is still banished to Nana's where he is well taken care of, loved and nourished.  My mom is and always has been a great nurse; lots of sodas, popsicles, saltine crackers and TV. Nicolas has been living with my mom for almost a week and just told my mom today that he hasn't seen his mom in FIVE days. Makes me sad!  Please pray that Nicolas' blood test comes back fine and that the second antibiotic works.  Please also pray that Nana stays healthy and sane!
Paul's "normal" is living here during the days and then going to our local motel to swim and spend the night with Grandma Marlene.  She has been here for a week helping out and is now at Costco with Paul getting things we will need for the week.  Paul has been going to football during the week, mowing our lawns and hanging out with his friends.
Emilie's "normal" is actually pretty normal for Emilie.  She continues to do well at home: no fever and no sickness.  She had a visit from the Make-A-Wish organization this morning and is so excited for her "wish".  Emilie continues to have a great attitude and is so full of spunky goodness despite not being able to walk.  She sings and laughs almost all day.  Amazing!  I just love this girl and her attitude encourages and inspires me every day!
Eric and I have never been normal...enough said!  Really, I have been having a difficult time with Nicolas being sick, Emilie's challenges, not connecting much with Paul and generally being totally out of control.  The "funk" has finally departed and a first hospital memory came to mind.  The early morning that we were admitted to LPCH intensive care unit we had a very sweet, comforting nurse that was wearing a bracelet that read "Be still and know that I am God".  That was the first thing I saw when she examined Emilie.  Amongst the chaos, God let me know that He was there with us!  This is a verse that I need to have tattooed on my arm!

Be still and know that I am God!
Psalm 46:10