Tamiflu

I don't want to speak prematurely here, but I wanted to share this information (in case it is as helpful as it seems) with those of you who may be facing the flu.
The main, active ingredient in the antiviral drug that we have all heard about on the news called Tamiflu, is shikimic acid. Supposedly shikimic acid is found in large quantities in most of our backyards! Pine needles have a reportedly high content of vitamin C and shikimic acid. I read that the natives taught the European settlers to use pine needles to keep them from getting scurvy and other illnesses. Needless to say, once I read this I was off like Little Red Riding Hood gathering berries. Excitedly, I skipped through the yard clipping the newest sprouts off my yellow pine. I made a tea and forced it into my newest patients. Evan was almost done anyway with his flu symptoms so it's hard to say if it worked for him, but Kaiya seemed to recover quickly with a much less severe case once she drank the brew. I also had myself and the other children drink up. So far, so good. It has been about 3 days. We'll see how it goes!
NOTE: Do not drink or consume pine needles if you are (or might be) pregnant!!

My Mom's Cancer

None of us ever could've imagined my mom in this position. She's young, beautiful, active and seemingly healthy. Not what you would peg as a "cancer patient'. But I'm seeing that there is no physical characteristics that puts someone into that category. I mean consciously I knew that, but I am realizing that subconsciously I may have thought otherwise. Once again, I'm learning how naive I can be. I find myself looking at everyone around me wondering what type of cancer they have.
But I haven't let the enemy steal my hope completely on this one. I know that it is not an absolute fate of doom. Matthew 19:26. As I understand it, she has a noninvasive form of breast cancer. Which basically means it has not made it into her bloodstream (praise God!). They will obviously still need to do some undesirable procedures (surgery, radiation, tamoxifin), but she is in a good position as far as the "C" word goes. This type of cancer is almost always curable. And my God is ALWAYS good. So what more is there?

Thank You

Home-made meals, groceries, prayers, get-well cards, money, phone calls and emails. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful friends (you know who you are:). As Cody said, "How can we thank them?". We love you guys so very much. Can't wait to see you all.

Flu

Turns out none of us are "out of the woods". Seems we have a flu on top of this whooping cough. Unbelievable, I know. So far Bryan went down, Evan was next, and Kaiya is up at bat right now. She came down with it yesterday for her birthday. Not cool. Hoping I can keep the little ones from getting it. Especially since they are still fighting the whoop. I just hope that if the rest of us are gonna get it, we get it soon. Otherwise, we could be stuck in this house for another 5 weeks.

A Break in the Clouds

After 5 horrible weeks, things are finally looking up. Our friends have prayed us right on through. Bryan is feeling much better. He's not completely out of the woods, but he's able to stand at least. The kids had a great night last night. Not perfect, but good enough. As long as the Lord continues to have mercy on me and keep me protected from this awful illness, then we'll be done with this in no time. Now I just want to know that our friends the Slaughter's are through the toughest part with baby Eden, then there will be a definite break in the clouds.
Kaiya's 11th birthday is on Friday. She has been planning on a trip to the mall on Saturday for shopping and a movie with her and a few of her friends (and me, of course). I'm really hoping we'll be able to do that. I'm not a big mall person, but I'm looking forward to getting out of this 3 bedroom ranch for a few hours.
Tomorrow I go with mom for her MRI. I'm anxious, but hopeful. I am so in love with my God lately that I know that everything is going to be O.K. No matter what the MRI says. I honestly feel confident and peaceful about all this. Somehow.

We're Not Through

Bryan is having a really hard time tonight. Please pray for him. I feel so terrible that he is going through this. He needs some relief. Some peace enough that he can rest.

Too depressing

This blog started off as an attempt to keep friends up on the events in our lives. The kids growing, our businesses growing, our achievements and maybe a few pictures here and there. Right now it's nothing but bad news. Too depressing. So on a good note... the kids all are improving rapidly. Or at least we are on an up swing. Today is Cody's 8th birthday. So, although we are still confined to the house we plan to eat, play and be merry. Lego cake is about to go in the oven. Pictionary board is gonna go up and we're gonna party like we would if times were easy. Today is a good day. I insist.

Huh?

Was I dreaming or did my mom tell me she has breast cancer today.
I'm holding Proverbs 18:10 with white knuckles.
Father please
Mercy