Shawn's friend, Lewis does photography as a hobby. We asked him if he could take some photos of the family and each of the kids on Saturday. Here are a few of the pictures from Saturday at a local park...
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Beautiful Day
Waffle Cone anyone?
(see bottom of post for Kenna's splenectomy decision)
(see bottom of post for Kenna's splenectomy decision)
The Northwest is a wonderful place to live! Today was in the 80s and we were able to enjoy it. We headed down to Seattle for Kenna's doctor visit with Dr.Waldhousen. The appointment went well. After discussing the pros and cons with having Kenna's spleen removed we decided to have it done on July 6th (as long as she isn't sick or have a cold that day). They will be able to use the same scar areas that they used when she had aher gallbladder removed for two of the scope holes, her belly button and a half inch (or little less) incision to actually get the spleen out. The surgery will take about an hour and half, in the hospital for 2 days and back to normal activities 1 week post surgery.
After the appointment we decided to visit the Seattle waterfront. We pulled Kaeden out of school early this afternoon to go with us. We went to the acquarium, had some fish-n-chips, ice cream, walked around and enjoyed this glorious sunshine!
Praise
I have a praise this morning!
My cousin, Curt has been struggling with drug addiction for the past few years. He has really struggled, my aunt and our family have had a hard time dealing with this. Recently, Curt has been living on the streets in despair. Shawn and I have been praying for Curt, we have also requested prayer from the members in our Church. Today I received an e-mail from my Aunt, titled GOOD NEWS!!!
This is what it said: "I just wanted to share some FANTASTIC news! Curt has been accepted into a long-term in-patient treatment facility in Spokane at the Sun-Ray Court. It’s an all male facility and has a very long waiting list, and when he found out he said “I can’t believe that I got in!” I told him it’s because he has no idea how many people have been praying for him, and finally those prayers have been answered!! He leaves on Sunday to detox in Everett , then on Thursday they put him on a Greyhound bus directly to Spokane . He is scheduled for a 90 day program and if needed he can go as long as 6 months."
This is an answer to prayer, Praise the Lord, he is going to get the help he needs.
We are continuing to pray and if you can too, that the Holy Spirit can work on his heart and lead him to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ will help him get through the journey ahead. There is so much hope in Jesus, he needs it!
Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. Phillipians 4:4-7
My cousin, Curt has been struggling with drug addiction for the past few years. He has really struggled, my aunt and our family have had a hard time dealing with this. Recently, Curt has been living on the streets in despair. Shawn and I have been praying for Curt, we have also requested prayer from the members in our Church. Today I received an e-mail from my Aunt, titled GOOD NEWS!!!
This is what it said: "I just wanted to share some FANTASTIC news! Curt has been accepted into a long-term in-patient treatment facility in Spokane at the Sun-Ray Court. It’s an all male facility and has a very long waiting list, and when he found out he said “I can’t believe that I got in!” I told him it’s because he has no idea how many people have been praying for him, and finally those prayers have been answered!! He leaves on Sunday to detox in Everett , then on Thursday they put him on a Greyhound bus directly to Spokane . He is scheduled for a 90 day program and if needed he can go as long as 6 months."
This is an answer to prayer, Praise the Lord, he is going to get the help he needs.
We are continuing to pray and if you can too, that the Holy Spirit can work on his heart and lead him to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ will help him get through the journey ahead. There is so much hope in Jesus, he needs it!
Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. Phillipians 4:4-7
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Prayer Request
Happy almost Friday!
I have a specific prayer request for Kenna and me and Shawn. On Wednesday, I finally spoke with Kenna's hematologist after leaving 3 messages. We spoke for about 15 minutes on whether Kennadi should get her spleen removed this summer. We both agree Kenna's body is doing an amazing job maintaining her Red Blood Cells (RBCs) with the severity of her Hereditary Spherocytosis. Her jaundice levels have definitely increased over the past year. In March she had the flu and her bili level was 29(high), Hct 21 (low), Retic was 29 (high). Her body has to work hard to maintain normal levels or her normal levels. So, Dr. M suggested we meet with Dr. W from Seattle Children's General Surgery to make a decision on removing Kennadi's spleen. Dr. Waldhausen is an amazing doctor who I completely trust, but when you are making a decision for your child, you want it to be the correct one. There is a slight possibility of something to go wrong after having a splenectomy. Kenna would be on antibiotics for 2 years post spleen removal. Dr. M said that adults who were diagnosed in their 20s with Hereditary Spherocytosis and then had their spleen removed, stated their bodies felt so much better. That when they were younger they could always feel something wasn't quite right and after have their spleen was removed they felt so much better. When you have a splenectomy and you get fevers you have to go into the Emergency Room and get labs (not sure on exactly all details, but I will get them tomorrow).
You may be asking why the spleen? (from a medical website:) Removing the spleen does not cure the disease, but it does allow the red blood cells to live longer so that a child no longer becomes anemic during periods of stress or infection and the skin and eyes do not turn yellow. After the spleen is removed, the child is at an increased risk for certain types of infection.
Getting to the prayer request. We are seeking prayer for our decision to have Kennadi's spleen removed this summer or to wait until she is older and has built up her immunities even more. Her spleen is currently enlarged and the doctors can feel it several centimeters below the ribcage. We just want to make the most educated and right decision for our daughter. Thanks for the prayers.
I have a specific prayer request for Kenna and me and Shawn. On Wednesday, I finally spoke with Kenna's hematologist after leaving 3 messages. We spoke for about 15 minutes on whether Kennadi should get her spleen removed this summer. We both agree Kenna's body is doing an amazing job maintaining her Red Blood Cells (RBCs) with the severity of her Hereditary Spherocytosis. Her jaundice levels have definitely increased over the past year. In March she had the flu and her bili level was 29(high), Hct 21 (low), Retic was 29 (high). Her body has to work hard to maintain normal levels or her normal levels. So, Dr. M suggested we meet with Dr. W from Seattle Children's General Surgery to make a decision on removing Kennadi's spleen. Dr. Waldhausen is an amazing doctor who I completely trust, but when you are making a decision for your child, you want it to be the correct one. There is a slight possibility of something to go wrong after having a splenectomy. Kenna would be on antibiotics for 2 years post spleen removal. Dr. M said that adults who were diagnosed in their 20s with Hereditary Spherocytosis and then had their spleen removed, stated their bodies felt so much better. That when they were younger they could always feel something wasn't quite right and after have their spleen was removed they felt so much better. When you have a splenectomy and you get fevers you have to go into the Emergency Room and get labs (not sure on exactly all details, but I will get them tomorrow).
You may be asking why the spleen? (from a medical website:) Removing the spleen does not cure the disease, but it does allow the red blood cells to live longer so that a child no longer becomes anemic during periods of stress or infection and the skin and eyes do not turn yellow. After the spleen is removed, the child is at an increased risk for certain types of infection.
Getting to the prayer request. We are seeking prayer for our decision to have Kennadi's spleen removed this summer or to wait until she is older and has built up her immunities even more. Her spleen is currently enlarged and the doctors can feel it several centimeters below the ribcage. We just want to make the most educated and right decision for our daughter. Thanks for the prayers.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
My Baby
Last night I came home from work and Kendyl was sleeping in our bed. She had her hand tucked under her cheek and she looked so sweet lying there. This is a question for moms who's children are not babies anymore. Do you ever look at your child (not a baby) and catch those glimpses of them when they were a baby? Last night was one of them. I totally could see her as a newborn again, it just brings back so many good memories. This will happen with Kenna and Kaeden at times too. You can never get those baby days back and it is so nice to see them as a baby from time to time. This is the picture that brought it all back for me:
I have to admit, it was 11PM and it was totally dark in the bedroom. It took Shawn and I about 8 minutes to get the flash to finally work and then it did work and it stirred her a little. It was funny, we are easily amused.
Monday, May 25, 2009
This weekend is over
We are sad the weekend is over, but thankful for the time we had as a family. I don't think we stopped all weekend. Friday was Flynn Family Fun Night, we had Tater and Ty all day Saturday, The Conklin's over for a barbecue on Saturday, went to my mom's Saturday late afternoon for another bbq. Sunday started out with church, Kaeden's football game. Kaeden scored two running touchdowns for his team. He is really starting to get the game and make some moves when he is rushing. Sunday afternoon we went to my mom's again for a family bbq, but I forgot my camera, so I don't have any pics from Sunday. Today, we decided to make an impromptu visit up to Bowman's Bay in Anacortes. We were able to have a great time at the beach with my sister, Ty & Tatum. What a beautiful weekend, the following are some pictures of today. Shawn was making fun of me for taking so many pictures. I like to take the pictures because you never know when you are going to get the perfect shot.
Ty bit it hard on the gravel, poor guy has a fat lip.
Ty bit it hard on the gravel, poor guy has a fat lip.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Great Weekend...
It feels like the weekend should be over due to all of the fun we have had the last day and a half and we still have 2 days to go. Friday was Flynn Family Fun Night. What is Flynn Family Fun Night? Well, I took my three little fish to the YMCA to go swimming. As Kenna says, " I am begging you!" She has been begging me to go swimming since we came back from our Florida trip. They are doing so well swimming these days. Kaeden enjoys swimming underwater, Kenna dog paddles like crazy and Kendyl loves to go underwater. Flynn Family Fun Night involves mommy creating a menu, tickets for the evening, the kids going to blockbuster picking out a movie and then coming home and mommy is the waitress with a silly accent. Kendyl kept saying I was mommy, not the silly girl. It was fun. The picture depicts Kendyl at the end of our evening: 
Tatum
Ty
Shawn & Kaeden Slippin and sliding, mom's next!
My dad locked Kaeden up in the dog crate - HELP!
Our family friends had their grandson, Jordan with them at my parents. He's a future Mariners pitcher.
Today was a fabulous Memorial Weekend Saturday! The weather in the Pacific Northwest couldn't have been nicer. It was in the low 70s, which is perfect, especially for most of the homes around here that don't have air conditioning. I was privileged to watch my niece and nephew today while my sis and her wonderful husband took off for the day to watch some baseball. We had the Conklin Family over for a lunch barbecue. We got out Kaeden and Kenna's new slip and slide. All of the kiddos had fun, even Shawn and I got in the mix. Then, we headed off to my parents house for another one (and tomorrow too!). It is Kaeden's actualy birthday today - 7 years old!! He had his party on May 2nd with Kenna. We had a mini celebration at my parents tonight. It was nice and Kaeden was really excited about the cool presents he received.
TatumTyShawn & Kaeden Slippin and sliding, mom's next!My dad locked Kaeden up in the dog crate - HELP!Our family friends had their grandson, Jordan with them at my parents. He's a future Mariners pitcher.We hope you are enjoying your weekend!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Content to Be Me
Calm My Anxious Heart Continued...
I'm in chapter 3 of the Calm My Anxious Heart bible study. There are so many points the author makes, that helps me start to be comfortable with me. The chapter title is Content to Be Me.
This is so hard for me. I am very critical of myself, including body image, some of my personality flaws and such. But after reading most of this chapter I realized God knitted me together in my mother's womb and created me to be ME. My personality, my blemishes, the cellulite (UGH!), etc. The author states, "My husband, Jody, believes that women look at other women more than men look at women." This is so true. I look at other women wishing I had their cute figure/frame, hair, perfect eyebrows and the list goes on, and on, and on...
I need to work on being content on what God has given me and praise Him for creating me. I have to come to the realization my purpose is to please God. I can do those things by honoring him in all I do.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
I don't think I can do justice to the author's words, so here are more quotes from the Author:
"Pray that God enables you to see the wisdom behind the way He framed you."
"The Artwork. The art represents an emerging picgture of who are becoming. God establishes the background, then sweeps His brushstrokes across the canvas of your life in a desire to create a masterpiece. God invites you to cooperate with Him to form the picture. If you yield to His artistry the character of Christ will be reflected through the picture of yor life."
I will probaby post more on this chapter another day.
If you are interested in this book, click here.
I'm in chapter 3 of the Calm My Anxious Heart bible study. There are so many points the author makes, that helps me start to be comfortable with me. The chapter title is Content to Be Me.
This is so hard for me. I am very critical of myself, including body image, some of my personality flaws and such. But after reading most of this chapter I realized God knitted me together in my mother's womb and created me to be ME. My personality, my blemishes, the cellulite (UGH!), etc. The author states, "My husband, Jody, believes that women look at other women more than men look at women." This is so true. I look at other women wishing I had their cute figure/frame, hair, perfect eyebrows and the list goes on, and on, and on...
I need to work on being content on what God has given me and praise Him for creating me. I have to come to the realization my purpose is to please God. I can do those things by honoring him in all I do.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
I don't think I can do justice to the author's words, so here are more quotes from the Author:
"Pray that God enables you to see the wisdom behind the way He framed you."
"The Artwork. The art represents an emerging picgture of who are becoming. God establishes the background, then sweeps His brushstrokes across the canvas of your life in a desire to create a masterpiece. God invites you to cooperate with Him to form the picture. If you yield to His artistry the character of Christ will be reflected through the picture of yor life."
I will probaby post more on this chapter another day.
If you are interested in this book, click here.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Memories
I watch my friends little guy, Landon. He is almost 11 months and today I gave him thawed frozen blueberries for lunch. He enjoyed them and after we was done eating, it reminded my of Kendyl's experience with blueberries. Here is Landon at almost 11 months and Kendyl at 11 months (how they get big so fast.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Super Papa!
Kenna has been going to gymnastics classes on Monday evenings and is learning how to do head stands, handstands, cartwheels, etc. So, my dad decided to show and teach Kenna how to do it. Here is SUPER PAPA!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A Great Gift For All Ages
SOFT EXPANDING SEA FOAM
AFTER
You are probably asking what is soft expanding sea foam?
It is excitement in our house. Kenna was given three different soft expanding sea foam creatures for her birthday. They are little foam animals and once you stick them in water they grow. The kids love to watch them grow over the 96 hours submerged in water. It is cute, the kids like it, but I have to have a tub of water on the counter for 4 days. Oh well, I guess, if the kids are enjoying it I better suck it up. It's not like my house is immaculate. We are currently growing a turtle. We like the turtle one the best so far.
BEFORE
AFTER
Potpourri
The post is a little of everything.
We have had a great weekend so far. Yesterday I played hide and go seek tag with the girls. It's been awhile since I have played and I am definitely an amateur. Kendyl and I were trying to find Kenna and I really couldn't find her. Kendyl had to help me and I think with her height she was able to see at a different level. These are the two spots I found Kenna,
In a tree and in a large bush.
This evening we planted a garden in pots. I am excited for the cherry tomatoes. Kendyl and I love them. Kendyl eats them like candy. 
Our precious Krissy hanging out with us.
I just liked this picture of Kenna. She is extremely photogenic and likes to ham it up for the camera.
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