They are back!!

We have been waiting for Brooke's immune system numbers. We kept kidding with our nurse at clinic that Brooke's numbers must be normal and they are so amazed they had to re run them. She then told us Thursday if the numbers aren't back she'll give us the phone number to Mayo and we can prank call them. Of course we are kidding and, all in all, it doesn't matter, we can wait. Lab people need to take Holiday's as well. Yesterday they came back. I tried to post the spreadsheet but that didn't work. Her TREC 284, down from 406 (800 normal), CD19 206 down from 326. % of donor blood cells, 95% (that's good).

My 1st reaction when I read her numbers was, "what the crap?" (That is actually what I said.) I guess being 2 years 8 months our from transplant I was hoping it had taken. All in all, her numbers did not get better, a few had a decline. But her donor cells are still there, so that's good.

My wonderful husband asked as I was going through the numbers diligently "what are you looking for? What were you expecting?" I had to think about it, I guess deep down there is a glimmer, a teeny tiny little light of hope, that this is all going to go away. With every lab tests that light gets smaller and smaller, which is ok. I have realized it's better not to expect anything.

I read last night about a fellow "SCIDS" kid. She is 12 years old now. Her mom said they had 8 good years after transplant. This past fall she got a virus and she can't shake it. She's had vomiting and diarrhea for 4 months and lost 15 pounds. They are in the thick of it again. I read her email to Steve and he said, you never know when something happens you just can't shake. But we can't live with that fear. Like our PA says, we treat the patient and she seems pretty amazing to us.

A friend had this posted a couple days ago and I stole it. "The thing about trusting in God's plan for your life, is things always turn out exactly as they should. Thanking God for his faithfulness."

For many reasons this week I needed to hear this. God's plan is always perfect, it's frustrating at times that my head looks at Brooke's numbers and health "status" when we know God's plan is greater and PERFECT. He is faithful!!

Today's devotions said, "receive My peace. This is still your deepest need and I, your Prince of Peace, long to pour myself into your neediness."

Isn't great to know someone always has your back?

John 14: 27; "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Have a fun and safe night!

Merry Christmas!

I wanted, so bad, to post another video, but technology is not allowing me to do so tonight. So it's only pictures. But I could not be more proud of our Crew! Merry Christmas Ladies!!

We wish you all a Blessed Day tomorrow! I have the cake made, not for breakfast, but it will be enjoyed for the BEST Birthday of All! JESUS!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU JESUS!!!

This is a gift from Leah.


What an amazing night! We had an early dinner (because the kids couldn't wait :) and then opened gifts. Each year I "code" the presents. The gifts are under the tree for weeks without names. This year they each had a Disney character. When it's time to open gifts I tell them their character. It keeps them guessing for a few weeks :) Fun for me, torture for them! I LOVE to see their faces and excitement.
I will try and post a video of Brooke. I had tears in my eyes a few times watching them, realizing how fortunate we are. We have all we could want and more. All 5 of our girls are more lively and vibrant than ever. The memories of sitting in the "spa" are still close in our minds, but those aren't bad memories, just different surroundings. But today, was different. The twins had joy, innocence and excitement! It was so much fun!! Then Meg's gave us ornaments, Ash gave us a calendar and Leah gave us this video. Yup, I cried some more :) WOW, what more can I say! This makes up for the fighting they do :)

"Steve'd"

Have you ever heard when people get older they start looking like their spouses? I have and I believe, in some cases, it's true. I work with alot of elderly and some do resemble each other. Whether it's looks or just the way they act, I don't know.

A while back, my brother in law's said, I had been "steve'd." We were (and still are :) remodeling the house and I was thinking like my husband. We both agree, we don't need new things, we want to look presentable and clean. Anyway, I use to enjoy going out to eat, new/different foods. I use to enjoy shopping. Obviously life has changed and taken us down a different path. Last night Steve and I were chatting and I said, "I really would just rather stick to food I know. Why try new things when I like the old things?" And every time I shop I think things are sooo ridiculously expensive and I complain. ARGHHHHHH!!! Really, what is happening to me? He laughed and laughed!! He said, "amazing," next step is to get you to wear outdated clothes. (Steve use to wear painters pants when no one else did anymore :) Wow, I hope my girls stop me before that happens!

In all seriousness, my husband has taught me the gift of contentment. If we have patience, God will provide in time. I do have to remind him there is a difference between patience and procrastination. But what an amazing gift he has given me. This is a completely different place than I was 15 years ago. It's all good!

I guess being "Steve'd" isn't so bad.

Do you see a pattern here? I know I haven't been the most engaged parent the last few days, but this child is something else. I asked her yesterday, "what did you eat?" She responded, "a fuzzy." Really!?!? A fuzzy that turns your tongue green. It looked like she was chewing on crayon pieces. Today she walks up to me, purple drooling out of her mouth, in her teeth. It looked like she was swishing with liquid ink! Seriously Brooke? So again, "what did you eat?" "Nothing, I threw it away." After following 3 year old twins around the house I think she is eating the tips of colored pencils. I could be mistaken but that is the story they are telling me. Why won't she eat food like she'll eat everything else?!?! Patience :)

I would say I am, almost, back to normal. I haven't broke out the running shoes yet, but yesterday Ash and I did a little shopping, had a Christmas party at night and today we did alot of baking. I also woke up this morning and wondered, "what happened to my house?" It was good it was Steve's turn to go to church with the girls. That gave Brooke and I about 2 hours to speed clean. And it felt so good!! Laundry is folded, until the kids changed their clothes again, dishes are done, until someone decides to eat, and the toys, well they are still on the floor. That's just part of having kids. I had given myself (mentally) 48 hours after surgery to get back to normal. I like to set goals. So on Thursday I was wondering what was wrong with me. But Friday perked up and it's just gotten better since. Steve said he gave it a week, so I'm glad I could maintain someones goal. Nurses as patients are not recommended.

God has once again shown us His way is best. We are excited for this weeks fun and festivities. I do LOVE Christmas! I told the girls today, maybe we should eat cake Christmas morning. It is Jesus birthday! However, they are so hyped up on sugar these days I may need to think about that.

Recovery day 2

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"

Joy and Peace! Great words for this season. I've gotten to see that the past couple days. Joy of amazing family and friends. Peace of God's will and healing process.

All in all it's going well. The hardest part is laughter! I strongly feel laughter is the best medicine as does my husband, however his funniness was KILLING me yesterday. I kept laughing at him, which made the pain worse, which made me tense up, which made the pain worse, which made me laugh harder because it was all so dumb. Finally Leah had to step in and stop the madness. You wonder whose in charge, the adults or the 13 year old :)
It's all good. I can't expect to jump up and be normal 2 days after surgery, but it'd be nice. I'm still mentally sane. All the activity in the house helps. Steve went to work for awhile today, so the twins and I are watching cartoons and hanging out. I also started reading a book (yes a book that does not rhyme and has no pictures) and we finished Christmas shopping online. All in all, a couple productive days.

Thanks for the prayers. We'll keep ya posted as to how the rest of the week goes. If all does well I might even get out of my pj pants, hehe.

Out with you......

After a few months of stomach issues, we decided it was time to have the gall bladder out (for me not Steve :) I've had troubles with it since Spring and over harvest it was confirmed that the gall bladder was the problem. So I requested we wait til my hubby wasn't so busy and it worked into our schedule (selfish I know).
Today was the day. I had a work meeting in the am and then off to take out parts I don't need. Steve requested everything be taken out that I don't need, but it appears just my gall bladder was taken. I had some cosmetic requests, but it still appears only my gall bladder was taken out. hehe All in all, I'm doing well. The pain is not from by abdomen but in my back and shoulders. Everything I read said that would happen, as did my mom. So nothing unexpected. Surgery at 11a, home by 4p. Now that is what I am talking about.
So the question may come up, why did I not tell people about the surgery thing? I have many reasons. I didn't want to make a big deal for the kids. We just kinda wanted to do this and not worry them. I also must say I question why God gave us so many parts we don't need. So this surgery seemed silly to me. But I do really miss certain foods and I was sick of having pain everyday. The only way to be without pain was to not eat (which I have tried :) So that's the story. I plan on a quick recovery so I can chase kids again. Sitting here makes me feel really guilty and Steve looks really busy. He is an amazing man!!! LOVE HIM!!!


Brooke's IgG level came back over 400. GET OUT!!! Anything over 400 hundred we were going to be happy with. We are holding her IVIG unless she gets ill or her numbers go down. We don't have results yet from her immune studies. Hopefully by next week. She's not feeling 100% but she's ok. She has stopped eating orally and complains at some of her feedings that she doesn't feel well. So we wonder if she's fighting something, but the key word is, "fighting." She's fighting it and we can't ask for anything more.


Leah had her orchestra concert last night. She did amazing and looked so nice. LOVE HER!


Our friends had a baby! I didn't ask for permission to put this on the blog but I think it's ok :) Excitement was an understatement! I got to go see her 1st and HOG her to myself. I loved it! She fit so perfect in my arms. We just love all of them!!

Last, a little snow. The girls were excited to see the snow. Unfortunately Brooke only lasted 5 minutes. She said she didn't like the feeling of the snow. Ash and Macy had a great time. Tis the season for snow stuff everywhere.

Enjoy the season! I have the gifts wrapped and I love getting presents for the kids. It's so fun to see their surprise and guessing who's gifts are who's. We are so blessed and God is so good!! Don't forget whose birthday party this is!! Jesus deserves a BIG cake :)

ON YOUR MARK......GET SET.............

G R O W!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The medicine arrived and the nurse from her endocrines office came this afternoon. Doesn't she look bigger?? Kidding :) The "pen" below is the growth hormone. There's a small needle on the end and she gets it once a day. She is not a fan of it, but I'm sure she will get use to it. My concern is not giving her an injection once a day, my concern is, "is this really going to work?" Call me a skeptic but I'm not convinced. But I would LOVE to be proven wrong.
Current weight: 25# 9oz (11.61 kg) In the 2% of growth chart
Current height: 2' 9.6" (0.854m) In the 0.27% of growth chart

We did take Brooke off her appetite stimulating medication. We only want to start 1 new thing at a time. If the growth hormone goes well, we can always restart the other med. Her next appt with clinic is Dec 9. I have some meds I'd like to get her off so I will try that, again :) Maybe if her immune studies come back better we can do that.
Other than that, life is pretty mellow. Brooke is still working on the potty training. She actually quit, and told me she wasn't going to do that anymore. I told her yesterday that is her decision but then she cannot ever go to school or children's worship. This afternoon she said she's thinking of changing her mind. We'll see!!!
When I look back, it's only been a little over 3 years that we've been handed Brooke's health situation. In the big picture that is not that long. For many months I never thought I'd see the day Brooke would walk, talk, debate me, call her sisters names or tell me "no." As much as 3 year old twins can be a challenge, I feel so blessed to be given the gift. God has seen us through obstacles we never dreamed. I can honestly say, I feel that she is going to be ok. Brooke will always have health issues. She will never be given a "clean bill of health" she will never "out grow" this. But God has sustained her when we didn't think it was possible. For that we are eternally grateful!! This Christmas, Steve and I already got our gift.

HERE THEY ARE!!!!!! 2 John 6: And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

MRI results and Growth Hormone

I thought last night, "I'm not sure I posted Brooke's MRI results." The reason for this blog is to update on Brooke, I guess I just need to process things sometimes. So it's processed......I'll back up to the appointment.
November 9, we went to The Spa. Because of the weather Steve got to come. My sister in law also came to hang out with Macy. Her MRI went well and then we headed up to clinic. Nothing too new at clinic. Her IgG was in the 300's (not 500's like the last test said). That's ok. We are still watching it and have learned to do her blood work at Spectrum. We go back to clinic in December and draw all her immune studies.
From there we went to her endocrinologist. Her appointment wasn't until Nov. 10. I called there and explained we were going to be in GR the day before and they said "call us when you are done with the MRI, we'll fit you in." GET OUT!!! We called and the MD saw us on his lunch hour. It's not like she was sick or the visit was urgent. Steve and I agree you can tell when MD's are doing what they love. Any way, the endocrinologist called us later that night with the MRI results. Her pituitary gland is very small which is consistent as to why she is very small. She also had some other abnormalities but nothing that seems as if it will have any lasting effects. You understand how I needed to process this. I was sad we once again had ANOTHER system messed up. We did however have an MRI done when she was 4 weeks old. I am trying to obtain those records at least for comparison, not that it'll change anything.
What does all this mean? It means she doesn't make growth hormone like they suspected. We will be starting growth hormone in the next week or 2. I have all the supplies and am waiting on the meds. I asked the MD, "how long will we have to give this?" He said, "if it works, until she is 13 -16 years old." WOW, wasn't ready for that answer! But after thinking about it, it's no different than a diabetic giving themselves shots. We just have to get use to it. It will take approximately 3 months to see if it works. If it works, that's great! If it doesn't, that's ok too. At this point Steve and I are ok with whatever happens. We just want to give her the most "normal" life possible.
Happy Thanksgiving!! I am unable to list everything we are thankful for!! We have more than we could ask for or deserve. At times I have to stop and slow down to remind myself, this is not ours. God has entrusted me with these children, as a gift. God gave me my spouse, as a gift. God gave me possessions I don't need or deserve, as a gift. The list could go on forever, but it's fun to treat life as a gift and not take anything for granted.

Psalm 118: 1, Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Stick a fork in me.................

THEY'RE DONE!!!! That's is a picture of the combine and cart coming home. I looked at my phone at 2:30 and thought, "they should be close to done." At 2:35 my phone beeped, "ALL DONE!" WHOOO HOOOO! So, the plastic meal trays are washed and put away and the steak dinner is on. We are back to as normal as we can be :) Time to catch up on needed rest. (He will not be happy when he see's his picture on here :)

I got the bedroom done. Steve and the girls agree it looks better than before. That was a pretty quick and painless project. I do still have the old comforter. I wasn't able to part ways yet. So its washed and in the closet.

Brookie started on her appetite stimulant this week. She started off the week with a bang and ate 1/4 of a sandwich. Since then we haven't eaten huge amounts but has eaten more than she did in the past. I'm hoping with harvest being done and being back into a routine that maybe she'll eat more. I feel like we LIVE in the kitchen. Once she asks to eat we sit there and cheer her on. We'll see where this leads us.

Brooke said the next news best to her Grandma Koeman today. "Grandma guess what, I'm potty trained!" OH BOY!!! Potty trained is a strong statement. She's heading in the right direction. Last week she was in the bathroom. I asked what she was doing and she said, "get out, I'm pooping!" Alrighty then! I highly doubted this was true. You see, Brooke has chronic diarrhea. I'm not sure this is a blog appropriate topic :) but it is a medical diagnosis. We don't know why, it's just another system that is messed up. So, I've had my doubts that her being potty trained was going to happen. A few months ago we bought her Pull on diapers, so she could change herself (with the exception of the poop). (another good parenting move, hehe) Anyway, she is doing really well and we heading in the right direction. We were so happy when she went we took a picture and texted it to Steve in the combine. That a surprise when he open that text. hahahaha I don't want him to miss any of the "firsts." I'll spare you the photo.

It seems crazy Thanksgiving is this week. I'm excited to see family and hang out. I don't usually do the "black friday" shopping, but you never know. If I find a good deal I'm not scared to brave the crowds.

The Room

Months ago I looked at our bedroom and said, "wow Steve, who painted this and hung this AWFUL border. It's ugly." He laughed and said, "you did, a long long time ago." Oh yes, I guess I did. He then stated no one see's our bedroom so who cares. I agreed and let it go, but in the back of mind I kept thinking, "this is ugly."
I was then with family and told my brother I've had the same comforter for 17 years. It fits a queen bed but we put it on our California King. We got a bigger bed but not the comforter. It's denim, kind of (that's classy). 17 years ago I thought it was VERY classy. As silly as that sounds, I do hold on to worn out sentimental things (ask Steve about my robe hehe). My brothers comment was, "burn it." Now, that was a thought.
Then there's the cost. If you know my husband, to spend money on a comforter is a waste of money. Well, everything aligned and I found one on clearance the 1st time I looked. (It even has a bed skirt, I've never had a bed skirt) As you can see, I'm easily amused. I ripped down the wall paper and I will paint it this week. Steve came home and said, "what did you do now?" He is aware, when he leaves me for too long I get in trouble :) Harvest is getting lengthy. Better get done soon honey, I have more ideas in my head :) (today I put on a new toilet seat)
So that's about all we've been up to. Hopefully in the next week + harvest will be done. Brooke is doing well and I'd LOVE to elaborate, but I'm not ready. I'm not always sure when she does things if it's a step in the right direction or just a fluke. So, we'll wait and observe, and pray that she makes great strides.
To God be the Glory!!!

"NOT FAIR"

Have you even heard your children say that? Or been accused of not being "fair"? I'm pretty sure if you are breathing you've heard those words before. Having a gang of children I hear that quite often. I usually just brush it off. "Whatever, it's just kids being kids." But lately I've had a hard time "brushing" it off. See I am being accused by my 3 year old that I am not being fair. Or as she says, "UGGGHHHH NOT FAIR!" The questions started with, "why does Brookie have a button?" I said, "ask her." So Brookie proceeded to tell Macy she doesn't eat and medicine is yucky. So Macy said, "I want a button." I said, "no." "UGGGHHH NOT FAIR!!" Macy's main concern now is why does she have to eat everything on her plate and Brooke can eat whatever she wants. Or why does Brookie get to stay up later and get her feedings and medicine.

I've tried explaining, but I've haven't found a good way to explain Brooke missed alot of developmental milestones and we've are trying to catch her up. Or Brooke was born without an immune system and we are trying to keep her healthy. By the time I ponder how to explain something, she has another question.

The other day Macy said, "seriously Brooke, just eat already." And Brooke yelled, "OK I WILL!" She then proceeded to grab a chip and eat it. Maybe this whole anger thing is starting to work.

So I have finally figured out how to explain it. "Life isn't always fair ladies."

Candy any one?

I enjoy candy, ALOT!! Saturday we went to a church outing and we had activities, dinner and of course trick or treating. Here's some pictures of the loot!

As much as I LOVE candy I am SOOOO sick of it! The older 3 girls are fine, they can somewhat control themselves. Macy is INSANE!! I actually hid her candy so she would stop talking about it. I was tempted to let them all eat candy til the got sick. But then I decided that might not be the best parenting technique. So the battle continues. If anyone needs candy, I'll send it their way. (But I like it too much that I can't throw it away :)

1st hayride......At our church gathering we went on a HAYRIDE! The 1st hayride the twins were ever on. I thought it was more exciting than they did. Brooke even fell asleep at the end.

And since she fell asleep I was so happy to have help carrying her around and watching her while I tended to the rest of the gang. Friends are great to be surrounded by. I am SOOOO thankful!!

As for actual Halloween, we stayed home. Ashley was sick and stayed home from school, so I thought she shouldn't be roaming around getting others sick, and we all know we didn't need more candy. On Halloween we go visiting and not exactly trick or treating. But it'll have to wait for another time. Ash was feeling better today and was back at school. Steve was sick Sunday but he is feeling better as well. Brooke has started with it, but we pray it stops there. If she gets too sick (or any children for that matter) I told Steve my mental health will be very compromised. So for every one's well being, virus be gone :)

Harvest is S L O W L Y coming along. Steve likes to get it done, unfortunately that's not in the plan for this year. So, it'll be done, when it's done. God's timing, not ours :) Why does that always come up? :)

Are you up for a Challenge?

I got an email from a friend about her journey. She challenged us, and I want to pass it on to you. Here it goes.
Starting now....ask God to give you a word, ONE word......something that He wants you to focus on or work on for the coming year. With that word, ask Him for a verse. You may have a life verse that you've picked out. That's not what I'm talking about. This is a verse just for this coming year. She also encouraged us to journal about your word and verse. It's personal preference.
When I got this email I was excited. It made me listen. This is not what I think I need to work on, it's what God lays on my heart. As the days went on I prayed about it and waited. The word "obedience" kept coming. I laughed and said, "no thanks." Obedience is a word I use on my kids. Its a word similar to submission, slacks and blouse. I just don't like them :) But God always makes His will known and that's it. So, I am now praying for a verse and I've had an amazing conversation about obedience, to the point that I no longer dislike the word but am excited to see what I can learn. I emailed this to another friend and he also came up with a word. Sometimes we don't need to search for answers. We just need to listen, be still and learn.

1998

October 20, 1998 I looked out my kitchen window to see fire trucks, smoke and an ambulance next door at our grain bins. My reaction was, "oh good Lord what happened." I made my way over there and my father in law said, "don't worry, no ones hurt. Just a little fire." (It didn't look little with all the commotion). He then added, "nothing to go into labor over." Oh yes, I was pregnant :) At midnight that night I was calling cell phones, (the guys were still working). I FINALLY got ahold of my brother in law. I told him I NEED to talk to Steve. He said, "Shelly this isn't a good time." I still laugh about that. I was aware it wasn't a good time. (And in the next 13 years I would really learn its not my timing that matters) The next morning, we welcomed Leah Rose into the world. How fun! She is actually a riot! Wise beyond her years, caring, a stubborn streak (I don't know WHERE that comes from :) She's everything we could ask for and more!! Happy Birthday Sweet Leah Rose!!!


Speaking of Leah Rose, she learned this week how much food means to men. When I was young, I occasionally had the job in the summer of going home from the blueberry's a little early and starting supper. I could really only make spaghetti, so we ate alot of it. But my dad assured me this was a VERY important job. (It also kept me out of his hair for an hour :) Now that Steve is harvesting I try (notice the work "try") to get food out to them at night. It all depends on the kids evening schedule but that's a goal. Leah helps me cook and package food. We pile the girls in the van and drive. Steve usually directs us as to where people are in the fields and Leah gets out to deliver the food. She always comes back laughing. "How can guys get soooo excited about food?" I agree, but the saying stands true, "the way to a mans heart, is through his stomach." A lesson to all my girls, we better teach you to cook, (something besides spaghetti)!

Harvest is going! The rain has delayed things a little, but no one is too depressed yet. The girls get out to ride. I haven't had my chance yet, but I will.

We've had some illness' run through the house, but we've been ok now for the past week. And Brooke has escaped it all. I told her nurse, "you people tell me she doesn't have an immune system but she's the healthiest of them all." Unfortunately due to me being sick we had to cancel her MRI. There is really no hurry so we have it rescheduled for Nov. 9. She did have labs done this week to see if the immunizations we gave her are responding. I've thought about that outcome once. "What if she isn't making antibodies to the immunizations?" Oh well, then we don't give her immunizations. That's my mind talking. I'm sure the MD's have a different, more scientific approach. I'm ok with where we are right now. Enjoying the day God has given us!
Our woodsy Sunday afternoon walk.

I'll keep you updated on the lab results and harvest. Life is going to calm down here with volleyball being done and soccer coming to an end. What will we do with all our time :)

For Grandma....

My grandma and I talked about applesauce awhile back. I've always done it the same way. A metal colander and a wooden mallet. And I MASH the tar out of those apples I boiled. My friend had this "Sauce Master." I had my doubts. 1st, the name is funny. 2nd: after I got it together, I inspected it, and thought: Shelley (my friend) is really laughing at me. This will never work. I told my grandma about it, and she said, "how does that work?"
Well above is a picture and it WORKS!!! It was fun, and easy. I am excited to do more. It's even been placed on my Christmas list. So Grandma, I'm sorry I didn't invite you over to play with it, but once I get one I'll do a demonstration :) Even the twins helped!

Other than applesauce this week, we stayed busy. Megan had a sleepover of 4 girls. It was L O U D!! But fun! What a good group of girls they are and fun to be around.

From there we went Art Prize Saturday. Leah and I went to it on a field trip but it was fast and furious. So we went back so the other girls could see it too. They were amazed by the art and how big some of them were.

Then we did a little shopping. Had to get them some church clothes and Megan needed pants (she strongly dislikes jeans). We ROCKED the clearance rack at Children's Place. That makes a happy mama!!

The weather is so nice we had to take advantage and get stuff in. But I think it's back to the routine this week, kind of. Leah has a sleepover birthday party with a few girls (3 of them are turning 13 OH BOY) but not at our house, (OH BOY for the other mom :)

Harvest continues!! Dust is good and it's dry out. That means Stevie works am to late pm. I do like harvest season, I like fall in general. Pray for no rain and safety for all these men out there.

A Fireman Hero!

My girls LOVE the fire station! Which might seem strange considering they are girls. My mom texted me tonight to tell me the fire station was having their open house tonight. OH BOY! The whole way there the twins made fire truck siren noises (that was pleasant). So why are girls so excited about the fire station...........

You guessed it! That's my brothers name and hat. Uncle Brent is a fire fighter and they are sure that he would and could save them. They love to see the trucks he takes to fires, the fire station and all his "stuff."

The whole way home I get to hear about how "cool" Uncle Brent is and what an "amazing" job he does. I just think it's so cute. I think my brother's pretty cool too, so of course I love it.

Here are a couple of Brooke's favorite men! She has a few favorite men. They are all family. I love it because Brooke can walk into my parents house or my in laws and always walks right into arms of people that love her. Maybe it's because she is so little and cuddly, or the fact that it's her personality. (She has sisters like that too:) Anyway, I just love these pictures, and these men.

No new Brooke updates. Still waiting on the med to stimulate her appetite. We did talk to the feeding clinic MD in GR. At this point we are going to keep doing what we are doing. Encourage her to eat, love her, and do tube feedings. No out patient therapy or anything else. My gracious, wonderful husband has taken the reigns and talked to the MD re: my "issues" with her feeding stuff. So all is well for the time being. Steve is best fit to deal with this issue. He deals with facts and not emotions, which is why we work so well together. Once again, God knew just what He was doing.