Down Joshua Lane

A Photo shoot Party

2011-05-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone!

I wanted to write a quick note to you this morning to tell you Abi and I are raising money to go to Blue Skies next week. Blue Skies is a wonderful ministry that takes cancer children and their families to the beach for a week at no cost to the families. Abi and I are going to be interns! We are super excited, but we need your help to go! We need to raise 250$ a piece!

This Saturday I will be having mini photography sessions at a local park. The sessions will be Fifty dollars each. My goal is to get ten people to sign up (right now I have none)! Your session will include 35-65 minutes of shooting time and will include an edited CD of memories for unlimited printing.

There are three ways you can set up an appointment

1. Contact me on my FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Share-The-Love-Photography/201847263169990

2. Email me @ sharethelovephotography@aol.com

3. Leave a comment with your name,email, phone number, and I will contact you!

Louie Giglio

2011-02-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

I have no words to describe Giglio's DVD Indescribable. So I have decided to let you watch is for yourself. It is truly worth your time! (Go all the way down to the end of my page, and pause my music!)

Wow! HOW AMAZING IS OUR GOD!

I hope you have been blessed by this as much as I have! May we never forget how big an awesome our God is!

Blessings!

Beads Of Courage

2011-02-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

Recently I did a photo shoot of Ida Marie in her beads of courage. Most of you do not know what beads of courage is, so for you to understand this post let me explain. Beads of courage is a very unique program that helps you remember milestones, accomplishments, different tests that your child has gone through, nights spent in the hospital, and so on. At the beginning of Ida’s battle with cancer she was given a string of beads with her name on it.

Rather quickly she began to get colorful beads to add on her string. Each color of bead means something. Example: A black bead means pokes (IV starts, blood draws, SC and IM injections, and port access.) so every time she is poked she gets a black bead to add to her beads of courage.

There are also “special beads” that are hand made. When Ida started losing her hair she was given a this bead.

Beads of Courage is to “visually show and tell your friends and family of your experiences of courage”.

As Ida collects her beads, she quickly fills one necklace at a time, and now has more than 7 strings of beads weighing over two pounds!!

I thought this was really neat, so I did a photo shoot her in the beads of courage just so you could see them!

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them:
for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee!

Blessings!

2011-01-28T16:36:00.000-08:00

Here is a slide show I have made of Ida's last clinic (to get chemo) visit. Hope you enjoy it!

Blessings,

Btw, Pause my music (scroll all the way down to the end of the page) to hear the music on my slide show!

2011-01-28T12:04:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone!

Just wanted to share with you a quick picture of Ida! She was so cute yesterday dancing around!

Blessings,

2011-01-21T19:06:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!! Wow. It has been one crazy year for me. This year our family has gone through some difficult challenges, and some good ones. As I look back on the last two years I think I could say there are many events that stick out. One day in particular being December 8Th of last year. It was the day, a year ago, Ida Marie was diagnosed with leukemia. I could not help but to think all she has gone through this year, as I sat down to write to you. I know I have said many times how God has providentially brought us (Ida Marie) through. I truly mean this when I say God has brought beauty out of ashes, and I stand amazed. Only one could do this, and that is God.

Abi, my sister, turned fourteen December 7Th. I had every intention of writing a blog post just for her, but as you can see I got very busy and caught up in the distractions of life. So Abi, I dedicate this paragraph entirely to you.

Abi, you make me smile in so many ways. I don’t think there is anyone that makes me smile the way you do. I love how we can die laughing until we fall on the ground holding our stomachs. I know now not to ever look at you when there is an awkward silence at someone’s house or during church. Because when I do that goofy smile of yours is on your face and it’s all I can do to hold my laughter in.

How beautiful you are inside and out. On Sunday mornings I am always asking you to help me pick out what to wear. Because you have a great gift of putting outfits together! Guess I never really thanked you for that, So Thanks!

I know I don’t say it as much as I should, but I love you and always will. Happy Birthday Love!

Ida Marie is doing so well! She is now going to Atlanta once a month instead of once a week. It has made huge difference! She is running round playing with everyone and giggling! It is a delight! It bring tears to my eyes to think that a year ago she was sick in bed, and not able to get up. It was almost as if she had lost the will to live, and that breaks my heart. But now she is like a new person. Yes, she still gets sick with fever, and has some bad days (when on steroids) but not as much as she did when she was going to Atlanta once a week. I praise God for that!

About three weeks ago when we had some really bad weather (snow and ice) Ida started getting a temperature. I can say I experienced a miracle of the Lord that night. Here is what had written in my journal the next day…

I have experienced a true miracle. It was late Sunday night… The wind was blowing harshly with icy raindrops that pierced the treetops. Ida Marie began to run a 100-degree fever. Five to seven inches of snow was expected in Atlanta with serious Ice and freezing conditions here at home. My heart was heavy with the thoughts of my parents having to travel in the horrible conditions with a sick little one. I bowed my head and prayed…. “Lord not my will but yours be done.” I asked God to take away her fever. As mama checked her fever once more, her temperature had gone back down to normal! My heart was filled with strength and comfort. I think it is the little things we do not often “think” of as miracles. In addition, God says ever so gently, “Hannah I am still on my throne and I am still in control.” That is why I continue…

Blessings,

P.s A new family member! LOL ;)

2010-11-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

It truly has been a good month for all of my family. I can not believe that today is November 1st! Seems like we just started October.

Ida Marie has done so well! Her personality is coming back. The little girl I once knew bouncing around singing,laughing, playing is now back. I am so thankful! At one time I thought I would never see her “happy” again. I know we won’t ever get back to the normal we all used to know, but a least we are adjusting to the “new normal”. That’s what my heart desired, so thank you Lord!

Ida Marie is in Atlanta as I type receiving Chemotherapy. So please pray for her! She will be put to sleep once again to have a lumbar puncture. She will also start steroids back for a week. :(

Please pray for my sister Abi. She has been experiencing bad headaches the last couple of months. She went to our local chiropractor and was told that her scull was sitting crooked on her spine. Our Doctor told her that he had never seen this in children before, only older people. He told her about two weeks ago that he did all he could do, and referred her to a specialist in Atlanta. So please pray for her! Her appointment is at 4:00 pm today.

Thursday, Malachi turned one year old, and we had a splendid birthday party for him. He was so darn cute eating his birthday cake.

Hope you all have a great week!!

Untill Next Time,

2010-09-30T12:18:00.001-07:00

Last week we went on a retreat called Blue skies. It is specially designed for cancer patients and their families. We got to go to the beach for a whole week! We had a blast! Our mornings started out with exercising and a devotion on the beach with all the other families. A great way to start out the day if I do say so myself.

During the midmorning the children had a choice of going to 4 different groups during the week. The Blue Scoop, (daily camp paper) sports and recreation, stained glass, and cooking. I chose to go to the cooking group. One day they had a lady (LuLu) come in and teach us some basic fundamentals on decorating a cakes. LuLu owned a bakery near where we were staying, which I thought was really neat.

In the afternoon we went swimming, biking, and took naps. Basically whatever we wanted to do. It was nice and relaxing. One afternoon Blue Skies had a photographer come and take pictures of some of the cancer patients. I of course, went along to take pictures of my own. It was hot, but I got some good shots. You may take a look for yourself.

Each night they would have a theme for supper, and would decorate for the theme. For example two of the themes were mexican fiesta and luau/pool party. We ate in a open building, two stories high. One night Blue Skies took all the parents to a nice restaurant to eat, while the kids stayed at the resort for a fun night. The theme for supper was pirates, pizza & ice cream. We had so much fun!

All of the volunteers were so kind. Every night after supper we would walk back to our rooms and find that someone had freshly cleaned our condo. The laundry was done, our beds were made, dishes were washed and I know that someone did a lot more than my eyes could not see. Every night I walked into my room to see that my bed sheets had been pulled down and chocolate cookies on my pillow.

It brought tears to my eyes just to know that someone had given up a week of what they wanted to do, to come and volunteer to cook, clean, baby-sit and so much more. I wish I could personally thank each and every one of the volunteers. They are some the most amazing people I have met!

We also got to go to Wild Adventures last weekend. Camp Sunshine gave our whole family two day passes! We had a great time together!

Monday Ida Marie goes back to Atlanta for chemotherapy So keep her in your prayers Monday! She has been doing so well these last couple of weeks!

Daddy got back from his Cambodia trip safe and well. I was thankful. He visited our orphanage there in Cambodia and brought back pictures of the cutest children! I wanted to let you see a picture of a little baby girl that we recently received. Her name is Martha. She only weighed two pound when we got her and was eleven months old at the time. Since then the staff has taken good care of her and she is doing well!

I also will share a picture with you of all the children and staff at the orphanage.

Blessings,

2010-09-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

We kissed Daddy goodbye this morning. He is on his way to Cambodia to visit our brethren in Christ there. He will be gone for two weeks. It is tough to see him go. I know I have said this before, but I will say it again. Our family just runs better when we are all together, but I guess it’s times like this that you look to God for grace and strength to get you through. I have had to put that to practice like never before these last couple of months. Yes God has truly taught me a lot. As we gave our last hugs, I could not help but to think to myself what a great man of God he is, and how Christ has blessed me with such wonderful father. Please pray for the safety of Daddy and Brother Justin (another great minister of God that is going with Daddy) and our families while they are away.

Ida Marie had a good appointment last week in Atlanta. I have not mentioned what the prognoses is, because it pains me so to think what life would be like without her in my life. The doctor told us that in the once a week treatments you most likely will not find any cancer, but in the once a month treatment (where she is now) is when you would find cancer. The cure rate of childhood leukemia type ALL is 95 percent. Since Ida Marie’s cancer was found later than some, her leukemia cell number was 250,000. This means she was found at high risk, which bumps the cure rate down to 75percent. Which is still amazing that researchers have found that high of a cure rate, but when it is your child or sister that might fall into the 25 percent of children that don’t make it, is huge to you. So in the next coming up months please pray the doctor find no Cancer! It is extremely difficult knowing that the doctor might come back in to tell you the dreaded words no one should ever have to hear. We had to hear them one time. I will share a snippet of what I wrote in my journal the day when I found out Ida had cancer.

Trying to stay strong Pappy said with a shaky voice said
“Ida Marie has leukemia”.
I sobbed harder than I ever had in my entire life. Pappy grabbed me and pulled me into his arms and embraced me. My eyes were closed tightly and kept saying “I don‘t want her to die. God don‘t take her from me. Please God no” I could hear and feel Pappy’s heart beat and heavy breathing. I never needed a hug so badly in my life. I know it was all he could do to keep from losing it. . When I opened my eyes I saw the most beautiful picture I had ever seen. While my eyes were closed for that short time, Pappy had grabbed all of my sisters and had huddled them up in his arms too. I pictured Christ gathering is little children in his arms and never letting them go. Then Pappy said.
“ I am so sorry. *long pause* We are going to do this together”

We continued to stay in a huddle until we had enough strength to walk into the living room. Pappy called everyone to the living room and we all sat down. My heart was shattered into pieces. All eight people who had gathered into the room were sobbing. It was horrible. Pappy said between sobs “I just think we need to pray.” After what seemed like eternity Daddy walked in. He came and sat down beside me. I wanted so badly to scream with horror. He began to tell us that Ida had cancer. By that time we were able to control ourselves enough to hear what he was saying. I remember him telling us that the leukemia cells was over 250,000 and there was a 75% survival rate. He also said that the leukemia was taking over her little body fast, and they had to start right way to start killing this dreadful disease. Later on we found out that Ida Marie’s case was one of the worse cases they have seen. Daddy only stayed long enough to get mama’s clothes, tell us what information he knew, and to give us the love we needed then. As Daddy got up to leave my heart was still screaming with pain. Without even thinking about what I was saying, I cried out to Daddy saying “ Daddy please! Please don’t leave me! I do not want you to leave me!” He came back and hugged me tightly. And said “I am here . I am so sorry.” Once I had come back to my senses I told him he could leave, I have it under control. I knew my precious mother was three hours away. I could not imagine how she was feeling, just finding out her daughter has cancer has two babies in Atlanta in a hospital all alone. I understood Daddy needed to go be with mama.

It was one of the worst days of my entire life and I hope I never have to hear those words again! But the truth of the matter is, that we are all dying and if a disease speeds it up God should still get all the glory. This is probably the only time that I am going to write such about the prognosis, because it is painful and we are looking to God to heal her body. We have such a powerful God that can do ALL THINGS!!!!! AMEN? I still believe God is holding us all in his arms and we are under the shadow of his wings.

I am still here!

2010-08-24T18:01:00.001-07:00

If you were wondering if I was still alive and if I was going to keep you updated the answer is yes. Our family has been very busy the last few weeks, and I have found it rather difficult to keep my blog updated. Since I last updated you we have had several big events take place. One, our church hosted a teen retreat/conference. That was the same week I updated and told you Ida Marie had been taken to the ER in Atlanta and Mama left on the day before the teen retreat started. I really hated to see Mama go, because she is the one who holds us all together for big events like the teen retreat.
We had about sixty teens/young adults who joined us for that weekend. Thankfully the retreat went really well and I felt like God blessed all the work and effort that went into that weekend. Huge thanks to all the lovely ladies who pitched in and helped out while mama was unable to be there.

Two, the next weekend (after the teen retreat) was our Annual Church Meeting (revival). Mama was still in the hospital with Ida Marie in Atlanta and, since my Daddy is the pastor, we usually have company come and go through out the weekend and keep the invited speaker in our home. So as any lady knows you want your house looking nice for the company that is supposed to arrive. I was doing good just to keep the boy’s bathroom under control! Lord knows how are we going to keep all four bathrooms clean and get the house ready without my darling mother to keep us on track? Not to mention the fact that the refrigerator is starting to look like nine people have been feeding out of it for a week and a half. If I may add a side note here I would like to thank Lind Reed for coming over to our house and cooking meals to put in our freezer! The meals were fantastic and were a big help! Now back to the story. Anyways we ended up taking two days to get all the sheets washed, laundry done, bathrooms in tip top shape, rooms clean, yard pick up, house moped and vacuumed, and so much more… It was all worth it when we got done. Everyone in this household pitched in and did wonderful job! I was so happy to see that enormously huge van pulling in the driveway the night before company arrived. It was one of the best feelings a mother ahem I mean a girl could have.

We are now in the process of starting back school. My favorite days of school are the first and the last. I am excited about this coming up school year. I think it is going to be a prosperous one. Daddy is going to be teaching us a bible/history/literature class this year and I am looking forward to that. I am also going to be doing biology. I can not decide if I am excited about that or not. Probably not, because I read on the list of things you need for the school year that you need frog insides and human blood. I know one thing I sure hope that human blood is not coming from me.

Ida Marie seems to be feeling good these last couple of days. She goes for more chemo on September the eighth. She will be put to sleep to receive chemo through her spine this time.

Daddy has a preaching appointment in Pennsylvania this weekend and Mama is going with him this time. I think this will be the first time since Ida Marie was diagnosed that mama will not be with Ida Marie through the night. So keep us, Ida, and my grandparents in your prayer, while our parents are away.

Also Daddy is going to Cambodia on a mission trip to visit our orphanage. September 13-24 so keep that trip in your prayers.

In the meantime I do not know when the next time will be when I get to update you. You see we have several more upcoming trips and events that will require my time and I seem not to have much of that anymore. Hopefully things will start to slow down soon and I will be able to spend more time blogging as for now I hope you will keep checking in from time to time.

Pray!

2010-07-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

I like to ask an interest in your prayers for our family, especially Ida Marie. If you read my last post we were very excited about Ida Marie going to once month chemotherapy. We were very disappointed to find out on Monday we are not going to once month chemotherapy as of right now. We will slowly make our way to once month chemotherapy.

To make things worse we also found out starting in about two weeks, Ida will be under the influence of steroids for a year. Most children with leukemia require therapy with steroid medication at intervals through out treatment. The steroids that Ida will be receiving kill lymphocytes (cancer) and are given by pills, liquid, and IV. However, steroids also make Ida a different person. Some of the side affects include increased appetite, food obsessions, extreme irritability, round face, indigestion, and nervousness. Sadly, Ida experiences each side affect that I have mentioned.

We also found out that during this round of chemotherapy usually kids bones are so weak that they break. It is most common, though, that the wrists break.

Please keep Mama and Ida in your prayers. They are on the way to the ER in Atlanta. Ida Marie has a fever. I will try to update you more soon.

A Mile Stone!

2010-07-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

Ida is going to once a month chemotherapy! Praise God! We did it. She did it. To God be all the glory! Our journey is long to be over. But she has hit one of many mile stones and there is reason to rejoice. Ida is conquering the battle of this horrible disease. It still is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I believe God gives us glimpses of light so He can show us the way through the tunnel. Oh what God can do!

I am so thankful Ida has come so far in this journey. Eight months ago Ida would scream when a nurse would walk into the room. She was so scared. But now she lets the nurses and doctors walk her around the clinic all by herself! Not to mention the fact she walks around the clinic like she owns the place.

I recently went with Ida to one of her appointments. She knows the whole routine. She holds up her arm for the blood pressure cuff, lifts her finger for the oxygen level, knows her temperature is 97 and her weight and then stands tall for her height. Then she proudly announces “I want my elmo stickers!“ Yeah I know.

In the last eight months Ida has gone through so much. She has survived twenty eight chemotherapy treatments. Had to stay thirty four nights in the hospital. Suffered through the pain of seventy five needle sticks. Fought (and won) twenty days of fever. Put to sleep fourteen times, twice for line surgeries and twelve times for lumbar punctures. The girl amazes me!

“Despite the chaos of the moment, no pain lasts forever and no evil triumphs in the end.”

I wanted to share a bible verse with you that has meant a lot in the past couple of months to me.

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings eagles; they shall run and not grow weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

The Mom Song

2010-07-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

This is so funny I just had to post! To hear this video go to the end of my page and pause my music.

Watermelon Sherbet

2010-07-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

~One of my favorite Recipes~

What you will need.
4 cups of diced watermelon
3/4 to 1 cup of sugar
Dash of salt
3 T lemon juice
1 Envelope of unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup of cold water
1 cup of whipping cream

Combine watermelon, sugar, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.

Refigerate 30 minutes. Spoon mixture into a electric blender; process untill smooth. Return to bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in saucepan; let stand for one minute

Cook over low heat until getatin dissolves; add watermelon mixture, stirring well.
Add whipping cream. Stir. Pour into freezer can of a gallon hand turn freezer or electric freezer.

Enjoy,

A Quick Note

2010-07-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on Ida Marie:
Ida Marie and my parents are in Atlanta at the clinic today. Daddy called me and said Ida will be receiving chemotherapy and getting a blood transfusion. It will be a long day for them all about eight hours. I know Christ will give them strength as they go through the day. But please keep them in your prayers. I hope to update you some more later, but right now I need to run. I have a house full of kids running around waiting to be fed. You all know how that is!

Singing With The Family

2010-07-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

Scroll down to the end of my blog page, and pause the music to hear this video!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Down on Pappy's Farm

2010-07-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

My parents took Ida Marie to get chemo on Wednesday, while they were gone we stayed with our grandparents, Granny and Pappy. We always have a fun time when we get to stay with them. They have several goats and a minature pony. We like to play with them when we go to their house. I took my camera along with me and I thought I would share a few pictures with you all.

I think we might have tired him just a little, because I found him on the back porch fast asleep.

Blessings,

A Fractured Leg

2010-07-17T09:40:00.001-07:00

Please pray for Ida Marie. Around noon Friday she fractured a bone in her leg, just beneath the growth plate on her right knee. She was climbing stairs when it happened,we went to the ER and were told that she could not put weight on her leg for 4-6 weeks. She had a rough time last night, because she was in so much pain. Monday she goes back to Atlanta for chemotherapy and possibly a blood transfusion. She is one tough little girl. My heart breaks to see her go through so much pain.

Thanks for your prayers for our family and especially Ida Marie.

Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital

2010-06-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have asked about the facilities and the staff at Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital in Atlanta.
The staff at Children's Hospital (from the janitors to the MDs) are all terrific, and so are the facilities. All the hospitals that I have ever been in are dark, cold and unpleasant.Scottish Rite is not that way. People have put time and energy into making it as pleasant as it can be. For some people, the hospital will become their home for weeks. The facilities are beautiful and colorful. There is a lot to do, from nice aquariums in the lobby, to gardens, fish ponds, games, wagons, etc. I always see people going from room to room to entertain the kids. Very cool. I wanted to share with you some pictures that I have taken and found on the internet. I hope this will make it more real to you. It always helps me when I have pictures to see.

This is what a wing in the hospital usually looks like.

An all-star cast of participants from the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation, Troy Aikman Foundation, National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey League Player’s Association (NHLPA) unveiled a 3,500-square-foot retreat for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta patients on Wed., Feb. 4, 2009.

The hockey-themed Child Life Zone, design donated by HKS Architects, Inc., is a state-of-the-art therapeutic play environment at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite that offers patients and their families an escape from the stress of illness and time in the hospital. The Zone includes a putting green, basketball court, koi pond, big screen theater, performance stage, reading nook, demonstration kitchen and a host of high-tech electronics. Children’s is now home to the sixth Zone in the country, and it is the first Zone to incorporate an outdoor setting.

I do not have a picture of the Zone, but it is one of our favorite places to go at the hospital.

Here are two of Ida's favorite nurses. (Mrs. Kattie top, and Mrs. Bonnie bottom) The Nurses get to know you on a personal level. It is wonderful.

On the Aflac wing they have volunteers who come around and visit you in your room. The last time we were at the hospital a volunteer had a big cart full of crafts to play with and color. The lady was so kind and patient with us all. It was really a lot of fun to participate.

I could sit here for hours telling you more, but I do not have time. I do hope this post has helped it become more real. I hope to share more in the future.

Prayer

2010-06-28T15:13:00.001-07:00

Please keep Ida Marie in your prayers. Mama had her blood counts checked today and her anc was 35 (a healthy person anc is around 10,000). This means that she is more than likely to get a fever. Pray that God would just put a shield around so she would not get any type of sickness. Also her anc was too low to receive chemo this week, it needed to be 500 but it was 35.

Thanks,

A Delightful Outing

2010-06-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful outing with Robyn! We always have a blast when us girls and Robyn get-together.We packed up food, pails, and ourselves! We were ready for an adventure. The first thing we did was went to a local park to have lunch. If you are going to have what we call an "adventure" you always have to eat first to have energy.

lunch was really good if I do say so myself. And it's always better picnic style. :)

After we had lunch, a couple in our church (Brother Jack and Sister Rubye) invited us to pick mulberries from a tree in their yard. We were very excited to pick mulberries at their house.

If you are not familiar with mulberries they are like a blackberry except they are sweeter, and taste a lot better than a blackberry to me.

(Mulberries tend to stain your hands too!)

Once we finished with picking berries we sat down and got to visit for a while. Brother Jack loves little ones, so while we were talking he was playing with Malachi. I thought it was so sweet.

After a while Sister Rubye served us all some delicious homemade sponge cake.

We had a great time with them. They are sweet, kind, thoughtful and a lot of fun too!

OUR TIMES ARE IN HIS HANDS

2010-06-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

My Mama has written about Ida Marie's story, and I thought I would share it with y'all.

A typical summer morning I was sharing my breakfast with a happy, energetic, eighteen month old, while we waited for the rest of the family to awake. Ida Marie was then the baby of seven children and this earliest part of the day was “our time”. I knew this time would soon be interrupted because baby number eight was due in October.

It was one particular morning in early September I noticed what appeared to be an insect bite near Ida’s right ear. I was not real concerned at this time; we live in the country and the children do get mosquito bites in the summer. I decided to just keep an eye on it. When there was noticeable swelling and low grade fever, it was time for a visit to her pediatrician.

Her doctor determined it was an ear infection and gave her a prescription for an antibiotic. After two weeks, swelling increases, a decrease in appetite and an increase in irritability. Second visit, diagnosis remained - ear infection - stronger antibiotics. Another two weeks pass. There is a significant lack of playfulness, increased sleeping, continued low grade fever and swelling. By our third visit I am noticeably frustrated. The pediatrician decides to give closer examination of the swelling. Conclusion - in his twenty years of experience he had never seen anything like this. I even asked the dreaded question “Could this be cancer?” He was quick to give “No” as his answer.

Our ordeal was drawn out another eight weeks with Ida’s symptoms becoming worse. We were told a specialist could not be seen without a recommendation, which we finally received. Our first question for the long awaited Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor. - “Could this be cancer?” “No” came the quick answer again! ENT Diagnosis - irregular growth of lymph nodes, more antibiotics and possible surgery recommended. Another referral that would take us to Atlanta, but of course there is a waiting list.

During our wait, Ida Marie’s brother was born on October 28th - Malachi Luke Tucker. What mixtures of happiness for the arrival of our son and uncertainty over our little daughters condition. We were all enjoying our precious little family member while we watched Ida Marie go from a playful toddler to a very sick little girl, with no appetite or energy. The “bug bite” was now huge and a bluish purple color.

The long awaited appointment came for our Atlanta trip. Again our “Could this be cancer question was thwarted. Diagnosis - Bacterial Infection. We were assured they had seen this type of thing before. It was slow growing in the lymph nodes. Recommendation - more antibiotics. We could hardly believe it. We were to bring her back in two weeks.

After two weeks the swelling was not diminished, she had stopped eating, sleeping most of the day and night, and crying when she was awake. But a new symptom - she was bruising very easily.

Believe it or not we would endure yet another. This resulted in a Cat Scan which the doctor believed supported his diagnosis of infected lymph nodes. Not willing to accept this explanation, we pushed for more testing. At last our concerns were being listened to. After conferring with other doctors we were taken across the street to Children’s Heath Care of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. It was there her condition was finally accurately diagnosed as Leukemia.

It seemed it was a battle to get an accurate diagnosis, but there was another battle about to begin. I clutched my newborn son to my breast and tried to comfort my overtired, very sick 20 month old as best I could.

Since that day on December 8, Ida’s life, and the lives of those who love her, were forever changed. She has endured several extended hospital stays, surgeries, needles, chemo, nausea, weakness, hair loss, and countless medicines with dreaded side effects. Yes, now I understand why people use the phrase “battling cancer”. It is a battle, but at least we know the monster we are battling.

Our Heavenly Father has wonderfully kept His promise to never leave us or forsake us as He has so graciously blessed the hearts of hundreds of His people who have lent their time and support. Their prayers and generous hearts have sustained us. Our times, Lord, are in Thy hands!

To hear this you will need to scroll down to the end of the page and pause my music.

2010-06-07T09:42:00.001-07:00

Last week Ida Marie’s ANC (immune system number) was to low to start her last phase of weekly chemotherapy. Her number was at 500 and needed to be 750. ( a healthy persons ANC is around 10,000.)

My parents took Ida Marie to Atlanta last Tuesday to have her blood counts checked again. This time it had doubled. So she got her first doses of chemo on Wednesday. This round will last 8 weeks. Fever and sickness will delay her treatments which is probably likely with the strong doses of chemo.

After round 1, Ida is doing ok. She is on steroids, so she is very grumpy and wants to be held most of the time. Here is a picture of her, she has her steroid stare on.

On a happy note, Ida is starting to warm up to the doctors at Scottish Rite. She told Dr. Peterson as he was walking out of the room that she loved him!

A Fun Monday

2010-05-25T06:23:00.001-07:00

I had a interesting and exciting Monday! We went to our good friends the Reeds house today. When our family's get together we have a total of seventeen children. Mr. Rodd is the Daddy, and wanted to baby-sit us while our Mothers went out for Lunch.

When we got there we talked for a little while. We always seem to have so much to tell one another. But when we never have a dull moment in our house or their house, and all seventeen of us have a different opinion on a story, well there is a lot to tell. We have had so much fun together it’s not even fair.

After we talked for a while fourteen of us decided to go swimming while the little ones napped. I will share some pictures with you. I do not have to say much for you to understand what we did in the swimming pool. :)

After we had gone swimming, Mr Rodd treated us to some strawberry lemonade and Ice cream! It was very good!

Lydia Had a fun day as well. She caught her first white catfish and got to go on a paddle boat. She was very happy girl.

Ida Marie is doing very well today. I have not seen her so happy in a long time.
Tomorrow She will be going to Atlanta for treatment, if all her numbers look good today. Please continue to pray for her as she goes into this intense round of chemo for the next eight weeks.

Road Trip!

2010-05-21T07:42:00.001-07:00

Daddy took eight girls on a road trip to Tennessee, to go to a church revival.. Eight girls one Daddy you do the math. We had a ball! About two hours down the road we were getting hungry, but we wanted to wait until we got to Atlanta to eat at the Varsity. We were about to starve! So we had to do something. Daddy stopped at Wendy’s and we got a frosty . Then, daddy gave us a challenge. He told us that the first one to drink their frosty down with a straw would win a prize! After a lot a gasps for air from all the girls, Gracie won. Daddy gave her five dollars for winning. LOL

Then we finally got to the Varsity… We all ate and Daddy said “I will be right back” . He was gone for about ten minutes, and came back with a big grin. He brought four extra extra large orange milk shakes. We all got our cups and split the milk shakes. By the time we left that place we were so full.

After eating we all got back in the car and had a giggling contest. Daddy challenged us once more. Who could giggle the best? (by the way daddy tried to giggle too) Each person had a chance to show how they could giggle. We all giggled till we could giggle no more. We were gigged out. lol
Abi won, and got a quarter.

When we arrived at the Church we all got out our church clothes and got changed. The church service was blessed. I hope soon in the future we can go on another church trip soon! We had a blast!

Here is a picture of the girls as we were pulling out. :(

2010-05-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

So much can happen in a year. I have a lot of catching up to do! God willing I plan to start blogging again! I miss blogging but a lot has happened this past year, and I have not had to much extra time to blog. One of the reasons I would like to start back is (as most of you know Ida Maire has cancer) so I can keep you updated on Ida Marie.

I would certainly ask you all to be in prayer for Ida. Starting on the 26th of this month, she will be taking a round of treatment that will last for 8 weeks. This round of treatment is going to be very intense on her little body. The Doctors also say to expect to be in the hospital a lot during the 8 weeks.
Last time she had this round of treatment she stopped eating, drinking, talking and lost a lot of weight. We are just praying that this time around it will not be the same, and God would just be with her.

Also, Mama has had a baby since the last time I blogged, so I need to get you up to date on him as well. His name is Malachi Luke Tucker. He is now six months old, and is starting to scoot around.

hope to update you more next time! Have a wonderful day!

Baby 8

2009-03-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

I am so honored to say that Mama is having baby number eight!! Is that exciting or what? I am just thrilled to death. Mama is eight weeks along so the baby is about as big as a raspberry! LOL The baby will grow from a raspberry to a lime in just three weeks! This week (8) it will develop arms and legs! As you will notice I have put a ticker on the bottom sidebar that counts down until Mama's due date. You will find it at the very bottom of the page. Please pray that Mama and the baby will have no complications! I hope you all have a pleasant day!

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

2009-03-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my little sister! You have accomplished so much your first year!

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You have 5 words that you can say and you let everybody around you know you can say them! You have the cutest laugh I have ever heard. You can now eat about everything a big kid can. ( That includes erasers off the floor.) You love getting into my jewelery while I am getting ready. Then you bring them to me like you picked them out for my outfit. You sing your heart out during song service at church. I admit you are pretty darn cute doing so. I love you my little boo bear.....

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Earrings.

2009-03-10T11:44:00.001-07:00

Need to update your spring wardrobe with new earrings? Have a new Easter dress and no earrings to go with it? Or you might just would like a gift to give to that special someone. Whatever it is I can help. I will customize my earrings just for you. All earrings are handmade. I use only glass beads for my creations. I charge $3.00 dollars for a pair or two for $5.00 dallors. Buyer pays actual shipping costs. I ship any were in the U.S.A.

I thought it would be super fun to have a drawing and give away a free pair of earrings. The dead line is March 20th. Leave me a comment with your name and email. And I will put your name in the drawing. If you win, I will email you to get your address and send your earrings to you. Tell all your friends about it, and they just might win a new pair of earrings! **NOTE** If you told a friend about this drawing and they win you will also receive a free pair of earrings! Good luck hope you win!!

"The Tent"

2009-03-06T10:39:00.000-08:00

We are talking big business here. My brothers and sisters worked a total of 4 long hours on this tent! This is only half of the tent it was bigger, but I could not get the whole tent in the picture. So I thought you would get a good idea of how big this tent really was. Even check out dad's church shoes in the far right of the picture. Every time I walked though the kitchen it got bigger and bigger. I thought this was so funny I just had to share it.

She Is Walking!

2009-03-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

I can not believe the girl is already walking! One day she just got up and decided she was going to walk.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Have a wonderful day!

My Blog Layout!

2009-02-25T11:22:00.000-08:00

I think I finally found a blog template that I like. After a series of editing, and just finding a style that suits me. What do you think? No more editing for me! Praise the good Lord!

2009-02-04T12:44:00.001-08:00

Put The Big Red Button on your site

I love this! SO Funny!

Mop Burgers

2009-01-31T11:40:00.000-08:00

If you want to know what a good home cooked burger taste like then try these. They are outstanding! I cooked them for my Grandma and Grandpa one night, and they were very good.

ingridients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 large onion, quartered lengthwise then sliced
2 Cubanelle peppers, seeded and halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup beef stock
1 pound bulk hot Italian sausage
1 pound ground sirloin
1 tablespoon grill seasoning
2 large cloves garlic, grated
A handful flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
8 deli slices provolone cheese
4 sesame Kaiser rolls, split
Directions
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Saute mushrooms, onions and peppers until tender, 7 to 8 minutes then season with salt and pepper. Deglaze the pan with stock.

Combine the sausage and sirloin with grill seasoning, garlic and parsley. Mix and form 4 patties thinner at the center and thicker at the edges for even cooking and to keep burgers from bulging. Heat cast iron or nonstick skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat, cook patties 12 minutes turning once and top with mushrooms, onions and peppers and 2 slices of cheese. Turn heat off and cover pan with foil to melt cheese, 2 minutes. Pile on buns and serve.

When you try these let me know what you think of them! Enjoy!

Boys and Fire

2009-01-20T13:35:00.000-08:00

For my 14th Birthday we had a little bonfire. Here is a picture......

The boys were in awe. The threw sticks and pinecones and played around the fire until bedtime. As the night progressed,the fire slowly went out and by morning it was ashes. We woke up to 27 degrees! It was cold! All us girls were going to town and the boys were already outside again messing around.

When we pulled into our driveway after shopping all day, guess what we found. They had that fire going from last night!
Me: Boys how did y'all get that fire going again?
Boy: Well, pine straw works really good.

My little brothers had labored all day long to keep the fire going just so they could eat and have bible study around it that night. I am telling you that is some kind of faithfulness! I would have not gone out there in that kind of cold to do that. I think our woods are as clean as the day we planted the trees.

Blessings!

Happy-New-Year!!!!

2008-12-31T17:58:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish you a very happy NEW YEAR! May your year be filled with God lasting grace and love.

Have A Holly Jolly Christmas This Year

2008-12-08T17:12:00.000-08:00

We have a got a Christmas tree all put up! And to go with the tree, we have a baby ornament sealer. Take a look!

She just wanted to help with the ornaments too! LOL

What's on your Christmas list this year? Mine? I will show ya.

I have just fallen head over heels in love with these bags and billfolds!
I think they are the cutest things. If you want to buy me one they don't have them at Wal-Mart, I checked. Speaking of Wal-Mart I would advise you not to go to Wal-Mart close to Christmas I repeat do not go to Wal-mart. There is just to many people there, it is pathetic!!

I hope you all have a nice Christmas. Happy Holidays.

2008-11-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

Gosh, it has been so cold this past week! The temp one morning was 24 degrees!! Am I still living in South Georgia? You know it is cold when you go to wash your hands and they fill numb under hot water! I have been having alot more little visitors in my bed the last couple of days. Actually I really do not mind because I am cold too. Last night I was laying in the bed with Lydia when she asked me,"Hannah why do you keep getting closer and closer to me?" I replied saying,
"Because I love you so much!" *And because I am about to freeze, can I get closer?*

2008-11-11T09:32:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to get this video uploaded on here for the last two weeks. So, I thought today was just perfect to sit down and do so. Because It is Veteran's Day, and we have no school for the day! Hip Hip Horay! I need to tell you about this video you are about to see. It is a video of the little pumpkin, (Ida Marie) eating her first cookie. (Somehow her head looks funny in this video.)

I also wanted to share a picture of Abi.
href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt0" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Is she just gorgeous or what?

I have to show you this last picture of Ida Marie.

Well that is it for now. I hope you have a blessed day!

Happy Birthday Cutie Pie!

2008-11-04T15:39:00.000-08:00

OK I know I have been absent from my blog. *No real absent* So sorry. But anyway, I wanted to wish Lydia a happy belated birthday. Happy 7 years to my sweet adorable sis. Love ya lots! She also had a cute candy land birthday cake. (Thank You Miss Robyn) And I am guessing you want to see a picture of it.:) *Do i do anything without taking pictures?* NO way! Never ever! Love it!

Yea cute! Until next time farewell dear friends!

(Parting photographs)

Ps. Y'all are going to haft to excuse Gracie in the first picture. LOL

2008-10-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

Look who knows the newest in technology! LOL

2008-10-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

We went to the north Georgia mountains last week and had a wonderful time.I wanted y'all to see some pictures, and take a brief visit with smilebox (photo program) up to the North Georgia Mountains!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

As you can tell from the photographs Gods world and the beauty of Gods world is just fascinating. I had such a good time I hope we can go again next year.

2008-10-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Erin to list 6 random things about myself. So here it goes…..

1. I love the smell of a babies diaper right after they are fresh and clean. (yea I know wierd)

2. I hate Halloween because of all the skeletons, blood, and spiders involved. It really grosses me out.

3. I am not a “be by myself person” I like someone to be with me.

4. I could quote the 23 third psalm at age 2.

5. I love the smell of men’s Cologne.

6. I love moms homemade ranch potatoes. (I go NUTS when I find out that she is going to cook it.)

Ok so there you go 6 RANDOM things about myself. I am going to tag Kayla, Elisabeth, Miss Dana.
I am so very sorry but I can not think of any one else. Have a blessed day.

Fall

2008-10-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

I love fall it is my favorite time of the year. It is a time of laughter filling the air. Bright colors of fall and cool crisp weather! I put together some fall pictures I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

6 months old!

2008-09-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

Wow! Little one how you grow! Happy 6 months. (I was a little late to post because we were out of town.) Have you ever heard the saying
baby's grow while you ain't looking, well I believe it. God has blessed me beyond measures to be your big sister. I love you my little angel.

Look what the cat dragged in!

2008-09-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

6 little fur balls. That is not the worst of it--5 of them have no tails! Yea I know you want one. We deliver! LOL

Golf!

2008-09-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

We had a fundraiser for our orphanage in Cambodia. We did a golf tournament at the
Ocilla country club.I got some neat photographs of Daddy swinging the golf club.

OK, I will admit that I think this picture is good no, really good. I did not get him to pose for me. He was just standing there waiting for his turn to putt.

Have a good day!

Ida Marie

2008-09-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

Morning y'all, it has been busy around here! I have school coming out of me ears! That is why I have not been blogging as much as I did when summer was here. Anyway just wanted to share some pictures of Ida Marie. She is growing like a weed! It seems to pass right by me!

Yes the child is chewing on a plant!I guess she thought she needed something to chew on.

on!

Look at her face! She sucks on her bottom lip when we take her passy out. :)

Triple Chocolate Kisses

2008-09-11T12:28:00.001-07:00

These crisp meringue cookies with a chocolate center are easy to make but look like you spent a lot of time on them.

2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 square (1 ounce) semisweet chocolate, grated
42 milk chocolate kisses
backing cocoa

In a mixing boal, beat egg whites untill foamy. Add cream of tartar beat untill soft peaks form, about 6 minutes. gradually add sugar , beating untill stiff peaks form, about 6 minutes. Beat in extract. fold in grated chocolate Insert a medium open-star tipin a pastry or plastic bag. Fill with the muringue. on lightly greased backing sheets,pipe forty two 1 inch circles. press a chocolate kiss in to the center of each. pipe meringue aound each kiss in continuous circles from base to the top untill kiss is completely covered.

Dust with cocoa. Bake at 325 for 15-18 minutes or untill the edges are lightly browned. Immediately remove to wire racks to cool. yeild 3-1/2 dozen.

Oh one more thing y'all, you might want to oversee your little one eating them when they are hot! He He He.

Nehemiah

2008-09-11T12:27:00.004-07:00

We went to my Aunt and Uncle’s house one Sunday after noon to eat lunch.. ( I know I am slow on posting!)
While we were there, I took a pictures of their little boy Nehemiah.

He is so cute. I never knew you could get a little boy to smile so big for a cookie. LoL

We had a great time with Aunt Stacie, Uncle Terry and Nehemiah. Thanks so much for a good time y’all !

Rain

2008-09-11T12:27:00.003-07:00

Yep, the rain has been so wonderful. We did not have any bad weather, just a few limbs in the yard. :) After the rain had gone, I went outside to get a photograph of a rainbow. It was just pretty sitting out there above the trees. The dark clouds are trying to move out so this picture is a bit dark. But hopefully you can see the rainbow.

I tooke the picture a the nice rainbow and came back inside. Well a few minutes later Gracie ( My younger sister) comes running through the house. "HANNAH, HANNAH, HANNAH, there are clouds outside that look so cool you got to take a picture!" Well here is what we found.

School

2008-09-11T12:27:00.001-07:00

We started back school Monday. All of our minds are warming up for the long school year ahead. I can now start dragging myself out of bed and to my desk where most of my “school” knowledge comes from. I think most of us are happy to start back school. Yep once again God has blessed me with another wonderful summer. \

2008-09-11T12:26:00.002-07:00

I love taking pictures and I took some of Gracie and you well you know me I had to post them. Y'all have a wonderful day!

My Log

2008-09-11T12:25:00.002-07:00

I was standing in the kitchen when my little brother walked up to me, after I had taken some pictures of him. He looked like he was in very deep thought.
Me: "Is something wrong Zach"?
Zach:"Hannah are you going to put my pictures that you took of me on your log"?(blog)
I stood there trying hard not to laugh at him. The little guy tried hard to persuade me not to put his pictures on my log.......... Here are some more picture I have taken I hope you enjoy them.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

More pictures.

2008-09-11T12:24:00.002-07:00

2008-09-11T12:24:00.001-07:00

Zeb and Zach were sitting watching a movie when I heard this conversation.

Zeb: This is the life.
Zach: No this is good but God is my life.

A little wisdom coming from a 8 year old? I just thought that was cute! Ya'll have a good day!

Time!

2008-09-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

It seems like the older I get time seems to fly right by me. I look around at all my brothers and sisters and say to myself how did I let a-lot of the days go, without telling them I love them or how much they mean to me. I made a slide show of some pictures of them all. To all of my brothers and sisters, I would like to say I love you all so very much!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A great fourth of July

2008-09-11T12:20:00.001-07:00

We Had such a good time at my uncle's house for the fourth of July! He made the best chicken wings you have ever eaten in your life on the Fourth of July. Here is what they looked liked before and after.

Looking good!!!

Starting to make my mouth water!

Oh!

OK y'all this is what I am talking about!!!!!! Thank you uncle Ira for all your care, effort, and time you put in to it all! We love you bunch!

My Coon Hunters

2008-09-11T12:19:00.001-07:00

Yep one more great year gone! My cute little bothers are getting so big! They are in to coon hunting and they got a new pair or pairs of waders. They were sooooo happy! Lots of mud puddles to jump in just calling their names. Daddy told them that they were for COON HUNTING ONLY not for little boys and mud puddles!

I'd like to say a big happy birthday to my little twin brothers! You mean a-lot to me! I love you more than you ever will know. Happy Birthday!

Corn

2008-09-11T12:17:00.001-07:00

It is that time of the year! Time to put up your garden vegetables! And my Mama loves to do just that. So, Mama got 800 ears of sweet corn. And you know what you got to do when you get 800 hundred ears of corn..... You got to shuck it. I took some pictures of when we were done shucking so y'all could see how happy we were to be done for the day. And yes, I do have to admit it is worth it when you are done because the Corn is just, well..... 'Ear'esistible !!!! y'all have a great day!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Having fun in the sun!

2008-09-11T12:16:00.001-07:00

Summer is here and it is time to break out the water hose and watermelon! Long days in the sun when all the sudden you here "Are y'all hungry yet?" It is mama bringing out the sandwiches to us along with popcorn and Kool-aid. Then we hurry to the picnic table and see who is the fastest at stuffing it all down! Then of course we hear "pick up your mess" from mama closely watching us out for the kitchen window. As we then pick up our mess as fast as you can imagine we rush to the trampoline where our hose is waiting for us. I love summer because we settle down for a short time to reflect on how God has blessed us through another long school year.

New baby Tucker

2008-09-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

The new baby Tucker is here and we all are so pleased and blessed to have her here with us. I was getting ready for church one morning when I stopped in mama's room. And there she was the cutest little thing you ever have seen. Ida Marie's dress. I just had to take A picture of her in that dress! The Lord has abundantly blessed me with 2 twin brothers and 4 cute sisters! And most importantly, a mama and daddy that love us all dearly.