December 30, 2007

Well, in this house we share the love and that means when one person gets sick, usually we all do!!!!  Today, it was Mackenzie's turn!  Poor baby, she woke up coughing and sneezing!  It's hard to say if it's actually a cold or just the mountain cedar that's running out of control, perhaps it's the weather going from 70 to 30 in just one day!  The good news is, some allergy medicine, a few vitamins and she's as good as new!

I have to say, I knew this was coming though.  She is EXACTLY like Mommy when she isn't feeling well and for the past few days she's been down right MEAN!!!  I even asked her about it and she said, "Mommy, I think I'm acting this way because I don't feel well!"  Oh, problem solved!

Today, Connor even fired back at her meanness, literally!!!  He hit her in the elbow with the foam dart from his Nerf gun!  Immediately, he turned and looked at me and said, "OOPS! I know, I'll go to Time Out!"

Of course it didn't help that as he turned the corner I burst into laughter!  People really don't believe me when I tell them my kids put themselves in Time Out!

This afternoon we took advantage of the beautiful day and ran around the back yard, played on the swing set and threw the ball for our dog, Bandit.

I don't know if it's the fact that we've finally slowed down or the Mountain Cedar getting to us too, but the past few days James and I have been absolutely exhausted!  I'm sure many of you feel that way too!

Here's to everyone getting some rest in the new year!

God Bless,

James, Brandy, Mackenzie & Connor

December 29, 2007

   The first weekend after Christmas was a very relaxing time for us. Brandy took the kids to see Alvin and the Chipmunks while I  had coffee with my dad. Brandy said the kids really enjoyed the movie and were both very good. Getting Connor to sit still for 5 seconds is a miracle itself. So for him to see at a theater and watch a movie was monumental.

   We all met back at the house since Connor was tired and took a good nap. Brandy and Mackenzie went to the library while I watched Connor. Mackenzie enjoys books and came home with six or seven. I promised her I would read to her. Mackenzie is a good listener but never runs out of questions.

   About the only major decision we had today involved dinner. One of those nights where nothing seems right and the prevailing words of wisdom are "what do you want." Same response "I do not know." In the end I set up a few plates of finger food, veggies, meat, and some cheese. And of course no meal is complete with out the Connor special...fries and ketchup. That boy eats like a champ, just not sure what sport.

   After dinner it was early bubble baths and then the movie E.T. The kids were a riot and Connor was running around yelling that he could not fall. Brandy bought him some new socks with grip bottoms and he decided to test them out. I really enjoy watching him run like crazy. He has a wonderful form when he runs. He is doing so great that sometimes I catch myself thinking that there is nothing wrong with him. I wish it could be that easy. Connor has been a blessing and has shown the power of prayer. Thank you........... 

December 27th, 2007

No, we have not fallen off of the face of the earth!!  We have just been enjoying a little family time over the past few days.  We hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas!  We know that this is definitely one Christmas we will never forget!

We've spent the past few days doing the traditional holiday things, baking Christmas cookies, wrapping presents and such.  We had family come in from near and far to celebrate with us this year.  We even got to see Santa the night before Christmas Eve when he made a special stop at a friend's house!  We have truly been blessed with many wonderful friends and I can't think of a better way to celebrate the season than with good friends and family!

Christmas Eve was a day filled with excitement.  Our church, University United Methodist Church had many different services available that day but two in particular that cater to children.  It's nice because you still get the feel of a traditional Christmas Eve service only it's more fun and entertainment for the kids!  This year, they had an early service at 11am.  That was perfect for us because Connor still takes naps and this way we could go and he could still get a nap in the afternoon!  I always get excited and yet a little teary eyed when the kids get all dressed up for Christmas.  They look so cute and yet I just can't believe how fast they are growing!  Mackenzie was all excited because she knew she looked pretty and Connor was excited because he got to go to "The Big Church" (what he calls the chapel).  Mac wanted to sit as close as possible so she would be sure not to miss anything and Connor wanted to stand on his tip toes "by himself" so he could maneuver to see.  As Mackenzie sang along to the different Christmas songs, Connor snapped his fingers and danced in the pew!  Mommy did really good until the end when we sang Silent Night.  There's just something about that song that makes me cry and especially this year with all that has happened, needless to say I cried!  It was in that service that I thanked God once again just for allowing us to be there.  When you look back at the past few months, just a few short weeks ago we didn't know where we would be for Christmas!  The fact that we were all there as a family and that Connor was able to dance in the pews once again is proof of His miracle!!

The rest of Christmas Eve was spent preparing for that night and yes, Connor got his nap!  Then, after dinner it was time to open the gifts!  Mackenzie and Connor were both really into that part of it this year.  However, after the first toy, Connor was good to go.  He wanted to open it and play with it for the rest of the night.  It took some time to convince him that he had more than one gift!  We even had gift from some dear friends who decided to play Santa and bring gifts to our door step!  The kids loved them!!  Mac and Connor played with their toys until they literally passed out trying to stay awake for Santa!

When they woke the next morning, Santa Claus had come!!!  Of course, Mac was the first to remind me that we completely forgot to leave the cookies and milk for Santa!! (OOPS, Mommy was a little tired too!)  James tried to convince her that Santa helped himself, but she wasn't satisfied.  So, needless to say she said she would let Santa rest for a while and then we would leave some milk and cookies out for him another night and he would have to come back just for those!

Needless to say, we are truly blessed.  Each night I pray that God allow my children to be healthy, happy and strong.  To look at Connor you would simply never think there's anything wrong with him and yet we have to remind ourselves sometimes that he does have a brain tumor.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think God has big plans for Connor and as we watch his miracle happen in front of our eyes, anyone who does not see the hand of God in that child is blind!

This Christmas we thank God for His son and we also thank him for our daughter Mackenzie and our son, Connor.

God Bless,

James, Brandy, Mackenzie & Connor

December 21st, 2007

The countdown is officially on!  Each morning Mackenzie gives us the update as to how many days are left until Christmas.  And, each morning Connor reminds us that we can't open gifts until Oma and Opa and Grandma and Paw Paw get here!  Then, he grabs the phone and asks if he can call them to come over now!!!

The kids are so incredible excited about Christmas!  Honestly, I'm a little freaked out that it's just a few days away!  I'm trying my hardest to get it together but up until a few weeks ago, I still thought we were in August!  I think I celebrated Christmas a little early because James, Connor, Mackenzie and I all got the one gift that no one could buy and we got it early!!!!  We witnessed first hand God's miracle!

Yesterday, Connor's teacher Tammy started crying just at the thought that he was able to be a part of the Christmas party at school.  Of course then I started crying and all of the other parents were probably wondering what in the world we were crying for!!!!  They were tears of joy and gratefulness!  Connor of course is fitting right in to the groove of school.  As they were getting the party started yesterday, they got all of the kids to sit down and together they said (actually sang) grace.  The second they finished and before anyone could say a word, Connor blurted out "Mommy, can we eat now?"  Poor kid, he was starving!  He had a wonderful time as did we all.

Then, today was Mackenzie's big day!  All of us got to go.  They decorated cookies, read a story, ate all the food that they never get to eat on a regular day and they played a game.  At the end, the kids all sang Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer for us!  It was fantastic!!!

I hope all of you are not too stressed out in the final count down to Christmas and I pray that during the hustle and bustle we will all be able to stop and think about the true meaning of Christmas and all that we have to be thankful for.

God Bless,

James, Brandy, Mackenzie & Connor

December 19th, 2007

Today was a good day!

We met a very nice doctor who is going to provide some counseling to Mac to try and help her cope with all that is happening!

Connor had a good visit with his Oncologist today!  He got a little upset at one point because they thought they were going to have to access his port, but fortunately that didn't happen!

In the meantime, he continues to fight this nasty chest congestion he's had for so long.  We had to start him back on steroids, for his breathing, but hopefully it will be all better by Christmas!

Unlike my nephew Will who ended up in the hospital today in Virginia with serious, serious chest congestion!!!  Pray that he will heal quickly and be home in time for Christmas!

As for Mac, today was a play day!!  A friend of hers from school invited her to a day at Libby Lu!  No... not Luby's as Daddy thought she was trying to say!!!  Libby Lu, the all girl store where you can make your own glitter lip gloss, get your nails painted and get your hair put up in a pretty do!!!!  The girls had a BLAST!!!  Needless to say, she crashed out tonight when she got home!

As Mackenzie screamed from the kitchen this morning... "Just 5 more days 'til Christmas!!!!!!"

Obviously, the kids can't wait!

God Bless,

James, Brandy, Mackenzie & Connor

December 18th, 2007

Mommy & Connor go to Pre-School!

Today was only Connor's third day of pre-school and while we're trying to wean him from Mommy, he's not quite ready to let go.  Soooooo...... that meant Mommy stayed with him all day at pre-school!

Actually, I really enjoy it.  I think every mom and dad should get to spend at least one day with their kids at school just to watch them in their little world.  It's really awesome to see how they interact with other kids and the thrills they get from just being in school!!

We've talked about it with his teachers and since it's kind of hard to wean him right now with the Christmas break coming up, they have allowed us to stick around and be part of the class for now.  However, we all think it will be best for Connor if we make that break in the new year.

He really loves school and it's not like he's with unfamiliar people or unfamiliar ground, he's just used to having Mommy joined to his hip for the past five months!!!  Poor kid!!!  He definitely needs some space!

He had a GREAT day at school today and then we stopped by Mackenzie's school while they were making Gingerbread Houses.  Mac was so proud her little brother was there!  She was showing him off to everyone!!  And of course she was being mother hen!  "Come here Connor, do you want to make a Gingerbread House?"  "You can sit in my lap and help with my house!"  Then she took him all around the classroom to show him what she does during the day.  Connor was in HEAVEN!!!!

Then, it was off to speech therapy!!  He's doing so much better with his episodes.  Before, he would get really frustrated because he couldn't think of the simplest words.  Words he knew, he just couldn't say them.  For instance, if you showed him a banana, he couldn't tell you what it was.  Or, if you showed him a fork, sometimes he would forget what it was called.  Now, he's figuring out on his own how to get around it and he's really doing much better!

Tonight, we did what we've been doing a lot of lately, using the evening for family time.  We play games together, read books together, pain, color.  Really, we're just enjoying every minute together as a family.  You know, in the past I would always feel like I should be cleaning house or doing laundry, but now so many things just aren't as important anymore.  Don't get me wrong, some things you still have to do, but you find ways to do them once the kids are asleep so that you don't waste that perfectly good time you could have spent with them.

God Bless,

James, Brandy, Mackenzie and Connor

December 17, 2007

   Today was one of many good days for Connor. Connor decided to take Mackenzie's cooking "things" out-of-her room and put them all in the living room. He seems to really enjoy cooking for his "daddy." Connor and I had the run of the house since Mackenzie was at school and Brandy was at work.

   Connor seems to be getting back to his schedule as he took a nice nap. This gave me the chance to take care of some bills and clean out the rest of Mackenzie's closet. Some years from now when she reads this she will find out who the bandit was that made off with all those seemingly forgotten but now missing toys. Oh well, it had to be done. Her doors are next. 

   Mackenzie had a great day at school today. She enjoys school and this has been a blessing for us, a distraction that kept her occupied. Her teacher, Mrs. McDaniel, has been wonderful throughout this event, a special thanks to you.

   After the kids were home we watched Bruce Almighty and had dinner. Brandy came home later and we all just relaxed this evening. Some nights you really have to just let some things go and enjoy the kids. We have been spending our evenings watching Christmas shows on TV. After that we gave Connor his medicines and put the kids to bed, all three of them. They all are sound asleep now and I will so join them. Blessing come in many ways and its nice to find one everyday. Today mine was just being with my son. He is my "happy thought."

December 16th, 2007

Sorry, I've been slacking a little the past few days!!!  We celebrated James' birthday on Friday and then I attempted to start getting ready for Christmas!!

Honestly, up until last week if you asked me what month it was, I would say August.  Our world literally just stopped back on August 20th and until we got the good news with the MRI results, I hadn't really gone past that date.

Now, mentally... I'm trying to make up for the past few months and get ready for the best Christmas ever!

This morning, the kids and I baked Christmas cookies (Yes... before church!!!  We get up kind of early :))

Then, at church we had the privilege of Meeting Bailey and her family.  I absolutely could not believe that they made it to church!!  They are a beautiful family and I really just wanted to give them a hug and let them know we truly understand what they are going through.

Over the past few months, we have met some very nice families going through similar circumstances.  Bailey, Zander (who we hear is doing much better!) and an infant named Emily (who is also doing well).

Please continue to pray without ceasing for all of these children to experience complete healing.

I also pray that all of them and their families will have good news this holiday season and will be able to rejoice and give thanks to God for their many blessings.

God Bless,

James, Brandy, Mackenzie and Connor

December 13th, 2007

So many times over the past few months we have said that we would never wish this on any other family.

Well, tonight we spoke with yet another family who is going through almost the same thing as we are.

Their daughter, Bailey is 10 years old and it sounds like she has a brain tumor very similar to Connor's.  They are just beginning their journey and realize they too have a long road ahead.  Pray for them as they go through this holiday season not knowing what all lies ahead.  Pray that God will give Bailey some peace in dealing with her tumor because at 10 she is old enough to understand what is happening to her.  Pray that she too like Connor will be granted a miracle!

I also want to thank all of the amazing young children out there who continuously pray for Connor.  I cannot tell you the stories we receive or the e-mails from the children themselves telling us they are praying for Connor.  How amazing is that to see such young children with an unwavering faith that God will continue to heal Connor and He will walk our family through this journey?  At three years old, Connor simply has no idea how many lives this precious child has touched.

God Bless,

James, Brandy, Mackenzie & Connor

December 12th, 2007

Owww!  Mommy, my head hurts!

I nearly wrecked the car!!!!

After all that has happened over the past four months, when you hear those words you tend to "FREAK OUT!!!"  Just a little bit!

Fortunately after I interrogated poor Connor on the side of the road, in the drive-way, on the porch, in the living room (you get the picture!).  James convinced me it was nothing, just a fluke!

The good news is, I haven't seen him this happy and energetic in a while!  He's playing full steam ahead, laughing, making us all laugh and just enjoying the heck out of life.

Today I took him to his physical therapy appointment for a complete evaluation.  Of course, as he ran past the physical therapist, climbed up the slide backwards and then slid down, she looked at me as if to say, "Now, why exactly is he here again?"

It's a question we seem to get a lot these day, but one I love to hear!!!  It means that once again a doctor, a therapist, a radiologist, someone is amazed at how well he's doing.

In fact, as he was swinging back and forth on the tire swing the therapist told me she wasn't really sure that we would need to be coming back.  As far as I'm concerned, that's just another bit of good news.

Who would have ever thought that Connor would be jumping off of slide, spinning around on tire swings and running all over a physical therapy center?  It's just more proof that God's hand is at work here.  The miracle is taking place right before our very eyes!  How cool is that?

I thank God every day for the blessings he has given us.  Since the day our children were born I have asked God to make them healthy, happy and strong.  While it's taking a lot of work on His end, he seems to be keeping true to that!

God Bless,

James, Brandy, Mackenzie & Connor

Connor's 1st Day of School!

He had his Spiderman "Pack-Pack" filled with toys, his Spiderman lunch box with all of his favorites and a grin from ear to ear!  Today was Connor's 1st day of school!

It was just like that last week of August when all of the mothers are nervous and excited all at the same time when they send their little ones off to school for the first time.  Well, that was me today, only it's mid-December!

Connor didn't care, it was his first day of school and he was SOOOOOO EXCITED!!!

His big sister helped him pack his back pack and giggled when he kept trying to stuff toys inside.  She said, "Connor, you don't need all of these toys, you're going to school and they have all the toys you could imagine to play with there!!  They have LOTS of toys!"

She then loaded him up by putting his back pack on, gave him a big hug and kiss and told him to "Have a great day at school!"  To which he replied, "I will!!!  Oh, I need my lunch!"  He grabbed it, paused for a few proud parent pictures and then scurried out the door!

As we drove to the church, I couldn't help but tell him how proud of him I was.  I also told him this was the real deal, "Big Boy School".  He said, "I know."

When we got there, he held my hand tightly as we walked through the parking lot, but once we hit the doors, he took off!!!  In fact, he was running so fast, he passed his classroom and had to turn back around!

I'm not really sure who was more excited, Connor or Mommy???

Of course, Mommy and the teachers got a little teary eyed because we all knew that this was such a blessing from God for him to be able to be at school today.  One of the other mothers even hugged me with tears in her eyes saying how happy she was he was there.

The wonderful part about it.... Mommy got to stay all day too!  Just to help with the transition of school.  We had music with Miss. Kally and what a way to start off the day!  She even gave Connor a Santa stamp on the arm as he was leaving and he proceeded to show everybody and anybody that stamp for the rest of the day!!!

We got to play in the gym, visit with Mrs. Claus, do art projects, build blocks, you name it... we did it!!!

I cannot even begin to tell you how amazing his teachers are!!!  Ms. Tammy and Ms. Jan are two of the most amazing women and we are so blessed that Connor has them in his life!  He actually made it all day until a little after one o'clock and then he crashed and burned before we even drove off the parking lot!

This by far was the best day we've had in a long time and I can't wait for Connor to experience all of the wonders and joys of school and the friendships he will make.

It may only be two days a week, but the impact those two days have will last a lifetime!

We finished the day off with speech therapy and a little family time.

Life is good!

God Bless,

James, Brandy, Mackenzie & Connor

December 9th, 2007

Talk about a reason to celebrate!  Today at church we saw so many of our friends that we hadn't seen since we learned the good news.  Some got a little teary eyed, others jumped up and down with joy, others hugged us so hard you could hear your back crack!!  All of them knowing, this is God's miracle and realizing we are all getting to witness it.  How amazing is that?

What's even more amazing is that we're able to do some normal family things!  Last night some friends of ours had their annual family holiday party.  All the kids get to roast marshmallows and do arts and crafts while the adults get to relax, eat and be merry!  What was amazing was that we were able to go and not have to worry about when our next doctor's appointment was!

What's even more amazing is that Connor is actually going to get to go to school!!!  We had planned on him starting at the day school at our church this year just like his sister did.  Two days a week from 8:30-1:30.  Well, now that he's gotten the all clear from the docs, he's off to school!  The school has been holding his spot and letting his teddy bear "Connor Bear" go to class in his place.  Well, tonight his teacher "Miss. Tammy" brought over a book she made of all the things Connor Bear has been doing this year!!!  He's been busy!!  He's played on the playground, he's gotten to see a real fire truck and meet the firefighters, he's seen a real dairy cow, hunted for spiders, and he's even taken part in snack time and nap time!  Of course, you might imagine, I cried as I read the book.  Not so much tears of sadness, but rather tears of joy that Tammy cared enough about Connor to do this for him and knowing that now, he himself will get to do these things like other three year old little boys.

His first day will be on Tuesday and Mommy will be there by his side.  They said I can stay and help him adjust a little and we won't do but just a few hours that first day.  However, I just know he's going to love it!  Yea!!!  Another dose of normalcy!!!

Here's wishing you and your family a little bit of normal during this hectic time of the year!

God Bless,

James, Brandy, Mackenzie & Connor

December 7, 2007

   Friday is the end of the work week for most and for some only the beginning on a new chapter. We had a wonderful chapter unfold for us this week. The MRI's image of Connor's tumor shrinkage will be with me for a long time. I was looking over the shoulder of the technician as he was taking taking the images and I must admit I was quite exited. The doctor's words of his tumor having a "significant change" was the best thing we have heard in these past few months. Connor has proven himself to be a real "trooper."

   Today we were at the CTRC for a follow-up with Dr. Diaz. He was very pleased with the results of the MRI. Now, instead of planning what doctor we would see next, we need to see if we can remember what we were doing before all this took place. I do not believe we will ever be exactly like we were before August 20th, but we have the time to discovery many things - together.

   Connor and Mackenzie are really looking forward to Christmas but Brandy and I realize we have already received a wonderful gift from God. I pray that we all find what the important things in life are and enjoy every breath we take. I look forward to each day better now and I know that will grow. Take care to all.

December 6th, 2007

Today was a day with a little bit of normal!

Mommy actually went to work for a little bit today (for the first time in nearly 4 months!)  Connor smacked me on the rear-end and said, "Get that hiney out the door and go to work!" (Really, I can't make this stuff up!!)

I know what some of you are thinking, it's too soon, what is she thinking??  Believe it or not I think today was what all of us needed, a little bit of normalcy!

Nothing about our lives has been normal for the past four months and as a human being, we need that!  We all need some sort of a routine.  I have to say, my work has been absolutely amazing through all of this!  I fully expected them to fire me by now (and I would not have blamed them one bit!)  I literally walked away from everything four months ago to devote every waking moment to my number one priority, Connor and our family.  Amazingly enough, they understood that and have been there supporting us every step of the way.  They've even allowed me to go to what's called "Casual Part-Time" and are going to allow me to work when I can and when I need or simply want to be with Connor, I can do that!  I am absolutely convinced that they are God's little Angels helping us through this time.  We are truly blessed!

We spent the afternoon and evening over at Oma & Opa's enjoying the beautiful weather.  Connor was playing baseball, Mackenzie riding the scooter.  They had a blast!

We were wrapping up dinner when Ms. Tammy called (this was Mac's teacher two years ago, Connor's teacher this year and also a dear friend!!).  Mommy had completely forgotten that tonight was Family Advent night up at the Church Day School!  This has been a tradition for our family for the past three years and the kids LOVE IT!!  So, Mommy, Oma and the kids jumped in the car and headed for the church!  The kids got to sit on a horse, pet the farm animals, do LOTS of arts & crafts, be part of a manger scene and even play in the snow!!!  They had so much fun and literally passed out before we even got out of the parking lot!

Tomorrow we go to CTRC to see the doctors for the first time since the MRI.  We just know the docs will be doing back flips down the hallway!

Thank you to each and every one of you for your wonderfully supportive e-mails.  We may not respond to each and every one, but we ALWAYS read EVERY ONE!!  You all may think you are strangers, but to us you are friends who have given us strength and hope on this journey.  Thank you for all of your blessings and remember that the miracle has just begun!!!  Please continue to Pray Without Ceasing!

God Bless,

James, Brandy, Mackenzie & Connor

God is Good!

God is good all the time and all the time, God is good!

Once again today, we had wonderful news!

We started out the day with Connor's audiogram to test his hearing.  They wanted to make sure the radiation hadn't damaged his hearing.  As we suspected, it was perfect!

Then, we had to go visit with the oncologist about what's next.  Once again, she's stumped!  And that's a good thing!  She had to admit that they weren't really expecting to have a whole lot of luck with the radiation, they just didn't want to tell us that!  She said, you just hope and pray that you'll have some effect.  Well, not only did they get results...  Connor went waaayyyyy beyond what they could have ever imagined!!!

Now, all of the protocols and studies that they had planned on sending us to, Connor doesn't even qualify for.  And for a good reason.  The tumor has to be actively growing to qualify for most of the protocols.  However, instead of growing, it's shrinking!  If that's the way we are disqualified for something... I'll take it!!!!

I told a few people that I had a little bit of a bag packed just in case, but on Monday I unpacked it... looked and Connor and said, "No, you know what, we're not going anywhere!"  I was just so convinced we were going to get good news!  And we did!!

Now, the plan is to do NOTHING!!!!  The doctors say they are going to give him two months off.  Which means, we will have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and we'll get to celebrate both of the kids' birthdays in January!

The doctors suspect the radiation (and prayers!!) will continue to work in that time and when they do another MRI in two months, the tumor will be even smaller!  Then, we'll take it from there.

I know everyone has so many questions about, can they do more radiation?  Can they do surgery?  Right now, the answer is no.  But, you never know, that could change.  From what we understand, they can only do so much radiation before you start seriously damaging all of the good brain tissue and causing even more damage.  As for surgery, the tumor is still encompassing the brainstem and therefore is still inoperable.  However, who's to say that down the road they may find a way to get some of it??  Nobody really knows for sure at this point, we'll just have to take it one step at a time.

My sister asked me today what I thought did it.  Was it the radiation, was it the alternative efforts we've been trying (like vitamins and such), or was it all the prayers and the work of God?  That's simple... all of the above!!!  God is the ultimate healer and the one who can perform miracles.  However, I strongly believe that God places people in our lives for a reason.  He has known this plan long before any of us could have.  Some of the people he's placed in our paths have been there to give us support and guidance.  Some, have been the doctors, surgeons and radiologists who have done all they could to help Connor.  Others provided the alternatives and still many, many others spent countless days and nights on their knees asking God to grant Connor his miracle.  To turn down any of this would not only be arrogant and stupid, but would basically be turning our noses up at the ones that God sent to help us.

I have no doubt a miracle has happened and I have no doubt the miracle continues to happen.  We thank God for that and we thank each and every one of your for the part you've played in that miracle.

May God Bless all of you!

James, Brandy, Mackenzie & Connor

Miracles Happen!

Miracles happen and prayers work!  Obviously, God's been a little overwhelmed with all of the prayer requests for Connor and our family in the past few months.  But today he proved, he's been listening!

We weren't really expecting to get MRI results today, but we did!  And guess what, once again the doctors were amazed!!

Connor's tumor has shown SIGNIFICANT SHRINKAGE!!  Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!

Of course, as soon as I heard that I grabbed the doctor, hugged her and broke down in tears!  That poor woman!  I think she even cried a little too!  Meanwhile, the other doctors were jumping for joy (literally!) and were pretty much speechless!

We learned today that the tumor was actually larger than we first thought.  The last measurement taken on Sept. 13th showed it to be 6.0 x 3.5 x 7.4cm.  Today, it measured 4.9 x 2.6 x 5.3cm.  That's a HUGE difference!!!  Yes, it's still there and yes, it's still pretty large; but compared to what it was just a few months ago, it literally looks to be a third of the size when you view it on an MRI.  The doctor even said that on some of the MRI, parts of the brainstem looked almost normal.  Of course, it's still there and still encompassing the brainstem to our understanding, but what an amazing improvement!  The oncologist said she was so surprised, she was completely stumped on what to do next, if anything!

But, that's our next step.  We go in the morning for Connor's audiogram to see what effects the radiation had on his hearing.  Then, we meet with the doctors to talk about what's next!

We cannot begin to thank all of you enough for all of your prayers, love and support.  We know those prayers have been answered and Connor is proof that miracles happen.  Please, continue to pray for tomorrow as we find out what lies ahead.  Also, a huge thank you to the wonderful doctors, nurses and specialists who have been on this journey with us and have been so kind to Connor and our family and done everything in their power to help heal him.  When they told us the news today, they also told us, Merry Christmas!

God Bless,

James, Brandy, Mackenzie & Connor

Good News - Prelim MRI Results

Hi All,

Just recieved word from James and after a preliminary look at the MRI results there seems to be a major reduction in the size of the tumor. James and Brandy will make there normal update later this evening, but we wanted to share the GOOD NEWS!

GOD IS GOOD!

Get Ready to Witness the Miracle!

Weeks ago, I worried when this day would come.  For the past few days, the tension and anxiety have been building for this day to come.  Earlier today, I felt sick to my stomach just thinking about tomorrow and having to wait to hear the results.  But for some reason, right now, I am at peace.

You know, a very wise nun once told me, "God is always talking to you, you just have to be willing to listen!"  I think along the way, he's been trying to tell us it's going to be okay.

Perhaps it's the people he's put in our path.  Our friends, family and complete strangers who have embraced us with love and faith and told us, it's going to be okay!

Perhaps it's the joy and laughter between a young brother and sister who are completely oblivious to everything around them that tells us, it's going to be okay!

Or perhaps it's simply a mother's never ending wish for that doctor to tell her... it's going to be okay!

I want to share with you all something that has happened over the past several weeks that we haven't told many people about.  Maybe because we simply don't know what it means.  But, back in 2006 when Connor became very ill with asthma, a friend of my dad's gave him a finger rosary to bring to us.  This rosary had been blessed by the Pope years before when they were in Italy and it was supposed to be for healing.  We're Methodist and don't recite the rosary, but instead we took it, laid it on Connor's chest in the Emergency Room and started to pray.  Immediately, his stats improved.

Several months later, a friend of mine had to have an emergency C-Section and the doctors weren't sure if the baby would survive.  I lent her the rosary.  She tied it to her daughter's hospital bed and today that little girl is a healthy, happy one year old!

When all of this happened, I immediately thought of the rosary.  I got it out, laid it by Connor's head and that's where we've kept it since this began.

Well, one day several weeks ago, I was telling some friends about the rosary and when I went to get it off of Connor's pillow we noticed something different.  The rosary had changed colors.  It once was a silverish/pewter color but now it has a golden hue.

What it means?  I don't really know.  Some say it could be tarnish or even the laundry soap we use!  But the way we see it, it can only be good!  Perhaps it's God's way of telling us, it's going to be okay!

Pray without ceasing that tomorrow goes well.  We won't know any of the results until Wednesday, but we promise to update you as soon as we can!

God Bless,

James, Brandy, Mackenzie & Connor

Mackenzie's Wish

"Mommy, I made a wish.  I tossed a coin in the fountain, I closed my eyes and I wished for God to take Connor's tumor away!"

Those were Mackenzie's words to us today after church.  Oh, if it were only that simple!  I cannot tell you how proud I am of her and the amazing little girl that she is!

Tonight we had a wonderful stress relief as we gathered together with good friends.  The kids played and the parents laughed!  Then tonight, we decorated the Christmas tree together as a family.  Mackenzie has been begging to do this for the past few days.  And although we've had the tree set up, either Connor would fall asleep or Mac would fall asleep when he was awake and we simply couldn't do it together.  This year, I ABSOLUTELY INSISTED we decorate the tree together as a family.  Tonight, was that night!  The kids had so much fun hanging the ornaments on each branch so precisely!  Connor studied the branch looking for just the right one, he then hung the metallic ball and exclaimed, "Perfect!"

I said, "Yes baby, it sure is!"

I always let the kids hang the ornaments exactly the way they want them and try hard not to move them unless of course you have five ornaments on one branch, making it so heavy the artificial limb is about to snap!!!  (that only happened on two branches this year :))

Needless to say, that tree is Perfect!

Wishing you and your families as much joy and happiness as we have decorating our tree!

God bless,

James, Brandy, Mackenzie & Connor

December 1, 2007

   We have come to the last month of 2007 and we had the joy of being in the state capital for the lighting of the state Christmas tree. We were invited to Austin by the Speaker of the House Tom Craddick and his wife, Nadine. It was a joy to meet with them and to be part of the festivities. And a special thanks to the Speaker's assistance, Mattie, who made this a special day for us, thank you.

   Connor and Mackenzie actually had a surprise waiting for them. They were asked to be the ones to hit the gavel and start the ceremonies. Connor enjoyed being able to - as he put it -  "swack it." 

   Connor and Mackenzie had fun with all the music performed  but what really got their attention was the arrival of Santa Claus. Connor was sure to say it loud for everyone around us to hear, " I see him, there is Santa."  The kids were tired but perked up when they got the chance to take a picture with the big red guy.

   After the ceremonies were complete and the pictures were taken, we headed back to San Antonio. The drive to Austin was very wet with the rain but once we got there the rain let up and did not come back. The drive back was real easy.

   The Christmas as the capital was a first for all of us. Brandy and I really enjoyed it and can say it was a wonderful way for us to start off a long and blessed holiday. We have been reflecting a lot lately with the MRI coming up on Tuesay. We asked that all of you join us in making this Monday a special night of prayer. Tuesay has been on my mind a lot and Brandy asks what am I thinking about. But I have no words for her that can convey my thoughts. Just a since of deep reflection and a belief to trust in God. May God help us to find the courage in this and hear us, all of us, as we speak to him.