"I like meat"... we give Thanks!

This is a quote from our son, Matthias. He has only been with us for 4.5 months. When he came home there were certain foods that he could not eat due to the condition of his teeth. He would often chew on one side and tell us “owie teeth”. I am here to proclaim victory that for the first time the other night, Matt was able to eat chewy meat (steak) with us. He has attempted over the past few months, but has been unable due to how sore his teeth were. It has been just over 2 weeks since his surgery (tubes , tooth repair, fillings, baby root canal)and Matt told me just the other day…”my teeth no owie.” Praise the Lord! We thank Him for answered prayer, especially for his one molar that had an abscess when they went in and weren’t sure the root canal would take. We give thanks this Thanksgiving day that we are now a family of 7 (Rob's emphasis on this being the number of completion!!) and that Matt is now able to eat chewy meat and tell us “I like meat!”

How do you spell VICTORY?

I have attended a season of football games with 4 year olds wiggling around me. It has now sadly come to an end with an ohhhhhh so close, victory potential, with seconds remaining only yards to go…against a much bigger, but not necessarily better state play off team.

I ponder over the season, a perfect season in terms of records…until yesterday. Have you ever had victory snatched away as you were just oh so close? I have observed this in many realms beyond the sports arena…health issues, adoption issues, marriage issues, even church issues…the list goes on.

I have pondered the last minute of this game over in my head the past 24 hours…the what ifs… the could have beens. Isn’t that what we do when WE desired a different outcome…but it wasn’t necessarily in our control?

I have watched in hard times, in grit and determination, when people I love have had to pick themselves up after loss and determine which direction they will take…the road that leads to despair or VICTORY?

The mountain of victory is not an easy climb. It takes enduring pain, perseverance, and fixing your eyes on something bigger than yourself. This is where character is built…not necessarily after the conquering outcomes that one had hoped for…but after the loss of the hopes not attained.

“I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth”. Psalm 121:1 It is He who gives me perfect peace when my heart is troubled…it is He who brings VICTORY snatched out of defeat…it is He on whom I fix my eyes when my own vision grows tired. I am thankful to know Who’s record is always perfect and Who attains the final VICTORY!

Help...we can't decide which to pick?

We did some fall photo opps for our Christmas cards this past weekend. These are the top three the family voted on but we are split on our votes. What say you out there? Should we choose the top, middle, or bottom?

A successful surgery!!!

Matt had his first surgery on Friday. They put tubes in his ears and fillings in four teeth, plus one baby root canal. As you can see above, he was looking a little nervous before the surgery. He was under for over 2 hours where the ENT suctioned almost "sap like goo" from his eustachian tubes.

The pediatric dentist said his one tooth had absyssed and oozed when they entered the pulp. They were able to complete the root canal, but we could sure use some prayer for him that it will take. She (the dentist) said we will know within a month if the tooth will settle.

They also did xrays which we will take to our first cleft team meeting in two weeks. The xrays contained helpful information on the location of his adult teeth. Most likely, he will need surgery again sooner than later, as the xrays revealed the portion where his front baby and adult teeth are located is very fragile and the whole section of tissue and bone is mobile. We are sooo thankful that his adult teeth are in tact and healthy. The pediatric dentist said a big bump to his mouth could have sustained serious damage. We are certain the Lord has watched over him because we see daily his raw enthusiasm and daring "all boy" adventure with which he embraces life. Thank you Lord for watching over your children!!!

Post recovery, Matt did very well. As you can see by his "comfy Daddy lounger", as Robert calls himself, Matt settled into several hours of juice, recovery, and popsicles. By two hours post recovery, we could all ready hear the difference in his speech and articulation. He was much more quiet, as I'm sure he could hear himself speaking in a totally new way. He also was more articulate in his words with less nasal intonation. It was simply amazing the differences we could hear in such a short time!! It was so sweet, on the way home in our van, he said to us "van loud Mommy!" I'm sure it was...as he had never heard all the road noise before:O)


We want to thank everyone who was praying out there on behalf of our sweet boy!! He has bounced back very quickly and we are so thankful for a successful surgery and the benefits we are all ready hearing and seeing!!!


[A quick chime-in from Robert: One of the first things Matt wanted to know, once he was fully aware, was if he was going to get to go to CJ's football game that night. He loves to go and root his big brother on at football games. So, sure enough, in the stands that night the dynamic duo of Ess and Matt were cheering CJ's team on to victory! CJ's team is undefeated and now on to the state playoffs and Ess and Matt are ready to cheer them all the way.]

A fun glimpse of our motley crew on Halloween day. I love the diversity and uniqueness of each blessing the Lord has placed in our family...a dancer, a princess, a dinosaur, a sherriff, and a ninja warrior...what does the Lord have in store for each of their unique giftings and talents? What a privelege to team with Him in raising these sweet blessings He has entrusted to our care.