PRRT round 3!
Andrew's sleeping arrangements for his 6 days of quarantine He's got his snuggle buddies (a bear to represent every member of the family with some of our clothing on)
During PRRT, Andrew and I did our usual night of camping. At 38 years old, you would think I would be wise enough to pay attention to the weather and plan better for myself; however, I did not learn my lesson from last time and spent the night shivering in my sleeping bag. At home, Kristi usually makes me feel like I'm roasting with the temperature in the house and I sleep in the bare minimum; therefore, I did not plan well for sleeping in 38 degree weather. Oh yeah, my sleeping bag lies as well, it states that it'll keep you warm down to 35 degrees.
Anytime I have to be away from the house I have a talk with Emme and remind her of the important role she has in keeping the girls safe. Emme keeps eye contact when I tell her this, therefore, I assume she gets the message. This is a picture of Emme going above and beyond the call of duty. Good job, Emme!
We had a great time at Abigail's 3v3 soccer tournament in Orlando. We enjoyed getting to spend time with Abigail's teammates and their families. The team did great, finishing in third place at the tournament. Most of the other teams in Abigail's bracket were from somewhere in the Northeast, where they play a lot more soccer inside during the Winter and frequently practice and play these small sided games. The fact that our girls finished third, with this only being their second tournament of them all playing together was fantastic. The team that won the tournament only beat us by one goal in the semifinals, in a game where our girls dominated the game in possession and shots, we just didn't get enough in the goal. Overall, it was a great experience and one our kids will never forget. We also had the opportunity to go to Universal Studios (with most of our time spent in Harry Potter areas) and Disney World (Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom). Grace especially loved Disney and one of our highlights of the whole trip was when Andrew and Grace were selected during the Lion King show to go onto the stage and perform with cast for one of the songs. I will attempt to post the video of this (Grace was amazing)!
A well deserved 3rd place in the Nation for this great group of girls!
Team and their siblings (minus Grace since she didn't want to get close to Minnie)
Andrew got to be the team captain for the semi-final game and the game for 3rd place. The ref gave him the coin he flipped and Abby's coach gave him a trophy too! So cool!
Harry Potter world (not official name) was awesome!
Hogwarts Express was so well done!
More Hogwarts Express...
I want one of these...
Magic Kingdom fun while waiting for the creepy Winnie the Pooh ride
A glimpse of Abigail's rarely seen (by the general public) silly side!
Zebra Minnie ears.... how awesome is that!
Buzz and Woody were a huge part of Andrew's life for many years, we couldn't resist having him take a picture with them (just not in the 45 minute long line)
Lovin on their Bubba with a sneak attack!
Tea cups with this cutie. We knew Grace couldn't spin it too fast so we agreed to go on the ride with her verses the big kids ;-)
More Buzz! We can't get enough of that dude, he's like a part of our family!
Dumbo ride buddies!
We've noticed Andrew's many pain meds make everything more vivid in life (even the 3D "Bugs Life" movie/ride was a little much for him), scary Yeti monsters included, so we were so proud of him for going on the Everest roller coaster
Andrew got to do Jedi training!
Grace and Andrew participating in the Lion King Show at Animal Kingdom!
At the end of our trip at Animal Kingdom the kids went to use the Disney gift card they got for Christmas... Andrew had his heart set on this lion stuffed animal he saw, so you can imagine what Abby was determined to use her money for, that lion for Andrew. While David and Abby rode the Everest ride (we did a parent swap), Andrew, Grace and I looked around the gift shop. Andrew saw the jewelry section and immediately said "I want to get a ring for Abby with my money." I couldn't believe it since he had been REALLY excited about getting that lion he wanted. I helped him pick out the right size ring for Abby and he went to pay for it with his gift card. I could see the wheels turning in his head as he waited for the cashier to ring him up... "if I buy this for Abby, I won't get my lion, but it's ok...." He bought the ring and gave it to Abby, She loved it! I was so proud of him for loving so sacrificially. A few minutes later I asked Abby what she wanted to buy with her gift card (already knowing the answer). She replied "I want to buy Bubba the lion!" His eyes lit up with such gratitude. It was a pretty amazing teachable moment!
Abigail had her first basketball game of the season and her team had a big win in a hard fought game... and Abby only fouled once. She had played soccer all weekend at ODP (Olympic Development Program) training, so it’s all too easy to bring some of the aggressiveness of soccer to the basketball court, but she did a great job of going hard and minimizing fouls. ;-)
Abby's cheering section!
Grace continues to provide constant comedic relief with her hilarious and witty antics. Her favorite song these days is the Seagulls bad lip reading song from Star Wars. Hearing her sing it and act it out is the best! In case you haven't had the opportunity to hear this gem, here it is for your listening and viewing pleasure.
Kristi and I have been praying a lot about her job and if she should consider moving to the Oncology division within Pfizer (since she obviously has a new found passion for the Oncology world). In December, a position became available in the Houston area (in the Medical Center- same hospitals she has been calling on for the last 12 years), so we prayed about it and Kristi applied for this position. After having had a few interviews for the position, Kristi was offered the job this past Friday (same day we got good news about Andrew’s scans) and she accepted. She is looking forward to moving into this division and having the opportunity to grow in her knowledge of the oncology landscape, but above all, she's excited to help patients in their battle against this dreadful disease . Anyone who knows Kristi knows she doesn't do anything half-a*#, so the next few months of home study and training are going to be intense for her, but I know she will love it.
***I (Kristi) am back- We were all reunited (after our six days of quarantine from prrt) and it feels SO good!
Grace's first comment when she got off the bus and after she gave David and Andrew a hug, "Family hug...oh, oh, picture!"
We are rejoicing over good news, great memories, and new opportunities! Therefore we shouldn't be surprised that the enemy is busy trying to crush our hope and cause us to fear the future instead of rejoicing in the present (especially when we get good news about Andrew’s treatment, the enemy's motive is to squelch our praise by reminding us of what statistics say, etc), but we will continue to hope on and hold on to the One who holds our future in His hands. The One who can do exceedingly, abundantly beyond what we can even imagine! We serve a big God, who I’m certain has big plans for our family and yours. Let’s not grow weary in asking God for that miracle for Andrew and for what ever is burdening your heart!
We sang this song in church on Sunday and I haven’t stopped thinking about the power and truth behind these words... I’m praying this song over our family and yours!
“Let faith arise in spite of
what I see Lord I believe
But help my unbelief
I choose to trust You
No matter what I feel, let faith arise
Let faith arise
For my champion's not dead, He is alive!
Oh, and He already knows my every need
Surely He will come and rescue me
Chorus
God of miracles come
We need Your supernatural
love to break through
Nothing's impossible
You're the God of miracles
Let faith arise and see the kingdom come
I lift my eyes, oh
for the battle has been won
My God is faithful, oh
and every single word
He said is true, oh
Bridge
This world is shaking
but You cannot be shaken
My heart is breaking
but I'm not broken yet
Your love is fearless
Help me to be courageous too
Oh there is nothing impossible
Chorus
For the God of miracles
We need Your supernatural love
To break through, nothing's impossible
You're the God of miracles”
What is the enemy using in your life to steal your joy and hope? Let’s choose joy because our God is bigger (than anyone or anything), He is worthy, He will never let go of you, He is already where you are going! Let faith arise! #hopeon #Heisbigger #butGod
ANDREW'S ARMY, you continue to carry us with your prayers, encouragement, acts of service, and so much more! I will never stop thanking God for you and praying over you and your family!
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