Today we have good news and bad news regarding Dad's condition. The good news is the spinal tap came back clear, no melanoma in his spinal column. The bad news is he's become increasingly belligerent and still remains confused. So we're left to believe the brain bleed is going to take time and prayer to heal. We are discouraged by the lack of improvement, but grateful the cancer hasn't spread further. He hasn't had any more seizures since taking the anti-seizure med. We fear the anti-anxiety med may cause some agitation, but it needs to be taken regularly. Today's specific prayer request: Please pray for a special visitor Thursday, moments of clarity and a softened and ready heart. As a family, we also have some difficult decisions to make. And pray that my mom can endure the physical and emotional strain.
This is our motto! Even though we don't always know what's going on in my dad's head, we believe God is working in his heart. (update below)
Comic relief ~ fashion statement? Go Kambry; Go Kambry; Go Kambry!
And He loves us even more! I'm back home, trying to catch up on work and never-ending laundry. My dad is showing signs of improvement ~ praise the Lord! We never take these for granted, but we do embrace them for the short time they last! Dad hasn't been able to rest comfortably for over a week, and one of our concerns has been that in mid-sentence, whether sensible or not, he would just zone out and fall asleep for 30-45 seconds. Finally, yesterday he slept for a few hours and when he awoke he was totally different! He was thinking in the "present" and asking relevant questions. He knew where he was, and he knew our names and all about our families. My two brothers and I were both in the room with him, so it was a huge blessing to have him back! The doctors are seeing improvement, although much slower than they would expect. The spinal tap was done yesterday, and we're waiting on pathology to determine if the melanoma is in his spinal column. We still don't have any answers and are taking one day at a time, cherishing the moments we have and praying for God's perfect timing regarding my dad's salvation. Please remember my mom as well, as she bears a heavy load but carries it well.
This is how I feel today, a mix of emotions. Thanks to my precious kids for providing the picture! I'll give a few brief updates. First on the adoption front, next week we'll be at day 60 of our wait for LOA! We could be halfway through the wait! Kaeleb, your mama can't wait to hold you! There is a family traveling to Foshan this month to receive their daughter, and they plan to take a few pictures of Kaeleb for us. What a huge blessing that will be.
2007 has been an eventful year! Some things I wouldn't want to experience again but have served as valuable life-changing lessons.
Ah, yes, Santa did come, and we had an awesome Christmas! My family came Friday, December 21st, and we had so much fun with the cousins, opening gifts, staying up late catching up and finding a place for 21 people to sleep! Those are the best Christmases! We woke up Saturday morning to the most beautiful snow, and we all headed south to Norman for Christmas at my aunt's. By the time we left Norman the roads we so bad it took us 5 hours to get home, but it was worth the trip. The kids woke us up bright and early Christmas morning to report that Santa had indeed found our house. We spent the day playing DS, Guitar Hero III and riding the coolest scooter around the kitchen, then we went to the movies and watched Water Horse. After that things went downhill ... I had tonsilitis and have been sick for a week. I praise the Lord for my awesome husband and 19 year old son who kept chaos at bay while I tried to sleep through the pain. They made sure the girls had naps and everybody was fed and bathed. I have so much to be thankful for. I think this Christmas will go down as one of my favorites, despite my yearning to bring Kaeleb home. 
The finished product ~ yum!
Found this cutie in the kitchen!
We hosted 20 or so of our awesome youth for a Christmas party. We had a little bit of food ...
... and an interesting gift exchange.
This is the 4th Christmas we have spent waiting on our child to come home. The first "waiting" Christmas was 2003 which turned out to be a shorter time frame than expected. We were so blessed to bring Kayden home in October 2004. Since we're not getting any younger, and the Lord's call was unmistakeable, 6 months later we began the paperchase again, expecting another 6 month wait. Our plans were again proven inferior to the Master Planner as we waited through Christmas 2005 and 2006, receiving our referral on February 1, 2007, and bringing Kambry home in April. Four months later, in August, we found our precious son, Kaeleb, and will spend yet another Christmas waiting. Aside from Jesus, I can't imagine a better Christmas gift. Thank you, Lord, for the children who are home this Christmas and for those still waiting. Finally, after 7 months home, we've made Kambry's Gotcha video. Thank you, Kuyler! Please turn off the music at the bottom of this page before starting video. Enjoy!
These pictures of our sweet boy were taken last week by a mommy receiving her precious daughter. Thank you "M" for blessing us!
10:30 a.m., ready for the party! 12:30 p.m., too much party :)
How could I not start with that picture! This is Kambry's true personality. What a week we've had. My kitchen counter looks like a medicine cabinet with a variety of liquids and chewables for various ages and symptoms. 
Care package
Have a great weekend!
