Pumpkins!!!!

This past weekend we went to our local pumpkin patch where we go every year to carefully select our pumpkins for carving. Okay it's not really a pumpkin patch in the middle of the city, it's at a church. They put hay and pumpkins in their lot. It's the closest thing we're going to have to a pumpkin patch without having to drive 30+ miles.



Anyway... we brought them home Sunday and then waited until Tuesday to carve them. For one, Dad would be home (the only night of the week he's home this week.) Second, we learned very quickly living in a sub-tropical climate, that you should not carve a pumpkin too far out from Halloween or it will rot, cave in, and mold VERY QUICKLY. (I'll spare you those pictures.)

So... here are some pictures of our evening.



Micayla's is on the left, Alex's in the middle (he tries to make the mean one every year), and then Josh's on the right.



Alex and Micayla like to carve their names or initials in the backs of theirs. Just in case we happen to forget who made what!!! Josh didn't want to.



My favorite thing about pumpkin carving is I score the "lids" of the pumpkins and we put cinnamon and cloves on them. When they are heated from the candle inside, it makes the front porch smell really good!!!!!

We hope you have a safe weekend. For us it's just about pumpkins and candy!!

A Funeral

Have you ever had a funeral for a pet? Well, we did two weeks ago. I'm slightly behind in my blogging. It was a sad day for us as we buried Micayla's hamster, also known as Hamilton John Gentges. (I know, I know.) We called him Hammy.

She's had him for almost 4 years so it was slightly emotional.

Thankfully, she has wonderful brothers who were there for her since Dad was out of town. (Why does he get to miss these events???)

Here Josh and Alex are preparing the hole...



Micayla had decorated the box for Hammy. His full name is on the top.



We were so happy when her friends came over to bring her flowers and cheer her up!!! I was especially happy they were able to be there for the "funeral"!!!



All done and over!



So here is some dialogue we had after he died....

Micayla: "So Mom, do you think Hammy is in heaven?"
Me: "Well honey..."

Micayla: (looking at me with big sad eyes)....
Mom: "I think that God wants us to be happy in heaven and God made hamsters. So I believe if it makes us happy and He made it then it will be in Heaven."
Micayla: (big smile) "Thanks Mom. I think he will be there too."

Oh geez. I have no idea if pets are in heaven but I believe OUR pets will be!!! It makes me happy. I need happy thoughts right now so there.

UF Yesterday...

So we had our appointment with ENT yesterday. He suggests the best treatment for Joshua would be to take out his tonsils. HOWEVER... it would require cardiology and anesthesiology agreeing that he was able to handle having surgery.

We spoke last month with our cardiologist and he said Joshua isn't the best surgical candidate but sometimes the results of surgery would outweigh the risks.

So... we'll wait to see what they have to say and then make a decision on the best treatment.

We also discussed yesterday using CPAP. The ENT said CPAP is a treatment but since Josh is so young and thin that the surgery may be a better option. Having to sleep with a CPAP mask at 19 is a lot and is not a permanent fix. We're not sure surgery would be either, but we'll just have to wait and see.

I'm not sure what I think. I can see both sides of this. I'll be better able to decide what I think once we speak with Dr. A and the cardiology team. Our next appointment in Gainesville will be next month.

Thanks for thinking about us and checking our blog.

Tomorrow...

Tomorrow is our appointment in Gainesville. We are not seeing the normal clinic this month. They have given us a two month span this time!!

We are however still going to UF to see an ENT for the first time. After seeing the pulmonologist last month, they decided they want us to see an ENT regarding his tonsils. They are quite impressive and under normal circumstances, would probably be taken out.

However, I am under the impression Joshua is not a surgical candidate so we'll see what they have to say.

This appointment will determine what we'll do with the CPAP treatments as well.

Thanks for your prayers! Each trip to UF is just a reminder of reality with this disease. Have a great week!!!

Joshua's Birthday

Today is Joshua's 19th birthday! I really can't believe he is 19, (or that Brandon has been on his own for almost a year, and that our youngest son is almost a teenager or that our daughter is almost 10.) It makes me feel old.

My favorite memory of Joshua was when he was a tiny little guy... (well, there are several but I'll tell you this one for now).

We were at Memorial pool in Jefferson City, MO. Joshua was not a swimmer yet and weighed in at a whopping 26 pounds. He was about 5 years old. As I would walk into the pool with him, he would climb me like I was a tree and then hang on for dear life. I could literally let go of him and he would be attached to me like a baby monkey. He was having fun, but totally not trusting of himself in the water. It was a good day with good memories. He has always been such a sweetheart.

He is still our little monkey. Although he's taller than me now.

My favorite thing about Joshua has to be his heart. He has such a H U G E heart. He loves people. He wants everyone to be happy. He'd give you everything he has if it would make you happy.

It's the things I love about Joshua that drive me crazy too. Let me show you some examples... He has been given a handful of detentions at school. They have been for things like, being tardy to class because he was holding the door open for everyone, letting someone copy his homework, or letting someone have his phone to use during class. Always helping someone else, or at least thinking he was helping but at the same time, getting himself in trouble.

He is a great son. We are so proud of him. He is going to graduate in May. I can't wait. He can't wait either. He plans to go to FSCJ (Florida State College Jacksonville) to get his degree in ASL and deaf studies. He's gonna do great!

Here is a recent picture I tried to take during our church service. Josh was asked to sign a song in church. I couldn't look at him without crying. I love watching him sign. He truly loves it. Of course he does... he's helping someone.



A few more favorite pics I've been wanting to post are of him teaching at our VBS this summer. He was a helper during story time. Perfect for him.




Happy birthday Joshua. We love you so much!!! I pray for many more celebrations of you getting older!!!