The Young Family Farm »

We had an eventful crazy summer–and there is just no way to write all that we had going on. But today–I was reminded of something I didn’t share…that I want to. I want to share to help those that don’t always get to leave with good news.

After we brought Zeke home, we were having a lounge around the house day. I was watching my older kids sitting in the breakfast area–swinging there little legs back and forth as they sat eating their cereal when I noticed what looked like a knot in my 8 year old son’s leg. I thought MAYBE it was the way the sun was hitting it. Surely it was just the way the light was hitting it–but having a mommy mind and heart (aka – struggling not to make everything a worry)…of course my mind started racing. I ran over and asked my Parker to stretch out his leg–and the lump was even larger. It was below his knee where he said he had been experiencing pain, and it was hard as a rock. I called the pediatrician to be safe, and we went the next morning.

Our pediatrician said he wasn’t worried, and it could likely be just a Baker’s cyst. If it was–it could go away on it’s own or need to be removed–but wasn’t anything to be worried about. Because of it’s size and how it felt though, he referred us to the pediatric orthopedist to be sure. The days that followed, I caught my mind wandering and myself staring at my little Parker–wondering if our worlds were about to be rocked. I sent Rich with him to downplay it, and I stayed with the children. Honestly, I don’t react so well to uncertain news…y’all I am so NOT strong–so I knew it’d be better to send Richard. I know that makes me sound awful–BUT we also had just been home for a few weeks with our newest from China who wouldn’t stay with a sitter either. Richard called me to let me know they had completed the x-rays–and the doctor just wasn’t sure. My heart SANK. What do you mean not sure? So many questions–all that would have to wait until we went to Emory for a full MRI.

We scheduled it for Sunday, so one of us could again take him while the other stayed home with our new one and the other children. We would also have to wait for the report on Monday after the doctors reviewed the results. Lots of time on our knees here…and realizing that really–everything can just change in a blink for our children. Knowing there is NOTHING we wouldn’t do for all our children to be well–to say I was distracted for most of July in a fog is an understatement. Our doctor called with GOOD NEWS on Monday morning. It was benign, and we would watch it–but it was NOTHING to be worried about. I think I lost a few hairs in those weeks–but here’s the thing…we got to walk away with good news. Not everyone does. Yet in that moment…I WOULD HAVE DONE ANYTHING to find a cure…to help my child…to be a part of helping other children that have childhood cancer.

Just a year earlier we had been at a party celebrating our friend’s child being cancer FREE after a long and hard journey with childhood cancer. We watched osteosarcoma take little Bailey’s leg–but it did not take this little bulldog of a girl’s spirit to fight. She fought long and hard and BEAT cancer. And unlike me–well, she can’t just walk away with good news and forget her encounter. Because her encounter wasn’t just a scare–but it was an ugly beast that sent thousands to their knees praying for her fight with her. Bailey and her family are now trying to raise funds for Rally Foundation and CURE for childhood cancer research. For the next 48 hours you can join them by pre-ordering one of the t-shirts on Bailey’s mom’s blog! But you need to pre-order before September 4th at midnight! Pre-order a childhood cancer awareness t-shirt here on her blog.

Currently, we have another precious friend named Lindsey who’s precious little daughter Lola is fighting childhood cancer. With every Facebook post of little ones with backpacks heading off to school–I can’t help but think of all the things racing through Lindsey’s mind as she prepares her daughter for a year being in hospitals and at home more than school…and instead getting her little monkey in her place so her friends don’t forget her and remember she’s coming back–she just needs to get well first.

Oh my heart. I can hardly take the thought…so I can’t imagine how the mommy heart feels that doesn’t get to leave with good news. For those of us who get to back up our loves tomorrow for preschool and school–we can do something though. While these children fight–we can support organizations like Rally and CURE raising funds for childhood cancer research.

I’m so thankful I got to walk away–but heartbroken that that’s not everyone’s story. Will you join me in supporting this amazing cause? For all the Creeds, Lolas and Bailey’s out there! Let’s make a BIG HUGE smile on Miss Bailey’s face and flood her mommy’s blog with pre-orders to help them raise funds to win the fight against childhood cancer!

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE TIFFANY’S PRE-ORDER TEES – ALL PRE-ORDERS MUST BE IN BY SEPTEMBER 4TH AT MIDNIGHT!

We have had ONE busy weekend! We celebrated P’s birthday Friday night, my niece’s birthday Saturday…and then we decided to surprise my parents with a little wedding fun renewing vows with ring pops as the grandkids put on a little wedding and reception for them. It was so sweet…and so fun! Here’s a little sneak peak! (Here’s the direct link just in cast the one below doesn’t load well…)

My dad helped us a bit plan the night–and about this time last year he started working on a song to give my mom on their 40th. Sweet man drove to Nashville a few times to actually have it professionally recorded in a studio for her. Here is the video…he started it out making it look like he just recorded it on the back porch..but he definitely went to great lengths to make it special! I have some pretty sweet parents who are still very much in love! So blessed! (You can watch the direct the direct link HERE.)

And then we enjoyed watching this video of more sweet pictures…(direct link HERE)

So this is our crazy family! We might be as country sounding as they come with our Southern accents…but we love each other–and that’s better than anything you could ever hope for when it comes to family.

The greatest gift my parents have given me–is showing us girls how to work things out. We are committed to our husbands, our families and to our friends. We have watched our parents and learned how to work through hard–because it hasn’t always been easy…but we have learned that you never, ever give up. We have learned when you have hard relationships–friendships…or whatever–that when things get hard or uneasy or uncomfortable…you don’t avoid…you don’t run–you go deep–TOGETHER…because right around the corner…well, that’s where the best stuff is. They have taught us to be loyal, true and to take risks. And to be vulnerable–real and authentic in who we are with each other. I’m so thankful for what they are leaving us…a legacy to pass down to our children…and to our children’s children. And so thankful for sisters–who have shared every part of the beautiful alongside me. Mom and dad–we love you very much! Thank you for fighting for one another and for teaching us what it means to really love.

Blessings!

Andrea

Foster moms.

I’m sitting here…pouring over page after page after page…of 2 years documented from my son’s nanny from the orphanage in China. This is not normal I know. Such a gift for me to have this. A treasure.

Every milestone…every funny…every illness…every new mannerism–2 years this special caregiver–so much more than a care-giver…really “middle mom”…standing in the gap…she jotted–she documented–(she made this momma laugh with the nicknames and how many times she wrote the word naughty;) and made pictures to go along with the milestones. (Even my first child–as over zealous as I was–doesn’t have this!)

Everyone who meets our little love is surprised with how bonded he is to us–and how happy and secure he is in just 2 months home…TODAY–2 months home today! I have to give huge props and a standing ovation to the “middle mom” who stood in the gap and loved him first. He didn’t know he was waiting while I was jumping through hoops because he was being loved so big! It may have been her job–but she loved him as her own. THANKFUL. And now I’m trying to figure out how to get back over there and really thank her…again.

I realize this is a treasure. We do not have this for other son. Oh how I wish we did! BUT what this really reminds me tonight of is this–the importance…the powerful impression–the privilege of molding and shaping of a precious heart…the most amazing job these “middle moms” get to be a part of. She did this beautifully. Not knowing or caring if we would appreciate it. But because she loved him.

I. Am. Thankful.

Never underestimate the healing you might be a part of and what your love can do as you foster, stand in the gap, teach children at school…or where ever you are! Make the most of every opportunity to love big!

I have 5 children. Ages 8, 7, 4, 4 and 2.

Although I homeschool my older two, we also attend a co-op where my 8 and 7 year old attend classes from 8:30-2:30pm. My two 4 year olds (not twins–but 8 months apart) will go to preschool this year a few days a week–and my 2 year old…newly home from China…will be glued to my hip. Next week my older two will start school. In a few weeks, my middle two will start preschool. Getting them all dressed, out the door in time, lunches packed, etc–IT FEELS CRAZY. So every year–when I find out we do not have a peanut allergy in our class…I often take a deep breath of relief–EVEN THOUGH my kids HATE peanut butter…if you read labels–you know it’s in everything.

I confess. I take a deep breath and wipe my brow. Hearing that news at open house–well, it feels like it’s going to be an easier year.

I also must confess–although none of my children have a peanut allergy–I have a niece who does. And after reading a very eye-opening scary article about a precious little girl who accidentally ate something with a trace of peanut butter in it at camp this summer–I thought about what a stick in the mud I have been even feeling a sigh of relief in the past when I find out we can bring in whatever snack we like.

After reading that story–I was so afraid. Afraid–what if some mom accidentally packs something with peanut butter in it for my niece this year? What if some mom in a hurry on party day–brings something in and she accentually tries it? What if Benadryl or the EpiPen does NOT work in time? And for several nights–I laid in bed…for hours–unable to sleep as I thought about this. I sent my sister the article–not to scare her…but to remind her that even though there have been no close calls–we can’t get lazy. She thanked me and forwarded on to the nurse at her school too.

A week or two passed. I forgot about the article. And I…well, I get to forget about my niece’s allergy. I don’t have to read labels (unless she’s at my house which is only now and then). I don’t have to read every label on every trip to the grocery. I don’t have to make a bring cupcakes to birthdays–just to be safe. I don’t have to walk in the first open house EVERY YEAR and watch moms and dads point to the agenda as they read “PLEASE DO NOT PACK ANY THING IN YOUR CHILD’S LUNCH THAT HAS PEANUTS OR TRACES OF PEANUTS–WE HAVE A CHILD WITH A SEVERE PEANUT ALLERGY IN OUR CLASS”…and pretend I didn’t see them roll their eyes or give a “GREAT:(!” smile. I don’t have to always have children to my house instead of friends homes…or break a sweat at every holiday party when the bowl of peanuts is spotted—or casually hide it…or even make up a silly reason why we have to leave.

At the very most, when there is a child in my child’s class with this allergy–I have to use a little more of the brain the good Lord gave me–and simply read labels. For ONE meal out of the day–packing a lunch–I have to pack things omitting one little ingredient…no losing sleep, no worrying every where my child goes, no feeling like I need to tag along or always be there…just in case.  This…this is the very least–I can do.

But really. I think I should and can do more.