Happy Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be Thankful for Today!

Family- Who have sustained us emotionally and financially so many times over the last 5 years. No matter how bad things get they step up to the plate and help us.

Friends- Who have cried with us, laughed with us, prayed for us and celebrated with us. We are so blessed to have so many incredible friends.

A Medical Team- Doctors, nurses, therapists, a psychologist and so many more who have contributed to keeping Alex healthy. In this case, it truly does take a village!

Playgroup and Cub Scouts- Who have embraced Alex and make him feel so "normal". They are our saving grace, the place we turn when we need fun and we are so grateful for them.

Eagle Ridge Elementary- This school is so incredible! They have gone above and beyond to give Alex a true school experience in 3 hours a week. They have been so willing to work with us to meet Alex where he is. We are so lucky that he has such an amazing teacher.

A job on the horizon that is so exciting. Bruce cannot wait to start work with Lehigh Hanson. For the first time in years, he is excited about his career.

Our church- Keller United Methodist has been a part of our family since Alex was born. No matter how long it is between visits they welcome us with open arms and always keep our family in their prayers.

I am sure I am missing someone. We really are blessed this Thanksgiving!

Quick Update

Just a quick update to let everyone know we are doing well!

Alex is LOVING school! He has the most amazing, loving teacher. She has truly gone out of her way to make Alex feel loved and included. I am so thankful for the caring souls that God has placed in Alex's life. With everything he has been through, he has always been surrounded with love and that means the world to me. The schedule has definitely been a little rough to get used to. Alex is exhausted. We are tweaking certain parts of his all around schedule to allow for the most rest and down time. Who would of thought 3 hours of school a week would be so hard!

Last weekend we attended the Longhorn Camporee for Cub scouts. It was held at the Speedway and was a fun morning for us. Unfortunately we didn't make it all day as Alex was tired and his legs really hurt.  It was such a "boy" event. Lots of guns! Alex loved that part. All my rules about guns went down the drain! Here are some pics!

 

 

As for medically, we are still trying to figure some things out. We are watching labs and talking to the doctors often as we try and sort out when and how much IV fluid to give him. He is adjusting well to his oxygen and is not fighting me about wearing it any longer. We have also started a new medication as needed for stomach pain and it is helping some so that is good.

 

 

Alex and I have to make a quick trip to Houston Tuesday and Wednesday. Please pray for us to travel safely. Also, Brucey has a second interview for job he would love today at nine. Please lift him up. A job before Christmas would be a HUGE blessing!

Love you,

Ali



A day I never thought would happen!

How do you put in words the emotions of reaching a goal you never thought would happen? How do you control the tears when your child rises above what you hoped for?

Four years ago, I joined many of my friends as we registered our babies for kindergarten. I imagined the first day. I dreamed of school pictures, PTA meetings and class parties. Less then a month later those dreams were dashed when the doctors informed me that Alex was not well enough to go to school. For the past 4 years I have joyfully homeschooled Alex. I have loved every precious minute with my boy as I watched him learn and grow. But there was always a touch of sadness each August as the kids all headed back to school. For us, there were no first day of school pictures. No new friends made in class. No report cards to brag about.

Totally unexpectedly, today those dreams came true. Today, I am proud to present Alex's first day of school pictures!!!!!

So how did this come to be? After a pretty good year Alex's doctors decided he was well enough to go to one half day of school a week. To me sending him one half day a week didn't make sense or accomplish the goals we all have for him. After talking to some of my closest friends and brainstorming, I envisioned the perfect plan. However, I never thought we would get the school or district to agree. Alex's school has been INCREDIBLE! From the first day I stepped foot in the office and spoke to the principal they have embraced Alex. The principal has cried with me and vowed to fit "a lifetime of experiences" in the short time he is in school. We met this past Tuesday to make it official. Alex will be on campus about 3 hours a week. He will go to library, PE and computer. All his choice. We will continue to do our academics at home. It is the perfect compromise. The best of both worlds!

Alex went yesterday and met his class. His teacher has been fabulous...warm and inviting, caring and compassionate, so accomodating. She has a plan to let Alex skype into class several times a week so he can participate in class without the ramifications of being in school. Here are some pictures from his meeting yesterday!

 

 

Oh and to make things even more perfect...Mimi and PopPop are here visiting so Mimi has been able to participate in all these firsts. Whoever imagines they'll be walking their child to his first day of school in November when they are eight. It is just so special. This is not a day we ever thought we would experience. And because I forgot, here are a few halloween pictures.

We ask that you lift Alex up in prayer as he begins this new journey...that it is everything we hope for and more. We also pray his health holds up. We also ask that you continue to pray for Bruce to find the perfect job. Thank you for loving my boy and following the journey of our crazy life.
Ali