You Asked For Updates, You've Got Updates!

Once again I've gotten side-tracked and not been faithful in making some posts to keep you all updated. I don't know what's been going on lately with me! One would think that I would have lots of time with two birds out of the nest.

But nay-nay.... lots going on. When I make a list of everything I've been doing, I imagine that I could have it all completed in just two full days.... so why has it been a whole week? I don't know. Maybe I just have trouble focussing. All I know is that before I know it, I'm crawling back into bed after a full day and have to wonder what filled up my whole day?

I know some of you can relate.

So because I've been running into many folks who keep asking about how the boys are doing, I'll give an update here today.

I have a bit of time today for blogging because Jared had to miss today's hockey game. Jared fills in on one of the Bantam league teams because there were not enough Bantam-aged kids to form teams. Midget players were brought down to help fill in and build up the numbers. (Some Peewee players may have been brought up to play as well; I'm not sure about this, though.)

Yesterday at the highschool's soccer playoff game, a Moira player's knee connected with Jared's front thigh, and down Jared went. He hobbled around for a bit and was able to finish playing, but after the game the leg was pretty sore. He was in a lot of discomfort last night and this morning, so he decided it would be too painful to play hockey. (Sorry about that, Coach Clark!)

That boy gives his all when he plays. It amazes me. In fact, I've told him to STOP playing so hard! He doesn't care if he gets hurt! I will tell you right now that he did NOT inherit that trait from his Momma! He's had more bumps and bruises and cuts and skin ripped off his body. He has sat with his leg up some evenings after a game and we have watched his leg, where the skin has been ripped off, literally ooze!!!! It's not pretty, folks!

The boys on the PECI Panther teams (Junior & Senior) have done an excellent job on the soccer field this season. I am so proud of all the players (even the opposing teams) who go out to play soccer (or any sport!) to support their school. I'm glad we have programs like this. Thank you to the teachers and the coaches (that's you, Dave Mather!) who volunteer their time to these kids. It is greatly appreciated.

So Jared will spend today relaxing to rest his leg, and hopefully he will feel better for the Midget hockey game on Sunday evening. My goodness, I'll go through withdrawal if he can't play! I'll have to just go to the arena anyways and watch his teammates play! haha.

As many of you know, Jake has been working in Georgetown with Jon's friend who is a landscaper. As soon as Jake graduated from high school, he was outta here! He has enjoyed his time up there; but 'tis the season for him to move on. The landscaping work pretty much comes to an end this time of year.

He could've stayed on to do some snow plowing, but since you never know how much snow you're going to get through the Winter, Jake has decided that he would like to truck with his Dad over the Winter. I told him I thought it was a great idea; however, we are of the understanding that he'll be returning to the landscaping business in the Spring. He assures me this will be the case.

Jon and Jake are just now leaving South Dakota with a load of pork and heading to Toronto. They seem to be having a good trip together. Jon says that just having Jake with him feels like he received a blood transfusion. I told Jake to ensure that Dad doesn't sleep in the bunk while Jake unloads the trailer by himself! haha. They just finished updating their Facebook statuses, so I think they're good to go!

Poor Jake must return home this week in order to receive a root canal on one of his teeth as well as a wisdom tooth extraction. He's been in a lot of pain, but the antibiotics have been doing their job and settling the discomfort in his mouth. He was bet and bound, though, that he was going with Dad in the truck! I expect to see them return home some time on Monday.

As Tuesday rolls around, we will breathe another sigh of relief as we anticipate Blake receiving his next dose of Remicade in New Brunswick. Things are all set up for his meds to be administered in Saint John.

His discomfort has been quite minimal, although he did have a bit of pain and fatigue a few days at the end of September or beginning of October. He missed classes one morning and I believe there was another day where he laid down for an afternoon nap and slept through his class. (But he felt better after the nap!)

He was home for Thanksgiving weekend, which we were thrilled about, and he seemed to be feeling relatively well. I was talking to him on the phone the other morning and he asked me to hang on as someone was at his door. I overheard the conversation; and when Blake returned to the phone, he clarified to me that the person was someone from the maintenance department who had very kindly taken the time to make Blake a crockpot of homemade soup! Blake said he'd been talking to her about a month ago when she asked about his health situation, and then she shows up with all this soup for him! What a blessing! Oh how New Brunswick reminds me of Prince Edward County! People are so kind.

So Blake's friend, Aaron, will graciously drive Blake to Saint John early Tuesday morning for his infusion. Blake said that he was supposed to have an exam that day, but his Professor is kindly letting Blake write it the next day. (Thank you, Mr. Professor!!!) Thankfully Aaron has no classes scheduled until later that day, and since Blake's appointment is 8:30am (I think), then there shouldn't be any problems in getting back to the school in plenty of time.

Blake has conveyed to me that his workload is extremely full... overloaded....; however, he says the work comes quite easy to him, he understands it very well. He says, "There's just a LOT of it!". It's apparently very time consuming, along with the hours that he is required to put in at the library. He works 8 hours per week. Now add the fact that he cooks his own meals and must do his own dishes and cleanup and add some laundry in there...... and don't forget about chat time with his sweetheart (Hi Anelyse!), it gets to be a jam-packed schedule. I think he's getting enough sleep; but I also know he's like his Momma and if that sleep time gets broken or cut short, look out! hahaha.

So overall, he's doing well. I so appreciate the school that he's attending. They are a very caring bunch of staff and students and community, and I would recommend Bethany Bible College to anyone!

So, what's up with Jon? Pretty much the same-old-same-old. Jon is still enjoying his life in the trucking industry. He's happy out there doing what he does best. These shorter runs ('shorter' meaning that he's gone 5-7 days as opposed to 10-12 days) seem to be working out really well for him. If he does come home tired, a good night's sleep seems to suffice; whereas he used to come home and sleep and would never truly get caught up.

Jon is thrilled that Jake is travelling with him for the Winter, and I think they'll have a good time. Jon is a hard worker and gives his all.... good attributes to pass on to his children. He has more love for me and our boys in his big toe than many have in their whole heart. He never gives up and he's willing to help anyone who needs it. I am hoping the boys forget our bad habits and traits and are able to focus on these good ones. I am a very fortunate woman to have Jon in my life.

And speaking of me and my life, it certainly has been busy lately. I am very happy that much of my time is spent with or for my boys. I thoroughly enjoy heading to all of Jared's sporting events (even like yesterday when I was bundled up with three sweaters, a winter coat, ear muffs, gloves, boots, a blanket AND a sleeping bag on the soccer field sidelines! It was c-c-c-cooooold!). I am happy to sit in the hockey arena bundled up, sitting on a blanket, and cheering on those kids!

I spent one afternoon this week at a funeral for my friend Linda's husband. Steve became ill early this past Summer and was given only possibly a few short years to live. Unfortunately he lived for only approximately another four months.

Now I know that we're programmed in this world to believe that a funeral is not a good thing. And of course, none of us are happy about someone dying. However, I have attended some amazing funerals where it was a celebration of their life topped off with a parting "see you again one day". If you've never attended a funeral like that, I can assure you that you are truly missing out on an amazing event!

I have attended many funerals of celebration where the service was a testimony of our Lord in their lives. And I left with the assurance that I would one day see them again in eternity. I would leave those funeral services and think "THAT's the kind of service I want when I leave this earth!".

Well, that's exactly what I said when I left the funeral service for Steve. After we heard an "Amen" praise song by two local amazing musical artists, we spent the next 45 minutes or so of the service hearing story after story about Steve. It was non-stop. We heard of things he'd done and said, impacts he'd made on others' lives, his love for family, friends, community, his job..... as well as the love that others had for him! And then the service turned to about ten minutes of God's thirst-quenching presence in our lives. It wasn't "preachy", it wasn't "flowery".... it was to the point. It made an impact. A brilliant presentation of an acapella Amazing Grace was given once again by the two amazing musical ladies, whose voices in that old United Church with the high ceilings and amazing acoustics sounded like that of angels!

Meanwhile, throughout the service, you could just see it was hard for Linda to sit still in her seat. She was itching to jump up and praise Jesus throughout that service. As the casket was wheeled down the aisle to the back of the church, Linda's face beamed with radiance and a smile stretched from ear to ear. She clapped her hands to the song which was blaring through the sound speakers... Life Is A Highway... apparently one of Steve's favourite songs.

Oh, Lord, that I would be able to praise You like that under such circumstances! It's the heart's cry.... Fill me, Lord; mold me; make me; use me....... ANY time, ALL the time...... even at a husband's funeral. What a testimony to the saved and unsaved!

It was truly a celebration. God is alive. Even at a funeral. His presence is everywhere and with us all the time. Even during the dark times when it's hard to maybe sense His presence. He's there, folks. He's always there. Ask Linda. She'll tell you the same thing.

God bless you, Linda, as you grieve the loss of your husband and friend, and know that God shone through you on Wednesday. We love you.

Well, friends, I have more to write about, but I think I'll save it for another post. Jared and I are excited to watch some good ol' Saturday Night Hockey In Canada tonight as we watch the Leafs defeat the Flyers (might want to pray for this to happen because I have SO rubbed this in a friend's face (all in good fun) and don't want to stand with egg on my face or have to eat humble pie! haha).

Trusting that you enjoy some great quality time this weekend with friends and family. We truly do not know how long we have with them. Cherish every moment and opportunity.

Until next time, God bless.

Off To College!

Our bird has flown the coop. He is in his new nest waaaaaaay faaaaaaar awaaaaaaaaay from here.






But only in miles.







Or rather kilometers.....







...... because he is always near to us in our hearts and minds.







We struck out for New Brunswick on Saturday morning and experienced excellent weather conditions all the way. We anticipated rain and wind from Hurricane Earl, but Earl decided to show some mercy and did not really affect many areas of the east. At one point we ran into a bit of misty rain, turning the windshield wipers on only a couple of times, at their lowest speed. The sun shone magnificently with big beautiful white fluffy clouds layering sections of the sky. Perfect travelling conditions.







My brother-in-law, Brent, accompanied Blake and me, and we arrived late Saturday evening and headed to our hotel. After a great sleep we spent Sunday unloading the van and getting Blake settled into his dorm. Then we headed to Wal-Mart to purchase a few things that Blake needed.






Sunday evening we attended the "welcoming service" at Bethany Bible College's gorgeous sanctuary. What an amazing church. And what an amazing service. My friend, Renie, and I understood one another's tears. She was leaving her oldest son behind in New Brunswick, so her eyes were glossy periodically throughout the day. By the end of the church service, my eyes were just continually spilling over with tears. The Holy Spirit just filled the sanctuary and our hearts during our worship time.





Earlier that morning at the hotel's breakfast nook, I spoke with two other moms who were dropping off their sons. We all talked about the tears we shed at these times, and I indicated that we're the moms... we're allowed to cry... it's our job. haha. But God understands our tears. He knows we are leaving pieces of ourselves at the college when we hesitantly climb into our cars and strike out for our homes.... that are many many many miles away from our baby birds.







It was wonderful for me to hear Blake laugh as he greeted friends he hadn't seen since last Spring. Being in the boys' dorm, we were surrounded by young men. Brent chuckled at the sight of so many males actually hugging each other and not embarrassed to do so. I know from Blake's health situation last Spring that so many of these boys care about one another. They're watching out for one another, and that really brings comfort to a mother's heart and gives some peace of mind!




Blake's first official day of school was yesterday, Wednesday. I texted him last night and asked how things went. He indicated that he feels it will be a busier and fuller semester than the last one. I told him that he should not sacrifice his health over ANYTHING, including school. He can always take an extra semester for any course that he struggles with, but he cannot play around with his health. It's hard for me to let go, but I know I have to.... to a certain degree. :o)







Speaking of Blake's health, I spoke with our Remicade co-ordinator for Ontario on Tuesday. She called me to confirm the address of the clinic where Blake's medication would be sent in late October......








Huh?.....







I said, "The specialist's secretary told me that it was illegal for you to send it out there, despite me telling her what I'd been told in the past [that the meds could be shipped from Ontario to New Brunswick]." The co-ordinator said, "There is absolutely no problem in sending this medication out to New Brunswick to Blake, and it will be fully covered under Trillium's Drug Plan."







I just shook my head. I thought, "Would it have been THAT hard for the specialist's secretary to say to me last Friday, 'Michelle, I'm sorry; I was misinformed, you were correct in what people told you.' " Instead I was led to believe that other strings had been pulled in order for Blake to get his meds.







In the long run, it doesn't really matter. The fact is that the kid is receiving the meds he needs. But it just is so frustrating that I am constantly being told something different from every person I talk to.





But I will tell you that I am soooooo happy to deal with our Remicade co-ordinator here in Ontario as well as the co-ordinator in New Brunswick. They are both delightfully kind women and I wish everyone in the world could be even half as terrific as these two ladies.




So the bottom line is that Blake will receive a dose around the end of October and then his next dose will be about a week before Christmas. I am thrilled. I am doin' the happy dance. hahhaa.




Well, Jon is eagerly anticipating his time on the computer, so I need to stop typing. I want to close with a few pictures of Blake in New Brunswick. Please pray for him as he comes to your mind.






Blake in his dorm room





Blake's desk area

Storage space under his bed

Closet (not much room for clothing once we put the fridge in there, but there wasn't room anywhere else for the fridge.)







Blake giving his girlfriend the tour of his room via Skype (sorry it's blurry)

Blake chatting with his Brasilian sweetheart, Anelyse via Skype. (Hi Anelyse!)

l-r: Sydney (Blake's cousin); Andrew (Blake's roommate); Christoph (Blake's friend); Blake

Did I mention that I miss him already? ;o)

Stamp of Approval - Blake Health Update 2010/09/03

It is with great pleasure.....









for me to officially announce......










that Mr. Blake Found......









after approximately 11 months of numerous phone calls, paperwork, prayer, and even the odd time of some hair-pulling........









has received.......









word from his Specialist's secretary......









at 8:55am......










on September 3, 2010......










that funding for his miracle-drug Remicade......







is........








finally.........







[hold onto your seat....]
'
'
'
'
'
'
'

We have been notified that, not only will Blake's cost of Remicade be covered but, he is also able to receive his medications when he is out-of-province while attending college in New Brunswick. This means we do not have to cart him back to Ontario every eight weeks for his infusions.

Today, I am one extremely happy Momma.

Just yesterday morning I had a conversation with the Specialist's secretary. She explained to me that I had been misinformed by a few people with regards to Blake's situation. For almost a year now, I seem to get a different story from absolutely everyone I talk to regarding Blake's situation.

I had been told that Blake could, once approved, receive his meds in New Brunswick as long as it was shipped from Ontario to New Brunswick. I spoke to TWO different gentlemen from the Trillium group on TWO different dates who both confirmed it was no problem. I also spoke with a special pharmacy who deals in dispensing Remicade, and they confirmed that it could be shipped in a special refrigerated package and that it must be used within three days.

Our Specialist's secretary said she called Trillium and the pharmacy and was told that it was illegal to ship the meds from Ontario to New Brunswick. She also said she was told that it could not be shipped because it needed to be refrigerated and that it needed to be used within 24 hours.

I don't understand why we are being told completely different stories.

Then the secretary said that Blake would likely have to change his province of residence to New Brunswick and then apply for health coverage there.

Huhhhh??????

Ummmm.... how about NO!

It all sounded very suspicious to me.

Anyways, she called this morning at 8:55am to announce that coverage for this medication will be provided to Blake and that he may receive his infusions while attending college in New Brunswick. They will call him with the date and time of his infusions.

She confirmed we are covered for one year, and at that time she will fill out paperwork to renew the Section 8 coverage and that I am to continue to renew the Trillium coverage.

Yes. I can do that!

Just yesterday, after my phone call with the secretary where we discussed all these contradictory statements given to me, I was frustrated because I had worked so hard on my phone calls and keeping good records of conversations, etc. I had spoken to so many people, including politicians offices who were, by the way, of no help to me. I felt like I had beaten my head against the wall. I had gone out later that day to cut the lawns and I could feel myself getting somewhat angry for all these delays and road blocks.

Then it was like a light bulb came on.

...."praise God anyways".

So I pushed out the negative thoughts and said, "Lord, I'm gonna praise you anyways. YOU know the situation and You have a plan. It's not going well here, but You have a reason why. I'm just gonna praise You anyways".

I continued to cut the lawns, row after row, and then the angry thoughts would creep their way back into my thinking. Then, I would hear, "praise God anyways".... and so I'd starting praising Him all over again. I kept pushing out the angry thoughts, allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work.

"Thank You, Lord. You're watching over us."

"Thank You, Father. Your Word says you'll never leave us nor forsake us."

"Thank You, Lord. You have a plan for this situation. You're in control."

"God, You are good. You are so good."

"I will praise Him, I will praise Him, praise the Lamb for sinners slain. Give Him glory all ye people, for His blood can wash away each stain."

And then, 18 hours later, I get the call.

And just how amazing is THAT!?

'

I've had my "God moment" for today.

'

So tomorrow we leave to take my little boy back to New Brunswick. He's gained almost thirty pounds back since June. He's feeling better, looking better, sounding better. Like The Six Million Dollar man, he's stronger... better... faster. Well, OK, I might be stretching it on the "faster" part, but you get my drift.

'

He has spent the day packing, running last-minute errands, and tonight is relaxing with his best bud Billy. They are downstairs now attacking the XBox360. It gives my heart happiness to hear them laughing and hollering at one another down there.

'

Please remember us in prayer as we travel all day Saturday. My brother-in-law, Brent, is able to go with me, and I'm very appreciative of that. The van is almost all loaded up and we strike out early morning.

'

Also remember in your prayers to thank our Lord for His many blessings. What a trial these last few years have been; but we come out victorious because we go through our battles in the name of the Lord.

'

There's not a battle we cannot win; we've already won the war! Hallelujah!

As a footnote, I'd like to include this video. It was posted on another blog that I follow. The lady with the hat in the video passed away this week to be with Jesus after a battle with cancer. I thought this was a beautiful song, sung in a "round"; it's message seems to fit what I was just writing about. Enjoy.

[Remember to pause my music at the bottom of this page.]



Hearts Uplifted

Baby Bird Report

Chatted earlier this evening with my 1st baby bird and after one week of college life, the vote is in and.........

He LOVES it.

I figured he would, but it was still a relief to hear him say it.... or rather, to see him type it.



We just had a live chat online via typing, since I don't have a web cam yet; and when I asked him how he's enjoying things now that he's been there a whole week, he said he's "LOVING IT".



Blake said one of his colleagues cut his hair for him..... kinda scares me because it brings back memories of that whole "Marie" thing! However, THIS time Blake gave his consent and I'm anxious to find out from my sisters, who have web cams, to hear their views on what he looks like.



He seems to be ahead on his assignments already, so that makes me happy. I'm glad he's not leaving things to the last minute, like his Momma always does.



It's really difficult to not be part of his whole life now. From the time our kids are born, we are part of everything they do in school, at church, music lessons, sports, everything! Blake said they had a church service Sunday evening with only the students attending, and he gave his testimony. (Apparently, he jokingly told them he had a contagious disease.... hahhaha... comedian). It's disappointing that I couldn't be there to hear it.



I am always proud to hear and watch our boys perform music and play sports and cut wood and help load freight and master video games and...... you get the idea. So when I can't be there to be a part of it.... it just kinda feels like my balloon has been deflated.



Yes, I know, it's a part of life. It's part of the baby bird leaving the nest. And yes, Momma bird will get used to it.... but it doesn't mean I have to like it.



I guess I'm just happy that things are going well there for him, that he's enjoying the school, the students, the teachers, the staff.....



Now the food? Well, that's another story. Some of the foods, or something used in the foods, seem to be bothering him a little bit. However, there is another student with some food concerns, so he took Blake to meet the Chef to work out a meal plan for Blake. This thrilled me! The Chef simply wants a list of what Blake can and cannot eat and will be able to accommodate Blake's needs. Wahoo!



We are also nearing the date for a Remicade infusion, but we have not received the go-ahead from the government regarding the Section 8. Hopefully we'll receive positive news this week.



Anyways, that's about it for now. Just wanted to share with all of you that Blake is very happy in his new home. Please continue to pray for Blake's health and for the Section 8 approval.



Thank you, Lord, for watching over my baby.

Blake's Health Update 2010/01/07

This is going to be a rather quick post.... I really need some beauty catch-up sleep because we head for New Brunswick VERY early on Saturday morning.

I just wanted everyone to know that Blake's health has been very good lately. The medicine, Remicade, has proven to be extremely effective in Blake's healing process. I know that your prayers have been extremely effective as well. Thank you for praying for our boy.

And, since we're on the topic of "prayer".... I am wondering if I could bother you to pray that the "Section 8" is approved in the next few days. We have been accepted by Trillium, who will pay for any drugs that Blake needs, not including his yearly deductible (which is, thankfully, quite low). However, Trillium will only pay for the actual Remicade IF a Section 8 is granted. THAT is what we're waiting for now. Once that is granted, we will be able to ship Blake's Remicade doses to him from Ontario to New Brunswick where he will receive the infusions at a clinic, hopefully not too far from his college. Blake's Remicade is covered under Trillium ONLY if it's shipped from Ontario.

Honestly, folks, all the paperwork and phone calls has been more exhausting and frustrating than the actual disease itself!!!!! I wouldn't wish this upon anyone. Two women have been extremely instrumental in assisting me with this whole process...... Simona and Edel.

[applause, cheers, more applause....]

Ladies, please take a bow.

I appreciate their efforts and their professionalism and their extreme kindness to us as we've tackled this monster! They've helped to make a difficult situation a little easier to bear.

Simona tells me this morning that "once the Section 8 is approved, it's a no-brainer". Wa-hooooo! I LOVE NO-BRAINERS since I'm only functioning with part of a brain lately!

So, back to Blake.

Blake has been in New Jersey since Monday afternoon with his Brazilian girlfriend, Anelyse. Anelyse spent Christmas and New Year's holidays here with us, and can I just tell you that I love her and want to keep her here. But Damaris, her Momma, wouldn't let me. She said I must return her. I did. But I wasn't happy about it. Not one little bit.

Anelyse was a delight and maybe, just maybe....... OK, A REALLY BIG MAYBE, I just might be ready for a daughter-in-law..... IF it's Anelyse. Then I'll be ready. Blake's not ready for a wife yet, but I'm ready for the daughter-in-law. Guess I'll have to wait and see what happens. For now, Any returns to Brazil on Saturday to return to her dentistry, and Blake travels to New Brunswick to begin his new life as a college kid. Jon and I will meet Blake Saturday evening at the airport in Moncton (we'll be driving out with all his belongings) and at that point, I will begin the agonizing adjustment of being Momma Bird with one less bird in the nest.

Tissues, please.

More, please.

Still more.

I haven't cried YET, but I know it's coming.

I have my THIRD cold in a matter of six weeks, so I'll just tell people I'm not crying, I'm just fighting a head cold.

Blasted eye-watering cold.

That's what it will be is.... an eye cold.

THAT way, I can cry the whole time.

I'll bet every Momma there will have an eye cold.

Every single Momma on that campus is gonna have the dreaded eye cold.

And every Daddy will have that lump in his throat tickle in his throat.

[a-hem, a-HEM]

Kids won't understand until they have to do it themselves.

That'll be our glory moment, eh? hahha

Anyways, Blake seems to be doing very well. No pain in the tummy. No loose bowel movements. No blood. It's been wonderful!

There has been the ODD occasion where he has eaten something and then felt a little uncomfortable; however, it's not too long and he's back on track. That will help him to know what he can eat and what he should avoid.

(Sorry, Grandma, but that piece of pumpkin pie didn't seem to sit well. However, the cherry pie that Dean, Jake, and I ate off the floor seemed to sit REAL well. You should drop pies more often!)

Well, I've gone and done it again. I said "a quick post" and, sure 'nuf, it ain't.

Once next week rolls around, I need to finish up our Thank You's and then get the write-up done for the newspaper. We have so many people to thank! We have been loved by so many generous folks. There really will not be the right words to say...... I'll probably re-write it all a few dozen times, trying to make it perfect.

Drat! It's after 11pm already.

QUICK post.

QUICK post.

When will I ever learn? !!!!!!!!!

G'night, folks.

And just a quick reminder to pray that the Section 8 is quickly approved. And could you pray for safe travels for Jon and me (and another college student who will be travelling with us) as we travel to New Brunswick. Weather conditions sound like they will be ok.... just wanna make sure our VEHICLE will be ok!!!! Thanks for praying for us.