Scared to Death

So the health saga with Hannah continues...

What should have been a random blood draw at the lab turned into a nightmare.

I'll spare the details for Hannah's sake, but the visit ended with a faint pulse, a pale and incoherent daughter gasping for air, a "code blue" and a slew of paramedics with an ambulance.

Gratefully, we were able to avoid the ambulance ride and she's home resting now.

I held it together until I got in the car and then the crying of complete relief came over me.

I am pushing for answers this week...wish me luck!

50 Years

This weekend the Snow family is celebrating their parents 50th Wedding Anniversary

and

their mother's 80th birthday!

I am so grateful for Donna and Karl--my in-laws. They are amazing people who have done amazing things in their lives. Not much can slow these two down and I marvel at all they continue to do in every aspect of their lives.

Simply put, I couldn't ask for a better father-in-law and mother-in-law!

Love you both and here's to many more years!

Gratitude

I know it's not Thanksgiving...

And that my husband is technically unemployed...

And that Hannah's health is still up in the air...

And that I will in all probability fail the midterm I need to take...

BUT

having said that...

My heart is full of gratitude for my many blessings. I am surrounded by people everywhere and everyday who make me want to be a better person. Who remind me what life is really all about. Who do handle hard things in amazing ways. I am constantly reminded I have many things to be grateful for despite the unknowns that are glaring at me right now.

I am grateful for the job interview Dan has this week in Dallas...

I am grateful for concerned and determined doctors who are finding answers for us to help Hannah continue to receive her full health...

I am grateful that my failing a midterm will not result in me failing the class that I am almost finished with.

There is so much more I could write but keeping them close to my heart will suffice for now.

My Kiddos

I'm so grateful for these girls!

Dan and I spent a long night in the ER last night with Hannah.

The poor kid can't seem to get her full health back.

We've been fighting off one thing after another for the last 5 weeks.

The doctors are still trying to figure out what's going on inside of her.

Hannah came home from school exhausted and with a headache and took a good nap.

I didn't think to much about it because she has been so sick and her energy level is not up to par.

However, a few hours later the vomiting, shaking, numbness in the hands, feet and face got worse. It was actually a little frightening. Hannah doesn't remember how worried her sisters were for her and how they stayed awake into the early morning hours to make sure she was okay. Thanks to my girls for pitching in at home, helping each other and comforting each other.

Four I.V. attempts, 4 liters of fluid and some meds, a chest x-ray, another EKG, urine test, countless lab tests and they've ruled out some things. We still need to follow up on a few others.

So, I will be delinquent at church again this weekend. Not to worry, the bishop always knows where I am.

End of an Era

It's finally official...

(well, technically it will be official in 60 days),

Dan was let go from his job today.

He has been with Schering-Plough Corp for 13 years and last March

when it was announced that Merck would be taking over the company,

we thought and even hoped that Dan would be offered a severance.

After a lot of waiting, the word came and Dan was so relieved.

I know it may sound strange to want to be laid off from your job.

However, we feel like this is a great opportunity for him to expand his horizons.

That being said, though, we hope the job hunt is a short one.

I am so grateful for a hard working husband and his willingness to provide so well for our family.

He has some promising prospects in the forefront,

so we could sure use your prayers!

Here's the Scoop

I have need to repent of my lamentations about Emily's senioritis.

I realized the other day that I have suffered from the same status (of the college kind) for well over a year.

I have 2 1/2 classes (officially) left to finish my degree--I know--get with it already!

My black-eye beauty is healing nicely.

My ever dedicated fourth grader got a month's head start on her optional science fair project.
All on her own she decided she wants to see which liquid evaporates faster: water, orange juice or Diet Coke. (I wonder what we drink most often at our house)!

And last, but certainly not least, we got great news today from the doctor.

Hannah's EKG came back normal and for now we will just need to monitor her heart in another month. She looks forward to using her new gym membership and building up her endurance again.

My Glimpsing Tree

I think I want to write this post in a tree form because Julia has been finishing up a book report that had to be written in the same format. So here it goes a glimpse of life lately...

The Holiday Break

Memorable

Doctors' appointments

Redecorating Julia's Bedroom

Countless games of Skip-Bo

Inches of wet, white snow

Hilary face-planting on black ice

Hannah's EKG and waiting for the results

Emily receiving her very first college acceptance letter

Dan and Ruthann getting a night away to celebrate

Anticipating the coming week and what the future might hold