I can be like mommy!

Well, Joey has established a new goal in life. He wants to be like mommy! =) Today, every time I turned around, he had my flip flops on and then tonight, he demanded to wear my socks. I thought it'd be pretty cute, so I let him have his way. Mind you, these are ankle socks on me but Joey is sporting a new knee sock! =) You are pretty handsome there little fellow! On a serious note, the kids are having a rough time. Joey probably should have been taken to Riley today, but we waited it out to see what would happen. He wasn't urinating normally. No reason for it because he isn't have his intestinal problems right now. He went 11 hours (through the night and into the morning) with out a wet diaper. Not a good thing for a metobolic kiddo... so, we called to let his doc know and they agreed to let us wait it out and decide by 12 or 2 today. A friend came over to pray for Joey (Thank you Donna!) and he started to improve! So, we stayed home today. Yeah! Abby is battling congestion. I am thinking it is allergy related because it comes and goes. Just a pest for her though! Whelp, off to wash some socks!

Summer is ending...

We made a wonderful discovery... school is in and summer is ending.... NO ONE GOES TO THE ZOO THROUGH THE WEEK IN INDY! =) Oh it was wonderful. Little hot, but wonderful. We enjoyed a visit there Monday while at Riley. The kids can't regulate their temps well, so we didn't get to do much there... but we enjoyed the shark petting, the penguins, took a quick peak at the girraffes and the elephants. Unfortunately, we didn't get to feed the giraffes. Oh, but what fun to watch them! Abby just loves the zoo and Joey really enjoyed looking at animals this time as well! We finished off the trip with a run through the fountains in the kiddy area. Daddy and Joey were wimps. That hid on a bench in the shade. probably a good call regardless! It was a good day. We enjoyed being together. Always fun to have those occasional treats.

Big thanks!

I just want to say a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to those who work in the AV booth at FFC. I am currently watching our services live via the net and it ministers to me so much and I am sure many others. This is our "shut in" season where we are not allowed out around large crowds due to the spread of illness. So, thanks for giving me a way to still remain a part of the service at FFC! It means every thing! Last season, I didn't have this option and I felt so separated, now I feel as though I will not miss a beat! Thanks much!

A lot to think about...

You know, I have had a lot of time to think here the last few days between

car trips to mammaw and pappaw's house, trips to and from Riley and just being here with the kids doing our usual daily routine. So many people have had mixed responses to our situation with these kids. Some have gone from telling us "We just won't receive this" to being in complete denial, to "Well, maybe having kids was a mistake." I watch my two precious little joys every day. They've both have had large amounts of struggle with life, Abby more so at the beginning than now. All these comments have played back and forth through my mind and I think of every single day. It's been hard as a mommy to watch what my children have gone through. In the first three months of life, we nearly lost Abby three times. Frightening, but every snuggle in between, every time she looked at me with those bright blue eyes, it was worth every second of anything we had to walk through. The same with Joey. His whole first year has been one heart ache after another, but as soon as I hear that "cackle", it is all worth it. I don't second guess ever having Children. I am so THANKFUL for their lives. I don't deny what they face, I know it is there, but I'm just thankful they are mine. As for not accepting it, I have to face it... but I do pray daily God's hand of grace will move on both of their behalf. I can't count how many lives those two have changed. It hasn't been by anything Jeff or I have done, it hasn't been really anything they have done, but it has been by the hand of God moving in two innocent lives and people witnessing it. God is more than able. Abby was VERY upset last night and she told us it was because she has to "See bubby's doctor now." She knows exactly what is going on and her answer to it was this "Jesus is in my heart and I know he will help me." I wish I could have a dose of her faith! God is amazing how he comforts and loves on His children! So, today, I am thankful. Even though we have had our hard times and now face yet another diagnosis, I'm thankful I get to walk it out with my babies! I'm thankful that God allowed them to be mine!

Busy day...

Well, today has been a busy day. We actually found out more about Joey's biospy today. I was relieved. We still have nothing definitive, however, we have found out that it isn't as bad as they thought it was going to be! =) The downer is that Abby was diagnosed today with Mito. It was hard and my emotions were back and forth, but we pretty much had expected it because she's symptomatic, just more mild. So, we held together. Anyways... we decided to get our minds off of things and have some fun at ChuckECheeses. The kids had a blast and it was a good distraction for us. I think Daddy had fun too. ;) After coming home, Joey and daddy worked on putting safety locks on some of our cabinets and then mommy and Abby made home made donuts! Mommy cooked and Abby decorated! Tasted pretty yummy! I just want to publicly say thank you for every one who has e-mailed and called this week in response to every thing. Life has been tiring this week and full of ups and downs with emotion and friends are wonderful! Thank you!

When dissappointment hits...

Well, today has been an emotional battle. I tell you, we got a call from Riley that Joey's biopsy wasn't usable in his diagnosis. They didn't take enough muscle which more than likely means more testing and possibly another biospy. My heart was broken and I just am not really sure how to swallow it. I guess I question why? Why does he have to go through more? and why did it have to happen this way. I sat down at the piano today and I spent some time worshipping. That time truly helped. I tell you, sitting at the feet of God is soothing for anything. I have still struggled off and on, but i remember and know that God is our strength and He is with us! His hand is on our little Joey.

Amazing changes...

You know, it has been EXACTLY 8 wks this Friday since Joey was last discharged from the Hospital. I tell you, I have never seen any thing like it. He is literally like a new kid! This weekend, he got a cold... He fought it like normal. He has a little lingering congestion, but nothing major. Abby was a good bit concerning, but she's nearing being over hers with just a little asthma irritation here and there. I just don't even begin to claim to fathom this all! I see so much change. Prayers are still needed because they are what has kept him home, however, He's doing so well and getting better with leaps and bounds. Today, his therapist got him to say Ball for the first time ever! That was very exciting. He was able to put balls and blocks in and out of cups which most of you would say that's no big deal, but for Joey it is a HUGE deal. It's just very exciting. He's been a little more wobbly today, but not bad at all in comparison to the steps he has taken backwards before with sickness. So, it is just AWESOME! A big thanks to every one of you who prays for him and for Abby. God has been faithful to hear those prayers and to keep our little guy going! As the therapists tell us every day "He has his delays but nothing like what he should. He's an amazing little fellow." I tend to agree and a lot of it has to do with those of you who stand behind us and pray. Thanks!!!

Big days...

Well, Abby is officially a big girl pre-schooler. We are home schooling and she started "School" today! I was so proud of her! She did an awesome job and she just absolutely eats up learning! =) She was excited for her first day and has asked all day "Can we do more school mommy??" Too cute!!! It was so much fun teaching her and watching the light come on. We had started some pre-school with her over the summer, but getting it going full scale has been a lot of fun. The favorite job I ever had was when I had my own class and I taught little ones. So, I'm going to be in the highlight of my life these days! =) Joey even got envolved some today. He still has trouble controlling his hands enough to use a crayon, but he did a GREAT JOB today. He actually got some color on the paper! So, over all, today was exciting. The kids are doing better with their health. Joey is almost back to normal. Abby still is having trouble with her cough. But, she's doing a world of difference better tonight. Thanks to all who prayed!

Things that make you think....

Well, I have been reading a book by TD Jakes here recently. This book talks a lot about emotional healing and such. Today, it really convicted my heart. Jakes was talking about how we often "Joke" or "poke fun" at certain people types. Could be homosexuality, could be some one who colors their hair in a "wild" color, could be someone with piercings in place we wouldn't find ourselves desiring to place things... or could just be someone who looks different or lives a totally different lifestyle... I know that I have often found myself mindlessly participating in this kind of "poking fun" and the reality is, it isn't right. I was convicted though by what he said. We all know or should know anyways, that poking fun of any kind isn't nice, but what convicted my heart is that he talked about compassion in these situations. In the scripture, we find that Jesus was moved by compassion. He was moved by compassion to speak to the crowds of people waiting on him, he was moved by compassion to heal the woman who had been sick for so many years, he was moved by compassion to heal a sick child... In our moments of wanting to poke fun, shouldn't we be more so like Christ and moved by compassion to love every person? We forget that behind the make up, behind the clothes we all wear, behind the way we act or live our lives, there are real people who often have real hurts. So, when we are tempted to laugh... I pray for myself, I'll be tempted to be like Christ and be moved by compassion so that true ministry can happen!

Energy returns...

Whew... tonight, we had some energy come back to two of our little bodies... here are some glimpses into our evening....

Do you wanna play some tag? I am feelin' peppy tonight! Let's go!

It's a race around the living room! Look out! Joey's gonna getcha!

Hurry bubby! Sister is leaving in her boat! Ha!

Here's a hug for Joey! Sissy just loves you so much!

Stop playing with the blinds bub! That's a no no!!

Tag You're it!!! I caught you!Hey, I'm still runnin' here! Where did my sister go?
Beep beep... coming through!!!!

Did some one say that it is bed time??? Daddy's exhausted just watching!

Well, did you enjoy your tour? This was all in about 5 minutes... so life is wild and crazy at the Pfohl home!!!!

Faith in the midst of storms...

Joey and Abby are both sick today. I laid awake for a long time last night listening to both of their little congested breaths. On days like this, I struggle with my faith. I struggle to hold onto what God's word says, because fear grips me. The fear of the danger of infection for their little bodies. I know the scriptures and I know that fear is not of God, but as a human, that's hard to accept. I keep thinking about the "Baggage" series that Pastor Kris and now Jeff have preached on and I realize that this is something I have to let go of. Jeff reminds me constantly, "God is in control of every moment of our lives." I remember one Sunday, driving home from church, we had recently been told we wouldn't be able to bare children, but this one sunday was a huge step for me. I gave it ALL to God. I told him I was letting go and I told him that if he would choose to not let me bare a child, I was ok with it. Then, not even a month later, I was pregnant. This is when I told God, that child was HIS. Not mine, HIS. Today, I have to stand on that. I give God my babies. Medical word is what it is. Sickness is dangerous, but only God knows what life holds. So, today, I am setting my baggage down with great strain, but I have peeled my last little finger off for today and I'm saying "God, today is yours and todays trials are yours!" I'm so thankful that we have a God that loves us even when we are weak.

New uses for kitchen cabinets and kitchen gadgets...

Well, the kids have settled in and they have found that they enjoy the cabinets in my kitchen greatly! Then, to beat all, Joey and Jimmy (Christi's boyfriend) have found a new way to utilize my kitchen colander! Oh dear! I tell you, family just adds highlight to our lives! We had a fun evening together tonight. Christi and Jimmy came over and we played Apples to Apples. Oh this is a hilarious "get to know" each other game... mostly getting to know the corky side of each other... however, my ribs do hurt tonight from laughing. So, I'd say it is worth a time of sitting down together around the table to play! Joey is a bit grouchy tonight because he had his 1 year shots today, but doing surprisingly well. Abby's asthma meds were increased today. Nervously, I gave them to her tonight. I always hate increases! We looked around Lowe's today, mostly because we needed a new plug for our dryer, but Jeff always feels the need to drool over the wood and dream of a "one day" wood shop. Then we ventured to hobby lobby so that he could fix the clock that my dad made. Dad has a fascinating way of using a cut of a tree to make a beautiful clock. I can't wait to get it fixed and back up and running. =) Ahhh... now it is time for rest! =)

Mommy daughter time....

I was unpacking boxes and moving around decorations today trying to find a place that I would like to put them and I came across a box of my old piano books. Piano used to be such a passion of mine, but I don't play any more... mostly because I don't have time. Well, I took some time tonight and I found my daughter snuggled up against me at the piano bench trying to play along. But the awesome thing, as I sang the worship songs, she started singing to. She was putting together her own songs of praise. It is amazing how much our children watch us and mimic how we act and do day to day. I was proud to share this time with her. Apparently she was too because she told daddy all about it. She wanted daddy to play piano with her like mommy did. I Cherish these moments! Music is my comfort and I think little miss Abby is following in my steps.

The boxes are leaving!!!!

Well, it has felt like forever, but we are nearing the end of our boxes! Very exciting. Now, we are just down to putting things in the right place and keeping it clean! Yeah! It is refreshing to be near "done". We had distribution day for Angel Food. It was nice to have a place to use our boxes! However, they found a hidden toy in one of them! =) Anyways, the kids are doing good! They are excited to be in the new home!

Moved in and settled....

Well, moving day has come and gone! We are in and some what settled. Still a few stragglers of boxes here and there... but nothing we can manage to dig out of! To the left, you see Abby helping put our bed together. Oh, water bed frames are so fun to play in! =) Ha! Anyways, life is going ok. We have had a long week of testing for Abby, however, she's done well. Things are coming back mild but pointing towards mito as her brother has. They are two precious kids! I just wanted to take this time to say a big thank youto every one who has pack us, clean up the old, clean the new (HOUSE WHEN WE WERE HOMELESS... MOM & DAD), move us in to the new and unpack us! You are all a blessing. Oh, and thanks for the wonderful meal (kay!!!!) You can cook for us any time! It's been overwhelming at the people who have surrounded us. Thank you!