As mentioned last week, we had 3 extra kids stay with us for the week. What an incredible time we had last week with 8 kids in the house. Now, I know what most of you are thinking - "you guys are CRAZY!" But, can I tell you how calm and peaceful a household can be when you have 8 well-trained kids. Conflicts were minimal, fun was had, lots of laughter was shared. It was like eating with the Waltons every night for dinner (and you can't imagine how quickly the kitchen was cleaned up after.) Now, I'm still finding Nerf darts all over the house from the incredible Nerf Gun War. We'll eventually get them off of all the high window ledges.
The kids wrapped up their music camp with their program on Friday night and then an encore performance on Sunday morning for children's church. They were awesome.
Becky is so ready to have a 14 year old girl after having Ashley last week. I did have to correct her and say "not just any 14 yr old girl, but one who has been raised with Biblical principles like Ashley".
So, Ashley, if your reading this and ever want to run away from home, you have a home with us. And, please bring Morgan and Leighton too.
Mike and Jodi K, the incredible parents of Ashley, Morgan, and Leighton came for the weekend with their other 2 kids - which just added to the fun. I think the 4 of us talked non-stop (which isn't really hard for Mike and Becky - but I do think Jodi and I will say our mouths might be tired from the talking).
As usual, Mike and Jodi encouraged us on our parenting. They are truly an "iron sharpens iron" couple in our lives and helped us see areas we need to work on.
And as usual, one of them makes a comment that just stops me in my tracks and makes me think. As we were talking late one night, Jodi stated "God can never take you farther than the last place you told him no."
I reflect back on my life and realize I have told God "NO" a lot. No - I can't do that; No - I can't forgive that person; No - I won't talk to that person; No - I won't confess that sin; No - I don't want what YOU have provided.
And then I look at the life of Jonah and realize I'm such a Jonah at times - running away, hiding, and believing I can escape God's plan. I still have to learn that God wants my obedience, not my defiance; God wants my submission, not my selfishness; God wants the best for me, not what I want for me; God wants my YES, not my NO.
Can you imagine how you could turn the world upside down if you just stopped saying NO? Can you imagine where God could take you if we said YES?
(Sigh)
Yes, Lord . . . Yes!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Titus Gets a Haircut
Titus has been in dire need of a haircut. He's had a few trims over the last few months, but this week, he got a full haircut. He is just as curly-headed as his dad and brothers. Here's the before and after.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Paul and Becky + 8
You may have heard of the reality show - Jon and Kate +8. It's about the lives of family with 8 kids (most under the age of 6). Well, this week, it's Paul and Becky + 8.
We have 3 incredible kids staying with us this week as they all go to music camp at our church. Ashley, Morgan, and Leighton are dear friends of ours from Lake Jackson, TX and we picked them up on Saturday afternoon.
Now, we are use to the looks that we get when we go out to eat (mainly because of our matching outfits), but you should see the looks you get when you show up with 8 kids. People stare at you like the Von Trapp family has come to town. But, we don't care - we are having a blast.
I'll post more about it this week - and our camera is back from the repair shop so new pics are coming soon.
Paul & Becky
Aidan, Noah, Tucker, Cade, Titus, Ashley, Morgan, & Leighton
We have 3 incredible kids staying with us this week as they all go to music camp at our church. Ashley, Morgan, and Leighton are dear friends of ours from Lake Jackson, TX and we picked them up on Saturday afternoon.
Now, we are use to the looks that we get when we go out to eat (mainly because of our matching outfits), but you should see the looks you get when you show up with 8 kids. People stare at you like the Von Trapp family has come to town. But, we don't care - we are having a blast.
I'll post more about it this week - and our camera is back from the repair shop so new pics are coming soon.
Paul & Becky
Aidan, Noah, Tucker, Cade, Titus, Ashley, Morgan, & Leighton
Monday, July 21, 2008
Titus: Untethered
Titus is oxygen free!
Last week, I went to check him before heading to bed and his oxygen sats (SATS) were at 100%. I then checked his face and noticed his canula was totally out of his nose - so we decided - let's see how long he can go. And, he went 5 hours.
So the next day, we tested again - and he went all day long.
He's gone a few night without oxygen but over the weekend, we noticed his SATS were sinking a bit at night and taking awhile to recover, so we've putting him back on oxygen at night. But during the day, he is untethered and oxygen free!!!
After 5 months of being on oxygen, having a cord trail behind you all over the house, switching over to the smaller portable tank when leaving the house, constantly checking to make sure his canula is in his nose, it's an incredible feeling to be able to pick up my child without having that hose around him. He even looks so different with out it.
I'll post pics this week (camera is in the shop but should be coming back soon).
Thank you so much for the prayers in this area - and please keep praying. He's making marked improvement in so many areas.
Last week, I went to check him before heading to bed and his oxygen sats (SATS) were at 100%. I then checked his face and noticed his canula was totally out of his nose - so we decided - let's see how long he can go. And, he went 5 hours.
So the next day, we tested again - and he went all day long.
He's gone a few night without oxygen but over the weekend, we noticed his SATS were sinking a bit at night and taking awhile to recover, so we've putting him back on oxygen at night. But during the day, he is untethered and oxygen free!!!
After 5 months of being on oxygen, having a cord trail behind you all over the house, switching over to the smaller portable tank when leaving the house, constantly checking to make sure his canula is in his nose, it's an incredible feeling to be able to pick up my child without having that hose around him. He even looks so different with out it.
I'll post pics this week (camera is in the shop but should be coming back soon).
Thank you so much for the prayers in this area - and please keep praying. He's making marked improvement in so many areas.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
A Conversation Between Tucker & Cade
Tucker: Dodo-bird
Cade: Am not
Tucker: Dodo-bird, dodo-bird
Cade: MOM, TUCKER IS CALLING ME A DODO-BIRD!!!
Mom: Cade, stop tattling on Tucker. Tell him to stop and ignore him.
Tucker: Dodo-bird
Cade: Please stop calling me that.
Tucker: Dodo-bird
Cade: PLEASE, stop calling me that.
Tucker: Dodo-bird, dodo-bird, DODO-BIRD!!
Cade: I ignorin you.
Tucker: MOM, CADE's IGNORING ME!! dodobird, dodobird, dodobird
Cade: Am not
Tucker: Dodo-bird, dodo-bird
Cade: MOM, TUCKER IS CALLING ME A DODO-BIRD!!!
Mom: Cade, stop tattling on Tucker. Tell him to stop and ignore him.
Tucker: Dodo-bird
Cade: Please stop calling me that.
Tucker: Dodo-bird
Cade: PLEASE, stop calling me that.
Tucker: Dodo-bird, dodo-bird, DODO-BIRD!!
Cade: I ignorin you.
Tucker: MOM, CADE's IGNORING ME!! dodobird, dodobird, dodobird
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Happy Anniversary
Dearest Beck,
Happy Anniversary sweetheart. After 14 years, I'm still amazed you chose to marry me (even if I was SO much older). There is no one else on earth I would want to share this incredible life with. Who knew 14 years ago that life would take us where it has - and who would have dreamed that we would have 5 boys (and homeschool!)
From Windflower Way to Lake Crest to Old Orchard to Seaside Lane, you've always made our house a home.
From New York to San Francisco to Chicago to Charleston to Seagrove to Seoul to Sydney, you've always made travel an adventure.
From Aidan to Noah to Tucker to Cade to Titus, you've made parenting a joy.
From EDS to Novient to Primedia to Radiant to Alliance, you've always supported me in my career (the good and the bad).
From Hamburger Helper to New York Strips, you've kept me well-fed (a few years more so than others as the pics will attest).
Thank you for a wonderful-exciting-fun-filled-never-dull-always-changing life. I still love coming home to you!
All of me,
P
Happy Anniversary sweetheart. After 14 years, I'm still amazed you chose to marry me (even if I was SO much older). There is no one else on earth I would want to share this incredible life with. Who knew 14 years ago that life would take us where it has - and who would have dreamed that we would have 5 boys (and homeschool!)
From Windflower Way to Lake Crest to Old Orchard to Seaside Lane, you've always made our house a home.
From New York to San Francisco to Chicago to Charleston to Seagrove to Seoul to Sydney, you've always made travel an adventure.
From Aidan to Noah to Tucker to Cade to Titus, you've made parenting a joy.
From EDS to Novient to Primedia to Radiant to Alliance, you've always supported me in my career (the good and the bad).
From Hamburger Helper to New York Strips, you've kept me well-fed (a few years more so than others as the pics will attest).
Thank you for a wonderful-exciting-fun-filled-never-dull-always-changing life. I still love coming home to you!
All of me,
P
Monday, July 14, 2008
8 Months Old Today
Titus Beck is 8 months old today. Any my little buddy celebrated by sleeping 5 hours last night without oxygen! Titus has gotten quite good about pulling his canula out of his nose. On Friday, he not only pulled it out of his nose, but also ripped off the band-aid-like adhesives that help hold it on his face. Last night, we went to check on him before heading to bed and his oxygen sats were at 100%. I then checked his face and sure enough, his canula was below his chin. We decided to wait awhile and test how long he would go since he was in a deep sleep. And, he went 5 hours. I checked him on through-out the night and his sats were still 100% - so this is great progress.
He continues to do better about sleeping through the night - no longer waking at 4-5am for playtime. And that means, we are all getting more sleep. What a blessing!
In the last few weeks, we've had several important things occur. Titus has been fitted for hearing aids and should be getting those in the next few weeks. This is just part of the therapy needed as we progress toward the cochlear implants. It may/may not make much of a difference in what he can actually hear, but it's part of the process.
We have been approved for Medically Dependent Children's Program (MDCP) in the state of Texas. But there are still several steps that have to be completed. Titus does have Medicaid coverage as of June 4, but to be finally approved for MDCP, he will need to spend the night at a state-approved nursing home. (Actually, he has to check in by 5pm and can check out at midnight). But for those things to happen, there is a whole lot more of paperwork to complete and fill out. We are working through that this week. MDCP will allocate funds toward at-home nursing care for Titus along with other benefits. And Medicaid will pay for therapy whereas my insurance only paid for 20 therapy visits (already exhausted).
As we look back over the last 8 months, we see how God has graciously provided for us and Titus. For example, we have 2 incredible women who have been donating breast milk for Titus. We are able to mix that with formula for our feeds. We believe that has helped him tremendously. In the last 8 months, we've only purchased formula twice since others have donated boxes/cans of the special formula he needs.
But moreover, we've been given the opportunity to be a witness. Numerous times, Becky has been at the doctor's office or out with Titus and people come up and ask "how do you do it". Everyone seems to be amazed that we can function with Titus needs, and keep up with 4 other boys, homeschool, teach parenting classes, and still have fun. The question comes from other parents, from medical professionals, from friends - and the answer is always the same. If we trust that God is sufficient and we trust in His plan, then who am I to challenge/question that? If God has stated he will supply all my needs, who am I to be demanding? If God has stated that Titus is "wonderfully and fearfully made", then who am I to say that he's not? If God has stated "fear not", then who am I to stand here afraid of the unknown?
That doesn't mean we haven't been sad, it doesn't mean we haven't shed numerous tears, it doesn't mean we haven't cried out to God, it doesn't mean that there are days we've been depressed. But it does mean that we have learned (and are still learning) to trust in God's plan and to continue to let our light shine in a dark world.
2 Corinthians 4 has always been one of my favorite chapters. And verse 16-18 states "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Please pray for these things:
He continues to do better about sleeping through the night - no longer waking at 4-5am for playtime. And that means, we are all getting more sleep. What a blessing!
In the last few weeks, we've had several important things occur. Titus has been fitted for hearing aids and should be getting those in the next few weeks. This is just part of the therapy needed as we progress toward the cochlear implants. It may/may not make much of a difference in what he can actually hear, but it's part of the process.
We have been approved for Medically Dependent Children's Program (MDCP) in the state of Texas. But there are still several steps that have to be completed. Titus does have Medicaid coverage as of June 4, but to be finally approved for MDCP, he will need to spend the night at a state-approved nursing home. (Actually, he has to check in by 5pm and can check out at midnight). But for those things to happen, there is a whole lot more of paperwork to complete and fill out. We are working through that this week. MDCP will allocate funds toward at-home nursing care for Titus along with other benefits. And Medicaid will pay for therapy whereas my insurance only paid for 20 therapy visits (already exhausted).
As we look back over the last 8 months, we see how God has graciously provided for us and Titus. For example, we have 2 incredible women who have been donating breast milk for Titus. We are able to mix that with formula for our feeds. We believe that has helped him tremendously. In the last 8 months, we've only purchased formula twice since others have donated boxes/cans of the special formula he needs.
But moreover, we've been given the opportunity to be a witness. Numerous times, Becky has been at the doctor's office or out with Titus and people come up and ask "how do you do it". Everyone seems to be amazed that we can function with Titus needs, and keep up with 4 other boys, homeschool, teach parenting classes, and still have fun. The question comes from other parents, from medical professionals, from friends - and the answer is always the same. If we trust that God is sufficient and we trust in His plan, then who am I to challenge/question that? If God has stated he will supply all my needs, who am I to be demanding? If God has stated that Titus is "wonderfully and fearfully made", then who am I to say that he's not? If God has stated "fear not", then who am I to stand here afraid of the unknown?
That doesn't mean we haven't been sad, it doesn't mean we haven't shed numerous tears, it doesn't mean we haven't cried out to God, it doesn't mean that there are days we've been depressed. But it does mean that we have learned (and are still learning) to trust in God's plan and to continue to let our light shine in a dark world.
2 Corinthians 4 has always been one of my favorite chapters. And verse 16-18 states "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Please pray for these things:
- Paperwork for MDCP will be completed and accurate
- Nursing Home visit can be scheduled and completed soon
- Therapy appointments can be scheduled and re-started soon
- Titus breathing will continue to improve so we can get off oxygen
- Aidan and Noah have Fine Arts camp next week - both have speaking parts and are incredibly excited.
- Family vacation on August 28 - Sept 3 to Family Camp in Indianna
Praise for these items
- July is our month of birthdays - Tucker turned 4, Noah turned 10, and Paul turned "old". (Ok - Paul turned 47)
- Becky and Paul celebrate 14 years of marriage on the 16th
- Aidan and Noah (along with their cousin Nathan as sponsor) had a great time at Journey Camp last week.
We've stated before, but we want to repeat how incredibly blest and thankful we are for friends who continue to lift us up in prayer on a daily basis. We are so humbled.
Blessings,
Paul & Becky
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