Really. Really! Really????

I haven't posted about this yet, because I've had a hard time putting into words just how frustrated I get with others responses sometime. As if we CHOOSE for our kids to have bazaar illnesses and situations come up. Like we ENJOY watching our kids get poked, prodded, scanned, and examined from top to bottom! Who wants that for their kids? Certainly not us!

Anyhow - back to the post....

Kayleigh's been complaining of dizzy spells, fatigue, and overall weakness for several weeks. We just assumed it was her blood sugar dropping too low, and honestly ignored it... telling her to eat more of this or that to try to compensate. But, in the last 10 days, things kind of came to a head.

On Friday the 14th, Kayleigh had a bad spell in school where she had to go to the office for a while. Then Saturday she was exhausted, but still pushed forward for prom that night. Late in the evening we got a message that her date was bringing her home, she was very dizzy, not feeling well, and he was a bit nervous for her. To put the icing on the cake, at youth group on Sunday evening she completely collapsed. The youth leaders helped her, then helped Devin get her in the car so he could bring her home.

Monday morning (the 17th) we called the doctor and we took her right over. Again, we continued to assume it was her blood sugar, and so did they. But her labs were looking good... her heartrate; however, was not! When we were at the doctor's office, Kayleigh was in a bradycardia sinus rhythm with a heartrate of 48-52. When they did one of their sit down, lie down, get up type tests - it dropped even lower! Next thing we knew we were scheduled for cardiology, neurology, heart holter monitor, and a boatload more of bloodwork!

So far - Kayleigh has had a ton of labwork done, as well as the heart holter monitor done for 24 hours. Her next appointment is Wednesday with Neurology (to rule out an atypical seizure problem because her Daddy has seizures), and we are still waiting on the Cardiology appointment.

Kayleigh's friend posted a Bible verse tonight: "So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand." -Isaiah 41:10. How very true it is that we need not fret or worry about what MIGHT happen... He is ALWAYS by our side, through good and bad, there to comfort and keep us safe in His grip.

Pray for Kayleigh, and the wisdom of the doctors to get to the bottom of what's causing her symptoms.

My Babies Went to PROM!

Where do the years go? Devin and Kayleigh both went to prom this year, and they both looked fabulous!!!

Devin's date was his girlfriend, Kaity. She's been around for about 3 months now and is really a sweet gal... and she's great at keeping Devin in line!! They went with a group of friends to Nobles for dinner, then danced all evening at prom, and ended the night at a big (supervised) group get together at Kaity's house. Devin came home EXHAUSTED and sleepwalked through Sunday... but I know he had a great time!


Kayleigh's date was her best-friend, Jacob. They started their evening with a small group of friends at River-Birch Lodge, then went to prom. They opted out of any after-prom, but both said they had a great time!



As a special treat on Prom weekend, Grandma and Grandpa Lyons were here! With them living 12 hours away, we don't have too many events like this to share in person with them. I know that it was special for both Devin and Kayleigh, as well as the Grandparents! I watched Grandpa fight back a few tears!! So glad they were here!

Happy Mother's Day

I was at the mall earlier in the week with Mike. As soon as I walked through the doors, the signs were everywhere.. Celebrate Mom, Great Mother's Day Gifts, Show Mom You Love Her... I found myself walking straight ahead, trying not to notice. Then, we walked in Hallmark to look at clearance items and Mike disappeared. As I turned the corner I saw him... reading Mother's Day cards for his Mom. Instantly, I fell into tears and had to leave the store.

I know it isn't fair to my own kids, but I really struggle with Mother's Day because I don't have her to share it with. I don't have my Mom to tell her thank you for all that you've taught me. I don't have her here to say Thank You to.

So - for those of you who still have your Mom by your side, love her and spend time with her on this day. Make sure she knows that you are grateful for all she's done in your life.

For those of you like me, who are missing your Mom terribly. Rejoice in her memory and be thankful for all you learned from her.

Mom, I miss you more than words could ever describe. I am so very grateful for the time we had with you, regardless of how short it was. I learned to be a wife, mother, and friend by watching you; and for that, I am forever grateful.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Live For Today!

We continue to hear stories of people losing their life very very young.

- This week, a girl back home lost her battle with cancer.... 44 years old.
- A nurse that used to work with us didn't wake up.... 40 years old.
- Another nurse's son had a sudden cardiac arrest.... 34 years old!

I sent out a prayer request earlier in the week. My brother-in-law continues to battle an advanced stage of Wegener's Disease and was taken back to the hospital. His condition continues to worsen and we are preparing for the worst. Wills are being made, Powers of attorney are being signed, Attorney's have been called to help. He is just barely 40 years old...

These stories are not uncommon, yet we still seem to live life like we're guaranteed our next breath... and we're not. We need to live life today as if it were our last, making sure our loved ones KNOW we love them. And most importantly, making sure our Jesus KNOWS we love Him!

Pastor Beaty said something a while ago that has really stuck with me each and every day, and I'm leaving you with it...

If you died tomorrow, would you go to Heaven? Have you opened your heart to Jesus and accepted Him? Trusted in His love for you? Are you living your life to glorify Him? Will your family know that you have given your heart to Him so that they have peace in knowing your final destination?

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me shall live, even though he dies" (John 11:25)

Worshipping Him...

With lots of emotion, Kayleigh sang Tenth Avenue North's "By Your Side" for the first time on stage last Sunday evening with the Youth Praise Band. These kids love worshiping together. And when they sing, it is so clear that they do it to love and honor our God, and not just to be on stage. The emotion just pours out of them!