HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Best Friend Friday

Sarah's dear friend, Ashley Sallaway, drove the distance from their new home in Dallas to Houston for a play date on Friday. What fun the girls had dressing up as princesses, playing in the back yard, making a trip to the mall for lunch and "Build a Bear"! Ashley and Sarah met during the summer of 2006. Since that time they have enjoyed two years of friendship. The girls reunited on Friday with big smiles and hugs, picking up just where they left off...laughing, playing, and snacking together as only toddlers could. It was such a wonderful day to see my little girl as a happy, playful child instead of a patient. She is now asking for more playdates this week and that is just what Dr. Mom has ordered!

Sisters

Sarah adores her new little sister Caroline. She loving calls her, "Oh, Caroline." This afternoon the baby gave her first smile to Sarah.

Last month we endured 15 days without electricity. No more cooking under the light of lanterns or changing diapers at night with a flashlight! These were certainly difficult days, however lessons were learned and I am now much more appreciative of air conditioning and our washer and dryer (as well as all other modern conveniences)! After a week with power, I feel the home and yard are once again in order and life is running rather smoothly.

Yesterday Sarah had an appointment with her Oncologist at Texas Childrens'. Her symptoms from the tumor seem to be increasing. We are learning to live with effects of steroids. Constant need to eat, fatigue without sleep, sensitivity and irritability to name a few. Early this morning (1:30am) Brian and I awoke with a plea for pancakes and syrup. Knowing that we could not convince Sarah to go back to sleep, we pulled ourselves out of bed and served her a warm breakfast. Between Sarah's midnight snacks and Caroline's feedings we are learning to live on little sleep.

Thank you dear friends for the kind and encouraging words you write. Your prayers continually bless us. How thankful we are to have such support.

A picture of the 50 ft. tree that fell into our backyard during the night of IKE. Thanks to the missionaries and friends from church, the tree is no longer there.