Thanksgiving

We have enjoyed a week in Utah visiting family members and eating a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. The children have loved reuniting with cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles! We are so thankful for this special time with family.

While looking through a box of photographs, I was reminded of many memories our family has made throughout the year. I am thankful to have record of such special events and memorable moments.

Uncle Greg and Kristen's wedding in Mesa, Arizona

A Saturday at Stewart Beach in Galveston, Texas

A visit to Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah

Nathan's baptism

The birth of Caroline Grace.

Dear Family and Friends,

In response to many recent questions about Sarah's health, here is a brief update.

Sarah continues to show the increasing effects of her brain cancer. On the positive side, she no longer has to take steroids or other medication. She has returned to being her natural happy self albeit with limited ability to walk and lack of energy. On Tuesday morning, we visited the funeral home to select her casket and start plans for her funeral. Despite it being a very uncomfortable task, we are thankful we have the time to make these plans in advance. When the time comes, we plan to hold a viewing and funeral here in Houston and then forward the casket to Utah for another viewing and burial near our extended family.

This week, Sarah began to receive the services of Hospice (home health care). Weekly visits from a nurse and monthly check-ups with the doctor will help us in caring for our little one.

Again, thank you all for your concern and prayers in our behalf. Our family benefits greatly from your show of support.

Sincerely,
Brian & Christine

This afternoon Sarah asked if I would put Caroline on her bed. She carefully took off the baby's socks and explained that she was going to be her Mama for the day.

Hook 'em Horns!

On Saturday, October 25, the Giles brothers/cousins/brother-in-law/buddy celebrated our annual Mancation (man + vacation = Mancation) at a University of Texas football game in Austin. Thanks Bart, Greg, Mark, Allen, Nick and Todd for the good times! Our traditional pre-game meal at Pappasito's Tex-Mex and post-game wings at Pluckers are always must-haves. And the winning streak continues! Texas beat Oklahoma State 28-24! When the Giles bunch is attending, the Longhorns are now 4-0. As an added good luck charm, Nathan "Nate Skate" Giles came along. This 8-year-old quickly became a fan favorite as he bodysurfed after each touchdown. The game ball goes to you, pal!

Brian

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.