on being afraid...

Last week, I attended bible study and found that my usual small group of young women was placed with another group because our leader was gone.  I don't prefer this because it's hard to jump in and feel comfortable talking when you don't know the group well.

As we went around and answered questions, we came to a personal question asking how are Christian blessings worth what Christ requires us to give up for Him.  The first person to answer shared that she has a hard time giving up her children over to the Lord.  They are her children and if they were to suffer, she feels that she wouldn't be able to handle it.  She shared that life has been very good to her and she has not ever dealt with tragedy and so she hopes and prays that when her time comes, that it wouldn't involve her children.

I totally get that and if Field wasn't born with a CHD, I would probably say the same thing.  But after hearing that, my heart hurt.  I am living out her worst nightmare.  No, Field is not sick.  But the reality is that his heart is not whole, he will require another serious open heart surgery in the very near future, his cardiac care is for life, and one day, he will say things like "why me" and "this isn't fair."

Am I afraid?  Of course.  Do I carry that burden and worry alone.  Of course not.    

I have every reason to have hope for Field.  I will not allow my fears to take away my joy.  Receiving His peace, joy, and hope is so much greater when I allow Jesus to carry my fears about Field.  I will not store my treasures in earthly desires.  I will live by His grace and I will trust in His promises.   

I will be strong.  I will be courageous.  I will not be afraid.  I will not be discouraged.  (Joshua 1: 3-9)

Atlanta

We went to Atlanta back in October to celebrate the life of Nanny, Brad's grandmother.  It was a wonderful weekend with the very fun Johnson family but difficult to say goodbye to an amazing mother, grandmother, and friend.  We will miss you, Nanny! 

Field did as well as can be expected.  We kept him out too late, skipped naps, and ate meals off schedule but he adjusted wonderfully and was such a great sport.  I loved being with the Johnsons - those southerners know how to have a good time!  

He did great on the plane!

Field met a new friend at the restaurant during our family dinner.  LOVED this piano player.  

Family dinner in Atlanta.  Me with my sweet Mother and Father-In-Law!

Nanny's children and grandchildren  

Johnson family bonding.  Telling stories about Nanny.  

Bittersweet.  On the bus to attend Nanny's funeral service.  

Celebrating Nanny at the reception after the funeral.

 

Cheers to you Nanny!

Long day!  We are DONE!

3 Whitfields!

Field with cousin Tyler (who was so SWEET to him) saying "Bye Bye to Nanny."

Georgia Aquarium with cousins Carter, Drew, and Lyndon.  Amazing! 

Not so much into that scuba diver.

Easy entertainment at Aunt Carol's house

Eating at the infamous Varsity in Atlanta.  

Bye Bye Atlanta!  

Halloween 2012

I am way behind, but wanted to update with a few ton of fun pics from Halloween.  

It was busy as ever but so much fun!  

Oak Hills Country Club Halloween Party:

Mr. Policeman

Aunt Tara, Cousin Sadie, Mommy, and Policeman Field 

Momma and her policeman

Cousins at Oak Hills

Neighborhood Halloween Party:

Checking out each other's costumes.

Daddies taking their babies to the party.

Harper, you are such a cute T-Rex!

Field, AKA "Mr. Social" wanted to be like the big boys and help behind the fishing booth.

Boerne pumpkin patch playdate:

Crockett and Field

Cheese!

Halloween Night:

Officer Field and his inmate

With Uncle Bubba and Cousin Sadie

Ready to trick or treat with the fun crew!  

Field and Elvis Anabelle

1st house - they walked right in like they owned the place!  

No fear with these two.

Prayers for Cathy!

My sister's mother-in-law, Cathy Sedlak, had surgery to remove a tumor on her brain stem yesterday.  There was a complication and we are all praying that she will wake up with good function and for a smooth and successful recovery so that we can have our sweet Cathy back.

We all covet your prayers for her.

The only pic I have of Cathy.  She is the 4th one from the left.  Riding in the top drive at the Cuatro Esquinas Ranch!
From left:  Rachel and Kelly (Michael's sisters), my sister, Cathy, John Sedlak, and the Johnsons

Feel free to check out her youngest daughter, Rachel's, blog.  Rachel is my brother-in-law's sister so Rachel and I call ourselves "sisters-in law,-in law." :)

Thank you!

The report from the doctor...

PERFECT!

Field's heart looks great (I believe Dr. P said his heart looked "beautiful" multiple times), pressures were better than ever, blood pressure normal, and O2 sats were good.

We go back to see Dr. P, our local cardiologist, in February 2013.  Then we'll head to Texas Children's Hospital in March 2013 for a one year check-up there along with a pre-fontan Cath.  That is when we will discuss plans for the Fontan surgery, which we are thinking will be in the Fall of 2013.  Many, many, many people ask me if Field will need to have that 3rd surgery, especially because he is doing so well and his heart check ups have been so great.  The answer to that question is unfortunately, yes.  He will most definitely need the last surgery (Fontan) at some point in his life.  It could be at any time, if his little body tells us he needs more oxygen and if his heart seems to take a turn for the worse.  But otherwise, we are in a waiting period.  God continues to bless us with HIS good news and normalcy.  We are grateful for HIS perfect timing, HIS perfect plan, and HIS love.

Amen and praise be to God!  

Prayers for our next check up...

On Tuesday we will venture over to the medical center to have our 4 month check-up with Dr. P, our cardiologist.  We covet your prayers for a healthy heart, no surprises, and a growing boy.

Love God, Love your Husband, Love your Kids

Love this article encouraging moms to chill out and keep it simple:  Love God, your husband, and your kids.  :)