Rylan is going Wireless!

Tomorrow is a big day for my little guy...

It all started when Rylan was an infant with projectile vomit.  After some testing, he was put on acid reflux medication.  It made a world of difference.  We were told that by age two, most kiddos grow out of the reflux.  We weaned him off of his medications at that time.  No projectile vomit so we thought all was well and that he had outgrown the reflux.  Rylan has been very congested and has had dark circles around his eyes for two years.  I was convinced that he had allergies like his brother, Bryce.  A year ago we did the allergy testing and not one allergy!  I was shocked!!!  So, the investigation began... the result... extreme acid reflux!  We began connecting other dots... Rylan had not been able to sleep through the night without waking up for several years.  It was determined that his reflux was causing all the congestion.  He was so congested that he had 2 CT scans and an abundant amount of medications to try and fix the chronic rhinosinusitis that he had without surgery.  We were successful but it took a full year.  Rylan has remained on three reflux preventatives a day but continues to get congested.  So, off to the pediatric gastroenterologist we went.  

Last week Rylan had an extensive blood work panel drawn which came back normal :)  He also had a stomach ultrasound that also came back normal... yahoo!  Tomorrow, however, is the big day!  Rylan goes in to Lutheran at 8:45am to be prepped for an upper endoscopy and a Bravo pH Probe procedure.  The Bravo system involves a pH capsule, about the size of a gel cap, that is temporarily attached to the wall of the esophagus.  The Bravo pH Capsule measures pH levels in the esophagus and transmits reading wirelessly to a box that Rylan will wear on his waistband.  

Wireless box and pH capsule

Rylan will need to record symptoms that he he experiences in a diary by pressing buttons on the receiver.  The capsule collects pH measurements for up to 48 hours.  After the study, data from the receiver is uploaded to a computer and diary information is entered for analysis to aid in the diagnosis and plan treatment.  I have been told that activities such as swallowing, eating, and drinking should cause the disposable pH capsule to detach and pass through the digestive tract in 5-7 days. 

The GI doctor will insert the pH capsule through the mouth and position it above the lower esophageal sphincter.  Of course he will be put to sleep for this procedure.  Once the pH capsule is in place, suction is applied, drawing a small amount of esophageal tissue into the capsule and locking it in place.  The delivery system is then withdrawn and the pH capsule can begin measuring pH levels.  

esophageal tissue with capsule

Although I'm not looking forward to these two procedures tomorrow, I am looking forward to the results.  A mystery since infancy that can be solved.  If it is truly acid reflux, like they believe, then a surgical procedure will need to be done to correct the esophagus at a later date.  If this shows no reflux, then, we will be back to the drawing board.  

Rylan is very nervous about "having a camera in his tummy for the endoscopy and a capsule stuck inside of him."  His biggest concern is that he won't wake up after the doctor's put him to sleep.  Bless his sweet heart!  Prayers appreciated for Rylan's peace and comfort tomorrow morning.  

On a side note... I was on Facebook tonight and saw a posting from a family at church that their little first grader, that is in Rylan's Sunday School Class, was having surgery tomorrow at 8:30am.  I called the family a little bit ago to see where their procedure was being done, thinking I would go a little earlier than Rylan's to pray with them if it was at Lutheran.  God had this all under control!  They will be in the same surgery center and at the same time that we will be there....  So my sweet Reece, we will be praying for your comfort and peace tonight and I'm grateful that I can be there with you in the morning to pray over you before your surgery... Hugs to you from Pastor Shandra!!! 

Reflections from Mother's Day in Kindergarten

I heard Rylan when he was waking up this morning and he was whispering to himself, "It's mommy day, It's mommy day!"  Then, my bedroom door swung open and my sweet little man came running in to announce that it was "Mommy's Day"!!!  He was so keyed up.  He got all dressed up for this special day!  My attire was complete when I put on a beautiful pin that Rylan made me last year in preschool :)

Upon arriving at school this afternoon, the moms were waiting outside the kindergarten room looking at the artwork.  The kids wrote about their moms and drew a picture.  I first looked at the pictures and picked out the one that I thought was Rylan's.  I knew it was his after I started reading!!!  Oh, how this made me smile!

The teacher had the kids come out in the hallway and walk us into the room!  Rylan held my hand and pulled out my chair for me... so sweet!  The kids sang us two Mother's Day songs...

Then, we were invited to enjoy a few snacks.  However, we were to be treated as queens and the children had to serve the mom's.  So, Rylan went off to gather my plate.  Again, so sweet!

While we were finishing up our food that the children had prepared for us, the teacher presented some awards.  Each mom was awarded a beautiful flower pen for what she does the best.  It was our turn... "Rylan's mom is the best at being a church teacher!"  Rylan was grinning from ear to ear... he was so very proud!

To top off the afternoon, we were given a Mother's Day gift... a Kindergarten handprint!  I LOVE this!!!  I made these for my kindergarteners and I was so very pleased to have one for my little man!  I will cherish it always :)

The day together was beautiful!  I awoke this morning with a prayer of great thanksgiving.  A year ago today, I had a sub filling in for me for the Mother's Day tea because I had taken a medical leave just two days prior.  The day after the tea party last year, Bryce was admitted to the hospital and Jeff was gone for six weeks due to business.  One year ago, I was suffering... I was weak... I was broken... Today, I am healed... I am strong... I am full of joy!!!!  The Lord stood by my side and held me up.  It took several months of pain and sadness but I can honestly say, a year later, I am grateful for the journey!  Seeing the big picture now of what God had planned during all of that pain, makes me smile!  I love sharing my testimony... I love where God has lead me... Yes, today was wonderful and beautiful!  I woke up today with a healthy family, a wonderful new career, and a stronger faith... Wow!

If you are struggling today, I pray that you reach for the Lord's hand... he will lead if you surrender.  It may not be the answer that you understand but take his lead, He WILL comfort you, He DOES love you...
Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mothers out there!

Faith Date with Rylan!

For Valentine's Day this year, I gave each of my boys a bottle of Crush soda with a coupon attached.

The coupon granted each kiddo a "Faith Date" with mom.  

So, considering we are moving into mid April, I decided I better get these dates started!  Yes, no mom award here... 2 months late!!!  

Rylan and I went to Ziano's for dinner.  He loves to draw and you can draw on the table cloth there!  Rylan loves fettuccine alfredo and bread... Not to mention, this is my favorite restaurant!!! Yummo :)

While we were waiting for our food, I gave Rylan a gift...

He wasn't expecting a present...

Yay!!!  His very own big boy Bible!!!  AND his name is printed on the front!

He wanted to touch God's words...  He was so very proud of his new Bible :)

Our food was brought to our table.  So, we prayed together, then ate together and talked together...

We talked about me no longer being a teacher and my new role in ministry.  We talked about God, in kindergarten words of course :)  He wanted to know how many more days until church when he could carry his Bible into his classroom.  I told Rylan that I like to write in my Bible and we decided to look up this month's memory verse and underline it.  Wow... thank you Rylan for a perfect date!

... Thanking God tonight for choosing me to be Rylan's mom... Thankful for God's Word, for the stories in the Bible.  I pray that Rylan will begin talking more to God, opening his Bible more, and being "the light" to others... 


While we were waiting for our bill.  Rylan wrote on the table cloth and told me to read it.  I did as he asked and then he pointed to me and said, "I love you, mom!"  This was certainly a successful first Faith Date...

Rylan - the Sunshine Friend

I got Rylan a special Mickey ribbon to wear for the day!

It was FINALLY Rylan's turn to be the Sunshine Friend in his Kindergarten class.  Since the beginning of the school year, a different student each week has been assigned to be the "special" friend for the week.    Rylan has been very patient... his week was March 19-23.  His week started out with some fun Disney cookies for snack time :)  Rylan was able to sit in the special chair all week during Circle Time.  He got to hang pictures of him and our family on the Sunshine Friend bulletin board.  His friends liked the picture of our doggie, Grace, the best :)  Rylan got to be the line leader for the week... that was a biggie!

The highlight of the week for him and me, was on Friday.  I went into his class to read a story to his friends.  Rylan chose "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Chick" by Lucille Colandro.  Rylan's class had already read several versions of this book this year.

It was wonderful to be back in a classroom rocking chair with kinders at me feet!  I loved talking with the kids and making connections to the other versions of this story.  I loved the predictions that they were making about the end of the story as well.  It was easy to jump back into "teacher mode".  I had so much fun AND Rylan was pretty proud about his momma being in the rocking chair.

I decided to make a fun snack to go along with the story... carrots!  Rylan was SOOO excited about this special treat!  He was over the moon on this special day :)  I'm thankful that the Lord calmed my nerves on Thursday evening to take the time out and make these special treats.  I was in the scurry mode of packing and preparing for our Disney trip for the following day.  I almost didn't send the email to Rylan's teacher to schedule my visit.  I'm ever so grateful that I took the time to treasure my son this week!

Baskets full of Carrots!

Cheese Ball Carrot :)

Ready to pass out his snack to his friends!

Today was such a highlight in the days of kindergarten for Rylan!  The Lord is Amazing!  I believe that He knew the right timing for me to step away from my teaching career and enter ministry.  He chose the year that I had a kindergartener!!!  Although I walked away from my Kindergarten Classroom, I have been able to live Kindergarten through my child this year!!!  This has been wonderful timing, indeed!

Lord, thank you for this easy transition!  Thank you for the joy of kindergarten!  Thank you for calming me during this week and allowing me to treasure my youngest son!  Thank you, dear Jesus, for your perfect timing!  I am in awe... 

Regional Science Fair Results...

It has been a long day but joyous indeed! We packed a bag for Rylan with his coloring book, new crayons, DSi, and a few snacks. We headed out at 8am this morning to attend the Regional Science Fair at the Athletics Center at IPFW.  Rylan looked so grown up today... how did that happen?!?!  During our drive, we discussed his project again... It had been a few weeks since the completion of his project and the school's science fair.  Once we arrived, he went straight to his spot and was super proud :)

Rylan sat at his project for over an hour.  He was interviewed by three different groups of people.  I love watching the kindergarteners in this competition... they are not stressed, just happy to share their project with others.  As I sat and watched my youngest child being interviewed, I took time to treasure that moment.  My first thought was sadness... I wanted to freeze time, slow life down more!  However, my heart began to change as I sat there... I began to feel great joy and peace.  I was watching my baby grow up.  He is turning into a mature young boy with great adventures ahead.  I found myself thanking God for allowing me the opportunity to walk alongside this young man and calling him my own.  My heart was full...

One of the interviews

The kindergarteners were dismissed at 10:15am.  Rylan and I left and walked to the van, hand-in-hand, cherishing this day together.

We returned to the exhibits this afternoon to attend the awards ceremony.  There were 200 elementary exhibits this year.

Rows and Rows of Experiments

The kindergarteners were awarded first... Rylan received 3rd place.  He was so nervous up on the stage... he is a very humble young man who doesn't like to be in the spotlight.

Kindergarten Winners!

With his 3rd place ribbon!

We continued to watch the program, celebrating with all the other winners.  It came time for some extra awards at the end.  Rylan was selected as one of the winners for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.  This honor included a $25 award.  This was true happiness for my little man!  He knew immediately that he wanted to save the award for our upcoming Disney trip :)  I was one proud mommy!!!

Society of Manufacturing Engineer Winners!

Wow... what a day!  I'm left tonight thinking about what my young man will become in the future... will he follow in his daddy's footsteps and go after engineering.  A possibility after today!

Rylan, no matter what path you choose in the future, I pray that you will be a man of God.  I pray that you will use the gifts that He has gifted you with.  I pray that you will continue to walk humbly, show mercy, and love your God with all your heart.  My sweet Ry, if you continue that, you will be a true winner!

He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the LORD require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.  
Micah 6:8

Science Fair

Science Fair... the time of year that I cringe and yet smile.  I smile in anticipation of choosing project ideas.  I cringe during the gathering of materials and preparations for the projects.  I smile while watching the kids in the discovery mode while conducting their experiments.  I cringe when working on the boards!  I smile while conducting mock interviews with my children.  Yes, the Science Fair is certainly a roller coaster of feelings every year.  I'm on the smiling end at this moment :) 

Bryce enjoys throwing things down from our loft.  Therefore, we chose a parachute experiment for him.  His question... Which shape of parachute floats the best?  In case you are wondering, the hexagon shape floated the longest.  The triangle shape floated down the fastest... yikes!  

We chose an experiment with shapes and counting for Rylan.  We love going to the lake in the summer, so his question was... What shape of boat will float the best?  He used pennies and aluminum boats that we created to test this out.  We were very surprised with our findings... we thought the triangle boat would float the best because that is the shape that we see the most of at our lake... row boat, sail boat, speed boat.  However, the triangle sank first!!!  The oval actually did the best.  Our conclusion... the triangle shape must be better for speed but for floating it is better to have a shape with more of a surface.  Great stuff :)

There were three moments that made me smile today in preparation for the judging.  The first was with Rylan during our mock interview.  I asked him to tell me how he made the boats and he said, "with foil."  I told him that he needed to be more specific with his talking.  He needed to elaborate more... so, I asked him again... tell me how you made the boats and his response "with ALUMINUM foil!"  I just cracked up... he DID elaborate... LOL!  The second funny moment of the morning was in the van on the way to school and I'm reminding the boys to talk as much as they can about their projects.  I told them that they can't talk too much with this kind of thing.  Bryce says with a cute little grin, "Wow Mom, I bet you did awesome in the science fair!"  Why, I ask... "because you LOVE to talk... you talk ALL the time!"  Both of my boys gave me giggles today :)  Lastly, I practiced with the kids how to hold out their hand for a handshake and to say, "Hi my name is Rylan Hathaway, it is nice to meet you."  This was awesome... Rylan kept getting the giggles.  Both boys gave me wet noodle handshakes... oh my!  So we practiced manly, firm handshakes.  Oh yes, that was precious.  I truly wish I could have witnessed them in action with the judges...

It was time to load up the van and head to school.  I dropped them off and prayed for them on my way to work.

I was teaching a Parenting class at church this evening and was unable to attend the Science Fair Open House and Awards Ceremony.  However, afterwards we had planned to meet at YoYo's to celebrate the hard work that they had put forth.  I got out of the van and two little boys came running at me with medals around their necks and smiles from ear to ear!  Yes, this was a significant moment in their life :)  They were so truly proud!  I couldn't wait to hear all the details...  

Bryce was a Science Fair winner and will be taking his project to Science Central on Sunday, March 18th for an exhibit in the afternoon.  Rylan was a Regional winner and will be taking his project to IPFW on Saturday, March 17th.  

Although this was a beautiful day for my children... the highlight of my day was when I told the kids to put their medals in a safe place before bed and they could wear them to school tomorrow, Bryce says, "Mom, I am just going to take mine in my bag... I don't want to make the people that didn't win feel bad.  I remember when Braydon won and I didn't and how sad I was."  Wow Bryce... I'm more proud of you for your spirit than anything else!  Yes, we are proud of ALL the kids that participated in the Science Fair this year.  For all of those sweeties that have a heavy heart tonight... we truly believe that you are amazing! Congratulations Haverhill students... you are ALL winners :)

Mommy Date #2 - with Rylan!

It was 7:30am and a little boy came running into my room and pulled on my arm, "Mommy, get up!  It's are mommy date day!"  My heart was full and my smile was wide but it was STILL 7:30am!!!!  He climbed in my bed and we talked about where we would eat...IHOP was the place!  Rylan was SO excited...he's my snuggle bug...my youngest...still the baby...always will be the baby!

The kids went to their grandma's for a few hours while I went to some intense physical therapy later in the  morning.  Wowsers...I do mean, intense!  Rylan was telling his cousins about his upcoming "mommy date"...telling his grandma, telling his uncle...he was SO excited!  At this point, I realized just how important this alone time was!  These mommy dates before school are going to be added to our family list of back to school traditions!  Not only are the kids enjoying themselves but I'm enjoying the time together just as much!  It has been hard to carve out three nights of our week but well worth the investment!!!

It was finally time for our date!  Our first stop...IHOP!!!  Good for me, kids eat for free, yahoo!!! 

Again, I loved our dinner conversation.  Rylan is most nervous about not having any friends at school and the possibility of "mean kids, like bullies."  He's worried that he won't be able to remember his teacher's name (Mrs. Menze).  However, he can't wait to ride the school bus with all the kids from our cul-de-sac and he's excited that our neighbor boy, Conner, is in his class!  I told Rylan about the upcoming Kindergarten Open House this Thursday night.  He will get to meet his classmates, find his seat, and play in his classroom.  He got really excited about that...I can't believe that my baby will be in kindergarten!  Yes, oh yes, I will be bringing the tissues!

After dinner, we purchased his new gym shoes at Shoe Carnival.  He picked them out all by himself!  He was so happy with his new neon Nike's that he had to put them on once we got to the van to complete our shopping...what a hoot!  Then, off to Target to find the perfect bookbag.  Of course, Rylan chose one that matched his new shoes...LOL! 

He too, spent his garage sale money in the toy section on a Hot Wheels Stealth Ride toy (just like his brothers)...the highlight of the evening!  One last stop...Gordman's!  Mommy got a few things for her new office at the church!  It was another great evening indeed!  On the way home, Rylan says, "Thanks mommy, I had fun with you!"  His words were spoken with true meaning...oh how I love you, Ry!

Thank you Lord for allowing me the opportunity to raise these three beautiful boys.  I know that I stumble, but I am honored and humbled beyond measure that you chose me for this job...truly, thankful!

Savoring The Last!

I awoke this morning with enthusiasm to head out and enjoy the oodles of garage sales that were in our area today.  However, when Rylan got dressed this morning, we were discussing that today was his last day.  He got so excited as we began the kindergarten discussion!  The words began to sink in...my baby is growing up...this season of preschool that I've been part of for the past 8 years, is coming to an end.  My morning took a completely different path.  I know longer worried about which garage sale I was going to go to first to find the best deals...but switched to "Savoring This Last Moment" with Rylan.  I walked my young man into preschool rather than dropping him off through carpool.  I then went home and pulled out his "Graduation Book."  I have a book titled, Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury.  This book is all about hanging onto the "last" moments.  I sat down and wrote a short note to Rylan in his book on the preschool page.  My heart was full during this moment of reflection!  I then headed back to preschool to drop the book off to his preschool teachers and asked them to write a note to Rylan.  I told them that he would receive this book at his High School Graduation.  I again, savored the moment by taking some photographs of his last day!  I headed over to the grocery store for a few items that were needed for our home and came across the cutest individual cupcakes in plastic domes.  I picked up a fun yellow one, Rylan's favorite color, that had a monkey ring on top.  I placed the cupcake on his carseat.  As Ry climbed into the van, he said, "Mom, I made you something at school today!"  It was a heart made out of fused plastic pieces.  Again, my heart was full!  I smiled and said that I too had something for him...his face lit up when he saw his cupcake!  

We celebrated his last day by enjoying lunch together at Steak n' Shake.  As we approached the booth, my little boy climbed in the seat and said, "Mommy, I want to sit on the same side as you!"  Again, I savored this moment!  We splurged and got hot fudge sundaes together.  The waitress took our picture and the older folks around us came over to congratulate my young man on graduating from preschool!  

He felt so special today and I am so thankful that I took the time to change my plans and Savor His Last Preschool Day!  Our days get so busy and sometimes we don't take time to notice the lasts...Dear God, thank you for entering my heart today and slowing me down to truly savor this day...

 I love you, Rylan!