MRI Tomorrow

**EDITED**to say thank you for the prayers. After a crazy drive getting stuck in the HOV lane, some confusion at the sign-in desk, and lots of waiting, he got the IV (hardest part) and was asleep and back for the MRI by about 9:20. He was back in recovery in an hour, during which time Thomas fell asleep in the stroller. He came out of the anesthesia just fine, and was back to himself after a McDonald's Happy Meal! We had a quiet night with the girls at NeNe and PaPa's house. We won't have the results until next week or later...

"Swimming away the stress!"

They were able to fit Steven Joseph in tomorrow for his sedated MRI due to a cancellation. So we'll be heading to the hospital early in the morning. It works out so much better than next week since Steven finished his old job yesterday, and the girls start two of their fall activities on the day it was initially scheduled next week.


We have been enjoying lots of pool time the past couple weeks, trying to soak it all in before the local pools are closed during the week. At the end of a long day, relaxing in the cool (or warm) water helps the worries to float away! Relaxing, that is, except when we're frantically chasing after Steven Joseph who has no fear in the water. He can't swim more than a few feet but is still constantly leaping off the side, jumping off the steps, and doing flips underwater. And he and his sister below like to spend much of the time fighting over pool toys and floats!


Lots of big things going on right now with this possible heart surgery, new job, moving away...And some of us are having a harder time than others with it. Namely, myself and the sweet little mini-me pictured below who unfortunately tends to take on stress like her mama does. She has been through a sedated MRI and knee surgery herself, so I know that she is worried for her brother. And she just really does not want to move away.


We definitely covet your prayers right now as we are forced to trust God to work out lots of little details of things we don't have much control over. Our littlest guy helps to lighten the mood and keep things in perspective. He gets the biggest grin when we step into the pool. He starts laughing and splashing and is just the sweetest little thing ever. But of course he also keeps us on our toes all day while he finds every crumb, bead, pencil eraser, crayon or mini foam sticker to eat. He's starting to stand for short periods of time, but mostly just race-crawls around the house. He loves being in houses with stairs and starts giggling when we chase him down!


I know our faith is tested through times like these, and I pray that I can be a good, calm, patient, and most of all, prayerful mother through it all. That I can show the children that I trust God to answer our prayers in the way He sees fit. And that I can support the emotional and educational needs of each of my precious blessings. The school year is upon us, too!

May St. Clare, on her feast tomorrow, intercede for our family. May she ask Our Lord to bestow the grace we need to live out our calling. May He bring clarity and peace to our minds and hearts during this time of change in our family.

Thank you so much for your prayers!