End of Summer/Back to School

Well, I finished out the summer following my routine of not posting much!

We enjoyed the rest of the summer (or, more accurately, the time before school starts, since it's still summer and 100 degrees!) with a visit from my mom, some swimming, shopping, playing, and spending time together.

Here are a few pictures from my mom's visit.The Sunday before mom left, Tanner had a migraine, so, she took a trip to the ER with me (for IV medicine to stop the vomiting and try to decrease the headache) and Jon was able to stay home and sleep so he could go to work on Monday.

A week later, he had another migraine and ER visit. We've decided that we're there a little too often when the people at the front desk greet Tanner by name! :)

His migraines are worsening and no one can really tell us much about this. We are assuming it is because of the leukodystrophy (on a leukodystrophy forum, a lot of people discuss their struggles with migraines as part of the disease). We've tried different medicines and adding, increasing and changing them, they all seem to work for a little while. We will see the pediatric neurologist next week and see if he has any new ideas.

It's very difficult to watch him suffering, but, it's amazing to see how he gets through and deals with it. He's really an inspiration. Despite watching him in pain, it's not easy, but, Tanner's attitude and perseverance make it easier to try to live out Philippians 4:4-7

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. "

This morning I was reflecting on the gardens and seasons. Most of our plants and flowers are brown, wilted and pitiful. The last few tomatoes are turning red, but, for the most part, those plants are finished. Soon, though, with the beginning of autumn, some of the plants and flowers will perk up and flourish once again. I'm looking forward to sitting outside, enjoying the cool weather and the blooming flowers once again. We're hoping and praying that Tanner will be like the plants that flourish and perk up once fall arrives, but, recognize that the season of more sickness and pain is realistic as well. Thankfully, most of the time, we do feel that peace which transcends all understanding.

On to a more enjoyable topic, yesterday was Tanner's first day of 3rd grade! He was excited and ready to go. He had a headache & didn't feel great, but, definitely enjoyed the day! Here are a few pictures!

Goodbye July

Well, I thought I'd try to get in one more update before the end of the month since I'm lagging in my summer posting, so, here it is!

Thank you for all your prayers while we were at TSD (Texas School for the Deaf) in Austin a couple of weeks ago, Tanner did GREAT! Thanks to everyone who cared for him - it was so helpful. He did not have any migraines, praise the Lord! It was even another week after we were home before he had one (which was 2.5 weeks since the previous one - yeah)!

We had a fun time at La Torretta in Conroe and enjoyed a relaxing weekend as a family. Tanner wasn't too thrilled back at home with only mom again, but, he's excited that Grandma Lenger is coming to visit next week (actually, we all are excited), so hopefully we'll have some fun things to share in the next post.

Have a great weekend!

Quick update

Wow, I'm definitely not a good blogger in the summer! We are enjoying our summer and are looking forward to next week. Tanner will be staying with some friends and attending police camp at the children's museum, while Jon and I attend a communication skills workshop at Texas School for the Deaf in Austin (all in ASL). When the workshop is finished, we're all excited to spend the weekend at a hotel while Jon attends a conference for work.

Tanner's migraines have not improved. Since the last post Tanner has had 2 or 3 migraines and is trying to avoid one as I'm writing this. We've increased one of the medications and changed the time we give it to him and are praying that will start working soon.

I think that Jon and I have both been down lately because of this. Wondering about the future, trying not to worry. We are trying to focus on a Father who knows the answers and holds us all tightly in His arms, but, are still sad about the pain and suffering Tanner is going through.

We would appreciate your prayers for his headaches, and specifically, that he would not have any next week while we are in Austin. Thank you for your love for our family.

It's Summer!

It's definitely summer here! We've been busy ever since school finished.

We had a great weekend in Rockport at Camp Aranzazu as soon as school ended. Our amazing hosts and friends Tammie and Tracy Shelton brought us fishing, taught us the high ropes, and showed us baby foxes. We did a few other things that weekend as well and had a memorable time!

Here is Tanner climbing the rock wall at the camp.

The day after we arrived home, Tanner began swimming lessons. He loves the pool and enjoyed being able to swim every day for two weeks!

Tanner also had his last baseball game along with the closing ceremonies and of course, a trophy!

Last week Tanner went to "Beyond the Moon" camp at the George Bush Library. He loved it! Rockets are a big interest right now, so it was a perfect thing for him to do. His favorite thing was to stand on a floor that vibrates & shakes as you watch videos of the space shuttle taking off - the first day he went on it 8 times! Eventually he had to be encouraged (AKA, forced to leave) to join the rest of the class & see some other things!

This week we have Sports Camp at our church every evening, Tanner is excited that he will be playing soccer. We're not looking forward to the heat though (high 90's)!

Health wise, things aren't as good as we wish they were. I started this post last Wednesday, and stopped because we had to bring Tanner to the ER due to another migraine. He's continued having them almost weekly and the pain seems to be worsening. Normally, the meds at the ER stop the vomiting and also take care of the headache. This time, it stopped the vomiting & helped him fall asleep, but, he still had the headache the following day. We're hoping and praying the medication that was increased a few weeks ago is still needing some time to kick in!

So, that's the latest news here! Tanner is waiting for a tennis partner, so, I'd better get going!

Birthdays and Baseball

I realized recently that Tanner has now celebrated more birthdays with us than without us! It feels like a milestone, it's so great to have had 4 years of celebrating Tanner.

What a lot of change we have seen in the last 4 years! He's learned to communicate, his personality really shines as we see his sensitivity, generosity, and humor. He's become a fun and thoughtful little boy who has grown significantly, both physically (it seems as though he's getting taller everyday) and developmentally. We love spending time with him, learning more about him, teaching him and loving him!

Tanner has been having fun playing challenger baseball this spring - some pictures are below from the season so far. He does really well hitting the ball, but is not quite as attentive on the field. He loves playing and we're so thankful he had this opportunity.

Tanner's migraines have started up again and have been occurring weekly for the past month. The medications haven't been working to stop the vomiting and he feels pretty bad. Fortunately, it usually only lasts for an evening and he feels better in the morning. He's mostly pretty cheerful despite his misery, he'll smile and sign I love you, even while vomiting, what a trooper! The doctor has recently increased one of his medications, so, we're hoping that starts working soon (it hasn't started yet, as he had another migraine tonight :( ). We would appreciate your prayers that this medication increase would start working soon, it's so hard to watch him suffer.

We're looking forward to going to Camp Aranzazu in Rockport this weekend to help them prepare for summer campers and visit with friends. It will be a nice celebration to the end of the school year!