Pray For Esther

This is another child that I have been praying for. This little girl is close to Makenna's age, so again it hits close to home. Esther's parents are missionaries to India (out of the church I grew up in). A month or so she was only given a few days to live. I had actually thought she was improving based on the information I received before this, but as you will read below, she does not have much time left. Please pray for Esther and the Travis family.

Hello, friends and family.

Thank you for praying for Esther. I am sorry we have kept you wondering. I have not been able to update till now. Adam and I are Esther's full time nurses now, we went home on Hospice Friday. Little sleep, lots of meds, enjoying and making the most of our good hours together as a family is what we have been doing. Esther's last trip to the KJM barn was to jump one of the school's ponies, that was last Monday. She had of course, pain in the saddle but thoroughly enjoyed it thanks to Pie, a trainer from Pagosa Springs, CO.

Her lack of strength and energy has her confined to her wheel chair, the couch, our bed, and our picnic mat. We got her out every chance we had last week to enjoy the beautiful balmy weather. She side walk chalked with her brothers and sister laying on her tummy with pillows under her, I painted her fingernails out there, Daddy topped of the day with bringing the surprise of pizza to our picnic. She ate a whole piece! We would appreciate your prayers for her stomach. She prays all the time "Lord please help me not throw up!" A CT scan was done last week that showed her small bowel was almost occluded by tumor. She barely takes 1-2 bites a day but gastric juices continue to fill the stomach so when it reaches its capacity it empties the wrong way. Her anti-nausea meds cant stop that.

The MRI came back showing that her liver is almost full of tumors. Where her lungs on the last scan showed one spot on each, it now looks like popcorn all over each of her lungs. There is also tumor filling the cavity between her ribs and lungs, and tumor pressing on things in her pelvis. Her bone marrow is so invaded that she still needs platelets every day and blood every three to four. This locks her out of all clinical trials or chemos, for treatment her platelets would have to remain at 50,000 for at least 7 day without transplants. Her platelets were 8,000 today. That is a critical level, they transfuse at 20,000. What I am saying is there is no way to eradicate or stop this cancer now. Please pray for her eye sight. It is coming and going and blurry at times, this is frustrating to Esther as she rubs to try and clear them. Also you can pray that her awake moments (which have became fewer) will be painless enjoyable ones.

For Esther's dignity and to maximize our time together this will be our last update for a while. We will let you know when she is no longer hurting. Please do not send flowers now or later she would rather you gave that money to a missionary or, as a church or family take dinner to the hurting families at your local Ronald MacDonald house in honor of Esther. Thank you for all your love and prayers.

For Him Who Saves and Keeps Us, Jesus Christ our Lord
Adam and Jennifer

They also have a CaringBridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/estherjoy if you would like to keep updated on Esther.

Pray For Tristan

Along the lines of my last post, I wanted to share a prayer request. A friend of mine from high school has a young boy (about Madi's age) that was recently diagnosed with Lyme Disease. They have three older children and have recently moved to Texas and are serving the Lord there.

I have included an exerpt from their website that tells a little of their story:

I knew from the start that Tristan was going to be different. Unlike my other three pregnancies, I did not pray for a healthy baby. I prayed for strength to deal with whatever the Lord was going to send our way. At two weeks old our doctor consulted a neonatologist concerning Tristan’s health. At four weeks old he was admitted to the hospital for observation. At six weeks old he was diagnosed with a rare, potentially life threatening birth defect, and at just eight weeks old he was again admitted to the hospital for major surgery. Three procedures and eight days later, we returned home with our precious baby thinking the worst was now behind us.

Within three months we again began to fear something else was wrong. By nine months old our doctor agreed, and the testing began. Test after test showed nothing, yet doctor after doctor said, “Something’s wrong!” We slowly began to realize that no diagnosis was far worse than the fearful words “life-threatening.” The unknown can’t be fought. It can’t be treated, and it can’t be beat.

In just three and a half years of life Tristan experienced 11 different specialists in two states, 6 surgical procedures, endless blood work, several MRI’s, ultra-sounds, CAT scans, x-rays, a spinal tap, an endoscopy, a colonoscopy, and 2 misdiagnosis. Throughout it all we mentally prepared for the worst, but continued to hope for the best.

Finally, in March 2009, we were given a diagnosis of Chronic Lyme disease. In spite of all our preparation we were not prepared for the path that this diagnosis would take us. Shrouded in medical and political controversy, Lyme patients are left to decide their own fate. Phone call after phone call proved all the research to be correct. Our son had a disease that no doctor wanted to treat. When hearing his age, we were turned away. Nothing could have prepared us for this. While not guaranteed, there were treatment options. We understood there were risks, but when doing nothing is guaranteed to fail, how could we not try? We had watched his health steadily decline, and knew we would do whatever necessary to get him help.

Hope was finally raised when a medical center in Arizona agreed to accept Tristan’s case. He will be the youngest Lyme patient they have treated, and a treatment protocol has to be designed specifically for him. They have not promised us the world, but they have offered us hope. In his short life Tristan has suffered with constant fevers, extreme fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux, rashes, abdominal pain, and a weak immune system. He has also been recently diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis. If even one of these symptoms could be lessened to make his life just a little easier we would rejoice!

Costly? Oh yes! As a result of the controversy, insurance companies will not pay for much of the treatment necessary to fight the disabling affects of the disease. (Lyme has a disability factor equal to that of congestive heart failure) But, as any parent knows, no price is too high for the well being of your child. We have all dreamed at times of, “saving the world!” Right, now we are simply asking your help to save one child.

For More Information, visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tristan1

By Melissa Varner

On Friday, May 15 from 6-8 pm there will be a fund raising event at their church in TX to help with the medical expenses. The one treatment in AZ is $22,000 (which God miraculously provided), but that does not counting living expenses, food, etc. There will also be follow-up treatments at home plus all the expenses they have incurred in doctor and ER visits so far.

Please pray that this fund raiser is successful and an encouragement to the Varners. Please also pray for strength and wisdom for their family as they deal with Tristan's health needs (he suffers through a lot of pain, exhaustion and fevers) and for God's Will in the healing of their little boy.

My Favorite Holiday

This may seem strange that I am bringing this up in the middle of April, but Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. (Christmas is a close second because I love all the festivities.) But Thanksgiving is synonymous with Family in my mind.

Growing up, we used to spend Thanksgiving with my grandmother because she was out of town for Christmas visiting my papaw's family. I loved spending time with my grandmother. She worked a lot of overtime at the Chevy plant, so I cherished the times we did spend together. Now that I think of it, I can't think of anything negative about my grandmother. Every memory I have of her is pleasant . . . the hot dog sandwiches with chili and mustard, the trip to May Company (like a Dillards or Kaufmanns for those of you who didn't live in the 70s & 80s) for an Easter dress complete with shoes and purse, her employing my siblings and I for special cleaning projects that included paying us for our lunch break and sometimes buying our lunch, her Christmas gift to us each year of money for clothes since that was something we didn't have much money for (even though my little brother asked my mom to tell grandma that kids like toys) and her teaching me to "use the system" to get the most for your money -- sales and coupons -- did I tell you about the time I bought cereal on sale for $.99 and had a $1 coupon??

It was really hard for me when she died. She had surgery for cancer on my birthday, and it was only 6 months later that she died. Her funeral was the same day as my high school graduation, and I was away at college for my first Thanksgiving without her and my family. (Thanks Dad for coming to see me!) Maybe that is what solidified my love for Thanksgiving -- the memories of her.

My point in all of this is that there is so much to be thankful for all year round that we don't need to have a holiday to show thanks. I think blogging has opened my mind to what so many other people face day to day -- the heartache, sorrow and trials. I am blessed with a wonderful husband, three beautiful, healthy children, a close-knit, supportive family, an awesome church, a beautiful home, a newer vehicle (with 4WD - PTL!) and the list could go on and on. Years ago, I was impressed to thank the Lord daily for the breath and life He gave me. It may seem like something simple that we take for granted, but there are people that struggle to breath and get around every day.

There are people in my church with crippling health problems, friends with sickly chidren and friends that have lost children, bloggers with ailing children and spouses, and friends with financial difficulties. I often wonder if I have enough faith and strength to go through those kind of trials. It may not be right, but I often pray that the Lord never ask me to deal with a trial of that magnitude. I also pray for the Lord's return. Hearing of all these situations has caused me to pray more, and I praise the Lord I have the opportunity to pray for others -- strangers or friends.

Let me challenge you (all 5 of you that read my blog -- HA!), to find something every day to thank the Lord for in your life. It can be encouraging to focus on something other than the world or politics or your problems. I am more thankful for my children -- for the fact that I could conceive them albeit with medical assistance, that they are healthy, that they have so much -- because I have read and know of people that can't have children of their own, that have children with terminal illnesses, that are struggling to make their mortgage and put food on the table. Life, even as good as what I've been blessed with, can get you down. Use those down times to remind you of what you do have to be thankful for . . . when Rick works overtime and I have many nights with just me & the kids, I thank the Lord I do have a husband and pray for single moms that have to work and take care of the kids on her own. When your child gets the flu, praise Him that the flu is all that is wrong with them, and pray for those families you know with health problems. Did I mention that we did not get the flu this year?? WOOHOO and Praise the Lord!!! After having it at least 4 times last year, that is more wonderful that I can express!

Well, I think that was it. I was just sitting in my "red" chair (love ya, girl) and praising the Lord for friends of ours that just had a little girl after doctors told them they probably wouldn't have any children. But I bet both mom, dad and big brother would disagree, and they give God all the glory!

Easter 2009

The "Easter Weekend" was a busy one for us . . .


Makenna was off Thursday, and we went to the chiropractor for much needed adjustments. (Thanks to a new, lower copay -- PRAISE THE LORD!) Daddy and Makenna had Friday off. Daddy worked on paperwork, and the kids played inside since the temperature maybe made it into the low 40s!!


Friday evening, we headed up to Nana & Pappy's house for our annual egg-dying. We were joined by Uncle Brian, Aunt Niki, Halle, Uncle Bob, Aunt Marlene and Aunt Pat. (PS: We missed the rest of our family that could be there.)

Waiting for the festivities to begin . . . Nana & Madi

After a hearty dinner of soup and sandwiches, we started the egg hunt. (Sorry these first few are fuzzy -- yeah, my camera! Rrrr!)

Halle went first and did a great job finding all her money-filled plastic eggs.

Oooo . . . lookie what's inside!


Next is Isaiah's turn.

Everyone put their eggs in their own bag.

Madi is excited about her polka-dotted treasure!

Makenna's Easter eggs were a little harder to find -- in the kitchen!


Isaiah snuggling with Aunt Pat waiting for the egg hunt to end.


Just in time, Easter Baskets!

Halle's turn -- "What's in here?"

It's edible??

(Oddly enough, Isaiah and Halle didn't like Peeps said the peep lover!)


New hats, slippers, toys, books . . . yeah!

Let the egg-dying begin!

(Had to post this for Nana -- as the family tradition continues, she loved that her son and nephew were coloring eggs with their children)

The little ones cut out early but were still facinated by the colored eggs.

We changed clothes to dye eggs.

Couldn't pass up a pic of their cute little legs running around!

Daddy made Mommy a special egg ;D

Uncle Rick finally got his Halle fix!

The girls stayed overnight with Nana & Pappy, a special treat! Daddy cut wood in preparation for next winter (although this winter doesn't want to leave). Mommy readied the house for company.

Easter day . . .

We had friends and family over for lunch. It was enjoyable to sit around and fellowship.

A rare photo -- but I do exist. Isn't he a cutie?!?

By the end of the day, we were down two headbands and a sweater, but I was happy to get a few photos. Zaya was too tired to cooperate.

A practice shot while setting up my camera -- didn't notice the blood on Isaiah's chin from his fall until it started dripping on his shirt . . . and Daddy's . . .

. . . at least we have a photo to remember this day!

We pray you had a blessed day remembering our Risen Savior!

Like Father, Like Daughter

Makenna has been blessed with her dad's skills when it comes to numbers. There were only three days of school this week because of Easter vacation. Each day her class was given a chance to win candy by guessing the number of jelly beans or other candy in a jar.

Day 1 - Makenna comes home with the bag of candy pictured in her right hand. She had guessed the exact number of "circus peanuts" (adapted to Easter in the shape of bunnies, etc.). Seriously, does anyone like those things?? (except you Beth B.) and now we have a gallon-size bag full of them!

Day 2 - Makenna comes home with another bag of candy pictured in her left hand. She had tied for closest guess. Fortunately, it was (Whopper) Robin Eggs this time. At least Dad eats them.

Day 3 - I half expected her to be carrying a bag of candy when she got off the bus. I thought it was funny that the first thing she said when she saw me was "I didn't win today."

Madi wanted to be part of the picture, so Makenna let her hold one of the bags. (Excuse the hair -- it's a toss up between Madi and Zaya as to who is being the more difficult child right now. That's just one battle I don't choose to fight while we're at home. We're both happier that way!)

We are headed to Nana & Pappy's house this evening for our traditional Egg-Dying on Good Friday! Hopefully I get lots of good pictures to share.

Wishing you a Blessed Easter!
The Lott Family

Lil Tractor Boy

As you probably already know, Isaiah is a huge tractor fan. We've been trying to decide on how to decorate his big boy room. (I figured by 2 years old he shouldn't have to be in a nursery anymore.) However, we had this hang up because we knew he liked tractors, but we DID NOT want John Deere yellow and green on the walls. We could do other boy things like sports theme, automobiles and other modes of transportation, trains, etc. but he has this thing for tractors -- he'll see an old rusted jalopy of a tractor and get all excited, point and say "Ractor, ractor!"

Well, praise the Lord, I found a wall paper border that was all about tractors and no BRIGHT yellow and green . . . there is some so if we end up with a few John Deere items, they will fit right in.

I was able to order the border through ebay at half the price as a local big box store had it listed for (praise #2). When it came in, I decided to hold it up on the wall to see if I liked it (mind you it's on top of the nursery border with the current "unliked by me" colors). Isaiah followed me which is very normal -- you should have heard him jabbering away when he saw tractors on his wall! This picture isn't good, but it's the only one I have that shows his excitement. He had to tell Madi all about his tractors!

Here's the actual border since my camera was doing it's usual annoying thing of not focusing!

After I took the border down and rolled it up, Isaiah became very upset. He was crying and pointing at the roll, mumbling who knows what. He didn't settle down until I ripped off a section of it for him to carry around. Here he is happy with his 'ractors'.

Here he is watching TV (still holding onto his precious 'ractors').

Quite a while later, he's still talking about his tractors . . . guess I don't have to wonder if he'll like his new room. (We hope to have his room painted and the border up by his bday in June.)

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Just couldn't leave this picture out . . . this is his new facial expression when you tell him to do something and he's contemplating whether or not to obey . . . do I really have to do what she says? will she leave and forget she told me to do it? will this cute face get me out of having to obey?

PS: Does anyone have a kid that drooled constantly after they got all there teeth and molars? This one goes through 2-3 bibs a day! He's had "all" his teeth and molars for 6 months now. I think he's had less than a week of no drooling about two months ago. The pediatrician said to let her know at his next visit if he didn't stop, but what can they to do if he doesn't?!?