Retreat, Fall Break & Surgery Update

 

On September 14th Oaks of Righteousness hosted their second women's retreat.  God showed up in amazing ways once again and once again I was blessed with family and friends that attended.  And a huge shout out to my dear friend Melissa Smith for traveling all the way from Louisiana and leaving her 5 kiddos behind to attend. Check out her blog at http://www.lifeatbiggerdirt.blogspot.com/.  I can't believe that I didn't get a picture of us together when she was here...really bummed about that.  Our sons were foster brothers in China together and we had the privilege of traveling together to bring them home in January.
Here is a picture of my sister (founder) and I (co-founder) on the last day of the retreat.  So blessed to be able to be in ministry together with her and an amazing team of women.

                         

We headed to the Tennessee mountains for Morgan and Mason's fall break from school last Friday.  We had a great cabin and enjoyed just being together with no "life" distractions.  We didn't have the great weather, but made the best of it.  Our first day we went to the flea market, antique shopping and some down time.  The day was rainy off and on, so took it easy.  The next day we headed to downtown Gatlinburg and spend the day there.  The weather was great and it was nice to get out and walk around.  On the way back to our cabin we did the corn maze and hay ride with lots of other kids activities.  On our last day, it rained all day so we took in Wonderworks which was a lot of fun for all. 

 

We finally heard from the doctor's office regarding Lily's surgery.  They had a cancellation on Halloween, Wednesday- October 31 at 8:45 am....so we took it.  At her age, she won't even miss trick or treating. After this bone graft is done, she should be surgery free for a LONG time.  Hallelujah!!! 

Liam had his pre-op appointment today.  All went well.  The surgery should last from 2-2.5 hours.  He will go in through the same incisions as before.  Pain should be less than the first surgery and we should be in the hospital for 3-4 days if there are no complications.  A little over a week and we will be done with this colostomy bag for good!!!