Ryan came home on Sunday and has been doing very well. He continues to amaze us - we give God all the credit! He was thrilled that he was in a room where he could have some visitors - his friend Lauren and Jude came for a visit and Ryan was very happy. I think he thinks it's pretty cool when his buddies get to see him in the hospital with his IV and everything. Grandparents came and cousin Eric - Eric and Ryan had some fun playing "I Spy" - one of Ryan's favorites and he can keep on going forever - there just isn't alot of stuff to spy in those hospital rooms though. His hearing and kidney tests all were good - initially we were told that his hearing did indicate some hearing loss, but Dr. Kuttesch later told us that he didn't agree - I'll take that good report and say thank you Jesus!! :)
His appetite seems to be good at this point - so we will pray that continues - he gained 1/2 lb - yeah!

Please keep John Marlin in your prayers - I mentioned John a while back - he recently celebrated his 3 years post bone marrow transplant. His liver enzymes have been elevated, so today they did a liver biopsy to see what may be going on -please pray they can find the issue and that it can be something easy to deal with. I think most people think once someone is finished with treatment - that it's over - the reality is, this is never over and there will always be many things that have to be dealt with. You are so thankful that you have your child here to worry about the late effects of chemo and radiation - but another part of you just thinks your child has been through the ringer and enough is enough. I liked what Emily, John's mom, said -"We're through with cancer, but it's not through with us." They are a great family and I pray for life to be so good them.

I would also ask you to pray for a sweet little girl named Lexie. Lexie was having radiation when Ryan was having his (she has a different cancer). Lexie has a great smile and great energy. She finished treatment in May - had her follow-up scans and now three short months later her cancer has returned. This is hard stuff. The doctors are not giving her mom any hope this time - so thankful we know the God of Hope and He promises to listen when we cry out to Him. When I saw her running down the hall in the hospital - my heart sank because I knew it was not a good thing to see her here. Ryan is so quick too - because when I told him I thought I saw Lexie - his response was, "Why would Lexie be here - she's finished with her chemo." It's a hard reminder that we aren't playing a game here - I really don't think I need much of a reminder about that though.

Over all - these have been some good days. We see evidence every day of your prayers - He hears and He answers - no doubt about it!!

I almost forgot to mention that Ryan did get to see Underdog on Sunday - he came home, took a nap and then off we went - his friend Tiffany came with us and they had the best time!! After the movie we had to run to the grocery - they skipped through the aisles (I think they were trying to fly because they kept saying they couldn't get their feet off the ground :)) yelling "There's no need to fear - Underwear is here." You'll have to see the movie to understand that one! I'll have to say it was a cute movie - but the best part was watching Ryan and Tiffany just having fun. Addie went to my mom's over the w/end and had a good time too - she is just growing up and today I looked at her and all I could think was that it felt like I had just missed the past 10 months of her life - I know we've done what we had to do and I know God has been so faithful to send so many to take the very best care of her - and the truth is she has gotten to do tons of fun stuff that probably wouldn't have ever happened (most kids would die to get to go home with their teacher and their principal - I think Addie just thinks they are her other mothers by this point) - it's just not the way I wish it was for her or for any of us. All in all though - it turns out the best it can I think. She's the best though - just goes with the flow (well, as long as she is going somewhere that it is :)).

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which though knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3