Sunday

Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said,

“We should go up and take possession of the land,

for we can certainly do it.”

~Numbers 13:30 NIV~

Callie Cole

Happy New Year!!  Hope you all have a wonderful new year filled with much joy!!  Joy in our heavenly Father and in the work He is performing among us! May you all see where He is working and join Him.
Sorry I have not posted in quite some time.  The holiday hustle and bustle along with a few new twists and I did well to keep up with my family and all their needs.
Had a great Christmas with Miss Callie.  She seemed to enjoy all the festivities.  I was very choosy during the holidays and did not get her out in public too much.  I admit that I am very leary of all the bugs going around.  I do not want to catch one and I certainly do not want Miss Callie to experience one at this time.  She had a sinus infection a couple of weeks ago and I was scared she had pneumonia.  Thank goodness she did not.
She is anxious to get back to a ball game but many of the players and friends are experiencing the flu and cough and cold.  So, we will probably wait a little longer to get through the worst part of the flu season.  Her teachers that come to the house have been sick.  My caregivers couldn’t work a couple of days due to a virus.  So, we wait.
Callie is having a hospital bed delivered Monday.  She has been working on rolling over to her side and has done very well.  She needs the rails to help roll and to strengthen her trunk.  She continues to experience right side weakness, but is getting rather good at using the left side.  For this, we are thankful.  We continue to pray and expect a full recovery.  Hope you are too.  Don’t stop believing.
Keep it real.

Love,
Frances

Avery Smith

Today has been such a blessing, but a very emotional day for us.  Today, one year ago, I clutched my lethargic baby tight, riding in the back of an ambulance, scared to death, not knowing why or what was in store for her.  I can remember like it was yesterday, feeling like I must have been dreaming, feeling like it was the worst day of my life.  I have been thinking about this day for quite some time, and I must admit, I have felt a lot of anxiety as it has approached.  I can’t understand why so much anxiety, because as I reflect on this year, I feel so gracious and that my life is so much more fulfilled.  We had such a wonderful holidays and we just enjoyed every moment, every smile on her face, like we were seeing it for the first time.

I must apologize for the lack of journaling.  When I stopped we had been in and out of the hospital, with no access to a computer, and I was by myself with Avery.  Being alone in the hospital with a toddler on a IV made even the simplest tasks more difficult.  When we got the “okay”, we made several trips to TX, so that we could spend some extra time with Daddy (not to mention Avery loves camping). I am so thankful for  Dr. Kanter, Claire, the nurses and staff for always going above and beyond, making this years journey more comfortable.  We have met so many amazing kids, and families this year that will impact our lives for a lifetime.    A huge thank you to such a wonderful community of friends and people, that in such a time of distress, came together to help, without even thinking twice.  Every donation, every letter, every card, and especially every prayer, is appreciated from the bottom of our hearts.  I am so thankful for a loving and supportive family, and as always, a shoulder to cry on.

This year has no doubt, been the most difficult, but also the best year of our lives.  I feel like I am seeing the world through totally different eyes.  We have learned to take each day at a time, and we appreciate every day God gives us. It is so sad to hear that so many people waste their time and energy on petty, silly things that don’t even matter.  I just wish that time could be spent thinking and praying for all of the special children and families that struggle through each day. We have seen first hand, how difficult times can bring families closer together, and some times they can tear them apart.  Aj and I have become so strong not only in our marriage, but also our bond with Avery.  Her treatments are not finished, but we are praying that the worst is over.  Avery is now in the maintenance phase of treatment, which she will continue throughout this next year.  We are now able to take most of her chemo and meds at home, so Life has somewhat gotten back to normal…we are only going to clinic every other week, and we don’t have to worry about low counts (unless there are any problems) I have started back with the frames, along with my little helper, of course.  Avery’s permanent hair is growing so fast, and she is so proud of it!     She is such an amazing little girl that is growing up so fast.  As I have said so many times before, she is my hero, and I am so thankful God allows us to share this life together.

Please continue to pray for Avery’s health and strength as we go through cold and flu season.  Please pray her spinal tap goes well on Monday, and please pray for her, as she will begin steroids again.  She has to be on steroids once a month, for several days, in which she never responds well.  They usually make her quite miserable, and cause some stomach irritation, so please pray for her comfort this week.  Thank you again for all who keep us in their thoughts and prayers. And, PLEASE PLEASE, continue to give blood.  Anyone can go to any bloodcenter and donate in honor of Avery Smith at Tulane Hospital for Children.  No matter what blood type…you are saving lives!!!

Fundraiser for Bailey Leon:       www.bucksforbailey.com Please continue to keep her in your prayers!

Mark your calendars for January 15th- we are having a Skeet Shoot and Live/Silent Auctions to raise money for Bailey! If interested in entering please call Cody Reed at 337-224-9122 or send an inbox message to this page. Entry fee is $100 which includes hamburger, chips & drink for the shooter. Tournament will be held at Cajun Elite Shooting Range in Jennings, LA.

Mr. Gordon Price continues go improve.  He has enjoyed having company.  Pray for him as he continues to receive treatment.

Sherry  Douglas

A resident of Independence, LA, died at 10:35AM on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at her home near Independence, LA. She was 44 years of age. Visitation at Lighthouse Baptist Church, Independence, LA on Sunday, January 9, 2011 until religious services Monday, January 10, 2011. Interment Lighthouse Cemetery, Independence, LA. Completed arrangements will be posted on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Don’t forget the special celebration for Dr. and Mrs. Joe Baugh today at FBC, Kentwood.  Bro. Joe will retire after 42 years in the ministry.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee