Undeserved blessings

Things are relatively status quo for Anna right now.  We're incredibly thankful that she has a whole week to just work on getting stronger.  We're very hopeful that this opportunity to rest and recuperate will do her wonders.

On a different note, we've been the recipients of some pretty amazing experiences and opportunities because of Anna's situation.

Last week, or at least I think it was last week, the days are kind of running together now ... one evening while I was here at the hospital, a few of the UW Men's Hockey players came by for a visit.  Our family does not usually follow many UW sporting events, but it was exciting nonetheless.

Earlier this week our family was gifted two ipads to use during this time.  Within 24 hours of having access to them, our kids had facetime with one another and us at least 4 times :)  I'm guessing that these generous gifts will be used every day for the next few months.

Today while my mom was staying with Anna, Phillip Phillips, the 2012 American Idol winner, stopped by for a visit.  He has a benefit show later today and was spending the day with kids here at the hospital.  Who would have thought that Anna would ever get to meet someone like him?

Time for prayers

Thanksgiving

Please give thanks that my mom was able to be with Anna today so that Matt and I could be at our house together for a short period of time.

Please give thanks that Anna is no longer in the PICU :)

Please give thanks that Anna will not be transferred to Chicago on Monday.

Please give thanks that Anna has not been nauseous for more than 24 hours.

Requests

Please pray that Anna continues to get stronger each day.

Please pray that Anna starts putting on some weight.

Please pray that Anna finds her inner strength and puts it to good use in the days to come.

I'd like to add a few other prayer requests that will go in a "shoot for the moon" category.  When Anna was in Kindergarten she was given the opportunity to "shoot for the moon" with assignments or other work.  Without fail, Anna would choose to shoot for the moon.  Now that we know that God can and will work miracles for Anna, I'd like to ask for some.  So here are a few "shoot for the moon" prayer requests.

Please pray that Anna becomes strong enough to ride safely in a carseat by this coming weekend.

Please pray for Anna's swift and complete recovery from her brain surgeries.

Please pray that the radiation and chemotherapy are 100% effective for Anna.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.