Well for an update, after we came home from the hospital. The baby continued to do worse. Finally around Midnight on Monday, I really started debating about taking him to the Children's Hospital. I really prayed hard. In my heart, I wanted to take him, but I was so tired and run down. It was already midnight and that meant trekking across the water by myself. After praying and talking to my husband we decided it was best for me to take him in. So at midnight we got dressed and trekked across the water. They admitted him to the hospital with pneumonia in both lungs with RSV on top of that. We stayed in the hospital until Thur. night. It is so good to be home! He is doing much better being at home. I love seeing my family all together. It is hard when we're apart. I kept thinking of the parable of the sheep, when I was in the hospital. I felt like the shepherd who left the 99 sheep he loved in order to find his one lost sheep. That's how it is, when I leave everyone at home that I love to tend to my one sick little lamb. The hospital wasn't depressing this time. I felt Gods loving care and comfort. I wasn't anxious or nervous. God gave me peace and understanding that this is a very light and momentary trial. Not all trials are light, but this hasn't gotten overwhelming for me yet. My amazing husband held down the fort at home, and we always have lots of help from my wonderful and church family. We go to the doctor tomorrow for a progress report. The baby will have a sweat-chloride test to test him for cystic fibrosis. The test is the exact same day as his heart surgery 12 months ago. We'll then meet again with the Pulmonologist who will do more tests on his immunity and a detailed study of his lungs. Prayerfully they can determine what is going on with his lungs. It is comforting that we can trust the Great Physician. Update:(i'm writing this over several days) Went to his primary care physician. Personally she doesn't think he has cystic fibrosis. She thinks he has an immune deficiency. Time will tell I guess. We can't have the tests done until he his well. His right lung is still wheezing, his left lung is much worse. He still has collapses in his left lung. We're praying for his healing. He is very happy. Almost nothing gets him down, you wouldn't even know he's sick.

I just completed my first semester of graduate school yesterday. The work load is much more intense than undergrad. Between the two classes; I wrote one or two papers a week in addition to exams, projects, and discussion posts. It was a busy semester, but I made it out with 2 A's. My goal isn't to achieve an A, but it's nice when I do. My goal is to glorify God, then serve my husband and children, whatever is left over after all of that I give to school. People ask me all the time how I do school. I guess at this point, I've passed the learning curve so I'm at an advantage. I started my undergraduate work in 2003 and have been going to school ever since so now I'm just used to this pace of life. I set aside a couple of hours a day to do my work. I do it early in the morning before the kids rise or at their nap or bedtime. I spend a lot of time on the weekend finishing up assignments. Prayerfully after graduate school I'll be able to get a job working from home teaching online, and if necessary nights and/or weekends. Sometimes people say that I'm a good example because I'm a stay-at-home mom and I go to school. I really don't hope to inspire anyone to go school. If the Lord calls a busy mom to go to school in addition to all of her other responsibilities than you have to obey God, but I find that a lot women want to go to school for self-fulfilment. In that case, I would never go to school. I am quite fulfilled and busy enough living out my God-appointed role. However, I'm in the situation where we need two or three incomes. My husband usually works two jobs and I usually have a daycare running simultaneously. It would be better for all of us if I could teach online. I'll be able to stay at home, and have a "real" job and help my husband.

My oldest turned eight today. He is a wonderful boy and I love him so much. When I was in the hospital I spent a lot of time praying for my relationship with him. He loves me so much and wants to spend time with me, and so often I am "so tired", but I know I'll want to spend time with him when he's a teenager, so I have to invest now. I've taken up playing video games with him. He thinks that's the coolest thing ever. He is so patient with me. He waits for me and instructs me in certain phases of the game. My husband thinks it's fun too. He had a blast creating my Avatar and my oldest son dressed me. My game of choice is A Kingdom for Keflings. I want to download the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack to put on the console, while I play my game. My husband is entirely paranoid that I'm going to take over his game :-) I assured him that I won't neglect my responsibilities. :-)

Well that's it for now...