Some great news and a prayer request...

If you've been waiting for a new post, here's why. Two weeks ago I came down with strep throat (the first time in probably 15 years!) and then we were at the beach all last week. Blog posts to come about our wonderful vacation but if you can't wait, check Lori's blog for the general overview and some great pictures.

Any way, several bits of great news... my mom's CAT scan came back completely perfect. No signs of anything! Praise the Lord. Secondly, although Philip loves his cousins Hannah and Madeline, in November he will get to meet his new BOY cousin! Mike and Andrea went for THE ultrasound this past Thursday and were excited to announce that they are expecting a healthy baby boy.
Here are Andrea and Mike a few weeks ago meeting Braewyn.

Lastly, my cousin Melissa is pregnant! She and Nick were married last October but dated for about 7 years prior to that. Melissa has a wonderful, loving personality and will be a great mom. Guys, we'll be praying for a healthy pregnancy and baby! Can't wait to welcome your new little one into the world.
Here are Nick and Melissa at their wedding reception. Haven't seen them since then but hoping to visit this summer so they can meet Braewyn too.

The prayer request is for my mom's sister Cindy's mother-in-law Betty (Cindy is Melissa's mom). Betty lost all blood circulation in her legs and so Saturday she had one of her legs amputated just below the knee. Due to other health problems, Betty is not able to take the amount of morphine needed to take away all the pain so she is suffering. Her kidneys would potentially shut down if she was given more pain medicine. Please pray for her leg to heal from the surgery. The family and doctors are concerned that her knee won't have sufficient blood flow to heal and that would mean Monday or Tuesday more of her leg would be removed (above the knee). Mom has spoken with Cindy on the phone and she and Greg (her husband and Betty's son) can hardly stand to visit Betty in the hospital because it is so heartwrenching to see her in so much pain. This is making Mom quite upset too as she takes most things to heart and considers Betty a friend too. Pray for Mom as she has been feeling bad the last few days and possibly because she is letting Betty's situation affect her emotionally (her heart goes out to her as someone who's been in the hospital in pain and distraught) which affects her physically.