This month brought another kidney check up for the boys. Thad now has some calcifications in one of his kidneys. That along with higher blood pressures meant a new medication for him. Eli also had a decline in his kidney function.While it is never easy to get news that their disease is worsening, we are thankful that the progression is slow. ARPKD is not in control, God is. We continue to trust Him with the boys' future.
This month also brought a check up for Anna. During a routine ultrasound, the radiologist discovered that one of her kidneys is larger then the other. We are now awaiting a referral to another pediatric nephrologist to try and discover what the implications of this are for her. We are also trusting our Creator and Sustainer to give us all we need to help her through whatever health issues she endures.
Jeff had an opportunity to teach an AP Chemistry Boot Camp one Saturday this month. He took a group of his students to NWA and taught a bunch of students from around the state. It was a fun day that concluded with a trip to an old school arcade.
Jeff hurt his back this month. He bent over and pinched a nerve. After several weeks of pain, physical therapy finally brought relief. Eli and Leigh Ann also saw the eye doctor this month for an exam and updated glasses and Leigh Ann and Jeff saw the dentist for teeth cleanings We are so thankful that we have insurance!
The boys had a piano recital this month at a local nursing home. It was such a joy to see/hear them use their gifts and talents to bless others. Both of them really enjoy playing and are doing well. Eli continues to play guitar and is hoping to take drum lessons next year.
Marie enjoyed many Christmas activities at school including building gingerbread houses, a Polar Express hot chocolate party, and doing Christmas crafts. Anna and Eden also enjoyed Christmas parties at Grace Academy.
Several Christmas traditions that we continued this year were decorating cookies with Nana and Papa, riding the Christmas train, doing an advent calendar, and attending the Christmas Eve service. We also enjoyed going to Nana and Papa's church for a special Christmas program/concert that Nana and Papa participated in.
Finally, Christmas Day arrived. We read the Christmas story, opened gifts, and enjoyed time spent with Nana and Papa. It was a beautiful day filled with fellowship, food, family, fun, and plenty of sunshine!
The next day, Jeff and Eden got sick. They were troopers though as we prepared to head to Pinecrest Camp in Ozone, Arkansas for a Rice Family Reunion. Two days after Christmas, we met up with Jeff's parents, brothers and their families and extended families for several days of fun. Just as Jeff and Eden started to feel better, Thad and Leigh Ann got sick. The following day, Eli got sick. Thankfully, the sickness was contained to our family and didn't spread. There was still lots of games, food, laughter, and memories made. It was so neat to have most of Jeff's family in one place and get to worship and fellowship together. It is a blessing we don't take for granted.
As 2019 comes to a close, we have so much to be thankful for. Most of all, we are thankful that we serve an Awesome God who is Sovereign over all! As we look ahead to 2020, we are excited to see what God has in store for our family and what new adventures we will have in the New Year. We hope you had a wonderful CHRISTmas and have a Happy New Year!
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