Thanks!

Thank you for all of the Birthday wishes! You are all so sweet. I did have a wonderful birthday. Ellie "surprised" me with a hand made card - complete with a picture of a racoon and real peacock feathers (one that popped out when I opened the card because it was glued to an accordian folded paper. I told you that she had something creative up her sleeve.) There were lots of phone calls and beautiful cards during the day, and then the family took me out for a delicious birthday dinner. They also bought me a gorgeous pair of boots. No, not cowboy boots or snow boots. They were soft, dove gray, high heeled, knee high boots with three large brushed silver buttons at the top. You know, the kind of boots that I will have to invent an excuse to wear... my favorite kind. Some of you could care less about that, but others (Tricia) will completely understand! Also - it was my favorite kind of day - dark and drizzly. This morning we awoke to find snow on all of the mountain tops! All around, the day brought more wonderful memories to add to my much loved and oft-remembered stores. Thank you all!

In other news... Ellie's new weight (and we count it as valid when she keeps the same weight every morning for a week) is... 50 POUNDS!!! She is now eating at least 2,000 calories every day. Ellie and I will be leaving for NY on Friday, September 28 - the day before Ellie turns 9. We will be there for one week - returning Friday, October 5. Mom and Gary will meet us in NY and we will celebrate Ellie's birthday. We are so excited. Then Ellie will have all of the tests - CT scan, MIBG scan, urine test, blood tests, and bone marrows. She will also have her eyes checked. Since there is no sight in her left eye, we want to keep good track of the right one. We are nervous and hopeful about all of the tests. We would, of course, love to hear that things are better, but I would not be at all surprised, or disappointed to find that there is no change. We just really hope that there is not negative change. I will let you know how it goes!

One prayer request... if you are thinking of us, please pray that Ellie will remain healthy right now. As the weather is changing, sicknesses are starting to go around. Lauren has been sick, and has been such a good sport about staying in her room to keep from exposing the rest of us. But with so many people in the household, it is hard to keep things from passing around. Ellie and I have moved in to Loretta's house for a few days to try to help.

Also, the day that we leave - Sept. 28 - John, Ethan, Stan, Pat, Ginger, Russ and Maddie are leaving Florida to drive to Montana. They hope to arrive about the same time that we get back from NY. So travel safety is another big prayer request. Thanks so much!