Tiger game, check up, and the Detroit Zoo.

This last week we had a little get away...to Detroit. Laine's Metabolic Specialist is there and the Children's hospital. We decided to head over there the day before and catch a Tiger game and stay overnight. It was so fun. I got a really awesome deal for a hotel on Hotwire and stayed at a 4 star and it was beautiful. Laine walked in the room and said..."oh fancy momma" What a little cutie! The game was fun and the Tigers won! (I got great tickets for 10 bucks each). We got up in the morning and went to Laine's checkup. We met with everyone and they are so happy with how she is doing we don't return for a whole year! Yea for us! We might miss them though, they are so wonderful to us and supportive. Then we headed to the Detroit Zoo in the afternoon. It was a blast.

happy valentines day

Last night Jeff and I got to have a date to Olive Garden and then shop around the mall for a little bit. In a bigger city and a better mall than our own town. It was sooooooo nice. I have to work nights tonight so we celebrated a day early. This is our morning breakfast. Yummy. Here is to you and your loved ones.

christmas lights

We like to pick a cold snowy night and grab popcorn and hot chocolate and pile in the car and drive around town to look at Christmas lights. One year we found a notevenkidding "National Lampoon's Christmas vacation" light display. Clark Griswold must have helped this family. It was on your average house on an average street in an average city. Who would have thought? We listen to Christmas music and sing along and usually the girls have on their footed pajamas. Sometimes we stop for a coffee at Starbucks. Sometimes we make our own warm yummy drink. We have been doing this one for at least 10 years now. Jeff and I started before we even had the girls and they love it now too.

Rudolph

Here is to another holiday tradition...of course snuggling the girls up on the couch and letting them stay up later and watch Rudolph. It is on this Wednesday night at 8:00 on CBS. I remember my mom letting my sister and I watch this growing up. We were absolutely so excited the night it aired. The felted animals were the coolest cartoon animation that was available then. Here is to the memories!

happy fall

today we enjoyed a great october day and beautiful fall day. i was suppose to work today but we had too many nurses scheduled so i got the day off. we have been pretty busy with paige having girl scouts, piano lessons, tennis lessons, and i started violin lessons this week too. I am glad to have an unexpected day off.

i started violin lessons because i have always wanted to learn to play but always made excuses of why it was too late to learn. i decided that when i am only 44 years old i will have played the violin for 10 years and hopefully be a decent musician. It is never to late to begin something new!

show me the daisies

Some days I forget about the joy, love and how much two little girls fill my heart. Some days they are filled with schedules, crying, whining, potty training, cleaning, work and all the routine things that occur during our days.

Today though, I remember the day this picture was taken. Laine brought me a handful of daisies. She was thrilled with herself. "Put em in a vase momma." So I did. I am trying to do more than to create the little scrapbook in my head of the memories of the pictures. I am trying to create experiences that built up, love and show my appreciation to my children. Taking time to pick those flowers with Laine, taking time to look at and listen to Paige as she explains her rock collection and why certain rocks are special. The list goes on about what I am trying to do to encourage them and built them up. There is so much I am working on. Taking time with each of them as they have excitement about something and not being too busy. Whenever I ask them to wait and tell me when I am finished with "whatever it is", they are never quite as excited as they were when they first wanted to tell me something. Take time for the daisies...you will be glad you did.

Oh those beautiful eyes...

My prayer for you Paige is that through those eyes you see...the goodness in others, the beauty of yourself, hope for the future, a sister who adores you and parents who love you. Paige, I hope you will see how blessed we are, and how hard others struggle, how loving and showing others Christ's love can change others world as well as your own. I trust that God will direct your path and and that you see His ways are good. I believe in you. I love you to the moon and back....

Dear little spunky Laine, my prayer for you is that though your eyes you will have compassion for those who are sick and in need. You have seen so much in your 3 years of doctors, hospitals, appointments that God will give you those eyes for love, patience and kindness to others. I pray that you can see how special and unique you are and God has a plan for you life. I hope you see the good in others, our love for you always, and a sister who thinks you are so special. You are the fizz that gives us fun, laughter, and joy. I love you to the moon and back too little one...

Sprinkler Fun

Just a beautiful day and perfect for spontaneous summer fun.

big bed for Laine

I am so glad we were spontaneous today. We decided after church to look for a big bed for Laine. Her 3 year old birthday is coming and we decided a Dora bedroom and twin bed was going to be her present. We found a great twin bed and really cute Dora bedding. We set it up when she was playing this afternoon with her sister. They were outside and when she came in we surprised her.
I am glad I didn't know last night it would be the last time I put her in her crib.
I am glad that as we said her goodnight prayers last night I didn't know that tonight I would say those prayers in a big bed.
I am glad that she is growing and healthy and strong and is becoming a little girl and not a baby anymore.
I am not glad that the time goes so quickly and here she is almost 3 years old. Just where did 1095 days go? Where did 26280 hours go? And where did over 1,500,000 minutes go?
Oh I remember some of the moments....
I remember the moment when she was born, I remember just days later when we were told she had a rare genetic disorder. I remember times when she was sick and we were scared. I remember wishing that God would give me a glimpse of her future when she was tiny and weeks old. I am glad I felt the peace that only God can give and being told "just trust me". Thank you God for giving us all these moments. You have been faithful. We have seen Laine become a spunky, sassy, funny, and feisty little one who has brought us much joy in the million minutes we have had her. She has learned and explored, taught, loved, sung, danced, cried, and many other moments we likely won't forget. These images are etched on our minds and remain in our hearts. I remember the first time she laughed...I remember when she walked...I remember when she said grace for the first time...I remember when she sang Hannah Montana's "I've got the best of both worlds" (complete with the key change and everything). I remember the night she crawled into Paige's bed to snuggle. I remember the sunny day she said "It's a great day huh mom?"
I remember the day when she used the potty chair all day..(oh yeah that hasn't happen yet never mind, just wishful thinking).
I hope in the future that I can create a snapshot, a little scrapbook in my mind, a place in my heart to help me to remember all the moments to come.

fever

For the last 3 days I have had a temperature up to 102.3. I think children must be able to deal with fevers a lot better than adults because I have been on the couch since Thursday night. I saw the doctor on Friday and after blood work and swabs to rule out infection or strep she thought it was just a viral infection. Thank you to my husband who took the kids to a movie tonight...thank you to Laine who take me by the face and says "awe honey are you sick?"...thank you to Paige who played pretty quietly this afternoon (This was after my not so good mommy moment where the girls were playing outside and come in with chalk sidewalk paint covering their crocs and rainboots. Paige says Laine told her to squirt the paint into her shoes. Paint was oozing out the holes of the crocs. They had the paint all over little hands, legs and shoes. I admit it...I yelled. A lot... I hate it when I do it. If I felt better I probably would have laughed and told them to go back outside and use the hose. Paige's feelings were hurt and I felt bad. Not one of my best moments being a parent. I'll try better next time.) Just hoping tomorrow I feel better. It did get me off work for the weekend. Having a nurse with a fever isn't a good idea... especially oncology patients. Just praying the Laine doesn't get the same virus. Please pray protection for her as that might just get her a ticket to admission for IV fluids. Until next time...

summer fun

little shoes......





















swings















cousins on vacation

4th of July

We spent the 4th of July in Frankfort Michigan. It was our second trip this summer and so far we are having a great time. We watched the 4th of July parade yesterday morning and the fireworks last night. They were awesome right off the pier at the beach! We went out on the boat with some friends who are up here on Thursday. Our family (cousins, grammie, and aunt and uncle) are here too and it has been beautiful. What memories!

Our Favorite things this trip:

1) Fireworks

2) Beach days with cousins

3) Swimming in Lake Michigan

4) 4th of July Picnic

5) Homemade breakfast by grammie

6) 4th of July Parade

7) Moomers Ice Cream

8) Walks on the beach

9) Being with our family

10) Boating with friends

PottyTraining (I should have thought of this)

OK, last night Jeff comes home with a plastic Tupperware container with lid and and bag of M&M's. He says a buddy at work did this and every time their child went potty they gave them one M&M. Duh...I should have thought of this before...Laine loves (and I mean loves chocolate with a capital LOVE). So we pour the M&M's in the container (see through so she can drool) and she says "I want some". I told her every time she sits on the potty chair she can have one M&M. Every time she goes potty she can have 3. It did not take more than just a little while and 2 potty trips to go potty on the toilet. Thank God we are headed in the right direction. Seriously, if that guy's advice gets my kid potty trained before her 3rd birthday then I am so buying him dinner (or maybe just a big bag of M&M's)!

Being needed

As mothers don't we have that place in our hearts, in our souls where we just love to be needed (especially with our kids?) I know it makes me feel important. So can you imagine what went through my mind the day we received the brochure for a Christian summer camp...for 7 year olds and Paige tells me she wants to go. She just turned 7 and apparently they have camps for kids in first grade (What??? Who knew?) I know I went to camp in like 6th grade or something and even that was pushing it for me. I told her to pray about it and maybe in a month or so we could talk about it.

Well about a month went by and she brings up the issue again. She wants to go and thinks she is ready. She doesn't know anyone but says she'll make friends and learn about Jesus. This is a conversation we had that cracked me up from our little serious 7 year old...
Me: OK, at camp if they ask any questions you don't know the answer to, just say Jesus, cuz it is always about Him.
Paige: So if they (the camp) ask "Did you bring a blankie?", "I am just suppose to say Jesus?" with a smirk on her face.
Me: "Um well...No."

I should clarify that the camp is only Sunday to Wednesday. But Paige and I haven't been away from each other that long except for the times Laine has been in the hospital (and then dad or grammie was here). But I will cope. It is the least I can do. Yes I am out of my comfort zone. I don't have control over if she brushes her teeth and if her fingernails are clean. But there are more important things I am hoping she will learn. My prayer is she will see how many kids think Jesus is cool, and learning about Him is cool too, and swimming and canoeing and hiking and games.

They should make camp for grownups. I want to go too... She leaves this Sunday. I will keep you posted. Sure would be a long 3 hour drive in the middle of the night if she needs me. That's OK honey, I wouldn't mind a bit.

Happy Father's Day

Paige and Laine with Daddy. June 2008

Jeff is an amazing dad who loves his 2 little girls. He takes time to teach Paige about science, electricity and magnets and will take time to learn about Dora, Boots, Hannah Montana, and High School Musical too (He even has been known to sing along.) He knows how to make ponytails for the girls hair, and a mean macaroni and cheese. He is calm, loving, patient, and a good teacher and example. Paige says she loves her dad "because he is funny and is the greatest dad and grills good things and teaches me how to spell", and Laine loves her dad "because I want to". I'm sure just the answer he thought Laine would say. We love you daddy! Happy Father's Day

Good Bye Lake Michigan

Our trip to Frankfort comes to an end as we headed home today. Here is a picture of the girls and I. Laine stayed healthy the whole trip, thank God. Paige went swimming most every day, Jeff went fishing a couple times, and I tried reading some new books. I recommend the following...1) The Last Lecture, 2) Animal,Vegetable, Miracle and also 3) If you Lived Here, I'd know your name. We went to the beach in a small little town called Empire on Friday. I was so refreshed and renewed after spending an hour or so there. The girls played on the playground and Jeff and I just sat and watched them play and then walked the beach and watch the waves come in. The waves were so strong and splashing and the rough surf caused the sand to make the water an aqua/blue color...it was so beautiful. I wish I could bottle that right up, so on days when I can't figure out how to relax I can pop that lid right off. I always get a lump in my throat when we have to leave. I loved not having a routine for a while. What do you do to relax and renew yourself? JenD

The views of the Mackinaw Bridge

The last couple days we went to Mackinaw Island and Mackinaw City. We also saw the Mackinaw Bridge from both places. A couple things struck me about seeing this enormous bridge that connects our Upper and Lower Peninsula in Michigan. The views stepping back were so much better than when we were on the bridge. The most interesting views were from both the mainland and the island. When we were on the bridge it was hard to see the beauty, the patterns, the uniqueness, and the enormity of this bridge. It looked ordinary, regular, and normal. The bridge didn't change though, just my perspective of it. Isn't that just like our lives..... Our normal, routine, simple, stressful, ordinary days are spectacular when we just take time to take a step back and enjoy "the view". I know we all have reasons why it is hard to take a step back (jobs, illnesses, stress, finances, and schedules). But when you can... just do it! This is as much a reminder for me as anything. Sometimes the routines of the day seem boring and normal but I know that I am blessed beyond measure with these extraordinaire moments with my husband and girls. With God I am able to appreciate all these times. What is your favorite view?

A picture is worth a thousand words....

Laine was playing outside a couple weeks ago and I snapped this picture of her. I love this picture. The innocence, curiosity and simplicity speak so loudly to me. I loved her natural look. The wonder and amazement that she has for every new experience is awesome. That's one thing I love about being a parent is that children help bring excitement and joy to the most simple things. Even Paige at 7 still is excited about bubbles, sidewalk chalk, rainbows, splashing in the mud puddles, caterpillars and butterflies and most recently her new tadpole that is amazingly still alive after almost 2 weeks of being "rescued" from our friend's pool. She is feeding it and watching it grow. God, help me to appreciate the simple, normal, magical, wonderful, and fulfilling moments you give me too.

The Beginning....

Today I decided to begin a blog. I wanted to share our stories, pictures and happenings in the Decker Family. The simple things that occur everyday bring us much joy. We treasure how God has provided for our family and especially our youngest daughter's life during the last 2 1/2 years. I hope you find the simple things in your own life that can change your life . Let me introduce myself...

I'm Jen..nice to meet you. I'm married to Jeff a swell guy. I have a 7 year old daughter Paige and 2 1/2 year old daughter Laine. Laine was born healthy, but then had an abnormal newborn screening. She was diagnosed with a rare Metabolic/Genetic disorder called VLCAD. She also developed 2 Strawberry Hemangiomas (unrelated medical issues) and saw about 11 different doctors during the first year. Now she is doing very well and the doctors are still puzzled and can't be sure of the Metabolic issue. Our family prays that indeed she has been healed and we give God the glory for that one!

For today's post this is a picture of a Petoskey Stone Jeff found last summer. We are headed to Frankfort Michigan (Lake Michigan) this Friday for a relaxing week vacation. Our family enjoys long walks on the beach to find these treasures.