#homegrouptakesnmb2015

Our church homegroup took a beach trip this year. We stayed at the Fish Frye in North Myrtle Beach, and we had a TON of fun!! Take a look at our adventures. We'd never been to the beach with friends, so this was a first, but definitely not the last time we'll do it, so much fun!!

Steak and Shake fun

Crab legs

Back Porch Swinging

Dolphin Cruise

On the beach everyday

Outlet shopping and helicopter ride fun

Broadway at the Beach-Lucas went to RideMakerz and made himself a car

The kiddos and saying goodbye to the beach

Broadway Dinosaur fun

silly smiles

My family

Prognosis & Updates

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 

Colossians 4:2

Here's our update on Lucas

 We visited the allergist today (7/15) and dermatologist yesterday (7/14). Both think it's eczema. We have a cream, an oil, and prescription for him from the dermatologist that allergist agreed with. We also have switched his soap, lotion, and sunscreen to Vanicream while this clears and his skin goes back to normal. I also will start drying our clothes without a dryer sheet, because at this point anything could be irritating his skin and egging it on more. 

It's possible he has an allergy to red dye in food, but unlikely, we did stop gummy vitamins to test that, too. However, after coming home and reading the ingredients, I don't see it on the label.

We go back to the dermatologist at the end of the month for a check up. If it's not cleared or clearing, we may speak to the allergist again, but they can't test him right now with his skin like this. If the medicine we have now doesn't help by Monday, the dermatologist will call in an oral steroid to help. As of of now Lucas is in good spirits and doing well. He's just as rambunctious as normal, which is good. He may not look like he feels good based on his skin, but his pleasant demeanor would tell you differently. He's swollen at times (especially when waking up), but once the meds are in him the allergist says that should go away, too. Thank you for prayers, please keep them coming.

I see an improvement in scratching already with just one dose of stuff in and on his skin. We are praying for this to continue and happen quickly. 

It has certainly been an exhausting and draining experience, but I am praising God for his many blessings. I am also praising him because it doesn't seem to be an allergic reaction, thankfully, and I hope that remains true. The dermatologist does not seem to think this condition will continue once we get this under control and cleared up. She believes it was started from a virus and just got worse, so fingers crossed and lots of prayers that is the case and this isn't a lifelong thing. 

Thank you for all of the prayers, suggestions, and well wishes. We really appreciate the support, and we'll keep you updated.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

    and lean not on your own understanding;

6 

in all your ways submit to him,

    and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Cow Appreciation Day 2015

We spent our lunch with a bunch of cows:) but at least they were all cute cows. Here's a look at our Cow Appreciation Day lunch with Audrey Blake, Silas, Tucker, and Parker. It was also a goodbye for the Howe family, who we miss so much already!!

Lucas and AB

The 3 Musketeers plus Parker and the mommies (this was post costume for most of the group) Ha

Me an my little cow

Here's a comparison and throwback to Cow Appreciation Day last year with Silas

Lucas wanted to wave at the cow last year, but did NOT want the cow coming as close as last year :) But all he talked about was the cow :) 

Summer Frustrations

This summer has brought tons of fun, but unfortunately it has also brought lots of frustration. We have kept most news offline, but I'm feeling desperate. I'm asking for prayers for Lucas. Since late May/early June we have been trying to get him relief in some type of rash or allergy he's gotten. We've gone to the doctor this summer more than wellness visits in his first year. We've been given creams, a shampoo, and some otc medicines to try. We have seen some improvements; however, it's mostly just gotten worse. We are at the point of needing a dermatologist or allergist recommendation. And although our closest friends and family know and have been praying, we need more prayers for our baby boy. He's usually ok and has a good attitude for it all, but he's been uncomfortable with scratching. In addition to the prescriptions other things we've tried are witch hazel, oatmeal baths, washing sheets etc in hot water more than normal, soaks for bath toys in vinegar and bleach, throwing out some squeeze bath toys, no scented lotions our bath wash (our detergent is already free and clear), and we have him sleeping in long sleeve and pants to keep from scratching. We've bought lotion for eczema and have tried aquaphor, a&d, and more. We think the heat is not helping, but we can't do much about that. Right now I'm at the point of rage and worry and sadness for my baby boy. We need your prayers for clarity, answers, discernment, and healing. Our baby boy has been pleasant, but I can tell he's uncomfortable. He needs your prayers for relief and improvement. Please pray with us, we know God has the answers, but we need the doctors to find the answers and provide the healing needed for Lucas. Please join us in praying for the doctors and Lucas.

The Howe Family Going Away Party

time I'm sad to say, their final destination is not Columbia, SC. Their trip this time will end across the country in Washington state. While we are THRILLED for how God has lead them to make all of these decisions, but selfishly, we are sad to see them go. We know this is what is best, but we are sad to say good bye (temporarily). We got together and created them a scrapbook and planned a surprise dinner for them at Red Robin tonight. Here's a look at the night, a little of what I snapped. And shout out to Tiffany and our awesome waitress-both were so helpful and for a party of like 15 adults and 5 kids, our waitress didn't write down ONE single thing, and she got EVERYTHING correct on the order!!

Dinner at Red Robin

 

He loves a cheeseburger                Toddlers LOVE pics

Playing before being seated

 Group Pic after dinner 

Our Country 'Tis of Thee

Happy 4th of July! We spent the day at Grandma Snell's house with the family on the lake. Lucas played with all the cousins and kids. We met baby Jackson. Our little man made it all day 6:30 am (wake up time), the 2.5hr ride to the lake, play time until 4:30...before he stopped to nap on our 2.5hr ride home. We stopped for dinner on the way home and Lucas played on the playground and at the splash pad before heading home for bath and bedtime. Then Andrew and I spent sometime outside watching our neighbors near and far shoot off some fireworks. What a beautiful, fun day with our sweet family celebrating this amazing free country that so many spend time protecting. 

God Bless America!!

Here's a look at our day

 

 

The sign of a good day for this boy...cute but DIRTY outfit :)