Fourth of July

Kara and her family went to the farm last weekend for the holiday. On Sunday, Aunt Lois, Laura, Miki, and David came over to join us to celebrate the Fourth a bit early. Emma got a new slip-and-slide, and she and the boys warmed up to it pretty quickly -- Emma would run and jump on her own, and the boys' daddies would "bowl" them down the slide. The grown-ups enjoyed watching them, with their feet stuck in the baby pool trying to stay cool! It cooled down enough in the evening so that it was a nice evening for the fireworks display in Smithville.

Kara and I had fun running little errands in town when Kara felt up to it. Kara is still pretty weak and worn out by what she's been through. She receives IV fluids every day to try to keep herself hydrated, to try to prevent kidney problems. The hot weather is doubly hard on her -- the heat is draining, and she can't afford to get dehydrated by sweating. The treatment has left her with some hearing problems, as well as the continued nausea and fatigue.

Emma, Luke, and Lottie (click on the photo for more photos from the holiday weekend)
Originally uploaded by jeanjean78.

We are so thrilled to have received more great tests results, and will keep you posted on the schedule of what's to come as we know more.

Praises
- Thank you God for healing Kara, for giving us signs that the treatment is working, for giving us hope.
- Thank you God for Kara's completion of brain surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with no major complications.
- Thank you God for the love and comfort that Kara's family and friends provide her.

Prayer Requests
- Please pray for increased strength for Kara before her surgery, and that her side-effects from chemotherapy diminish.
- Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara as she faces two major surgeries in the coming months.
- Please pray that that cancer is eradicated from her body, permanently.

Thank you.