Moving Along Nicely

Hi...
I thought I would update everyone on what's up these days with Allee. She is feeling good. The doctor gave us encouraging news when we were last in Rochester, Minnesota at the end of July. Unless something comes up he doesn't need to see us for 1 year. We have to keep up with her Coumadin therapy being a good level and taking care of herself but that is good news. Her right renal vein remains completely occluded or blocked by clot but he doesn't think it will cause a problem. If it does, we should be able to tell due to the pain it would cause. We are also doing regular lab work to make sure her levels are good relating to the kidney. I have to say it still 'bothers' me but I'm just trying to have faith.
So Allee started school on August 19th. She is at a local college close to home and getting certified to be a cosmetologist. She has already learned how to cut hair to trim hair and is loving it. She is fatigued alot due to the Monday - Friday 8-2:30 schedule. But she is staying true to her commitment to God by continuing to go to weekly Bible studies as well as the regularly scheduled services. I appreciate her zeal for the Lord. It is very inspiring.

On one sad note, we got blood tests back last week that Allison's older sister, Ashleigh, has the same blood clotting disorder. It is called Factor V Leiden. She has shown no reaction yet like that of Allison so Ashleigh is only taking an 81 mg. aspirin daily for now. The future, for both of them, regarding the possibilities of children one day will be impacted by this disorder. It can be managed with daily shots of heparin in the stomach for the entire pregnancy. We aren't at that point yet so we'll just face it when it comes. We're glad to know about Ashleigh too. It changes how she does things just a bit. But she is strong.

We are just thankful for the good things we have and try and deal with the not so good things as well as we can. We know God has put His hand of protection on Allison and Ashleigh for some time now. We are so humbled by His love for us.

Have a great rest of the week and remember to love those close to you with all you have. Seek God first in every aspect of your life. And never take one minute with family and friends for granted.

Jennifer