Monday

Noah Update.2

We have an appointment scheduled with the Neurologist. Small steps, but progress none the less. Hopefull we will have some answers on 4/13. I know it seems far away, but the typical waiting period is 2 1/2 months. We were fortunate to get an appointment so quickly.

In the mean time, Noah is continuing to do well. He is running, talking and eating as if nothing happened.

Thank you again for your continued prayers.

Friday

Noah Update

First of all, thank you to everyone who has kept Noah and our family lifted up in prayer. It means more than we can possibly express. For those of you who are not aware of the events that unfolded, here is a brief recap. Last Thursday, March 4, we went into Noah’s room to start our day. Noah was lying in bed awake, but not responding to our voices or touch. After some observation and trying unsuccessfully to get an adequate response we took him to our pediatrician for an evaluation. There it was determined that his blood sugar was low and they transported him via ambulance to Children’s Hospital Trauma Bay. They drew lots of blood for testing and at that time he received a CT scan. The CT showed no signs of tumors or lesions that would account for his odd behavior. His blood work came back inconclusive. The rest of the day, Noah stayed very lethargic and we were kept at Children’s for observation overnight. The next day, we took Noah in for an EEG. The EEG showed no signs of him having a seizure at that time, but they did notice an abnormality in the function of “background” waves that they wanted to explore further. They also noted he had a few enzymes that were not metabolizing properly. Since Noah was VERY active on Friday and they were still uncertain as to what had taken place, they allowed us to go home and scheduled an MRI. The MRI was performed on Wednesday.

As of today, Noah is back to his very active self, but we still do not have many answers. The more they find the more questions we are left to sort out as a family. At the present time we do know the MRI confirmed he has no tumors or lesions on his brain. We also know there are some abnormalities that affect the way his background brain waves are functioning. We are working closely to determine what this means for Noah. Our pediatricians are amazing and are exceedingly invested in making sure we get the answers we need and finding us a neurologist that will provide Noah with the very best care. We do need a repeat of the MRI in 6 months to reevaluate Noah’s condition.

At this time, there is nothing more we would love to do than to share any news that we have. Unfortunately, the information is not coming in as quickly as we would like. Determining a diagnosis, especially a neurological one, is a tedious process and we truly believe it would be a great disservice to Noah and our family to pass on speculative information. We strongly caution everyone to allow the doctors to sort this out and to not rely upon Wikipedia, Google and other resources to draw conclusions. We have faith that we are taking the most proactive approach and that the questions we have for the doctors have been carefully thought out and researched.

We are overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support, love and prayers. We love you all.

Team Horn

Wednesday

Exciting Berry Fancy News!

I just received an email from an awesome friend and fan of Berry Fancy, Amanda Gaines:
I just wanted to let you know that I was taking the "Best of Cincinnati" poll for City Beat and I'm adding Berry Fancy for best desserts!!

http://www.citybeat.com/cincinnati/best-of-21-best-of-cincinnati-2010.html

It appears the write in campaign for Berry Fancy has begun! Please go to the website and write in Berry Fancy for "Best Desserts". The last day to vote is February 21. Thanks for all of your support chocolate lovers, you are the best!

Tuesday

An Invaluable Lesson

For Christmas Kameron secretly asked Santa for a lap top computer. Maybe it was the recession, maybe Santa knew her parents would never stand for a lavish purchase or maybe Santa wanted Kameron to learn fiscal responsibility, Santa bought Kameron a financial planning kit. As a budding entrepreneur, Kameron was ready for the tools to manage her money.

This kit isn't so she can save for college or a car. That will come in its own time. Right now, Kameron is saving for a bike. A blue bike made for a girl, which has hand brakes. She was very specific. Just like her plan.

For every dollar Kameron earns, 10% goes to a charity of Kameron’s choice, at least 45% goes towards her bike and up to 45% goes to spending money that she is free to spend as she wishes. Most recently, Kameron used her spending money to purchase items for Haiti. Kameron has learned very quickly the money that she does not spend can be placed into savings, and allow her to reach her goal of a new bike faster. As a part of her financial planning kit, she must track the money she earns, money she is “fined"*, and how long it will take her to reach her goal. This is to focus on “long term” planning instead of impulse buying.

John and I believe children should have responsibilities. Everyone in this house has household tasks, as everyone contributes to the success of this family. Even the boys are responsible for taking their plates to the sink and cleaning up their toys after play. Kameron has household responsibilities as well. We do not get paid for household responsibilities. While some children are rewarded for cleaning their rooms, it is Kameron's responsibility to put her things away and see her laundry makes it to her laundry basket, period.

Knowing this, Kameron has helped design a list of tasks that she would like to do in order to earn money for her bike. This includes washing walls, cleaning windows, bathing the dog, etc. Not to mention, Kameron has a growing house/dog sitting business and is the “owner” of the finest handmade card company, Letterpalooza. She has done it all without complaint.

We are VERY proud of Kameron. By the end of March she should have enough money to BUY her very own bicycle!! Check out her Blog tomorrow and learn about her shopping trip along with a picture!

We think Santa is pretty awesome too. To learn more about Kameron’s financial planning kit check out http://www.daveramsey.com/store/kids-teens/Kids-3-12/financial-peace-jr-for-kids-ages-3-12-/prod112.html


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*fines - If an adult makes a poor life choice, they are punished financially, be it through impulse buying, loss of a job, a ticket, etc. Kameron knows if she is dishonest, doesn’t follow directions or doesn’t complete tasks she is responsible for, she is fined.

Semi Retirement?!?!?!

When the Lord closes a door, He opens a window...or in this case, a floodgate.

When we heard the news that PJ and Grant were getting a nanny, we were sad for our loss, but happy for the opportunities that are on the horizon for both families. Julie and the boys will be able to emjoy a less chaotic morning. As for us, we will be able to focus more on homeschooling and the new baby.

This Christmas was a very busy one for Berry Fancy, and apparently, the powers that be are oblivious to the fact that I am to be retired. First, I am switching web hosting companies. I have 7 days to build a new website and change my domain router. Secondly, I am getting ready for Valentine's Day. This is usually a very busy time for Berry Fancy and gets tricky because it falls during tax season.

No worries, right?! Angie can handle this. What's all this "floodgate" nonsense? Well, I just so happen to be part of an event at Jungle Jim’s February 12 & 13. This is a huge event that I have been talking about for months, but am just officially signing on to do. I am very excited, but very overwhelmed and slightly humbled to be a part of this massive event (check your door stores :)). I must say, I do have my work cut out for me, as it is sure to be a busy month of preparation and oodles of grunt work. I will post more information as it becomes available.

Oh, and if you are interested, John and I will be at the Cactus Pear Thursday evening to celebrate my so-called retirement.