Play Ball!

After many weeks of hard work, and 3 intense days of tryouts, Craig has made the team! He is an outfielder for Red Mountain High School. We are so proud of him. Pictures to come for sure, as the almost 20 game schedule starts in 2 weeks!

What the boy wants...

...the boys gets. Nice grab of the flag Blake!

Wilson's Update

Wednesday was yet another visit to Phoenix Children's Hospital for Blake. I am continually amazed by the magnitude of this facility, and yet the personal attention that is given to Blake is the best!

We haven't been to see Dr.McOmber since October (planned that way), so we weren't really sure what to expect. We reviewed all his lab work that was done from the last two weeks and he was pleased to see, that little by little, Blake's liver function is slowly improving. It will be 2 years in March since this diagnosis rocked our family's world, yet it has been two years of watching great things happen for Blake.

Dr. McOmber was concerned that the tremors in Blake's hands (one of the side effect of this disease) are not improving, rather they have become much more noticeable, and are now dual function (both hands). Dr. McOmber will be meeting with a hepatologist (study of the liver and other internal organs and management of its disorders) and neurologist (Wilson's Disease can affect the cerebellum function of the brain) to discuss Blake's current situation and the steps that we will need to take for further treatment.

Every time we meet with Dr.McOmber we are so blessed with the knowledge he has, and the care that he gives Blake. He told us that Blake is one of 4 patients at PCH with Wilson's Disease. There are no more than 10 total in the entire state! Makes him an extra special kid. He shared with us that he would be telling a teenage girl and her family this week that after all of her tests and biopsies that she too has Wilson's Disease. I started to cry as he shared this, thinking back to the very first time we heard that news. You walk into an appointment not knowing what to think, and leave with a whirlwind of thoughts and fears. This disease is so rare, and yet when you hear of another person being diagnosed, you realize you are not alone. We may be given the opportunity to meet this family, as Dr. McOmber will be telling them that they can contact us if needed. I want this mom to know she is not alone; there is support out there and families who can help her begin this process of change for her daughter. We pray that we will get the chance to meet this family and help each other.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

(picture of Blake as Zeus in his school play, and Dylan his youth leader at church)

A New Beginning

Day 2 of 2011  

"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

"You can make many plans but the Lords purpose will prevail." 

Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the Everlasting Arms.  What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.  Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; leaning, leaning leaning on the Everlasting Arms."  

Showalter/Hoffman

Shopping Helps!

As we are all in the "holiday spirit", I wanted to let you know that there is a way for you to save money when you shop online, and it helps Blake at the same time! For every purchase you make through these websites, a small donation is given to the Wilson Disease Association; all funds given to the development, treatment and research of this disease:

http://www.goodshop.com/ when it asks who you shop for, type in WDA

http://www.igive.com/ shopping for Wilson's Disease Association

You even have the option to get a tax credit when using these sights!

Thanks so much in advance for all the shopping you will do :), and the help that it will give the teams who research daily for a cure for Blake and others who have this disease.

Merry Christmas!

December

This time of year, life seems to go so fast. Every weekend, and many nights are occupied; there is so much to do- shopping, cooking, planning, attending events etc. The Herrman family is taking a different approach this year. Basic and simple. Decorations, schedule, gifts; all of it. And I am excited for all of the changes. (picture of last years tree)

Family Favorite!

I received this recipe from a friend of ours almost a year ago,and I can't tell you how many times I have created it for dinner. I must say, it is so delicious. So thank you Tirsa, for our new family favorite! (I have modified it a few times to fit our family - but here is the original recipe)

Chicken Tortilla Soup

4 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and shredded

2 (14.5oz) cans of chicken broth

1 (4oz) can diced green chilies

1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chili peppers

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 T fresh lime juice

2 T chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 t. ground cayenne pepper

1/2 t. ground cumin

4 (10in) flour tortillas

1 T. olive oil

Shredded Monteray Jack and Cheddar Cheeses

1. Combine the chicken broth, green chilies, tomato with green chilies, onion and garlic in a large soup pot. Add the shredded chicken. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 - 35 minutes

2. Add the lime juice, cilantro, cayenne and cumin. Simmer for 10 - 15 minutes longer.

3. Cut the tortillas ans 1/2 x 2in. strips. Fry in hot olive oil in skillet until golden brown; drain on paper towels.

4. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with cheese and tortilla strips

Look Who's 40!!

Happy 40th Birthday

Craig!

Wilson's Again

Today was another one of Blake's never ending appointments. He is so used to the routine by now; lab work and blood draws are no big deal, taking 6 pills a day is getting a little old, but he does it anyway because he knows its necessary, and the food restrictions are just becoming the "usual" for the day.

Today we met with Dr. McOmber at Phoenix Childrens Hospital and got a little bit of good news. There are some new studies being done for Blake that show that we may be able to lower the amount of medication he is taking daily! This brought a huge smile to his face. After a year of taking 6 pills a day, as an 11 year old, this is a huge step forward. After his examination, Dr. McOmber also told us that he felt that Blakes liver is not as swollen as previous visits have shown!

We are so blessed to have so many people praying for our son, and to say thank you is a small place to start.

We have been given the clear for 4 months and don't have to go back until February 2011! We will miss seeing the GI team each month, but are so thankful for this new part of the journey.

School Year 2010/2011

Craig II: 15 years old and is a Sophmore at
Red Mountain High School
Blake: 11 years old and is in 6th grade at
Zaharis Elementary

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord,
children a reward from him."
Psalm 127:3

I Wonder

As I look at and read other blogs, I wonder how I can forget so easily to update ours. I can't believe its been a month already. So as the camera downloads from our past activities, know that some posts to this blog are on its way!

Another visit for Wilson!

So, the main thought from Blake's appointment today was...have patience! After reviewing Blake's lab work that had been done over the summer, the doctor feels that he is headed in the right direction, but very, very slowly. The liver function is not where it needs to be; his numbers (the values they follow to determine functioning abilities) are still elevated and there is concern that the liver is still swollen. Another round of blood work was taken at the office, and so now we wait for those results and then the next step (CAT scan, biopsy, etc.). Dr. McOmber is such a caring guy; he took the time to comfort us as Blake and I cried together. It's hard sometimes to think about what Blake is going through - he is such a normal kid, but is still sick. We are thankful for all the prayers today. It brings great comfort at moments like this.

Colorado Vacation Part 1

I took so many pictures during our trip to Colorado, but wanted to share a few with all of you.
-beautiful big storm clouds; yet they seemed to avoid us.
-family: Aunt Stacy, Gma Laurie and Papa, and cousins
-Chrsysler's and Herrman's: kids and moms just like always!! (not pictured- Andy was working and Craig was taking the photo)
-Toy Story 3: Pam and Rachel were Craig's babysitters when the first Toy Story was created!!!

Colorado Vacation Part 2

Here are a few more photos from the trip:
-Vail Pass - chilly, windy and perfect!
-took the boys to see our first apartment in Arvada (sure was cuter back in 1991!)
-stopped by our old house in Denver
-Denver skyline and Blake standing under his street!
-playing cards and dinner at Beau Jo's (favorite pizza place, ever!!)

All At Once

So... we have much to share! There are at least 8+ new posts for you to look at! I went a little crazy with all the things that we wanted to update you with. Some are from the end of the school year (yes, I know school ended in May), some are of the boys and the games they play, there are a few summer activities and our vacation. Enjoy! :)

American Pastime

Baseball continues to run deep in our house. Craig II was able to play in a summer league for Red Mountain High School. He was on the JV team. It was a very short season ( June only), and a very hot season (110' at the last game), but a season that Craig grew from and will take what he learned with him for the next adventure

Lest We Forget

Blake's spring flag football team, the Dolphins, won their age division...again! This team is amazing! They work so hard together and it shows. They encourage and support each other no matter what. Their coach is a quiet force behind it all. It has been a fun experience for Blake. We look forward to the team playing again in the fall (we take the summer off becasue of the heat...it's still 105'+ for the first game!)

Estes Park

As part of our vacation to Colorado, we visited Estes Park. I have always loved this little town. It has become quite the spot for visitors, so it wasn't as small as I remembered. We had fun, non the less. My mom-in-law's (Laurie)parents live in Estes, so it was good to see them too. We made a trek up into Rocky Mountain National Park to see the waterfall and rocks (one of my favorite stops). It was so green and the air was fresh! The boys even made sure to get in some fishing; both Papa and Great-Papa Duff made sure we had fun (thanks Chris for the numerous tangle rescues). Craig II's first catch was....a pine cone! The boys thought it was fun even if the fish really weren't biting.

Colorado Nature

Our "home state" of Colorado has been blessed by God's creation! There were beautiful things to look at all around us. Animals, flowers, rocks, mountains, water, trees and sky. "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." Genesis 1:31a

Civil War

This past school year (5th grade), Blake's class did a research project on the Civil War, and the Underground Railroad. Each student was given the opportunity to learn about the routes the slaves took when they were escaping north. The large photo of the quilt was made by his entire class. Blake is standing by the square he created. Blake's patch was the symbol for the slaves that it was safe to cross the Cincinnati River. Once across the river, a slave was free! The class even presented a small historical play. It was a real treat to see so many students in costume, having fun and learning at the same time! Thanks Ms. G. for a great year!