November Ebbert Reunion Day 1

This summer we had a family reunion planned with my family but it was cancelled because of Lizzy's surgery. Well, we were able to reschedule it for the week of Thanksgiving. We all descended upon my brother Shane and his family who live just outside Fort Worth, TX. We all really enjoyed doing fun things, playing games, talking and eating BBQ.

Day one was a taste of Texas. We did typical Texas things. First we went to the Bureau of Engraving, one of only two places in the U.S. where they print dollars. Security was tight so no pictures. It was pretty interesting. Next it was down to the stockyards. We ate at a BBQ restaurant. Some of the boys rode a mechanical bull. Some did a maze through stockyard pens (as seen on the Amazing Race ;)). We checked out the longhorn cattle. It was a lot of fun!

Adam kept falling off his bull, well at least sliding off it until the cowboy in charge showed him how to hold on with one hand and balance with the other. After that he did much better.

After watching Adam, his Uncle Todd, and his cousin Lawson, Ben was ready to give the bull a try. He did awesome and was so fun to watch. My brother Shane got this great picture at the right moment.

As my brother Todd would say, "MMM..... Barbeque!" He is pretty much obsessed with BBQ and not afraid to admit it. Here is the whole crew out to lunch.

Having fun with the cousins. This bull was much more tame.

Fincher's Western store. We had to get a picture.

Some of the cousins.

Rodeo clowns Lizzy and Alia.

Rodeo clown Anna

Everyday they herd the long horn cattle through the streets near the stockyards.Aren't these horns amazing?!! What a welcome to Texas.

Worth Waiting For

I am in love with this video on why we should keep the law of chastity and wait until we are married to have sexual relations. So sweet and simple.

CSPAN Stars

We've blogged some in the past about how presidential politics kind of take over Iowa every four years. No different this year, except that we haven't gotten as involved as we have in the past. We used to try to get out to meet as many of the candidates as we could, but this year we just haven't gotten into it as much and hadn't gone to meet any candidates.

With the caucus coming on Tuesday, it has gotten especially crazy. We're getting several phone calls per day (we came back from a trip earlier this week and found 14 voice mails from the different candidates and people endorsing them - all of them wishing us a Merry Christmas. Most are just recorded messages, but we actually got a personal message from one of the candidates - that's a first for us). If you turn on the TV almost every single commercial is a campaign commercial. Not to mention the several emails and paper mails we get every day. It's a little tiring.

On Thursday we heard that Mitt Romney was going to be speaking at our local grocery store (why the grocery store, I'm not sure!) and the kids wanted to go and try to meet him, so we decided to venture out for our first campaign event this year. Adam and Anna had eye doctor appointments so they couldn't make it, but I went with Lizzy, Ben, and Jake. It was a chilly, rainy, windy morning so when we got there most people were huddled inside the store, but we decided to try to get a good spot outside. We ended up finding a place right along the rope line on the side of the stage - turned out to be a great spot (keep reading)!

We've been to a lot of campaign events in the past, but never one so near the time of the caucus, so there were way more media people there than I expected, like hundreds of media people. Probably 25 TV cameras, 30 photographers, and who knows how many reporters. I saw a few reporters that looked familiar from national news networks.

Shortly after we got there, some staging people came by and passed out signs and flags. Ben and Liz each got a little flag and since they were all bundled up looking cold and waving flags, they were too cute for the photographers to pass up. A whole bunch of them came over and started snapping pictures. One even laid down on the ground in front of them and snapped a few shots. After they finished taking their pictures, the photographers would come over and asked Lizzy and Ben for their names and ages. I asked a few where they were from - New York Times, Washington Post, Reuters, Getty Images, etc. Liz and Ben were feeling somewhat famous with their own paparrazi - Jake was just feeling cold and tired.

As of right now (while I'm writing this), they're included in the main picture on this NBC political website (Jake is hiding behind Lizzy). I'm sure it will change frequently, so it probably won't be the main picture when you get there:

http://nbcpolitics.msnbc.msn.com/

Here's a more permanent link to the same picture if it's not at that homepage:

http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/30/9831372-iowans-brave-cold-wet-weather-to-meet-the-candidates

And here's the picture itself:

Another from the Washington Times (not the best shot of any of us!):

http://www.washingtontimes.com/multimedia/image/perry2jpg/

Unfortunately, none of the closeups they took of Ben and Lizzy were published (that I can find).

Mitt and Ann Romney finally arrived with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. I won't say much about their speeches (you can watch online if you want), except to say that I was really really impressed with Chris Christie. I know next to nothing about him or his politics or anything else, but I really enjoyed the few minutes he was talking. Don't be surprised if he turns out to be Mitt's running mate if we wins the primaries.

After the speeches, he came around and greeted a lot of people. Since we were along the rope line, the kids had a chance to talk to him for a few seconds. I later found out that CSPAN was broadcasting the event live, so if any of you happened to be DVR'ing CSPAN Friday morning, we'd love to have a copy (since I know that's like the most popular channel to record)!

Here's a low quality replay from the CSPAN website. Fast forward to 17:15 or so to see him talking to the kids:

Here's a screen capture of Mitt talking to Liz and Ben (he's bending down with a hand on each of their shoulders):

I, of course, had the opportunity to get a great picture standing right behind the kids, but since I am (now officially) the world's worst photographer, this is what I got (I'm kicking myself for not asking him to pose with them!):

Anyway, all-in-all, it was a memorable experience for the kids. They were pretty excited when we left. If, by chance, he goes on to become President, it may be something they'll always remember. If not, it was still fun for the day at least!

Adam - the next American Idol?

Earlier this month, Adam participated in a competition called Waukee Idol (a local version of American Idol). It's a pretty big deal here - there were over 100 groups that auditioned and only the top 10 from each age division got to participate. Adam and his quartet were chosen for the finals and got to perform onstage in front of a packed auditorium (nearly 700 people in the auditorium, plus more outside that couldn't get in). Though they didn't win the competition, they did fantastic and had the best crowd response of any of the performers (maybe because half of the crowd were middle school girls!). I assure you, he did not get his singing talent from his father (but maybe his dance moves)!

Here's the video - sorry it gets jumpy in the middle - I decided I had to stand up and cheer with everyone else!

Fires of Faith

The year 2011 marks the 400th anniversary of the translation of the King James Version of the Bible. It is the Bible I have grown up with and the Bible that my church uses. To me it is inspiring. Each time you read it you can find new meaning and help for your life. I know many prefer the much simpler versions that have been created today. For me the Bible loses some of its meaning and depth in these versions. I love the language of the King James Bible.

I recently have had a renewed appreciation for the wonderful gift that the Bible is. Greg and I watched an amazing and informative three part series on the coming forth of the King James Version of the Bible. It was called "Fires of Faith". I knew a little about William Tyndale and Martin Luther, but my heart swelled with gratitude for the sacrifices of so many (many sacrificing their lives) to bring forth the word of God to the common man. Translating the Bible into English proved to be a most difficult task. The people of that time wanted so badly to have a Bible in their own language. Now we face the difficulty that apathy among people brings. This book that was so sacrificed for is now forgotten by so many. I am grateful for those who helped make God's word available to me and my family. It is something that blesses my life greatly. Go watch Fires of Faith at BYUTV. Your eyes will be opened to the gratitude you owe. To me it is apparent the Lord wanted us to have these words to guide our lives.

Here is a link to Fires of Faith: http://byutv.org/show/123d4a82-3d47-488e-beda-2496a5a1ff2c

Day of Service

This year our church encouraged congregations throughout the world to get out in their communities and participate in a service project. Our congregation volunteered with Urbandale Caring Corps. Every fall they help elderly residents rake leaves and prepare their yards and homes for winter. Our family was assigned to rake one lady's yard. It was kind of nice to just have our family and no one else.

It was great to be able to have the kids help and to work together as a family. This good lady was very appreciative and even tried to do a little work herself. She also provided us with treats and water and was so kind to the kids.

The kids were amazing. They all worked hard, even Jakey. His job was to put leaves in bags and then we would put him in the bag to stomp on the leaves. I think he liked it. It took us several hours of work and we filled 15 yard waste bags to the brim. All the kids kept saying, "I didn't know that work could be so much fun." It was a great experience. We feel so blessed for all that we have been given. It is a good feeling to help someone else.

Here we are with the wonderful lady we helped.

We are nearing the end at this point. Greg is taking the picture. Is anybody else missing?

There's Anna. The kids had fun hiding her in the leaves. What a great day that was.

More MRIs

If you follow our blog you know that this has been the year of modern medicine at our house. We are still continuing this trend. Hopefully that will change next year!

In October I took Ben to see a Pediatric Neurologist. He has had some hand tremors for several years. I asked our doctor about it before he started kindergarten, but he didn't seem too worried as long as it wasn't impairing his function. After our situation with Lizzy this year I became more concerned about this problem with Ben. When we went in for his Well Checkup I asked our new pediatrician about it. She referred us to the neurologist. He diagnosed Ben's tremors as Essential Tremors, sometimes called Familial Tremors. Usually this is something you see in older people. It is a bit unusual to have in a child this young, but for now Ben can do most things. As the tremors worsen and cause problems in Ben's functionality (hopefully a long way off) then there are medications to help with this. We chose not to put Ben on anything right now because the side effects of these meds are so nasty. I told the doctor about Lizzy and said I was concerned it could be a symptom of a similar problem. He didn't think it would be, but agreed to have an MRI done on Ben's brain to rule out that possibility. Lizzy's neurosurgeon had told us that the Chiari can run in families and to be on alert for any symptoms.

I was very grateful we were able to get an MRI for Ben. It is a little scary though because he needed to be put to sleep. Lizzy is unusual for a child her age and has been able to be as still as still can be for her MRIs (the only one that gave her a little trouble was when they did an MRI with flexion in her neck putting her in all sorts of uncomfortable positions). Ben and I both knew he wouldn't be able to be still so would need to be put to sleep. So one day he and I spent the day at the hospital. There is a great children's hospital here in Des Moines. They were awesome and so helpful to Ben. They assigned a Child Life specialist to him who explained things both with pictures and with words and told him exactly what was going to happen. She had an Ipad that she brought so he could play games while we waited. He was awesome! He stayed calm and came through with flying colors. We are happy to report that his brain was completely normal. A big sigh of relief for this mom. That brings our family MRI total for the year up to 7. Technically it could be considered even more because Lizzy will sometimes have two different studies done at once. Crazy huh? Way to go Ben. You were really brave.

Ben before with the IV ready to go in his left arm.

Still asleep after the MRI.

Trying to wake up so we can go home. You rock Ben!

October Fun

What! You say it is not October? That was two months ago? I guess I don't really care. I still want to publish this on my blog in December so I am. Here are some of the fun things we did in October.

We enjoyed unusually warm weather at this corn maze. The corn maze was not the best and you can see how scraggly the corn is. We won't be going back next year. It was still fun to run around outside together.

We have a Volleyball pit behind our house at the park close by. The kids love to play in the sand and will often call me out to come and look at something they have built. Ben and Liz wanted me to take a picture this day.

Carving pumpkins is always a Finch Family favorite in October. Here I am helping Jake. Really he did a lot of it himself though. It looks like he's having fun!

Ben's final product. He really worked hard and independently on this. I was so proud of him! I think it turned out great. I love the pumpkin carving kits because the kids can use them so easily.

Lizzy showing off her handy work.

Anna and her pumpkin.

The girls having a little fun.

Anna's is on the top left and Ben's is the bottom right.

Lizzy's pumpkin.

Jacob's pumpkin.

Adam does one pretty much the same every year. BYU rules!

One day Lizzy had a friend over after school so we made some bones to eat. (pretzels with marshmallows on the end dipped in melted white chocolate, yum!)

Ok, I know you are now expecting to see pictures of all the kids in their Halloween costumes. Sad to say that some how escaped me this year. We did have a fun carnival at the church put on by the youth. Greg and his group of boys (really just one boy) put together this amazing "Angry Birds" life size game. It was a huge hit and had a line that never let up the whole afternoon. I didn't get a picture of that either. Trust me though it was awesome. October is a great month. It is always fun and exciting for the kids which makes it fun and exciting for Greg and I too.

Sick and Wrong

So on one of our trips to Iowa City to see Lizzy's neurosurgeon we were traveling on the freeway and we saw this truck in front of us. I just had to take a picture because I thought it was so disgusting! Let's pray this guy doesn't get into an accident!! Ewwwww!!!!

In the spotlight: Ben

I am always glad when it is time to give Ben some recognition. He is such a great kid. He celebrated his 7th birthday on September 18th (yes, I know I am way behind!). As usual he chose to do something fun with the family instead of having a party. He loves his family! We all went to Tokens Family Fun Center to play Laser tag and glow in the dark mini golf. We always have fun doing that! He got his favorite meals and we all told him how awesome he is.

He really is an amazing kid. He is so kind and tries so hard to do what is right. He is already good at standing up for what is right. You see it in school, on the soccer field, and at home. He doesn't like to see people being treated unfairly or unkindly. He is so encouraging of Jacob. He tries to help him make good choices and has come up with these elaborate reward systems to help Jacob. What 7 year old does that? His teacher at school told me how helpful he is at school. She said some kids are helpful in a "look at me" kind of way, but Ben just likes to help, without being recognized. While we were talking about him (his teacher and I at conferences) I even started crying (so embarrassing!) because my heart just was so full. I love that even though he is quiet other people can recognize the goodness in him. I am so proud of him.

Ben loves to play the piano, play soccer, cook, play games, and play with his brothers and sisters. Since we have moved he doesn't have any really close friends, but it doesn't seem to bother him a bit. He really feels happy playing with his siblings. He is working hard trying to finish "The Book of Mormon" this year before he is baptized next year. He is more generous than most kids I know. He tries really hard. We feel so blessed to have Ben in our family. He makes all of us want to be a little bit better.

Ben at 5 months.

Ben just before his 2nd birthday

Ben holding Jacob. This is just before Ben's 3rd birthday.

Ben at 4 1/2.

I just had to include this one. This is Ben on his birthday this year.

Ben in our present chair. Anna happy to pose while she presents Ben with her gift for him.

In the spotlight: Me

I celebrated my 36th birthday at the beginning of September. This has been a difficult year for me and I am grateful to have a new one to look forward to. I am starting to not feel invincible. In other words I am starting to feel like I am aging. I have seen more specialists and had more tests done this year than in any years past. Yet I still don’t know what is going on with my body. My weight continues to creep up (sometimes leap up), frustrating me in the process. Lizzy’s surgery was absolutely draining for me. I felt so strengthened during the hospital stay, but it has taken me months to get my feet under me again. It really took a toll on me. We continue to hope we will have another child, but as the years go by, feel it is less and less likely. I think I’ve had the hardest time adjusting to our move, too (yes, I know we have been here a year and a half now). Kind visiting teachers have made a world of difference, but I miss having really close friends who live close by. As Adam grows I have become more and more aware of my deficiencies as a parent. It has been a hard year.

Having said all of that, I still appreciate the many blessings in my life. We experienced a miracle of greatest proportions seeing Lizzy come through everything with flying colors. I feel as though her life (and her quality of life) was spared. My heart rejoices and I thank the Lord for that. There are many people who care about us here even if we have not reached the level of closeness that my heart yearns for. There are many more that are just far away. My family has grown so much this year. The difficulty of Lizzy’s surgery really brought us closer to each other and to the Lord. Even though we are not perfect, we find great joy in being together and helping each other along the path of life. Perhaps greatest of all, is a God who loves me, and I KNOW he loves me. His guiding and loving hand is a constant in my life. Sometimes I am not as close to Him as I should be, but when I pull myself back to Him, he is always there. He strengthens me and lifts me even in the most difficult of circumstances. He believes in me. I pray that someday I will become the person he knows I can be. Maybe I will be a little bit closer in my 37th year.

Here is me as a little girl.

Here I am as a teenager with my little sister April. We had just moved to Virginia, hence all the boxes in the background.

Here I am with Adam on my birthday. All the kids and Greg gave me presents. Greg made a great dinner for me, and we had French Silk Pie from Village Inn for dessert. On a different day, Greg and I went on a date to see the Body exhibit at the Science museum (my choice) and out for breakfast. My birthday was a good relaxing day.

In the Spotlight: Jacob

Our blog the last little while has been focused on Lizzy. I think now we are ready to shift it back to our whole family.

Nearly 3 months ago, our little Jacob celebrated his fourth birthday! I can hardly believe my youngest child is four. Jacob is awesome. I love having him home with me. He’s got spunk and spirit. He is bright and energetic. He speaks his mind. He works hard. He talks a lot. He laughs a lot. He loves to play with his brothers and sisters, especially Lizzy and Ben. Who needs toys when you have fun siblings and an imagination?

He loves to wrestle and run around. He believes just about anything the kids say, but only about half of what Greg and I say. He loves the kids’ friends, and is sure to find his way into whatever they are doing. He loves preschool. He loves being outside. He can be difficult at times, but his happiness and enthusiasm for life seem to make this fact more bearable. We love him and are so grateful he is a part of our family.

For Jacob’s birthday he wanted to go see a movie. We went to see the Smurfs. Then we headed to the Quad Cities for an event the next day. Jacob was thrilled to spend the night in a hotel with a pool. We all enjoyed swimming and ordering pizza for dinner. We had done presents and cake at home before we left. I think this was the first year all of the kids, on their own, decided they just had to buy Jacob something for his birthday (with their own money). We all have a really tender spot in our hearts for Jake. It makes a mother’s heart swell to see her kids loving each other. Jacob we love you! Oh, and one other thing. He has the best smile ever!

Here is Jacob as a baby.

Here is Jacob as a 1 and a half year old loving his dinner.

Jacob just barely 2 years old.

Jacob at three.

Our handsome guy at 4. Love that smile! We love you Jake!

Lizzy update - great news!

On Wednesday we went back to Iowa City for a follow-up visit with Lizzy's surgeon. This is the first time since her surgery that she had an MRI. Until now, we didn't know for sure that the surgery did what it was intended to do, but now there is no question.

While we were hopeful that we would see some improvement, we really didn't expect that she would be so far improved! Nearly all of the fluid that had filled her spinal cord has drained and fluid is flowing very normally.

This is a picture from her first MRI in April. You can see how her brain had grown down into the spinal canal. As a result, the fluid that would normally flow down the outside of her spinal cord was filling the inside of the spinal cord causing it to be much larger than normal. You can see the fluid extending down the length of her spinal cord.

Here's a picture from Wednesday. You can see how the surgery created space for fluid to flow normally outside of the spinal cord. The fluid is white and flowing down the outside of the spinal cord like it's supposed to. The spinal cord is looking much more normal. You can see a little fluid still inside the spinal cord, but soooo much better than before!

We are very, very happy with how things are going. We think her scoliosis is starting to straighten too. She's one and a half inches taller than she was just three months ago and she is looking straighter to us. She'll follow-up with the orthopedic doctor in a couple of months to get official update on that. Her reflexes are still mostly unresponsive, but the one reflex that was overactive is more normal now. She's also starting to be a little more ticklish.

We are so thankful for the miracle of modern medicine. In this case, it has saved our daughter's life. We're thankful too for the many many people who showed so much care and concern for our family this summer and offered prayers on our behalf. Lizzy kept all of the cards she received - it was so kind of everyone that sent them. Below are some pictures of Lizzy with her cards.