Review of Never Ever Give Up by Erik Rees

Jessie Rees was only 11 when she passed away from brain cancer, but many don't make the kind impact in 80 years that she made in 11. After Jessie was diagnosed with DIPG, an inoperable type of brain cancer, she noticed that a lot of the kids in the hospital looked sad and she wanted to help. From that compassion, Joy Jars were born! Jessie started the NEGU Foundation, standing for Never Ever Give Up. This foundation gave out Joy Jars to kids in the hospital, hoping to put a smile on their faces. Jessie just wanted to make a difference; she continually thought of others, even as she lost her fight with cancer.

This book was so inspiring to me! I was just amazed at not only Jessie's positive attitude, but that of her family! Her whole extended family rallied around her during her fight, some even flying in from another state so that they could be with her. Everyone focused on what they could do to help others and spread a little joy, because that's what Jessie wanted. Even in her death, her family and friends celebrated her life and spread joy.

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Cerebrocostomandibular Syndrome

If you happen to pick up the latest Reader's Digest, there is an article in there about Piper Breinholt , a four year old with CCMS. If you've been around here a while, you'll remember wayyyyyy back when we first received Abby's diagnosis that I was able to speak to Piper's mom, Reagan. The article is more about their story and not as much about the ins and outs of CCMS, but I think it's probably enough to get some people googling it and I'm hoping a few will end up here. Every once in a while, I give a blog post the title of Cerebrocostomandibular Syndrome so that it would show up in Google. My ever-present hope is that people will stumble across my blog and 1) be encouraged by the hope we have in Christ, 2) feel a connection with someone in a similar situation as them, or 3) get excited over the miracles that have been performed in Abby's life!! (a combination of all 3 is great too!) :) Notice that it's not to get famous and it ...

Bath Time Photos!!

As promised, here are lots of photos of Abby's first bath. Caleb was supposed to be in bed, but the bathroom is right next to his room... "I'm not too sure about this..." Once she learned how to splash, she was all smiles! Her first good hair wash! Gotta protect the trach! She really liked getting water poured on her head. It was cute! Smiley (and bubbly) for Daddy while he dried her off. All clean!! (Note the Lysol wipes in that last picture. They are NEVER far away!)

Imagination Movers Photo Recap

Seriously, The Imagination Movers were so much fun! They played lots of their own music, with some classic rock mixed in for the adults. There were also quite a few jokes and references to Baltimore, which was kind of fun. The whole night centered around this robot named Rock-o-Matic, or "Rocko." This is Mover Scott, and he wears Wobble Goggles that help him see new ideas. Caleb and Abby have a pair of goggles too. :) There are 4 main Movers that are part of the TV show, but they have 2 extra movers to play instruments and do back-up vocals in their live tour. Abby finished up her feed before the show started so that she would be free to dance! My dancing queen did NOT want to sit in my lap. The row in front of us was empty, and that is where she stood almost the entire show--dancing the night away. My Imagination Movers Caleb did his share of singing and dancing too. He knows m...

Life as a Leach

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