I bought 2 paintings from a "starving artist" sale in Shreveport back in January.  I have already hung one painting in my bedroom but the other painting I was waiting on a frame.  I finally found one at Hobby Lobby but I had to wait until they had it in stock.  AND.. of course I had to wait until it was 50% off! Well it took forever but I finally was able to get it up on the wall!

I'm excited! Now I am thinking sconces on either side of the picture and add some sort of trim to the curtain on the window....we'll see!

Williams Syndrome

I would like to share how my family has come to be familiar with Williams Syndrome.  Bare with me, I'll try to condense the story...

 

About 3 years ago, my sister announced she was pregnant--we were ecstatic to say the least.  We could not wait to meet this precious baby that was due October 31, 2009. They had a difficult time getting pregnant so this was music to our ears.  My sister's pregnancy went well up until the 5th month.
She found a sore lump in her stomach which the doctors said was a fibroid tumor.  The doctors planned to keep an eye on it throughout the rest of her pregnancy and she was introduced to a high-risk doctor just in case.  My sister was advised to continue as she normally would, not to stress.  Come September, my sister woke up in the middle of the night with excruciating pains in her stomach so my brother-in-law rushed her to the ER.  Our fear was happening...she was going into labor too early.  She was admitted into the hospital to stop the labor, which was successful.

 

 After a few days in the hospital, she was released but on strict bed rest at home.  She would have to go to the doctor 2 times a week for checkups.
On October 13, Jenny thought it would be another typical day at her routine doctor's visit...but it was not.  They called the doctor in because her baby's heartrate was dropping.  They quickly decided to do an emergency C-section.  Late morning on October 13, 2009, we met Jared Camon Stowell.  We thought finally the stress of the pregnancy is over and he is here.  Little did we know, the stress was not over it was beginning...

 

Camon was considered a preemie and was having trouble breathing, along with other issues.  He had to be transported to another hospital in town to the NICU.  He remained in NICU for almost 2 weeks for further testing and health reasons. It was a great day bringing him home.

 

While at home, my mom had mentioned how Camon continued to have swollen eyes so my sister brought it up to Camon's pediatrician.  They ran a few tests and my sister was given a call one afternoon that his thyroid tests came back and he needs further testing very soon.  The only pediatric endocrinologist in Shreveport was out of town so he made arrangements for Camon at Dallas Children's hospital.  There, Camon was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and adrenal gland deficiency.  No one wants to take their child to a hospital but this specific hospital was an amazing place.  They did a great job all-around..educating and witnessing on how "God gives special babies to special parents". So true!
Well we all thought we had everything figured out until about a month after Christmas, Camon was sick again.  They took him to the doctor, where he coded 2 times because he could not breathe. This was the scariest day ever! God spared his life and we later found out he had RSV.  While in the hospital, many more tests were done.  This is when we came to find out Camon had Williams Syndrome.  My family not only did not know what this syndrome was, but we had never even heard of it.
 Williams Syndrome is caused by a deletion of a chromosome.  It is associated with medical problems, learning disabilities, highly social personalities, and a love for music. They have distinct facial features such as a small upturned nose, wide mouth, full lips, and puffiness around the eyes.  It affects 1 in 10,000 worldwide, so Camon is our special baby!  He is the most loving baby!  Camon has been such a blessing to our family, has brought our family closer in many ways.  I truly believe God gives special babies to special parents.  God never tells us it will be easy but we know it will all be rewarding! Camon is only 2 years old, has many issues, and still has many things to work through but I pray that he touches people's lives as he lives. I know he has touched my life and will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I wanted to tell this story because I hope this will spread the awareness of Williams Syndrome, even if in a small way.

 

 
 

COURAGEOUS

WOW! The movie "Courageous" is a must see for all! 

This movie is based on men being called to be the God fearing and honoring men.  It takes you through their journey of making a pact to keep each other accountable to be the men God wants them to be.  It's not about just be a good enough father or good enough man, it's being so much more.  Living the life God has called you to live is not always easy but it will be fulfilling.  This movie reminds you life is so precious and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.  I really can not say enough about this movie!  I am so thankful for Sherwood Baptist Church in Georgia for creating family films that encourage us to (re)evaluate our lives and live for God!

To get a Mac or not??

I have a Toshiba Satellite laptop...it's about 5 years old and possibly on its last leg. For the past year it has been giving me scares....It is struggling to survive! It has a hard time starting up. If I can get it to start, it runs just fine. I rely on my computer so much, almost as much as my phone. Well seeing how my computer will not start at the moment, I'm trying to decide on whether to buy a pc or Mac. I think I'm leaning towards a Mac. I've heard nothing but great things about macs. Any suggestions/recommendations???