We're Back ...

It has been many years since I've written on our family blog. Got connected to FaceBook and totally stepped away from blogging. We've had a lot of changes in our lives since 2009. Thank you for joining us again as we share our lives with you.

Some new things for our family in 2014 will include:

• I've become a Stay-At-Home-Mom after being a secretary for more than 10 years.
• We have spent 2013 following the process to be able to adopt. Christmas morning we was the first morning our adoptive son woke up in our home.
• Randy is grabbing all the OT he can to cover for my not working.
• We are praying that 'A' (our new son) will be in our home full-time very soon.

Well to start with my first post - I'm exhausted just trying to remember the username, correct password, update the profile information - so I'm getting off before really even getting going. 

Check back soon - Hugs to you all!

AWESOME GIRL

I haven't done good at posting notes, because most of the time I'm not feeling good about where we are at. But each time we get another bend in the road - Rachael steps up and is full of love and strength!
This weekend we will have 18 Students to our house for the 30 hr Famine. It will be a great time and a wonderful distraction from life.
Next Wednesday Rach has another EEG (24 hr test) and we will begin the Genetic testing. Please keep us in your prayers as we pursue answers!

What Is Next for Rachael

Rach and I saw her doctor last week Tuesday. The EEG report showed significant seizure activity and her heart is still having arythmic concerns. Today, 4/6, she will be having an MRI done at the 68th street center and seeing the Ped-Neurologist on 4/13. Continued prayers for her safety and that we (along with the doctors) are able to make the right decisions.

Rach Saw the Doctor

Dear friends,
Well, we were able to see Rachael's primary doctor yesterday. We got some answers and many more questions. Yesterday was a very rough day for me - I just wasn't able to write on the blog. Dr Talmo was able to give us more information in regards to the ER report she received and we talked about the results of the EEG done a week in a half ago.
The EEG was abnormal and showed seizure activity in the right side during waking tests and during the hyperventilation activity. It indicates she has a lowered seizure threshold and we definatly need to continue to move forward. We are working at getting an appointment with a Pediatric Neurologist and an MRI.
In addition, the EKG they did in the hospital showed high junctional rhythmic problem, which Dr Talmo was able to clearly detect during her evaluation of Rachael. We send in Rach's heart monitor on Thursday so we will contact the Heart Specialist next week if we don't hear from them right away.
Yes, we are doing okay. I'll admitt that I'm angry, sad, and frustrated. This was NOT my desire for any of our kids. The doctor did say this doesn't look like the same type of seizures I'm dealing with and I didn't give it to her. That's just not what it feels like right now. Rach is doing good. Of course she doesn't want to worry me. We've had a few tears, especially with stories of how people and children have been praying for her recently (thank you Sam). It is such a blessing to know we are not walking through this alone! "Thy rod and staff - they comfort me."
Please pray that Rachael stays safe at school, with friends and during her outings. Pray also that we are able to get into the neurologist very soon.
Thanks for caring enough to check out blog -
Blessings, Cheryl & the Smith Gang

Smith Update

Hello. Just a quick family update. There is no word yet on Rachael and what caused the seizures. We hope to hear more next week as she goes to her doctor. No new episodes though and thats good. Ben had his Dynavox testing at UofM today and that went great. He charmed and impressed the ladies that tested him with his sweetness and technical savy. Trully a chip off the old block. Nate is in charge of this Sundays music at VOH and Rachael will be playing also, maybe on the electric guitar. My brother Craig will be on the drums and I am a roadie this week so it is the Smith Family Singers. Cheryl is doing well. Church wise this is a busy time of the year. My job is steady, next week looks lite, but that's next week. I can't wait until turkey season cause I know how much you all love my cool stories of haunted forests and giant birds. Until then...play nice, Randy.

The Guatemala Song - by Rachael

When Rachael got back from Guatemala she spent some time alone and wrote this song. Enjoy!

The Guatemala Song

We went on a plane to a different place
And found God’s mercy and embrace
The people we meet and came to find
Showed us God’s love of a different kind

(Chorus)
Act justly, love mercy
Walk humbly with our God
Act justly, love mercy
Walk humbly with our God

We drove through the town in our big white vans
The chicken bus drivers didn’t have a chance
Behind the wheels were Don, Scott & Dave
The craziest drivers since Nascar was created

(Chorus)

We built some houses, made some walls
God impacted more than we ever thought
The trip got better each and every day
Everyone agrees and would say

(Chorus)

Rachael's Health

Dear Friends and Family,

We totally had a scare this week Tuesday and covet your prayers for Rachael.

Tuesday morning I had just put Ben on the bus and was at the computer working on an email for his teacher. Rach was at the table eating. She got up and was rinsing her bowl and cup (such a good girl) when I heard a big boom. I turned and my first thought was "Where did Rachael go?" I stood up and realized that she was totally on the floor. She looked like someone should have been trying to catch her. I don't think she tried to catch herself at all. I ran over. Her eyes were fixed and dilated in a strange stare. I took her upper body and tried to cradle her when she started to shake. My heart lept out of my chest. After about 10-15 seconds she stopped and then started to come around. She was scared and cried a little. Nate was still here and tried to help me with her.

We had to wait for awhile for the doctors office to open and they sent us to the ER. We were there for the whole day. The cat scan came back clear. The doctor said, "she has a beautiful brain" no tumors, lesions, clots, etc. That was very good news. Her blood work came back good with no concerns. The doctor ordered an EKG which came back with a 'suspicious result'. When we finally left the hospital we had to go to the West MI Heart Center to have Rach fitted for a heart halter monitor. She needs to wear it for 30 days when she is awake, sleeping, etc.

We believe she had her first seizure on Feb 13. The one Tuesday was her second. Then last night (3/5) she had another episode. For now she is restricted from driving and we are making sure that friends or family are always around.

Next steps - March 17 they have scheduled her for an EEG at Spectrum and then we see from the results for what is next.

Most of you know that I have a seizure disorder as well as some other health concerns. I have always been okay with it being me and being thankful the kids were healthy. This has become a scary time. We are tring very hard to trust God and leave her in his hands - but this is not what I want for her.

Please keep Rachael in your prayers through out the days and nights, for her safety, that the doctors are able to figure out what is going on and that God would completely heal her.