Journaling Therapy

I did a lot of journaling while Gus was with us. I snagged an old book in the free bin at the local used book store and turned it into a journal. I altered it by taking some pages out and then covering the remaining pages with scrapbook paper. I used torn "scraps" to journal on. Sometimes I wrote out my thoughts in long-hand and then sometimes I would just print out what I had written on Gus' Caringbridge site.

This is the front of the book....



And here's a bit of the inside. I called this journal "Count Down to Transplant". It's still a work in progress!


Just $30 and I'll be at $300....please sponsor me! Every dollar helps!!

The Prayer Chain

This is the Prayer Chain I made while Gus was in the hospital before he died. I keep it on our mantle as a reminder to me of God's answered prayers...He answered them all. Sometimes, He didn't answer in the way I wanted Him to but He did answer. If I had started this chain when we checked in the hospital the last time, I would have a much bigger heap of chain. I only thought about this toward the end of Gus' life. I had it taped to the wall and the nurses knew that when I came into Gus' room that I would want to know which links I could add to the chain. They were great and so understanding....I miss those gals!


Here's a link that says "Dopamine Down"...when Gus' Dopamine level was lowered, I added this strip of paper to the chain. I had a good twenty strips with specific prayer requests written on them. A lot of times, prayer requests were duplicated because his need for meds would be different hourly...I really wish that he could have gotten a transplant....

Sponsor me...please.

Brandon Needs a Liver!

"One hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, how big my house was, or what kind of car I drove. But the world may be a little better, because I was important in the life of a child." --Forest Witcraft

Meet Brandon..isn't he a doll?! It seemed that Brandon was a healthy little guy when he was born. Just a short 8 weeks after birth, Brandon was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia. He is currently on the national transplant list awaiting a liver. An estimated $100,000 is being raised by volunteers.

Brandon is just one of the many children that need our help. By sponsoring me, you are helping COTA provide funds for these children and their families. Remember, your donation is not due until after the blogathon....

My Radio Station

I've been listening to Pandora Radio...where you can create your own channel. Right now I'm building my KC & the Sunshine Band channel. You can click "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" on the different songs....for example, right now I'm listening to She's a Bad Mama Jama by Carl Carlton and I've given it a "thumbs up".

OMG!!!! Rick James just came on....gotta go and dance!!

Ok...I'm back....outta breath but back....just had to give some icky song the "thumbs down"!

When I come back I'll be back on topic...I promise! lol!!

Please sponsor me while I am gathering my senses.......

Where All the Crafty Goodness Happens...

I thought you all might like to see where all of the "Crafty Goodness" takes place when we're working on Gus' Gang quilts. Disregard the clutter everywhere....no time to clean...I'm blogging!! lol!!

This is my main table...I got this from FreeCycle! It's perfect for working quilts and other crafts. I use a dish drainer to hold my pattern books and rulers.


And here's all the Gus' Gang stuff that we use to put together our G.U.S. boxes and quilts. See how I have everything labeled...I'm very proud of myself!!



These are some finished quilts that are ready to be taken to the hospital or mailed out. The shelves underneath are quilts that are in various stages that need to be completed so we can move them up to the "ready to go out" shelf!

We focus on making quilts for children who are chronically ill or medically fragile. If you know of child who would like a quilt, please e-mail me and let me know. It would be our honor and privilege to create a quilt especially for that child!!



Did you know that when you sponsor me that you don't need the money upfront? After the Blogathon, you will receive info about how to make your payment!! That's neat...I thought you had to have the money NOW!!

Thankful!

High and Lifted Up by Gwen Meharg

I just wanted to take time out to thank those people who have sponsored me! Right now the donation total is $250!! I would love to reach $500!!!

Judy Alford
MoonBugster
Anonymous

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

G.U.S. Boxes

Shortly after Gus died, I received a care package with several books of encouragement. I was so touched by this that we decided to create our own package to send to families who are suffering the loss of a child. Linda, the TEIS coordinator for our area, called to my attention that Gus stood for "God Understands Suffering"....and she was absolutely correct! Who knows better than God who sent his only son to die on the cross so our sins would be covered...and so we could have an eternal relationship with Him!! We have seen firsthand, the comfort and love that He pours out on his children who are suffering and missing their own little ones.

It is our desire to send these boxes out to anyone who needs them...free of charge. If you know of someone who you think would be encouraged to receive a G.U.S. Box, please e-mail me with the address. I will keep all addresses private.

Contents:

• Heaven by Randy Alcorn
• Treasures in Darkness by Sharon Betters
• A Journal
• Chocolates
• A "Cry Blanket"

Cool Camps!

Camp Twin Lakes

Camps are great ways for medically fragile children to meet others just like them and that means a lot...it's always better if you know someone who has "been there, done that"! We were already planning on sending Gus to Camp Chihopi when he was older...he would have loved it I'm sure!!

• Camp Chihopi: near Pittsburgh, PA---camp for children who have had intestinal and liver transplant
• Camp Holiday Trails: VA---camp for kids with special medical needs including transplant recipients
• Camp Sunshine: Maine---FREE camp for children with life threatening illnesses. Not only is the camp for the kids but for their entire family!
• The Painted Turtle Camp: CA---This camp is part of Paul Newman's "Hole in the Wall Gang" family
• Camp Twin Lakes: GA---camp for medically fragile children

Please consider sponsoring me and helping me raise money for COTA!

Organs and Tissue That Can Be Donated

Waiting list candidates	96,885	as of today 5:54pm
Transplants January - April 2007	9,217	as of 07/20/2007
Donors January - April 2007	4,663	as of 07/20/2007

Organs that can be donated:

- Heart
- Lungs (2)
- Liver
- Kidneys (2)
- Pancreas
- Small Intestine

Tissues that can be donated:

- Skin
- Bone
- Ligaments
- Tendons
- Fascia
- Veins
- Heart Valves
- Corneas

Are you an Organ Donor??

source: Unos.org

Gus' Friend Carter

Gus has several friends in Heaven. Carter is just one of many. I love to think about these kids playing in Heaven...they deserve carefree play and rest at the Lord's feet don't you think!?

Carter was born with gastroschisis which led to intestinal failure. He under went three intestinal transplants...one being a living donor bowel from him mom! This is a fairly new transplant so Carter and his family really were on the "cutting-edge" of research. I wish we could have tried living donor with Gus but it just wasn't the best option...we held out for the best and ultimately it was the best for him...not necessarily for me, but it was for him!

Carter's mom has been a huge encouragement to others, even when Carter died. You can read about Carter and his family at the Caringbridge site written by his mom.

Kayden

Kayden is one of our Gus' Gang kids that we have been praying for this year. Kayden was born with Bi-Lateral Hypoplastic Kidneys and received his life-saving transplant in November of 2006. He is doing well but there are still medical expenses that build up. A transplant doesn't cure everything, it only makes things a lot better. There are still meds to take and symptoms of rejection to watch for...the adventure is still going on! Please consider donating to COTA so families like Kayden's can easily pay medical supplies and meds.

You can visit Kayden and his family at their blog, My World.

Oh my goodness, this kid is cute!!

Do You Crochet??

I've been working on crocheting squares for This Eclectic Life's Share a Square Project. These squares will be put together to make afghans for kids with cancer. I'll have to admit, I've made quite a few but I haven't dropped them in the mail yet. My goal is to send these on the way first thing Monday....I'm really, really going to try to do that! lol!!

If you like to crochet, you might want to participate in this fun project!!

I Am Just Thrilled!!

Look at what I won in the Dog Days of Summer Giveaway Carnival!!

I won a set of these wonderful notecards that were created by Rose Refour, an adult with autism! You can find these notecards over at Noteworthy Crafts. I just love them and can't wait to use them!!

Be sure to visit Betty Refour's Etsy shop! Neat!!

Our Experience With Oral Aversion

A lot of kids who are medically fragile also have trouble eating...this is known as oral aversion. In a nutshell, they just are not interested in eating and a lot of times they just don't like the way food tastes in their mouths. There's a lot more involved with oral aversion that I just won't be able to address in this post so I'll leave you some links.

With Gus, I worked very hard to avoid oral aversion and I think he would have done well if he had survived. From early on, I had encouraged him to "feel and taste" different textures. He loved chewing on things and I was very pleased with this.

When he was a bit older, we started giving him little bites of food...not much because we didn't want to cause him to stool too much which is common with Short Bowel Syndrome. Two of his favorite things to eat were Gerber Vegetable Puffs and cheese puffs! I know, I know....cheese puffs are not healthy but keep in mind here that Gus was not able to absorb anything so there was no chance he would have absorbed anything "bad". In fact, the cheese puffs were great because of the saltiness. Veggie and Cheese puffs are good because the melt away. When he would suck all the flavor out of the cheese puff, he would often tuck it behind his ear! I miss that!! lol!!

Of course, you'll want to check with your docs before trying these things out!

Mealtime Notions
Solid Foods
Help For Kid's Speech

Meet Logan....

Meet Logan...isn't he a cutie?! The docs discovered that Logan had necrotizing entercolitis (NEC) when he as just two weeks old. Currently, Logan is in the hospital with off and on bleeds. He is waiting for a life-saving transplant.

Logan is one of the kiddos who is needing monies to cover transplant expenses. Surgery alone is estimated at $840, 000 with $80,000 of that being raised by friends and family members. Even after transplant, Logan and his mom will have to stay in the Pittsburgh area for up to a year depending on how Logan responds to the surgery.

Moya Moya Disease

Awhile back, I listed some syndromes and diseases that I wanted to learn more about. One of those was Moya Moya Disease.

I was thrilled to get DJ's comment to my post. DJ has put together a fantastic site just chocked full of information about Moya Moya. I am really impressed at the amount of work that DJ has put into this site and I encourage you to check it out. Be sure to check out his link lists too...

I think it's a good thing to learn about these syndromes and diseases because you never know when you may met someone who is affected by them...and when that happens you will be an encouragement to them just because you took the time to learn something new!!

Quick facts about Moya Moya: This does not mean that you can skip DJ's site!!

• It is a progressive disease that affects blood flow to the brain.
• There is no known origin of Moya Moya
• In children it causes strokes or seizures.
• In adults in causes bleeding or strokes.

Contest Ending Soon!

Hurry...don't delay! You only have a little more time to enter in the contest over at Mom2Mom Magazine!!

This month Mom2Mom Mag is giving away a Signing Times package!! If you haven't seen these dvd's you need to check them out...they are great...catchy tunes and easy to follow signs....great for kids and parents! We still sing the "A is for Alex and Alligator" song!!

All you have to do is sign up for their e-mail newsletter...that's it! Easy Peasy!!

Damon Update

Ok...I'm just a little bit jealous that Damon got to go to Myrtle Beach!! No, really...I think it's great that he and his family got to go on a vacation. I can't even begin to tell you how much stress there is when you are caring for a medically fragile child...it's an honor and privilege but it is stressful!

Damon is continuing to take his formula orally and this means that he is off his g-tube feeds during the day! He is gaining weight and is around 17 lbs now. Him momma says he's almost ready to walk!! Go Damon!!

Continue prayers for Damon...he is doing well but he is still on the transplant list for a liver and small bowel. Let's not forget him even though he is fine for the moment!!

Sweet Hannah

I've been really thinking about this family lately and I wanted to share them with you. My heart breaks for her family because I know the heartache of no longer having your child. I'm thankful that Hannah's mom shares her feelings on her blog...I know it's both therapeutic to her and so helpful for others who are grieving the loss of a child. Hannah reminds me of my Isabelle. Seeing Hannah's photos makes me want to squeeze my Isabelle much tighter...


Hannah was a beautiful girl who was so full of life and a true joy to her family and friends. Remember this family in your prayers....

From My Journal

August 21, 2006

These dreams of Gus are wearing me out! I wake up and sometimes I have to jog my memory a bit to realize that he really is not here anymore. Last night I dreamt that I had signed up for a literature class which was right next door to the NICU where Gus was. I had decided to not check in on him for some reason but instead asked one of the mom’s I ran into in the hallway to tell me how Gus was doing. (I would NEVER have done that! LOL!) She told me that he was doing ok..that he had would desat into the 20s (this is a very big deal..not good at all!) on a regular basis but then he would recover and when she left he seemed to be fine. So I went in and the doctors told me that they didn’t know what to do with him so I could just take him home and feed him and see what happened. So that’s what I did…however, I was only able to feed him sterile ice cubes so he didn’t grow very much!! He did babble and had a hard time keeping his diaper on though!! Then the phone rang….and I was yanked out of dreamland….

Dreams during grief are very common.

Last night I had a dream that I was trying to convince people that Gus was truly deaf. One of my friends from church was in the room and was begging me to explain to her what is meant by "good people"....I was really bothered by her because she just wouldn't take any of my explanations! Finally, I told her that "good people" were deaf...so she turned to the rest of the people and told them what I had said. All of a sudden everyone understood!

I woke up feeling like I needed to make sure that everyone at church understood that Gus was deaf and that we were going to be signing until he got his cochlear implant...and then reality hit. Gus is no longer here. I had to smile then because even though he is no longer here with us, he is healed and is in Heaven...and I just can't wait to see him!!

This is important....NO ANALYZING MY DREAMS!! lol!! I know I've got issues and I like that way! lol!!

Neat Blogs to Visit

Here are some neat blogs to visit. These families all have a child who has Trisomy 21 which is more commonly known as Down Syndrome. Very neat blogs!! Have fun!

Big Blueberry Eyes

Down Syndrome Life

Jaden's Journal


Mauzy's Musings

Noah Update

Since the last update, Noah has being doing a lot! He got to leave the hospital and go back to the Ronald McDonald House with his mommy. Then he got to celebrate his big sister's birthday! Fun!!


After all that excitement, Noah had to check back into Club Med (the hospital) because he was sick...not from doing too much mind you! The docs are uncertain as of right now if Noah is sick because of an infection or if he is rejecting his new heart. If he is rejecting, there are treatments. It's just tricky figuring out what little ones like him are actually doing!! These are tough and feisty kids!!

So, we've been praying for Noah to get his transplant but the praying doesn't end now that he has a new heart. As you can see, this little guy still needs our prayers.

Feel free to grab the button that Judi created and place it on your blog to remind you to pray. Just be sure to save the image on your own computer...thanks!!

Asthma Friendly Toys

Do you have a kiddo with asthma? If you do then you understand how great it is to find stuffed toys that are filled with fibers that don't aggravate asthma.

According to the website these are the instructions for taking care of these neat stuffed toys:

1. Freeze. Place toy inside a freezer bag, then place in freezer for 24 hours.
2. Wash/Dry. Machine wash warm, delicate cycle/tumble dry high.
Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Recommend use of fabric bag for
wash/dry cycle and allow toy to cool before giving toy to child.
3. Cuddle with confidence.
4. Repeat this process every certain number of weeks, as specifically directed for each toy.

You can find these "Asthma Friendly" toys at Kids Preferred. Neat!

Bill Vicar's ASL

Gus was bilaterally and profoundly deaf so we were quick to jump into learning ASL. If he had survived, he would have gotten a cochlear implant but we still may have had to use ASL to supplement his hearing.

One of my favorite places I frequented early on after Gus' diagnosis was Bill Vicar's Life Print site. He generously offers free online classes that are easy to understand. What I like about this site is that Dr. Bill demonstrates the signs. Sometimes the signs are animated which is extremely helpful....if you have ever tried to read an ASL dictionary you know how hard it is to interpret the drawings of the signs!

There are many other sights out there but I think this is one of the best!

Here are just a few links to sites dealing with children who are deaf or hard of hearing:

• Raising Deaf Kids
• American Society for Deaf Children
• Hands and Voices
• My Baby's Hearing

Nick Vujicic...an Inspiration

What a true inspiration this guy is....I love how he is using his disability to spread the love of the Lord and to bring awareness to the fact that people with disabilities are wonderful people too! I found several videos of Nick that I think you would like.













You can read more about Nick and his ministry over at Life Without Limbs. What an AMAZING person....Neat!

A More Proper Intro...

Ok...I'm more awake now and I've got my coffee brewing!

Welcome to Gus' Gang! My name is Jenny and I'm blogging for COTA which is an organization that helps families who have children needing transplants. They help by providing funds and fundraising help to these families which is great because some insurance doesn't cover transplants.

This issue is close to my heart because we had a child (Gus) that was the national transplant list. Fortunately, we did not have the issues that some families have...our insurance coverage was great and we ran into no problems whatsoever. Not having to deal with all the money issues sure was wonderful because then we could truly focus on our sick child.

Gus' little body wasn't able to hold out for new organs and he died on May 31, 2006. I am so thankful that we were able to get to know Gus, play with him ...just really enjoy him without having to worry if we were going to be able to pay for his medical needs. I want other families to be able to do the same!

If you would like to sponsor me as I blog for COTA, please click HERE!

And we're off....

Ok folks...here we go!

I'll be aiming to post about different children, syndromes, grieving, etc over the next 24 hours. I'll probably start sounding a little wonky during the wee hours of the morning...but I bet others will too!

See you in 30 minutes!

Praying For Parker

Please join me in praying for Parker, a sweet little guy who is having quite a bit of trouble with his heart. Right now you can make a donation to the "Love for Parker" fund and not only encourage his family but also be entered in a really big giveaway. There are quite a few items that have been donated so I'm sure there will be many drawings.

Most importantly, we need to all pray for Parker...just really bathe him in prayer!

You can read more about this sweetie and get updates at his blog, Prayers for Parker.

BlogCatalog Community Organ Donation Awareness Campaign

I don't usually cross-post but I wanted to today. This is from my main blog, Up the Hill Gang.

I was just thrilled when I heard that BlogCatalog wanted us all to blog about Organ Donation today! My son, Gus, was waiting for a liver/small bowel but died this past May. His little body could hold out no longer.

I know that when we discuss organ donation, we are discussing the donation of adult organs. No one wants to even consider the fact that children die and can be organ donors too. I know I never wanted to think about so I didn't. I felt that if I even thought in the direction, that I was saying I would be ok if my child died. I know that sounds strange but I just didn't want to jinx things.

I know now that organ donation is something that should be discussed before you are in a stressful situation and unable to make a decision. Talking about donating organs is not going to kill you or your child. There are so many children out there who are waiting for these organs. Gus was at the top of the national list for three months....I just have a hard time believing that there were not children who died who would have been a match for him.

I'm not bitter and I'm not angry. The outcome of our story is fully in God's hands. It is just my wish that families would be more willing to donate organs of their precious children who have died....from great tragedy, such a wonderful gift can be given.

I will be participating in this year's Blogathon over at Gus' Gang. The charity I will be blogging for is COTA: Children's Organ Transplant Association. I would love for you to come visit me on the 28th and I would love to be able to raise a ton of money for this organization!

For more information:

OrganDonor.gov
Unos

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Do You Know What This Is?

This would be our itty bitty Noah after his HEART TRANSPLANT!!!! I am thrilled beyond belief to be able to tell you all that Noah received his new heart on July 7th. The last update I saw he was critical but stable.

Now folks, it's time for us to switch our prayer focus...let's pray that Noah's body will accept this new organ and that he will not have any complications due to rejection. Continue to pray for his family, what an incredible roller coaster ride! I am so excited!!

Let us also praise and thank God for this heart and also for the beautiful act of the donor family. Also, let us remember that family who is grieving so much right now....

I know Noah's mom would love for you to visit Noah's blog!

Noah Moves Up the List!

I’ve just read that Noah has been bumped up on the transplant list! This news is really good but also not so good…ahhhh….life on the transplant list. You see, the sicker Noah gets then the higher he goes up the list. Right now he is listed as a 1A…I’m not sure how the heart list is set up but that’s as high as you can be on the liver list. Also, Noah may need to have another surgery that would help protect his lungs.

So, all you prayer warriors out there, let’s all pray that his mom gets the “call” really soon and that this potential upcoming surgery will be successful.

Also, Noah’s mom has been meeting people at the Ronald McDonald House who are post-transplant. What a huge encouragement this is to her…I thank God for places like the RMH and I thank Him too that he has brought these people across Crystal’s path. I love how God works!

Be sure to zip on over to Noah’s blog for all the details!

Soon...

There are times that I just can’t wrap my mind around the fact that Gus is no longer here with us. It just doesn’t seem possible that he was here and now he’s gone….quickly…just like that. If I dwell on this fact for long, I start to feel myself spiraling down into that pit of deep sadness and depression…that place I don’t want to be. That is where I start to doubt our decisions in hi care….should we have moved to Pittsburgh…should we have insisted on the surgery that could have lengthened his bowel….should we have done more research…should I have….should I have…did I…did I…did I let him down? And there in that dark, dark pit I hear the words of the Lord…”No, my child. You did not let him down. “

As I try to climb my way out of the pit, I realize who’s words I have been focusing on…who has been shooting me with little fiery darts of doubt and condemnation. I remember the verse in 1 John 4:4, “Greater is He who is in me…” and I know that even though satan is attacking me, I will never be overcome by him. My source of strength is the Lord who is much more powerful.

Peace starts to envelope me and I hear the Lord yet again “It’s just a matter of time, Jenny. “ I know exactly what He is saying…I look over to my right and there, a little bit from me, is Gus on a red ride-on toy…he smiles and blows me a kiss. I turn to Jesus to say “thank you” and He smiles and says “Soon…”

Pray For Grayson

Grayson will be having tubes placed in his ears this morning so please remember to pray for him, his doctors and his family!

Meet Kayden!

Well folks...meet Kayden...Nancy's nephew! Kayden was born with Bi-lateral Hypoplastic Kidneys and he received a life-saving kidney transplant in 2006. He has done well post transplant but there is always the possibility of rejection and that's why we need to remember Kayden in our prayers. You can visit his family at their blog...be sure to read his transplant story!!

This was the morning of his transplant...what a doll! Do you all think the nurses were in love with him??? I bet they were! lol!!



I love this one....

Meet Tyler!

You all, this little guy is a real trooper...forget that he's cute as all get out...he's one tough little dude!! This is Tyler...Noah's cousin. He is a 25 weeker...also known as a micro-preemie. He is one little amazing guy to have endured all that he has gone through....

Because he was born so early he has developed a level 3 and level 4 Brain Bleeds, Hydrocephalus which required the placement of a reservoir, an unclosed heart valve (PDA), and stage 3 ROP eye disease with Rush disease.

Tyler's mom, Nancy, writes the most wonderful posts about life with a micro-preemie. You'll find encouragement in her posts...she writes from her heart and that can be a true encouragement to other mothers. In fact, I'm sure that Nancy has been a HUGE encouragement to Noah's mom and to her sister...I'll be introducing them in the next post!


I love this one...

Meet Noah!

Meet Noah! This little cutie patootie is just 3 weeks old and boy let me tell you, he's had an eventful three weeks so far!

Noah was born with a congenital heart defect called Critical Aortic Stenosis. He has been listed for a heart transplant in Denver.


Let's all pray for this little guy and his family. As of right now, Noah and his mommy are awaiting his transplant in Denver. The rest of the family is back home in Utah. Noah has a big sister just a few years older so be sure to say some prayers for her also....things like this are tough on sibs.

Please visit Noah's blog and be sure to leave comments for him and his mommy. It's such an encouragement to read these comments!

Prayers Needed for Arianna

Please join me in praying for this sweet little one...Arianna. Her pediatrician has found that her thyroid is not working quite right and is going to be consulting a specialist to determine what treatment options there are for Arianna. Of course, Arianna's parents are worried about all of this. We need to pray for Arianna's complete healing and also for her parent's to be filled with peace and discernment about which treatment to chose.

Arianna is six months old.

Thursday Thirteen #2: Syndromes I Would Like to Know More About

Syndromes are diseases or disorders that have more than one identifying feature or symptom.

Here's a list of syndromes that I would like to know more about. This is not my entire list! lol!

• Prader-Willi Syndrome
• Turner Syndrome
• Kawasaki Syndrome
• Apert Syndrome
• Cri du Chat Syndrome
• Pierre Robin Syndrome
• Treacher Collins Syndrome
• Alagille Syndrome
• MoyaMoya Syndrome
• Progeria Syndrome
• Marfan Syndrome
• Klinefelter S Syndrome and....
  

• Short Bowel Syndrome--of course I will always be keeping up with what's happening with the treatment and prevention of this syndrome that affected Gus.

Plastic Blood

I knew that there were artificial blood products being tested but I had no idea about this plastic blood. Apparently, the plastic blood molecules have the same basic structure of hemoglobin molecules and the oxygen is released and used just like with the hemoglobin molecules. This blood alternative is cheap to make and light to carry...it can be reconstituted with water. It has been developed to aid people in emergency situations.

I think it's a good idea in emergency situations. Gus had several blood transfusions daily and I'm not sure I would want the plastic blood used then. However, if there was very little blood available for him I certainly wouldn't say no!

Interesting....

Friday Link Love

I usually do a link love post over on my main blog, Up the Hill Gang. This week I've decided to start a Friday Link Love here at Gus' Gang! These are a few blogs I found this week while out visiting...Enjoy!

Miracles and Dreams...chocked full of information and stories...very nice!
Our Journey...Miracles Happen...wonderfully written blog and the tag line is wonderful!
Sweet/ Salty...will make your heart weep and rejoice at the same time...you'll need tissue...

Share A Square!

Just wanted to let all of you crocheters know about Shelly's "Share a Square" project for Camp Sanguinity which is a camp for cancer kids. I'm going to be putting together a box from Gus' Gang to send out to Shelly.

If you want to join me for an afternoon of "hooking" (bwahhahhaa!!) let me know and I'll plan a day for us! Gus' Gang will supply the yarns so there will be no extra expense for you...just the gas money to get here! lol!! I'll even make sure we have chocolates for good eats...even better yet, I'll have Jake cook for us! He's a fantastic cook!!

If you want to by-pass the "hooking" with friends, the chocolates and Jake's tasty nabs and you just want to crochet on your own...by yourself...all lonely and such....with no one to talk to....and no chocolates....you can check out all the details over at Shelly's blog.

Well, actually, go check out her blog anyway because it's a gooder!!

Let me know if you want to join me.....

Urgent Prayer Request!

Earlier this morning I received a prayer request for a little girl named Emma who has a very high fever that will not come down. Emma's parents are missionaries in Haiti and there is no hospital near them. Please pray for Emma's healing and also that her parents will be surrounded in peace as they all go through this scary time.

I will update as I get more info....

Updates on all the Cuties!

Again...I have been a slacker...I promise to try to be a better up-dater!


Izzy continues to do very well. All of her therapies are working well and she is smiling and vocalizing a lot more. How exciting for her and her family! School is out for the summer but she will be attending a summer program! Continue praying for Izzy's complete healing!



Damon is two!!! And he got a tractor for his birthday!! I just know he was absolutely thrilled! Damon's liver numbers are looking fabulous and he now weighs 16 lbs. I am so happy with all these stats! I'm still praying for God's protection over this little guy's liver and I would love for you all to do the same!

I'm not sure why I can't fix this big ol' font...sometimes Blogger bites!

Grayson is now reading! He's like a genius or something! lol!! I've heard that he likes the ladies and has never met a stranger. Currently, Grayson is dealing with some fluid that is hanging out in his ears. He'll be going to an ENT soon so let's pray that this pesky little problem can be cleared up!

I'm sure each of these mommas would love to receive encouraging words from you all. You can visit their sites from the sidebar!

Re-Mission

I came across this link just a bit ago for a game geared toward teens and young adults who are battling cancer. This is a free game you download.

Basically, you lead Roxxi, the nanobot, through the body and she fights and destroys the cancer cells. I'm a little disappointed that Roxxi has a huge boo-tay and is very chesty! I also noticed there was a foul language warning on the label...hmmmm...

The game is called Re-Mission.

I haven't downloaded it because I'm trying not to load up my computer...it's new as of last week! lol!!

What do you think???

This Makes Me Sad

I'm sad for the families that lost their loved ones in this crash but my heart is just breaking for the family that was waiting on the organ for transplant. It's all just so really sad....for everyone involved...

UH.....where is the feed I embedded??? It has changed! This was the story about the transplant team that died in the plane crash...sorry that your getting a hotel fire feed. But, that is really sad too.....