Update on Charlie Knuth: After Stem Cell Transplant

Charlie is doing great and is starting to be able to do more and more things. He is feeling much better, his skin is clearing up, and his spirits are high. Pretty soon he'll be tossing around his football with his dad and brothers. His Mother is so happy to see him doing so well. He is very thankful and you can just see all of the joy in him and everyone surrounding this sweet little boy.
We are continuing prayer for Charlie and his family as they are still in the recovery phase. Much love goes out to them all.

Children in Need....

Lately I have been following a couple of stories of children in need and I want to share them with you. Please help spread the word.




Born January 16, 2010

This beautiful, lively little boy has had so many advocates for his adoption! Many of you have seen him on adoption boards and other forums over the last many weeks and months. Reece's Rainbow is proud to seek grant donations and an experienced adoptive family for him.

Anton was born a twin…his healthy twin went home with mom, but Anton's needs were far too great for them to deal with.

From his medical records: Recessive Dystrophic Bullous Epidermolysis, with the following complications of the primary problems: Anemia; Malnutrition of the 3rddegree, Joint contractures of fingers and toes, Syndactylia (fusion) of the fingers and toes;

Accompanying diagnosis: Status Post multifactorial perinatal damage of the central nervous system. Hydrocephalus. Syndrome of increased reflectory excitability. Minor cardiac anomalies.

FULL MEDICAL RECORDS AVAILABLE, ALONG WITH MANY OTHER PHOTOS. You can read even more about Anton at


http://reecesrainbow.org/anton-15aac

http://www.helpanton.org/

http://hopeforanton.blogspot.com/

Potential adoptive families should either be home study approved for a child with significant medical needs, and/or have first-hand experience with EB before considering a commitment for this child.







Donnie and Karrie Cannell live in Lodi, California and have been married for 5 1/2 years. They have eight children between them (yours, mine and ours), six of which still live at home. Their children range in age from 20 years-old down to 3 years-old. Their 20 year-old daughter was born with a skin disorder called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) which is a rare condition that causes blistering even from the slightest amount of trauma. The blistering can also be found in the esophagus.

The Cannells first heard about Carson on EB Friends, an online community devoted to people that have EB or just care for someone that has EB. From the moment they read about him and saw his handsome little smile and big brown eyes they were instantly drawn to him. Knowing the difficulties involved with caring for someone with EB and the fact that Carson is an older child, the Cannells knew that the odds were against him being adopted. A few weeks had past and Donnie and Karrie just couldn't get Carson out of their minds. The more they talked about him the more they realized that he was meant to be their son. God had placed it on their hearts and in their minds that with the love they already felt for Carson and their experience with EB that the Cannell family was the perfect place for him to be.

The very next day Donnie and Karrie were knee-deep in phone calls and emails, gathering information on adopting Carson. Thanks to Andrea and all of the wonderful people associated with ReecesRainbow, the Cannells are on their way to bringing Carson home to his forever family. All of their children are so excited, not only to have a new brother to love, but also to be able to share in Carson's new life discoveries.

Donnie and Karrie know that with God all things are possible and they want Carson to learn of His love for us. They are anxious to get Carson home and show him the love and caring that all little boys desire and need. They want him to learn proper care for his skin disorder and to have access to the best medical facilities. EB can be crippling and even deadly if not cared for properly, but with good care and nutrition Carson will have every opportunity to grow strong and healthy. Please help them bring Carson home soon!

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this; to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world"- James 1:27

1/29/11—HOME STUDY COMPLETE

Follow the Cannell family's adoption journey on their blog at

http://bringingcarsonhome.blogspot.com/

I'm so behind!

It has been a while since I posted. I've been so busy with International Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Awareness Week. Here are the things I have done and others that are underway.

Radio Spot on KAJO talking about our family and EB on 10/25 (first day of EB Awareness Week)

I created a challenge on Facebook. You can join us at:
International Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week Challenge


*THE CHALLENGES*

* This week, wear a butterfly pin or a red ribbon (color adopted for EB), and explain to anyone who inquires about it what EB is. Post a picture of yourself with your pin/ribbon on and get one entry into the drawing.

* This week, change your photo in your profile to a butterfly and include a little info on EB. You can use any from our EB FB page:
Hope Wishes and Butterfly Kisses
Once this is done, message or comment on my page to get one entry into the drawing.

* This week, for each EB fact/video/story/etc. you post (limited to one entry per day) you will get one entry into the drawing.

All entries will be put into a drawing that will be held on Monday, November 1st.

*PRIZES*

1st Prize -
EB Butterfly Bracelet from Jewelry By Tam

2nd Prize -
Handmade EB Butterfly Fleece Blanket

3rd Prize -
One 2 oz. Jar of Butterfly Balm


This week, meet our butterfly children and consider making a donation to improve their quality of life. DEBRA.org

If you are not familiar with EB you can listen to this video:

Recording of Radio Spot

I am making get well cards to send to several children's hospitals. They are going to be butterfly themed and on the back they have EB Awareness Week info and websites.

I made letters to hand out to our neighbors that has info about Ashton and EB.

And... I am making letters and giving jars to set out at our local coffee stands. All donations will go to debra.org

Well, I better get back to work! LOL! I hope you join us in spreading awareness!

Cleaning... With Toddlers!

Cleaning house yesterday turned into something fun and full of laughter.


While cleaning the kitchen I went to take the trash out and found a baby doll in there. I giggled, took it out, cleaned it up and went on with my cleaning. Next I was putting dishes away and found several linkin logs in the cupboard. Once again, I laughed and went to put them in the toy box.


After that I moved on to the bathroom. I sprinkled some cleaner in the toilet and then went to clean the outside of it while it soaked. When cleaning the top I was finding little blue, green, yellow, red, and brown dots. That would be the little crumbs from M&Ms. Can you tell we are potty training?


Last, I went to vacuum the living room. The kids were sitting down eating their snacks. They love the vacuum cleaner, so needless to say as I started the vacuum they jumped up and started running around. Once one half of the living room was done they were running around with their little bags of gold fish, spilling them all over the just vacuumed floor. This not only happened once but a few times before they were finally in their high chairs and I could finish vacuuming. I was so frustrated, but all I could do was laugh. They were having so much fun!

Poor gold fish, so many lives lost...

Monday's Motivational Moment

Over the weekend I spent a lot of time with my aunt who I love and don't get to see so often anymore. She was so happy to be here visiting and to be exploring the amazing outdoors with the ones she loves. It made me think about when I moved away from home years ago. It was only for a short time, but it was a major eye opener for me. I came to realize that family and friends mean EVERYTHING. Not that I didn't know that beforehand, but only once those things are taken away from you do you really understand. As I watched her tears well up while looking at her surroundings all of those emotions came back to me. I know how she feels and how hard it is to be away. I pray for her always and hope that someday she does come back. I am so thankful to always be surrounded by love.


For Monday's Motivational Moment...


This morning I got up and read some of the blogs I follow. I found a couple of challenges I am going to take part in.


I am so excited to start these two challenges.

The first I have a head start on. The first goal for this challenge is to light a large candle in your home and every time you see the flickering light you say a prayer for peace in your home. Second is to play soft music and to focus on using peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships. I already have the candle and music and I am excited to incorporate the spiritual part into our everyday lives.

Now, the second challenge I am behind on and it is going to take me a bit to catch up, but I can't wait to get started!

So, I took action today and set my goals for the next few weeks. Have you?

A nice fall hike...

My Aunt came to visit. I miss her so much! It had been way too long. We used to hike together all of the time so it seemed perfect to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather. We hiked the Rogue River Trail. This is one of our favs. We didn't go far, but it was so nice to get out of the house and into nature.

An Emotional Mess...

Derik gets his blood test results today. I'm kindof scared since they wanted him to come in. He asked if they could just do it over the phone but they said the doc wants him to come in and that normally means the results are not normal. :( I'm so worried. I've been an emotional mess!!! It doesn't help that night before last I had a dream that he died. It was terrible! I woke up crying twice! Makes me realize really how much he means to me and this family all over again. You know you care for someone, but it is a different feeling when you go through something like that. It has definitely put me on an emotional rollercoaster. Anyone have a tissue?? LOL!

In other news, I am going to do a kitchen makeover! I'm so excited! I will be painting the walls, and cabinets, putting on hardware, putting up a new curtain/valance, and doing a little decorating. We've always wanted to remodel the kitchen but I don't see that in our near future, so I am going to make it somewhat what I want right now. Our kitchen is tiny so I am going to do white cabinets and a taupe color for the walls. I'll be posting pics of the progress. :)

Well, I'm going to go make some breakfast. Hope you all have a great day!