MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

About a year ago Scott and I were driving to church and I made the comment that we could never be those people that send an annual Christmas letter because ours would read something like this:
Monday- Scott went to work, Erica went to school, and Cayden went to Hayden's house
Tuesday- Scott went to work, Erica went to school, and Cayden went to Tues/Thurs school
Wednesday- Scott went to work, Erica went to school, Cayden went to Hayden's and we went to church that night
Thursday- . . . You get the picture!
Not a lot going on in the Meyer's life. Well, after 2005 we thank God for our boring, routine life!

If you would have asked me as a young adult what I would be doing at this point in my life I would NOT have answered that I would be a preacher's wife, mother of three- not to mention mother of twins, & stay home mom. Well, as 2006 approaches that pretty much sums up my existence. That also scratches the surface of what went on in our lives in 2005.

The year began with Cayden getting osteomyelitis, a bone infection caused by a simple Strep infection. He ended up hospitalized and during his week stay at Scott & White had his bone tapped, surgery, a cast and PIC line put in (a semi-permanent IV that lead straight to his heart) and went home on around the clock IV antibiotics for a month. During this whole ordeal Scott had jury duty and I was "big as a barn" (quote Lurry Leavelle) pregnant with the twins. At this time my principal in Salado was very gracious and I went on early maternity leave to take care of Cayden. February saw Cayden back in the hospital with some kind of reaction to his antibiotics. After three more days and a new drug we were back home.

As March rolled in I was anxiously awaiting the birth of the twins. I fancy myself a pretty tough woman but being pregnant with twins really kicked my tail!!! Finally, in the middle of March my blood pressure started elevating and I was hospitalized until the birth of the twins on March 22. They were a good size for being 6 1/2 weeks early- Cutter was 4 lb 6 oz & Cooper was 4 lb 7 oz. They both did well in the NICU after we got through an initial scare with Cooper. They both came home on April 11 and the fun began. (We also paid our Scott & White bill that is currently funding the new addition to the hospital!)

Scott's job has undergone quite a transformation. He was the youth minister at Western Hills but after some changes at church was asked to take on some new responsibilities during a time of transition. Scott's intern for the past 3 summers, Matt Peacock, was here doing a 15 month residency and that freed up Scott to wear a lot of other hats. Having Matt here also worked out because Scott felt comfortable handing his kids in the youth group over to Matt as the full-time youth minister as Scott accepted the roll as senior-minister (basically the preacher). God really was in control of this situation. What could have been harmful to the church turned out to bless the church and there is a new excitement at Western Hills that is fun to be a part of.

Cayden Job is a very busy 3 year old boy. He loves school and he loves his new brother and sister. He really is a great big brother. He is an outgoing kid and never ceases to amaze us with the things he comes up with.

Cutter Jon is a pretty laid back kid. The nurses in the NICU even thought he was from that early in his life. He does get pretty upset when he finishes his bottle though. You've never seen a kid enjoy food so much! He really is a fun little boy that loves to play and laugh.

Cooper Joy is our social child. (That's funny to say because Cayden's not exactly unsocial!) She has never met a stranger and spends her time at the mall trying to catch the eye of people as they pass by. She has a strong personality and is an extremely happy little girl until something doesn't go her way. (Can't imagine where she gets that!)

As for me, I change an obscene amount of diapers each day, feed people, and try to do laundry in between. This October my father, Roger Smith, passed away after a long 6 month illness. It took a toll on my mom to spend so much time at the nursing home caring for him. He did get to meet the twins several times but did not remember it until he met and held them again in September. We even got a picture of him with all three kids.

2005 is a year that I would not want to have to do over but God saw us through it and we are better for it. Hopefully next year we have nothing to report!!!

May God bless you and your family.

"JOY" TO THE WORLD

Scott & I have not "blogged" lately. It's been a little busy with trying to decorate for Christmas, shop for Christmas, & cook for Christmas events while also maintaining a household. (We're not doing too great on the latter.)
This is not the best photo but we couldn't ask for a better subject! When we take pictures of the kids Cooper has this same precious smile in about 90% of them. Now, if we could get her brothers to cooperate as well!
Just wanted to share some holiday "Joy." Merry Christmas!

CLASS OF 2027

Watch out Abilene. Here comes the class of 2027. (That is if their parents can afford ACU by that time and if they can get in- chances are looking pretty slim by the look on Cutter's face!)
By the way- 8 months old today. Time flies when you're changing diapers!
FYI a comment was made about the preacher rate at ACU. Unless I'm mistaken I understand there is no longer a "preacher rate" given to all PK's. I have heard that Harding offers a PK discount however. So, if ACU doesn't get in the game, watch out Harding!

XTREME MAKE-OVER

This young man appears pleasantly surprised with his make-over. After the lip reduction, which is not markedly noticeable, his hippy style hair was trimmed to a more career oriented look.

Great Grandma & the CJ's

This past Saturday we celebrated my grandmother's 95th birthday. It was also her first occasion to see the twins. I have been blessed to have my grandmother for so many years. She is a strong and independent woman who has worked a ranch for most of her life.

Happy Birthday Mamma!

Soooooooooooo BIG!

It is getting fun to watch Cooper and Cutter interact with each other. They can sit down and play together now. Well, play may not be the best choice of words. Basically they just steal whatever toy the other one has. Life is about to get interesting!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

We hope you had as much fun this Halloween as we did! (Trick or Treating with two infants is not nearly as great as it sounds!) Our kids went as Dash, Violet, and Jack Jack Incredible. The twins were less than happy. Cayden was so excited that he was more talkative than normal! (If you can believe that!)The picture of the twins in the orange and Cayden and his buddy Hayden are some pictures that our friend took of the kids at a Fall Festival our church puts on in a housing project in Temple. It was a huge success and all the kids seemed to have lots of fun.The whole Halloween experience with three little ones was a blessing, a challenge, and now it's over!!!

HAPPY FALL!

The CJ's hanging out in the pumpkins!

We hope you are enjoying the change of seasons- finally!

Thanks to the church family

Again, it was demonstrated to us the unimaginable blessings of being part of a church family. As I delivered my father-in-law's eulogy I spotted numerous folks from Western Hills. If you look at the online obituary guestbook for Roger you will see several entries from Temple. God is good and the church that gathers each Sunday at Western Hills building is good.

Thank You,
Scott M.

Services for Roger Smith

A visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Sunday, October 16, 2005 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. A chapel service will be held at 3pm on Monday, October 17, 2005 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North with interment to follow at Mission Burial Park North. You may sign the on-line guestbook at www.missionparks.com under the obituary section.

You are invited to leave your thoughts and prayers either on the Mission Parks site or here under the comments.

God Bless.

3:20pm - We just recieved the call from my mother-in-law. Erica's dad, Roger Smith, passed away. Erica, who had come home briefly to get some much needed sleep has returned to the nursing home to comfort and assist in arrangements. Keep us in your prayers.

Thank You,
Scott

9:30am - My father-in-law has survived a long night. He still labors to breath. Erica and her mom have left to go back to the nursing home after coming home to catch a few hours sleep. More updates will come as events unfold.

Scott

It is 3:24 in the morning. I am posting from the home of my in-laws in San Antonio. Erica's dad has taken a turn for the worse so the family has gathered around his bed. We left Temple at midnight to get here in time. I dropped Erica off at the nursing home so she could be with the rest of the family gathered there. Her father was struggling for every breath. I have brought the kids and put them to bed. Keep the prayers coming. Keep up the prayers for peace and strength with my mother-in-law.

God Bless,
Scott

Erica's dad remains unchanged. Please continue your prayers, especially prayers for peace and comfort. Erica and the kids are back home in Temple, came home safely last night. I will keep you posted on the updates as the situation changes. Thanks again for all who have offered their concerns and prayers.

Love Ya Much,
Scott

Prayer Request

A quick post to let you know some "not so good news". Erica's dad has been sick for a long time. (Consequences of a life of choices). This week the end seems more of a reality than ever. Erica has taken a quick trip to San Antonio to see her dad and support her mom. If you would please offer a prayer on our behalf. Asking for God's peace and calm to be on this situation. Bless Loretta (Erica's mom) as she walks through this valley. Thanks for all your prayers in advance.

God Bless
Scott

SUCCESS- Sort Of

Well, it's all three kids and they are all in one picture. Of course not everybody is looking at the camera but beggars can't be choosers! Not long after this picture was taken Cayden thought it would be fun to fall backward into the sand and take the twins with him! Cutter thought it was pretty fun but Cooper was furious. So, needless to say the photo-op was over! I look forward to our next beach trip when everybody can walk and enjoy the beach.
The twins will be six months old tomorrow and Cayden wants to type his favorite number for you now. . .

3

This number also happens to be how old he is! Now Cayden wants to type the number he will be at his next birthday. . .

4

We were also able to get a picture of all three kids with my dad who is in a nursing home in hospice care. He was very alert and talked to us and made sense and knew me and the kids on the way to Padre. On the way home he was no longer alert so we were very glad to get the picture when we did.

Family Trip To the Gulf Coast

We were able to take a short family vacation to the Texas coast at Corpus Christi. Had a great time and am grateful to my brother-in-law & sis-in-law for providing our wonderful housing accommodations. More pictures and stories will follow soon. Until then enjoy this shot taken from the steps of Snoopy's Seafood Restaurant. GREAT FOOD!

Smile Tori!

Taking a kid's picture is somewhat of a challenge. You may take 20 shots and get one decent one. Add a second kid and that percentage gets even smaller. Add a third kid and you're just lucky nobody gets hurt. I want so badly to have a good picture of all three of my kids together but for now that's not looking like it's going to happen. We tried tonight. Cayden even wants to be in pictures with the babies now. (At first he didn't want any part of pictures) Cayden would move, Cooper would eat her hands and Cutter would pull the sheet. . . or something like that. Not one was clear of all three of them. So, for now I will be patient and just show you the fattening faces of the twins that started life so tiny and frail! (you can really tell that now can't you?) They are about 5 1/2 months in this picture. So, nothing deep and profound from me (maybe next time if Scott writes something!)- just an update on the kids for those of you that we don't get to see every day. And, Tori, I hope this makes you smile.

Hotel Rwanda

It is not often that I recommend a movie as a "must see". I am compelled to place Hotel Rwanda into that category. If you have not yet seen this movie make plans to rent the DVD and see it as soon as you can.

Hote Rwanda is the story of how a hotel manager (Paul) was able to save more than 1000 people during the Rwanda genocide. Through his savy and leadership he protected his family, his staff, and hundreds of refugees in a time of madness. It is a modern day Schindler's List.

What struck me the most was realizing this all took place in 1993. I was ignorant of the history when I started the movie and was quickly shocked when I learned this was RECENT history. How could such a massacre occur in modern day? There is a line in the movie about Americans watching the footage on the evening news. They will say "Isn't that awful," then return to eating their dinner.

Note: This is not a movie for children.

Da Boys

Today was Cayden's first day of school and Cutter got up to see his big brother off. (Cooper slept until 8:50- that's my girl).

COOPER GIRL

This is my favorite dress of Cooper's. It is what every little girl should wear! My mom's cousins, Charlie and Fran Landrem sent it to her from Louisiana. I love it so much I wanted a picture of her in it so today after church we had a little photo shoot. Here's what we ended up with- after a little editing by Dad! The first five months with a little girl have been wonderful. Ask us what we think when she's 16!

Baby Jailen

Just a quick post to let those of you that were praying for baby Jailen (see March archives) know that he went home last week. He was born a few days before Cooper and Cutter and had a long stay in the NICU but last week he went home without being on oxygen. That's about all I know but I do know that to go home w/o oxygen is really good for somebody that went through his ordeal. Apparently he's doing great and the prayers were answered for his sweet family.

FOUR MONTHS OLD!!!

it's hard to believe that these little guys have only been in our lives for four months. it's hard to remember how tiny they were when their life began. it's hard to imagine life without them. they are a lot of hard work! they are a huge blessing. cayden says he doesn't remember life before the twins. i kinda agree with him. he also says he likes life better with the twins. what a wise little guy.
-cayden, cutter, and cooper's mom

Rocky Mountain High

My posting to this blog will take a break for 1 week. I am headed to Colorado with the Western Hills Youth Group for an adventure known as Wilderness Trek. This is a 5 day backpacking experience in the mountains of Colorado. Trek uses the physical challenges of climbing a mountain to teach spiritual lessons. I have already checked and the high temperature in Salida Colorado is in the 80's (YES!). I love Trek because it is a time when I can put some of the spiritual pieces in my life back together and it is amazing to watch these teens spend a week face to face with God. Trek for me is the time and place I can "reconnect" with God.

I will post again in a week and include pictures from the high country. Until then let me hear from you...Where do you go to feel close to God?

See you soon!
Scott

Heroes

Here is a picture of Cayden taken at the 4th of July picnic. You might think it was Halloween but it was middle of summer. I love this pic because he thinks he IS Batman! It reminds me I must help my son to pick his heroes wisely because it is them he will attempt to imitate.

Love Ya,

Scott

One Hot Texas Evening

Erica and Cayden enjoying a laugh on our front porch. We had just finished a walk around the block when Erica doused Cayden with the water hose. After an initial shock he fell over laughing. It was just one of those moments when everything seemed perfect with the world. It is a blessing to see how much she loves him and how much he loves her.

Meyer Family - July 4th, 2005

This is a family picture taken at the church picnic on the 4th of July. Cooper Joy is in my lap and Cutter Jon is in Scott's lap. (Both looking very FAT and sassy.) Cayden Job is being very shy in the middle!

Happy Fourth

Happy Fourth of July! I hope this holiday finds you enjoying time with friends and family.

Love Ya Much

Scott

Six Years Today!

Today is six years of marriage for Erica and I. (I included the picture because it is one of my all-time favorite pics of Erica) Why we picked the day before July 4th to be our anniversary date is beyond me? (you can insert your own fireworks joke here ____________ ). On July 3rd, 1999 I started the day as a single guy and this morning I start the day as a married man and father of 3 with one of the twins in my lap. It seems like a tremendous amount of transition in six years but I definitely have been blessed.

Erica is a wonderful wife, mom and friend. I am thankful that she is willing to put up with me and all the parts of my life and personality the rest of the world does not see. To use a tired cliche - "It seems like yesterday"...I was first introduced to her in the auditorium of Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene. From that moment on my life has not been the same. I am not sure what this extremely attractive, creative, athletic, capable person ever saw in a goofy, clumsy, youth minister but hey weirder things have happened right?

May God continue to pour out his blessings on us, our marriage and our children.

A grateful husband,
Scott

Sleeping the Distance!

We made it! The twins are sleeping through the night (knock on wood), or at least most of the night. Yesterday morning I rolled out of bed because they were letting me know they wanted to eat. Typically they had been expressing their desires between 4am and 5am. So as I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and saw the clock it said 6:15! Yippee! Praise God!

This morning they woke a little before six. Can I hope for this to be the new trend? Let's pray it is. Not that our time spent among the "night people" hasn't been interesting, (I've discovered PBS. This Old House and Antique Roadshow are my favorite, both come on early in the morning.) but I am ready to have a schedule different than someone who runs a donut shop. Erica is ready for me to get back in the gym and shed my gut. So let's hope for the best and pray that lil' Cutter and lil' Cooper have sweet dreams ALL night long.

Scott

It's Sunday

For some reason this morning, I am struck by the blessings of Sunday. I am thankful that my family will wake up, get dressed, and go to worship together. I am grateful that we will be surrounded by a body of believers who love us. I am grateful for the worship which will take place; and I am grateful to those who work hard during the week and behind the scenes so that I can be blessed today. I appreciate the effort in study and preparation by the preacher to bring us God's word. I love the fact my son will be in a Bible class he loves taught by teachers who love him.

I know there are several other "options" on how to spend a Sunday (sleeping in, at the lake, doing hard work, etc...). But I am grateful my family has a church home and a place in the body of Christ.

See you at worship
Scott

Some Pig!

If you recognize the reference in the title of this post then you are officially from the "Old School." The phrase "some pig", is a quote from the book and the animated movie titled Charolette's Web. The story, set in a Midwest barnyard, is about the friendship between Wilbur the pig, and Charolette, the grey spider. (I remember all of this because my 3 yr old is now watching the DVD of Charolette's Web)

Wilbur enjoys life with all of his friends in the barn until one day he learns that his fate is destined to end at the breakfast table, (right beside the scrambled eggs). So in his despair he turns to his friend Charolette for comfort. Charolette responds with a plan. Throughout the night she works on spinning a new web. When the sun comes up in the morning, the web proudly advertises the phrase "Some Pig." Once Mr. Zuckerman and all of the locals hear about the "miracle" they race to feast their eyes upon Wilbur.

What is amazing about this story is that Wilbur does not become anything special overnight. Instead he is viewed differently becomes someone dares to cast him in a new light. So I wonder what ways God calls me and each of us to be leaders by helping people to view each other in a new light or with fresh eyes.

This renewed visioning seems to be of the nature of Jesus. Numerous times in the gospels Jesus is altering the popular view of the down and out; woman at the well, woman caught in adultery, Legion, Zacheus, etc. May we have the courage to broadcast the best of someone.

Scott

Thanksgiving in June

I know the holiday of Thanksgiving is months away but in the middle of my hectic schedule I thought I would slow down long enough to count a few blessings. Here is a list of things I am grateful for...

• 3 Healthy kids
• 1 talented wife that is a great mom to our 3 kids
• A great church home
• Serving on the same ministry team with Scott and Matt
• The revival that is ongoing in our Sunday morning worship
• Our home
• My parents
• Memories of our time in the NICU seem long ago
• Sleepless nights because our kids are home with us
• The four years spent with the WHY class of 2005

This is not a complete list. But a reminder to me that God has truly blessed me beyond all complaints.

How about you? What is on your list?

Scott

Thanks Dad!

Photo of Dad & Mom taken this past Christmas.

This Father's Day I want to share a post of my appreciation to my dad. I am grateful to have a dad that has continually shown me both glimpses and long looks of what God the Father must be like.

This year as I have sorted through the memory box in my head two different pictures (memories) have leaped out at me. The first is a memory from spring break of my 7th grade year. Though we did not know it at the time I had developed full blown rheumatic fever. My symptoms included arthritis of the legs and knees. Simply I could not walk for two weeks. I was unable to even stand up. So from doctors visit to doctors visit my dad carried me. My dad was lugging around his 7th grade son, no complaints.

The second image that rushes out of my memories this year is one from my sophomore year in high school. I was in the marching band and played all of the Friday night football games. Early on my dad and I developed a habit of going out for a coke or ice cream after the game. As a independent minded 10th grader trying to establish my self in the world I did not comprehend the value of these Friday night treat runs. SO one Friday night as my friends, who now had drivers license, asked me to come hang out with them. I remember racing home to change out of my band uniform and seeing my dad sitting in the lawn glider in the front yard. He was waiting for me and our time together. I quickly told him I had made other plans and dashed on in the house.

Funny thing, I can not even remember what my friends and I did that night or even who I was with. But I do have a clear picture of my dad waving from the lawn glider as I drove away. He never told me he was sad or disappointed but looking back there had to be some grief that night.

So, on this Father's Day I am grateful to the dad who carried me when I was helpless and to the dad who is forever waiting on the front porch for his son to come home. I wonder where my dad got his ideas for fatherhood?

Love Ya Dad,
Scott

Enough of 2005 already!

I am finished with 2005! Yep, I am ready to move on to 2006. Erica and I have crammed enough events & experiences in 2005 to count for two years. For all of our marriage Erica has joked that we are not one of those couples who mail out the annual "Christmas Letter". You know the letter where you account in great detail all of the events of your family for the previous year. Well Erica and I have never felt the need to do one for fear that ours would be insanely BORING!!!! Here is how ours would read --

"Another year has come and gone.

Scott is still a youth minister and Erica is still a teacher/coach.

Merry Christmas."

Well this year we have something to share. So if you would so kindly indulge me as I celebrate Christmas in June. Here is the quick recap of our year 2005...so far.

January

• Cayden goes into the hospital for an infection of the bone
• Scott gets sat on a high profile jury case - (guilty)
• Erica is pregnant with twins

February

• Cayden is out of the hospital but receiving intravenous antibiotics through a pic line
• Cayden goes back to the hospital to adjust the medication he is receiving through his pic line
• Erica is pregnant with twins

March

• Erica goes into the hospital with preclampsia
• The twins are born 7 weeks premature
• 3 days later they have names - Cutter & Cooper
• Cutter and Cooper go into the NICU
• Cooper is possibly developing "NEC" ( a nasty condition of the bowels) so she goes on IV
• Cayden does not understand why he can't see the babies

April

• Cutter & Cooper still in NICU
• Scott & Erica make multiple daily trips to NICU to see Cutter & Cooper
• Cutter & Cooper get to come home!

May

• Erica's dad goes into the hospital
• Scott's dad goes into the hospital
• A church friend & neighbor we have much respect for passes away suddenly
• Erica's dad is transferred to hospice

So as you can see our 2005 is full. We are grateful for our kids. We are grateful for the unbelievable amount of prayer that you have provided. And we are grateful that God has had his hand in each event. And we are now grateful for boring times!

Merry Christmas

Scott

Ms. Jan's Crew!

"Jan's Crew" showing their support for their beloved teacher. Thank you Jan for being Jesus to our kids. For those of you that don't know Jan Middleton you're missing out. She and her husband, Robbie, are long time two year old Bible class teachers at Western Hills. For those of you that have never taught the two year olds at church, that puts them in the running for sainthood. Recently, Jan was diagnosed with cancer . She had a very successful surgery and all her tests came back perfect & cancer free. (A HUGE answered prayer) As with most cancers, even though her tests all look great she is currently undergoing treatment to assure that there is no cancer now or in the future. Jan has beautiful curly blonde hair. Next Thursday she will be receiving her second treatment and her hair will begin falling out. In order to beat the medicine to the punch she is going to buzz her hair off on Wednesday. Because of all she does for the children of Western Hills, Rian, Cayden Job, and Hayden wanted to show their support for their teacher and "best friend," that's a quote from Cayden, by also shaving their heads. They sat more still during their haircuts than they ever have. They were all so excited to show Ms. Jan how much they love her and can't wait to see her at church tomorrow.

Cutter & Cooper 1 month old

CUTTER & COOPER. Erica and her mom (Loretta) are the photographers behind this picture.

Sleep - Who needs it?

Well, in case you are wondering if we have just given up on this blog all together the answer is no. However, it would not be an understatement to say that our life has undergone a small shift. Erica and I have decided to spend as much time with our children as we possibly can. To accomplish this we have given up distracting activities such as sleep. Our lives now are measured in hours between feedings. (no more than four if you are keeping track). There is something challenging about caring for twins. When it is time to feed both parents must get up. So it has been a week since either Erica or I have slept more than 3 hours in a single span of time. I am as tired as I have every been but it is a great feeling of exhaustion. My family is home and together. For that alone I am grateful.

Keep us in your prayers.
Sweet Dreams!
Scott

WE'RE HOME! This pic was taken as we loaded up Cutter & Cooper to finally bring them home. No more sleep for us!

Cooper with Nurse Jillian. One of the many special angels who took care of her. The NICU is full of nurses with a very special job and ministry. We are grateful.

Cutter with nurse Heidi. Just one of the many angels that have cared for him. Heidi always refers to him as "Mr. Cutter."

Going Home???????

Well, today was the FIRST time we have discussed possible discharge dates. Babies are typically kept in the hospital for 1 week after having a heart rate drop. Both kids have only had one heart rate drop- which is really good. Cooper's was on March 27 and Cutter had his first on April 3. Because of that it looks like the soonest they would go home would be possibly on Monday. Cooper's genetic testing to look for Cystic Fibrosis all came back negative! Praise the Lord!
Cutter is gaining about 2 oz per day and weighs in at 4 lb 8.5 oz. Cooper got her IV taken out today and weighs in at 4 lb 13.5 oz. (She is already eating almost as much as her brother!)
When they come home looks like we will be home bound for about a month. At that point they would be about 40 weeks.
Thanks again for all the prayers and comments.
erica

ps today the nurses were having a little fun and changed cooper's shirt from "if you think i'm cute you should see my aunt" to "if you think i'm cute you should see my NURSE!"

Getting Fat

Scott asked me to write a quick update on the kids. Their goal in life right now is to eat and get fat! (don't you wish you had such high goals?) Dr. Cipriani said they may be ready to go home within a week.
Cooper- She is much more content now that she has started eating. Since Thursday she has increased her feedings from about 7 ml to 22 or so. By the end of the day today she should be around 25 ml because she increases 1 ml every 2 feedings. She is eating well and yesterday weighed in at a hefty 4 lb 11 oz. She is sleeping a lot now which is nice because her tummy is full. Cooper is still in NICU but should get her IV taken out Tuesday. Hopefully they will move her to Special care with Cutter soon. (sure would make it easier on Mom and Dad.) Still no news on her test but we will fill you in when we know something.
Cutter- He is still quite lazy but is more awake during his feedings and is only eating from a bottle now. He is on a type of eating plan that allows him to eat anywhere from 43 ml to about 55 ml- depending on how hungry he is. He's been eating 45 ml -50 ml pretty regularly and weighed in at 4 lb 4.9 oz yesterday.

I got a chance to visit with briefly with Jailen's dad yesterday and Jailen looked good. They were feeding him and I got to see him open his eyes.
erica

Baby Jailen

We wanted to give you all an update on Baby Jailen. He had his heart surgery on Thursday, March 31 to repair a hole in his heart. He made it through the surgery and his parents are very grateful for all the people praying for him. He still has a long way to go but the surgery went well.
Thanks to all that prayed for him. If you want to leave a comment or prayer we will print them out and leave it for his parents to read. Like I said, they have been very encouraged by the love of people they don't even know. (We've bragged on all of you!) They have moved to Temple recently to be close to S&W and hopefully will visit us at Western Hills soon. They have a daughter that is in the second grade also and seem like an all around great family. We are glad to have met them but wish the circumstances were different.
erica

News & Pictures

We want everyone to know that both Cutter and Cooper are getting stronger everyday. Here is the quick details on each:

Cooper- has ended the antibiotics. No NEC! She began to bottle feed yesterday which is the first time in over a week. Erica was there to give her the bottle and they got some good mom and daughter time. She continues to do well and right now all signs look good.

Cutter- just rocks along without too many cares in the world. The nurses are trying to move Cutter toward more bottle feedings than tube feedings. His appetite is increasing and is now up to about 30cc's per feeding.

Thanks for all of the ongoing prayers.
We still do not know when they will get to come home but we are hoping it will be soon.

Love Ya Much
Scott

Cutter Jon, letting loose with a BIG yawn.

Cooper Joy in an outfit given to her by adopted "Auntie Piper".

Quick Update

Today Cutter was moved to the Special Care Nursery which is a step away from coming home! He is gaining weight and eating pretty well. Both kids are now in a bed instead of an incubator. Cooper is hanging in there and will be a much happier girl on Thursday when they finally feed her. She's been a little cranky but she's hungry.
Jailen's surgery was postponed today. We don't know the details of it but know that he will have the surgery at some point but today was not that day.
Another baby was admitted today that was born at 24 weeks. Again, it makes us so grateful for the health of our guys.
erica

Baby Jailen

Scott and I wanted to mention a baby in the bed next to Cooper that really needs prayers (since we seem to be hogging all the prayer lines lately!) The baby's name is Jailen and he was born at 23 weeks, two days before our guys, and was 1 lb 2 oz. His parents are great people and Scott and I have been amazed at their positive attitude about their son.
Tonight, while visiting our two I got a chance to visit with Jailen's dad again. He told me that Jailen will be having heart surgery tomorrow (Tuesday). Cayden recently underwent surgery on his leg that was not life threatening but it really bothered me to know that someone was cutting on my baby. I can not imagine their thoughts and feelings right now knowing that tomorrow someone will be opening up their TINY baby's chest to repair his heart.
Please say a prayer for Baby Jailen tomorrow and for his parents as they deal with the stress of their son's condition and specifically for them as they wait for him during his surgery.
Thanks again to all the people praying for our babies. We got a good report today and are anxiously awaiting the day Cooper and Cutter can come home. Cayden wants to hold them and kiss them!
We want to say a special thanks to all the people out there that don't even know us but are lifting us up in prayer. We want to thank all the people that have touched our lives around the country that are praying. We also want to thank our church family in Temple and our small group that have been our rock. We can't imagine life without you!
God is good and has blessed us beyond our wildest imagination!
erica

An Easter Picture. Here are our 2 "Easter Angels". They are both progressing well enough to allow us to photograph them together. (Cooper is on the left and Cutter on the right). This is the closest they have been since birth.

New Pictures

Thought you might like to see some new pictures of the babies that everyone is praying for.

Thank-You!
Scott - a grateful dad

Cooper Joy, Three days old.

Cutter Jon, Three days old.

Prayers Answered and Prayers Needed

Thank you to all who have been praying for our precious daughter Cooper. (Scroll down to see her picture if you have not seen it yet.) Today we received encouraging news. The inflammation in her bowels & tummy is going away and the latest x-rays look great. Dr. Cipriani tells us that very rarely will someone's bowel perforate after this point. God carried us through another hurdle.

But we are not out of the woods yet...Cheryl (Dr. Cipriani) told us that one of the symptoms that Cooper has is a possible indicator of Cystic Fibrosis. Of course that news hit us hard. Cheryl said that it is only a 10% possibility but she wants to screen for it. On Monday she will draw the lab work but we will not know anything until Friday. (Why does it seem the scarier the disease the longer you have to wait for the results?) I know I have exceeded my amount of prayer attention, but if you would keep praying for Cooper I would be grateful. We are optimistic and will remain so.

Thank-you for all of the prayers and encouraging comments. They are truly cups of cold water to us weary travelers. Thank-you.

Love Ya Much,
Scott

PS - I don't want to forget Cutter in this process. He continues to do well and for that we are extremely grateful.

One of Three Of Us Is Home!

Well, I am NOT a Blogger! In fact I usually find myself teasing Scott about it because he is soooo into it. But, at times like these the technology comes in handy!
I wanted to first say thank you to all of the people out there lifting our family up in prayer. (See Scott's previous post) Today I have a sense of calm and can feel the prayers being answered. It has been a long road and I know we have a long way to still go but I know we can make it (with God's help and your prayers.)
I stayed in the hospital today (I think it's Thursday) because my blood pressure was still sky high, not to mention size wise there are actually about 5 of me. Basically I was free to go but it gave us the chance to be close to the NICU. Tonight I was getting a roomie and she had a baby that was also taken to the NICU and I felt like we could get settled in at home and give her some privacy that I was so thankful for while in the hospital. It was strange to come home. I felt like I was going to someone else's house. It also felt strange to come home without Cooper and Cutter. We will be making frequent trips to S&W.
This experience is humbling me in many ways. I am not quite as open as Scott is but know that God is working on me. He is helping me appreciate little things more and know that I can not do it all myself.
Thanks again for your prayers and PLEASE keep them coming.
Erica

We Have Names & Need Prayers

Here are pictures (scroll down) of my amazing kids Cutter Jon & Cooper Joy. I can not even begin to describe the wave of emotions that has washed over me the past couple of days. It is unbelievable to me to see these TWO precious babies that God has trusted to us. We are so grateful.

However we are not out of the woods yet. Our daughter, Cooper Joy, needs some immediate prayers. She is showing the signs of developing a condition known as Necrotizing Entrocolitis. Simply put, this is some kind of infection in the bowel that can cause some bad stuff. The specific prayer request is for the next 24 hours. We will be watching her very closely because Dr. Cipriani is most concerned about perforation of the bowels. If that happens everything because critical fast and we would be looking at a real possibility of surgery.

So PLEASE PRAY that Cooper not develop any perforation in her bowels. If we make it through the next 24 hours perforation free things will be looking good. Thank you for your prayers. I know God loves Cooper more than we can even imagine.

Also allow me to selfishly ask for prayers for Erica and my other son Cayden. Erica is one wiped out mom (emotionally and physically). Cayden does not understand why he can not see the new babies. So pray a prayer of peace over them.

God Bless
Scott - a grateful dad and husband

Here is my daughter, Cooper Joy, (Twin B).

Here is my son, Cutter Jon, formerly known as Twin A.

It's a Boy! It's a Girl!

We have BABIES! The twins were delivered at 9:30am today. Erica labored through the night without much progress then all of a sudden things went into high gear at about 8am this morning. God truly was taking care of us. We went into the delivery room with about 21 people present (counting mom and babies). There were two nursery teams, one ready for each baby, and a surgical team standing by ready to do an emergency c-section if necessary. Thankfully they were not needed. Erica did great! The babies arrived and after a brief introduction to mom were wisked off to the NICU to be taken care of. Both babies are doing great and showing good progress already. I will post some pics soon. Thanks for your prayers.

No names yet...

God Bless,
Love Ya Much
Scott

Babies are on the Way

This is a quick post to tell you that Erica is being induced today. We do not know how long labor will be but we might have twins before the day is out. Please keep us in your prayers.

Here is a list of people, who are taking care of us, to pray for if you would...
Erica
The Twins A&B (no names yet)
Dr. Lurry Leavelle - our doctor
Dr. Kyle Citty - OB Resident
Julie Cunningham - Nurse
Dana White - Nurse
Dr. Cheryl Cipriani - Neonatologist (doctor who will care for them after being born)
Cheryl - nurse practitioner in the NICU

It is amazing to note that with the exception of nurse practitioner Cheryl, everyone is a member of Western Hills Church. God has surrounded us with care.
We are blessed.

Gotta go!
Keep on praying!
Scott - an excited dad

Babies Still Growing

Well, we have made it through another day. Not necessarily a comfortable one for Erica, but another day none the less. Erica's protein count is being closely watched. This is a fun process that involves a 24 hour straight urine collection. (Here's a hint: If you visit Erica don't drink out of any of the pitchers or bottles in the room. You never know.) To add insult to injury there is a large sign on her door the reads "24 HOUR URINE COLLECTION". I am wondering who the sign is for? Erica knows what she needs to do. She does not need a sign on the outside of her door reminding her. Is it for the nurses? If it is what is it reminding them to do? Erica pretty well has the collection process under control.

Anyway after the lab results return tomorrow on ""the collection" we will know the next step. If the results continue on the same trend then there is a good chance that the doctors will formulate a plan to induce. If the results have not continued to increase then we will wait and allow the babies more time to grow (we are at 33 weeks and 3 days). So tomorrow we will know more. Thanks for all of your prayers, emails, comments, and encouragement. Keep it up! It is a true blessing.

I will post more when I know more.

Love Ya Much
Scott

PS - Through this whole process the reality is slowly sinking in - I'm about to be the dad of TWINS!

No News is No News

Erica had an ok day yesterday. Some of the time she felt good and some of the time she was dealing with nausea. I took Cayden up to visit for a short time but his "activity" was a little much for Erica so I brought him home and we spent last night hanging out. Today they will continue to check Erica's protein level and other stats. Lurry still thinks we might have to deliver within the week.

Thanks for all the prayers. They truly mean the world to us. I'll keep posting the latest news and details but some of this is just a waiting game. If you click on the "comments" link you can leave short message. I am taking all the messages to Erica.

Love Ya Much
Scott

Still Waiting on Babies

Erica was moved to room 334 yesterday. Lurry came by to check on her and for right now continues to feel the place for her is in the hospital. Lurry is being cautious and I am grateful he is. The babies continue to show good signs and Erica feels ok (at least as ok as you could feel with 2 other human beings kicking around inside of you). Right now there is not much else to report. Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers.

Love Ya Much,
Scott

Watching & Waiting

Erica spent last night in the hospital to be monitored and have more test run. She continues to do well. Lurry is suggesting that it is best that she remain in the hospital until the delivery. Today she will be moved to 3 South at Scott & White. We are simply waiting as long as possible to give the babies a chance to grow.

Keep on praying.
Thanks for caring about my family.

Love Ya Much
Scott

Back to the Hospital

Lurry (our doctor) just called. Erica needs to return to the hospital this evening for more tests. She has mild preclampsia and there is some concern that it could turn severe. We will return for some more close monitoring of her and the babies. She will probably be in the hospital until the babies are born. Keep us in your prayers, we are not quite out of the woods yet. It is a blessing to have Lurry as our doctor. He is such a God centered man.

Thanks for all your prayers!
Keep them up.

Love Ya Much
Scott

Close but no cigars!

Can't pass out the cigars yet...Well, after being told that we would deliver by Friday Erica's blood work came back. The results showed the early signs of preclampsia (sp?). Lurry (our doctor) felt very encouraged. To help their lungs form he gave Erica steroids. (Sidenote: Erica did not like my suggestion to name the babies Jose and Conseco) So now begins a time of closely monitoring Erica and trying to stretch out a few more days before we deliver. Lurry thinks it could be anytime in the next 2 weeks. So keep the prayers coming! We are doing great, are very optimistic and excited to get these babies in the world.

Love Ya Much
Scott

Need Prayers, Babies may be on the way!

Erica went for a scheduled pregnancy check-up today with Dr. Lurry Leavelle. He found out her blood pressure is running high. She was admitted into labor and delivery so she could be monitored and some blood test run. We do not know any thing definitive yet but there is a possibility the twins could be delivered as early as Friday. Erica is currently 33 weeks into the pregancy. Obviously this is a concern because the babies will have to spend some time in the hospital but we trust that God and Lurry have everything under control.

Keep On Praying!
Scott

My Son helping me blowout the candles on the cake he made.

God's Got a Sense of Humor

Well, today is my birthday and I turn 34. (so does that mean in one more year I hit midlife?) I grow older today,my wife is in the final weeks of her pregnancy with our twins! So, I am convinced that God does have a sense of humor. I should have known already...one look at the giraffe or the hipopotumus proves that He doesn't take everything serious. Speaking of animals...If you were to walk through my house it looks like we've been to the Noah family garage sale. Everything comes in pairs...2 cribs, 2 car seats, double stroller, etc, etc. So on this day of marking the passing of one more year of my life gone by, I will stop and reflect because it may be my last chance for a long time.

Keep us in your prayers,
Love Ya Much
Scott

Today I Will Try

Today, I will try to be a Christ follower. I will try to love my wife the way Christ loves me. I will try to be a kind and patient father the same way that God is patient with me. Today, I will work to listen more and talk less. I will try to repay anger and rude with calm and gentle. I will try to keep my temper in check and unleash my mercy...(my mercy may be a little sore, it's not a muscle that I exercise too often.)

Today, I will try to live with the belief that every breath is a gift from God. Today, I will try to live with all of my thoughts subject to his approval. Today, I will train my eyes to look only where Jesus would look and see people as he would see them.

Today, I will, once again, attempt to be a disciple of Jesus, allowing this would be carpenter to be the teacher and instructor of my day. Sounds crazy, huh?

Pray for me.

Love Ya Much
Scott

When It Rains It Pours

In the recent weeks several of our close friends from Western Hills have been dealt heavy duty medical/physical concerns. Our previous neighbor and forever good friend Mark Riggs has been hit hard with recently discovered cancer. Jan Middleton, my son's Bible class teacher has been diagnosed with cancer. Byron Bundy, a trusted friend and peer, has accompanied his dad to the hospital for major surgery, and Brian a teen in the youth group was just released from the hospital after treatment for a major blood clot in his leg.

Why do so many struggles seem to crash in on us simultaneously? Why does life seem to rock along so smoothly then suddenly so many that I care for find themselves anxiously awaiting test results, undergoing treatment and facing major decisions? My questions may not have answers but there is one thing that I do not question... the faith of each of these friends. Watching each couragously face their struggle has been a model of faith. None have complained, only asked for prayers and trusted that prayers would be both offered and answered. In the light of overwhelming stressors and news that is tough to swallow, each of these loved ones have held on tightly to the Father's hand.

May God Bless and Heal all of them.

Love Ya Much
Scott

One of the Blessings

Me and my son Cayden 

Here is my son. Today we are watching Saturday morning cartoons. Thought I would take a moment to share what makes me an incredibly blessed man. Gotta go I hear Sunny Patch is coming on.

Love Ya Much
Scott

Thanks God

Here are some of the things I am thankful for today...
1. Incredible wife
2. Awesome son
3. A church family willing try new things
4. A church leadership willing to bless new things
5. A pretty good group of teens who love to serve
6. A comfortable home
7. Good health
8. Plenty of food (sometimes too much)
9. The opportunity to do ministry
10. Grace

The list is much longer, but today I will reflect on these things.

Love Ya Much
Scott

UPWARD Awards Night Blessed By God

Had to make a quick post. We just completed the award nite ceremony for our Upward Basketball League. (If you are not familar with Upward it is a fantastic ministry that uses basketball to reach kids k-6 and their families.)Tonight we ran 70 kids through a banner into a gym lit by swirling spots lights with a couple of hundred parents on their feet cheering wildly. (Wouldn't it be cool if this is how we will enter heaven some day?) All the kids came in we cheered, a local singer (Brian Gowan) rocked the house with his gift, and through it all God was glorified.

Here is what I liked about our rookie season of Upward...
1. It was a vision bigger than anyone could have dreamed.
2. We actually had to step out on faith.
3. WHCC took a major step into the local community.
4. We proved that churches can work together.
5. Numerous members, by getting involved, became ministers to others.
6. God blessed us and saw us through every obstacle.
7. It was a BLAST.

Thanks to all who participated. Most of all thanks to God for always doing more than we could ever imagine.

Love Ya Much
Scott

UPWARD Basketball

A quick post today. Tonight Western Hills will host the Awards night for our Upward Basketball season. In case you are not familiar with Upward it is an outreach ministry using a basketball program to reach K-6th graders and their families. You can learn more at www.upward.com. This was our first year to host a league and God blessed us with incredible success. Over 140 kids passed through our league each Saturday. Tonight we celebrate with all of the kids, coaches and any parent that will come. Please say a prayer asking God to bless our outreach tonight and to do "immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine."

Love Ya Much
Scott

Godly Advice from the Gym

You can't tell it by looking at me but I work out. Really! I'm not kidding. You may find it even more amusing if you learned that one of my work out partners is Paul Rambaeu. If you do not know Paul, let's just say that he looks like he belongs in a gym. I look like I should be going around asking folks if I can collect their towels for them.

Paul being the more experienced between us played the role of "trainer". As trainer one of his jobs was to spout out motivational sayings, most of which sound pretty stupid anywhere but the gym. There was one exception. Paul always coached to "go to failure". Going to failure simply means that you continue doing repetitions of a certain weight until you hit a point that you actually can not complete the rep. At that point you have gone to failure. Going to failure actually tears down the muscle so that as it heals it grows back stronger and bigger.

I think God has been shouting the same advice in my ear for a long time. What would it look like in my spiritual life if I "went to failure" with my faith? What would it look like if I stepped out on my faith so far that success was clearly dependent on God? Too often I stay well within in the safe boundries of my faith, never exercising certain spiritual muscles.

When Paul (the apostle, not my muscle bound friend) writes "I can do all things through him that gives me strength," he is not writing from the corner office of success. He is writing from prison. Paul was not afraid to "go to failure" with his faith. He stepped out so far that he was bound to fail, at least fail as most of us would define it. It is clear that each time Paul was knocked down, beat up, or put away God was healing him stronger for the next challenge.

So Paul (my buddy) thanks for challenging me to "go to failure". I pray to step out in bold ways and involve my energies in things that are bound to fail outside of God's power. But fail or not I am convinced that God is calling us all to live life at a level far above anything we dreamed about or imagined was even possible.

See ya in the gym!
Can I get you a towel?
Scott

Going to Worship

I am writing this post early Sunday morning while my family is still asleep in bed. In a short time everyone will be up and in the hurried routine of trying to make it to church on time. Being a minister (which I love my job) has certain pitfalls. One of them is how I view Sundays. It is not always easy to simply come to church to simply "be" in the presence of the community of faith and God. More times than not I am distracted by the details and demands of the role. I find myself more caught up in the "production value" of the worship, than the God of the worship. I begin to believe that if we work hard enough, plan well enough, and practice long enough we will somehow get worship "right" (whatever that means).

So, this morning my prayer is this: Father, give me the peace to remember that the church is your church not mine. Remind me the worship is about you not me. Keep me focused on the cross and not the critique. Grant me the peace to know that this whole enterprise is in your hands.

Amen!

Scott

Opening Up

Here we go. I am joining what seems like everyone else that I know in the world of online journaling. Why is it that most of us do not keep a written private journal but are content to post our thoughts to the world? Well I hope to share thoughts about what it is to be a Christian husband, dad, dad expecting twins, minister, and simple a seeker of God.

This blog will not be fancy, seldom profound, not even consistent. It will be sincere and earnest in the fact that I am now willing to admit that I have very little in this world figured out. I am amazed at the world in which we live where technology like this exists and is becoming common place.

May God Bless all of us!
Love Ya Much
Scott