Take a look at our sometimes crazy but always blessed life as we homeschool our eight children, run a homeschool business, and serve God as He leads us. You can also follow our baby Noah as he struggles with some serious health issues - we covet your prayers for him.
Just a quick weekend update. Kate was up most of the night with Noah because he has developed some chest congestion that is making him cough. Of course, anyone who has had a baby with a cold knows that when they cough, it hurts, so they cry and this causes them to cough again. At first, they discussed doing some chest X-rays, but he appeared to improve through the day, so they are going to see if the problem comes back tonight, or if it is just something that has passed.
I will be taking the kids to see Kate and Noah tomorrow (Sunday) and Monday since they will be leaving on Tuesday for CHOP. Kate's birthday is on Monday, so we will have the family get together and wish her a Happy Birthday before she leaves. Of course, Kate would absolutely kill me if I told you her age here on the blog where everyone in the world could read it, so I won't do that to her. I guess that people who were born in 1969 are sensitive about their age. I have also heard that raising children will age you exponentially according to how many children you have. Technically speaking, we are both 73 years old - and I feel EVERY day of it!!!
Here are a few "Thankful Things" before I head off to bed.
1. A church in Houston sent us a "care package" with a gift for Noah, Kate, and a third for the rest of the family. I will be taking them with us tomorrow so that we can open them there. We are so blessed by the thoughtfullness of these people.
2. Clemson Community Church took a love offering for Noah last week and we received the check today. We are so blessed to have brothers and sisters in Christ who are willing to reach out and help in this way. Both this church and the one in Houston are just two examples of the many churches and individuals who have show their love and support.
3. Earlier today: Red Sox 10, Yankees 1
4. I really needed to finish working on the tile floor in our kitchen today. I have just a few tiles left to put in where the refrigerator is supposed to sit. However, I took the time to build a robot with my oldest son William instead. We gave him this kit as a gift several months ago, but there always seemed to be a reason why it was never a good time to sit down and assemble it. Today would have been a good day to get the floor finished, but it was a better day to build some memories that will last longer than that floor probably will.
5. Multiple times Kate and I have been asked, "How do you guys do it?" and I guess that if you look at the stress that can arise from having a child with a fatal disorder, having to take care of the other children, having to deal with the logistics of making sure all our responsibilities are taken care of at work, home, and with Noah, I can see that it would be very difficult to handle if all you had was your own strength to get the job done. I don't mean to make the situation sound trite, but we stopped relying on our own strength a long time ago. When the going gets tough I just sing to myself, "Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! He reigns!"
Go ahead and try it and remember that it isn't about what we do, it is about what God is doing through us all.
I loved the video you sent, it is Very Uplifting !!! I hope your family has wonderful time together over the next few days !!! I've said this many times but, you are an AMAZING FAMILY !!! Take Care nd God Bless !!! Jessica in Fl.
I needed that. Yes, we get those comments, too. It is all Him!!!
We could not even imagine getting through life without Him. It is impossible. Because with God all things are things are possible!!!
We will keep praying for that sweet little boy with the blue eyes to get better pronto.
And for Peace at the Estes homestead!!
Hugs and Blessings from the Kiessling family in Fresno,California
Wow, Thank you, Father, for allowing your glory to shine through this family. May You richly bless them as they gather together as a family these next two days to celebrate Kate's birthday and reflect on what You have done, are doing, and are going to do. May you bless Noah with some peaceful rest, freedom from pain, relief from coughing, and joy in his heart. May you grant Kate strength for the upcoming transfer and the separation from her loved ones at home. May Jeff and Kate continue to walk in your truth with wisdom and understanding. You are truely an awesome God, and we bow before You, humbly beseeching You to hear our hearts cries.
Won't it be fantastic to worship together before His throne?
Thank you for the video treat...
Happy birthday to Kate on Monday!
Glad Noah's cough is getting better.
So thankful for the unity of the Spirit that is so evident through your blog. It is a mirror of Christ and the Church. So refreshing.
May the Father's tender compassion be evident.
Love in Christ,
Monique and family 797355
Amen!!! We can do ALL THINGS thru Jesus Christ. He is the TRUE VINE and we are HIS BRANCHES....ABIDE IN HIM Praying for Noah and your family...for peace, comfort, direction and strength and joy. John 15:1-5 Whatever each of us is going thru it is to be CHRIST LIKE. I can see your true Character is the gift (glue) that holds us together.(Jesus) Your families TRUE CHARACTER shines thru on each post. May God continue to bless you all. Prayers, Robin
I have followed Noah's story since this blog began and have occasionally shared with my own children. My 15 year old daughter (soon to be 16) has taken an interest in Noah and shared his health issues with her small group last week in youth group (if you knew our family's spiritual situation which I will not go into you would understand that just the fact that she went to youth group is amazing let alone share a prayer request). Today she had me go on and write down this past week's updates in general because someone from her youth group stopped her in the high school halls this week and asked her if she had heard anymore on Baby Noah and to say she had been praying for him. Tonight, my daughter Sara, is taking the updates so everyone will be on top of how Noah is doing and praying for him. You have definitely impacted the faith of this household..I feel very guilty saying that because I am pretty sure you would rather have a healthy baby than impact a family you do not even know, but I wanted you to know that your faith is amazing to us and we pray everyday for Noah and all your family who are experiencing stress through this.
Kate, praying that your birthday is a true day of celebrations.
Jeff, I have such a lump in my throat. Praising God for the robot-building meories. The urget can see so overwhemling, pressing out the precious day to day. Thank you for the reminder.
I also am a bit numb because I have never read either of you actually state that Noah has a "fatal" disorder. In fact Kate's posts before Noah's birthday talked of how she would not accept this as such unless it was proven true. Praying for you all in whatever path God allows your family to travel today and in each day to come. {{{hugs}}} Praising God that He alone holds the power of life and death and while Noah's health seems especially precarious, knowing that God has each of our lives numbered and written in His book before we came to be.
Hello again from Delaware...I've been faithfully reading and praying each night for all of you, just haven't posted in awhile. I'm praying specifically for the transition to CHOP, for your travel and all to go smoothly, and that you will be blessed with great care. Happy Birthday Kate!
Sherry
Dear Kate,
A Sweet Bird let us all in on a little secret........We all hope you have a Happy 38th Birthday! ~ all things considering! Didn't hear from either of you today ~ hope and pray that means that you all had a good time tonight visiting with the kids. Hopefully Noah was in a little better mood to play with his brothers and sisters!
We pray for a quiet night!
hugs and blessings from the Kiessling family from Fresno, California
It is so amazing to me that as we all sit at our computers and try to figure out how we can be a blessing to you, you are already a blessing to us. The power of your words gives me chills. Praise God Noah was placed on this Earth with the two of you as parents. I can think of no better examples of love, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, and self-control. I pray that you, Kate, will continue to bless others as your journey takes you to CHOP. God bless Noah.
Hi Kate and family, Lots of love, prayers, birthday wishes, and e-hugs being sent your way! I hope that you have a great birthday and I am remembering you, Jeff, Noah, and all of your family in my prayers and thoughts. GOD IS FAITHFUL!
In Him,
Heather--SC
Dear Kate,
Happy Birthday. We hope you have a wonderful time with your dear family today. We'll also pray for you and Noah as you go to CHOP and Jeff and the children as they stay behind.
I absolutely love the song! I love the fact that you are keeping the faith in spite of all of the struggles with Noah. I cam across your blog about 3 weeks ago and have been checking it daily. I know that God is in the miracle-making business. I have a daughter who is turning 6 in one week who we were told would not survive the pregnancy. God healed her and she is a huge testimony to His amazing work. Please know that there is a mom in Redford, Michigan who is praying for Noah and believing for his complete healing! I am also praying for strength for your entire family.
I have also heard that raising children will age you exponentially according to how many children you have. Technically speaking, we are both 73 years old - and I feel EVERY day of it!!! 
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