Thursday, January 31, 2008

Some photos of life in Memphis



Big Hugs!!



Holly "babying" the puppy.



Joseph holding the puppies from next door.



Joseph trying to keep Aunt Jennifer from leaving by sitting on her.



This is a picture of Joseph enjoying all his new Veggie Tale stuff. Thanks, Melissa and Big Idea for sending Joe this huge box of DVDs, CDs, toys, poster, etc. His eyes were as big as saucers when he first saw the box filled with stuff for him!



Uncle Sam and Grandad playing trains with Joe.

I hope these captions match up with the right pictures. If not, I'm sorry--hopefully you can figure it out. :)
Joe overall is doing well. He is starting to get nauseous from the radiation and is not eating or drinking much. He has plenty of extra weight from his steroid days, but they want him to be getting plenty of calories every day to help him stay strong and tolerate the treatment well. The other day we had to go in for some IV fluids because he was vomiting and not eating or drinking well. That was no fun (although Joe did get to sit in a recliner chair and watch "Little Mermaid" while the fluid went in) to do at the end of a busy day. So, please pray that he will get his appetite back and that he will take his medicines willingly. That has been a battle the last few days; he has started really putting up a fight. It is hard enough to have to give him so much medicine, but spitting it out and screaming really makes it tough.
He is playing and otherwise acting like his normal self; his walking has gotten very steady and he is much more out of his shell. He actually wanted to go to St. Judes this morning and looks forward to seeing "Dr. Nick" and playing in the waiting areas with all the toys. Allen has been pretty sick with a bad cold, but he is finally starting to feel a little better today. We are headed to Nashville this weekend to celebrate Holly's 2nd birthday. It will be wonderful to have a little break and celebrate with family and friends.

48 comments:

trmills said...

Go Veggie Tales folks! That is so awesome and a fun cache for the Peabody kiddos:). It's fun to see life in Memphis, and it looks like the dogs are really enjoying your stay. We'll pray that Joseph develops a zest for medicine that matches his attitude in other areas, and have a great weekend celebrating your Holly Bear...

Craig and Gwen said...

Love seeing all the photos!

Gill - I am missing you a TON - and can't wait for ya'll to get home.

Have been praying and will keep praying

Much Love - Gwen

Laurie in Ca. said...

Joseph looks so good and happy in the pictures, especially with his sister.
I hope you have a wonderful break this weekend for Holly's birthday. I am praying for Joseph to get his appetite flowing again. Aren't veggie tales too cute? Praying for you two to be at peace with Joseph's progress and not worry too much. God has his eyes on him and will take care of him. Enjoy each day and know you can trust the Lord with your hearts.

Laurie in Ca.

Anonymous said...

The pictures gave us a BIG smile!!! Thanks so much for sharing them with us. We thank Jesus for good days and pray you will have many more. Wishing Holly and Happy Birthday!
love, vann and norma

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the pics, although they make us miss you even MORE here in Atlanta. Love JoeP's new 'do. Praying for him to tolerate the radiation, Allen's recovery and everyone's happiness. Happy Birthday to Holly! Have a fun weekend.

Anna Tester said...

Precious pics! Thank you! Thinking of you all and praying for you all often. So glad to hear you get to go to nashville this weekend! XO! anna

Audrey said...

Gillian & fam-
I know you guys are swamped. Is there anyone that can give me a contact # for the Peabody family? I have some friends in Memphis that are wanting to do something for them and need to get in contact with either them or a family member.
Thanks-
audreyfinney@bellsouth.net

Allen and Gillian said...

Hi all,
I edited our profile so it now includes my email address. If you click on "view my complete profile", then click on "email" it will show up. Audrey, just shoot me an email and we can talk.

Anonymous said...

I MISS YOU SO MUCH! You all look happy in these photos and your icon photo which I love to see. I love seeing the pictures and wish we could see you all and HUG you each in person. I cannot believe how much the two kids have changed already. I will pray that things get better with his radiation and eating/drinking and that you all stay healthy. Happy Birthday to Holly! I cannot believe she already two...I feel like were were just strolling with our new borns Joseph and Abigail! I MISS YOU TONS and am thinking of you constantly Gillian. Enjoy the weekend with family. MUCH LOVE, Jody

Anonymous said...

Great photos! Thanks for posting them. Didn't know there were puppies next door. Millie and Laney must be jealous!! Can't wait to see you all tomorrow. Give Holly Bear a great big birthday hug tomorrow morning when you wake her up for Mimi and Bid Daddy. Hope everyone rests tonight. Much love, Mimi

Courtney said...

Love seeing the pics! Have fun in Nashville...I know you're excited to see family and have a change of scenery.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry that little Joe has been feeling sick from the treatments. I had an idea regarding the medication taking...one you may have already tried, but if not, it is a thought!
My son recently went on a particularly disgusting tasting medication. His doctor suggested pouring a little chocolate or strawberry syrup (like you use for making flavored milk) into a spoon, and giving that immediately afterwards. It helps to mask the taste, and my son loves the syrup! It has made medication time much easier, and with Joe, he would get a couple more calories in from the syrup.
I am praying for you all. Love the pictures!

Anonymous said...

Loved the pictures (and relieved to read that the puppies didn't belong to you)! Praying for some good family time this weekend! Love to all- Mel

Anonymous said...

I love the pics. It's amazing how your pictures do tell a great story and to see Joseph smiling is the best. Happy Birthday Holly! I can't believe she is already two. Allen, we'll be praying for your health and for Joseph to want to eat and eat and eat some more.

Love ya lots,

Carolyn & Dave

Orlagh said...

I loved seeing the pictures! I will continue to pray for Joe and the family! You guys are constantly in my heart and on my mind!

Love,
Orlagh

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Holly Bear!!
Love you, Mimi

Anonymous said...

The pictures are heart-warming and hopeful. Thank you! We're continuing to pray and meditate on the scripture you shared. I have a friend who has a one-month old little girl at Egleston awaiting a heart transplant. Joseph and Caitlin just go together as one big prayer every day. God bless you,

Christy said...

I can't believe how old your little ones look! It doesn't seem like they should have changed so much in only 2 months. I love Holly mothering the puppy - too cute!

suzebab said...

Hi Gill,

Thanks for the pictures. I have been getting updates from your mom during the week and praying for you guys according to those. I love the honest words of your heart you share with us on the blog. Praying for Jo to take his Meds without a fight. I know that is hard, scary, and makes you want to pull your hair out of your head. I am looking forward to celebrating Holly's 2nd B-day this Saturday!!! Traveling mercies,

Susan

Anonymous said...

so mad and sad that we can't come to Nash.....want to see you all so much.
Joseph's haircut looks awesome. Thanks to Melissa (?) for gettin the veggie tales stuff..My kids will be so jealous.
praying for the med stuff.
love you love you love you.

Anonymous said...

We have been moving back to Indiana and away from the computer for awhile. Just wanted you to know that I am reading the blog and Jane and I continue to pray for Joseph and your family before every nap and bedtime. May the Holy Spirit fill you and give you freedom and peace.
Love, Maija and the Gayeds

Lynn T said...

Happy Birthday Holly,

I hope travelling went well.
I love the new photos and Joe's new haircut is awesome. The family pic is so sweet too. Miss you and am praying for the medicine time each day.

See you soon. Will talks about it all the time.

Love you all. Please give Holly bear a huge Birthday hug from us all.

Unknown said...

Gill and Al,
Those photos are great! I hope you guys are having a great weekend in Nashville... Happy Birthday Holly! I can't wait to see you all again soon.

Sam

Anonymous said...

Gillian,

Don't know if you remember us from UT, but Greg and I have been in Belarus for the past 7 years and are now in Budapest. I heard about Joe from Brandy Hicks in Knoxville and read the blog site. Just want you to know we will be praying for you all and for God's amazing power in your lives.
Suzanne Pitts

Chloƫ said...

happy birthday to holly! the kids look fab in the photos. love chlo. X

Anonymous said...

The Davis Family in DC continues to pray and to marvel at sweet Joseph. We are also blessed by your words, Allen and Gillian. Thank you for posting on this blog - we are so privileged to be a part of your lives and to pray for you all. Our God can do wonders, and his Peace passes all understanding. With Love, Gretchen, Jeff and Cole

Anonymous said...

"If the Lord had not been my help, My soul would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence. If I should say My foot has slipped, Thy lovingkindness, O Lord, will hold me up. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Thy consolations delight my soul.....But the Lord has been my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge." Ps. 94:1719,22

Gill and Allen,
These verses came to mind as I read your last two blogs. Thank you for sharing so much of yourselves with all of us. It's so wonderful to hear how lovingly the Lord is speaking to you in your times of doubt and fear. I can only imagine how many emotions you experience in one days time. We will pray that you receive great refuge with your precious family and friends this weekend celebrating Holly's birthday. We will pray for much mercy and grace as Joseph takes his meds.
(amber)The Hess Family

Anonymous said...

I have contributed to this blog spot before and have prayed for Coy daily and when I read the beginning of your blog today I was surprised. My daughter in law's first babies, our first grandchildren were born at 26 weeks, one of them lived one day the other two days, believe me you are lucky. They should have been born on March 4th. Great to hear Coy is doing so well.

Anonymous said...

Gill aka Sally.If any of you dont know your "cars" check out Sally the "cutest car " and Joe P. picked out that name for Gill the cutest girl in the whole world and the "sweetest" "Sheriff is pretty darn cool too! i read in my devotional today.Galations6;7..This is written by Max Lucado "Consider for a moment your thoughts as seed.Some thoughts become flowers.Others become weeds.Sow seeds of hope and enjoy optimism." We love you all dearly and miss you more than you can fathom."This is the day that the Lord has made .Let us rejoice and be glad in it"..Nana

Anonymous said...

hey gillo,
miss you and am thinking of you tons today. I saw that someone wrote a message to Coy's parents on your blog...crazy...wonder how that happened. small blog world:)
Little Coy is still doing well...that is amazing.
Praying for medicine taking:)
miss you.

Anonymous said...

They are too cute Gil! Happy Birthday to Holly and prayers for Joseph, you and the rest of the family.

Anonymous said...

these pictures are soo cute

Anonymous said...

allen & gillian,
just thinking about you guys tonight. hope your trip to nashville was refreshing...happy birthday to holly. by the way, i have never seen a 2 year old with so much hair! the picture of holly and joseph hugging is beautiful. it makes me smile each time i visit your blog. quinn really likes to look at the pictures too. i thought that by showing them to her it might help her to understand that he is the little boy we pray for so often. you are never far from our thoughts and prayers.
blessings,
erin, dave & quinn

Anonymous said...

Gill Iam glad y'all have had a good day.I know you are very anxious to see little Holly Bear with 'the long hair'She does have long hair Erin you are right not many two year olds have that much hair.I forgot to tell you today I got a great e-mail from Barry and Eire..I will forward it to you..Suzanne Kennedy told Barry and Eire about Joseph..I think she lives in France now with her 3 daughters!!small world.Lightening Macqueen you are doing a great job eating keep it up.I know your cousin Will is counting the hours till he sees you and Aunt Lynn.We love you all dearly and look forward to seeing you very soon.Lots of love and kisses.Iam so glad we have gotten you hooked on Prison Break!!!!Sleep sound in Jesus..Nana

Anonymous said...

The pictures are beautiful ... three cheers for Veggie Tales! We continue to pray for you all every night and will also pray for Joseph to take his medicine better and that he will get his appetite back. Thank you for sharing your precious pictures!

Anonymous said...

Love the new pictures. We hope you are all doing well after the tornadoes in Memphis last night. Please post soon so we'll know you are okay. We are continuing to pray for Joseph's recovery and for all of you. It's great to see pictures of him playing and happy.

Love, Bill and Lisa Allen

Anonymous said...

Hope you had a safe trip back to Memphis from Nashville. Did you make it through the storms okay??
Praying for you, missing you in Atlanta.

Margaret

Anonymous said...

Holly Bear had a huge breakfast this morning. She is getting her appetite back!! She ate a bowl of oatmeal, scrambled eggs, nutrigrain bar, and blueberries!! We are headed to the grocery store and then we'll load the car to head to Memphis. Heard that I40 is a little congested near Jackson because of the storm, so hopefully we will arrive around 3:30. She can't wait to see you and Joseph! That makes 2 of us!! See you soon, Love, Mimi
P.S. Yesterday we went to Lifeway and Holly had fun looking at all the Veggie Tale things. I ran into an old friend whom I haven't seen in a while. The first thing she asked me was "How is Joseph". It blessed me so much, we talked and in the end she bought me a devotional book that she thought would be a good one for what we all are going through. She said she knew it wasn't an accident I walked into Lifeway and we ran into each other. God is so good!

Anonymous said...

miss you all....
night night.
and mom...duh we are on facebook and well in touch with Suzanne Kennedy who lives in Switzerland!!!
as if.

Anonymous said...

Made it back ok, in time to get ready for school tomorrow. It was great seeing all of you today...watching Joseph hugging Holly while she sat in his lap was just precious. I bet he had the biggest smile on his face when he saw cousin Will and Aunt Lynn. I know Joe is so happy having Will there to play with. I miss Holly, the house is way too quiet! I pray you all have a good, peaceful night's sleep. Sleep soundly in Jesus' love. Love, Mimi

Anonymous said...

Goodnight Gill the pill(thats because it rhymes)thats what we called Sally when she was little!!goodnight Lynn the bin(thats bacause it rhymes too!!)or else Mom and Dad were not very creative! and Goodnight hairy Jane(does that rhyme??)I think that was b'cos she had a lot of hair like Holly bear!!Goodnight Sam the Man(oops that definetely rhymes)and Dave the Ravey baby!!That what happens when you turn 40 and have a baby!!no rhyming anymore Duh!!Sarah-Jane.goodnight Sheriff and Mac and Lightening Macqueen.We love you all tons and tons.Iam so glad Holly Bear is back with MOmmy bear and Daddy Bear and Joseph bear.I will have to share with you tomorrow what we studied in my bible study today.It was our verse Gill!!This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it.Sleep tight dont let the bed bugs bite!!Love from Nana Grandad and Davey

Anonymous said...

Goodnight Gill the pill(thats because it rhymes)thats what we called Sally when she was little!!goodnight Lynn the bin(thats bacause it rhymes too!!)or else Mom and Dad were not very creative! and Goodnight hairy Jane(does that rhyme??)I think that was b'cos she had a lot of hair like Holly bear!!Goodnight Sam the Man(oops that definetely rhymes)and Dave the Ravey baby!!That what happens when you turn 40 and have a baby!!no rhyming anymore Duh!!Sarah-Jane.goodnight Sheriff and Mac and Lightening Macqueen.We love you all tons and tons.Iam so glad Holly Bear is back with MOmmy bear and Daddy Bear and Joseph bear.I will have to share with you tomorrow what we studied in my bible study today.It was our verse Gill!!This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it.Sleep tight dont let the bed bugs bite!!Love from Nana Grandad and Davey

Mary Vagnoni said...

It was wonderful to see you guys this weekend, wish it could have been a longer visit. I am trying to switch gears back here in Bogota, as always continuing to pray for you all
love Great Aunt Mary (the only time I can call myself great!)

Anonymous said...

Hi Gillian Allen,
Heard from Pauline that your were having some good days. I was really happy to hear that. I'm sure you're enjoying Lynn and Will's visit, say Hello for me. The photos are great. Gillian - little Holly is the image of you, so nice to see. Love to all
Ann Ben & the boys

Anonymous said...

I loved emailing with you Gill and glad you all got back to Memphis safely and Joe and Holly both feeling better. It warms my heart and makes me smile to see these photos and read all the sweet notes from your family and loved ones. Hope this week going well. Continue to pray for you all. LOVE YOU, Jody

Anonymous said...

dEAR sHERIFF sALLY mAC AND lIGHTENING mACQUEEN ,Oops is not my typing dandy!!!Iam sooo glad Y'all had such a joyous day with Lynn and Will wrestling etc etc.Iliked hearing about Joseph holding hands with Will in the back of the car on the way to Target, you guys are so funny heading off to see the Pirates movie again!!how fun!! Joe P. eat lots tomorrow and you will get strong.Ilove you all soo much and pray that tomorrow will be better than today and that God will give Joseph a big appetite.Sleep sound in Jesus.Lots of love hugs and kisses Nana Grandad and Dave the rave.

joann said...

many prayers are being prayed. love and care to all ~ the rosenbaums

Anonymous said...

Glad you are enjoying time with family. We will not grow weary in our prayers for you.
love, norma & vann