Some Recent Pictures

We have some new GREAT friends Brian & Debbie. Here is a picture of Don & Brian. Brian thinks Don is his "mini-me".

Zackery the little Man!

Jordan feeding Zackery

Amanda thinking, "aren't brothers just wonderful?"

THANK YOU!!!

Isn't Zackery cute as laundry?
Hello everyone!! I finally have made it here to update my blog (yea!!) Before I go into what all is going on I would like to take a moment and say a HUGE thank you to all of you. Your prayers have meant so much to us!!! Those of you who gave of your hearts we can not possibly express our gratitude. Each of you were a blessing and I do not know what we would have done without you. Our hearts have been so touched by the love that poured out.

I also would like to take the time to make a special Thank you to my sis (Kim.) Her family has been my rock through all of this! From there trip here when Don was in the hospital to Zackery's hospital stay I am overfilled with her love (sis, my cup over runnith with your love.) She would be the first to tell you that while she was here I think we did more crying than anything. However, there were a lot of tears of joy.

To my Aunt Carol and Uncle Loyd - Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!! I love you both with ALL my heart!!!


Zackery is doing great! Even though he is still being closely watched by his doctor we have taken him before our church for healing. We know God is watching over him!! He turned ten months today and how thankful we are for that. He is sitting without support, scooting and saying da, da. (Still waiting on momma ;) )

Don underwent another scan yesterday! He has started to feel under the weather yet again. We will find out the results tomorrow from the specialist as to if things have started back up again or not. The blessing in all this is that my husband and I were filled with the Holy Spirit. How cool!! Not to mention we LOVE our new church!!! Please keep Don in your prayers as he goes in for his results and again our thanks and love go out to each and everyone of you. I will keep you posted OR my sister will ;) (Thanks sis.) God Bless!!

Zackery is Home!

Zackery is home from the hospital! I meant to post this update yesterday. The family is so happy to be home but very tired. Three of them are working on getting rested up. My sister is feeling a bit under the weather due to the cold that Zackery had but she is getting better too. They are SO tired of hospitals and don't want to have anything else to do with one for a LONG time. Can't say that I blame them at all though.

I am sure when they get rested up Leanna will post here herself.

Kim (Leanna's sister, again)

Mom's update!

Thank you SOO much to my sister for keeping everyone informed! It has been very hard for me to make it to the computer even though it is right out of our room. Zackery has slept a total of maybe 3 hrs in the last 24 hrs so I know that he has to be exhausted. His temp has not broke as of yet but I am holding faith. His upper respiratory has gotten worse sense our arrival so I am in prayer for him to feel some relief soon. The nurse just asked the Dr for another round of meds to keep him comfortable and sent up a swing (Praise the Lord!!) His blood pressure has been up a few times but I really think it is just from feeling so nasty. Doctor said today our going home Sat depends on his fever etc. I have to admit I would REALLY like to go home and be with my family and other children. Don and I have not seen our other three since Fri early morning and are missing them SOOO much. Thank you for all your prayers and PLEASE keep them on going. I have found it easy to feel weary being so tired and no family here.However, I am holding on to the Lord for all the strength I can. As most of you may be aware it has been a trying few weeks and months. Now we just want our little man healed! Our love to all!

UPDATE ON ZACKERY

As you might imagine Leanna is a bit too busy so she can't update her blog. I am giving you the update that I have right now.

First of all, thanks everyone for your prayers. They are much appreciated. At the hospital they discovered that Zackery has an ear infection so he is on antibiotics. His fever went up to 100.1 and they immediately gave him Tylenol to keep the fever from starting another seizure. He has NOT had any more seizures or stopped breathing again. Praise God for that! God hears our prayers.

My sister is really tired of being in the hospital so I hope they can go home soon. This morning she said it would be tomorrow afternoon so we will just have to wait and see.

Donny had a visit with the company Dr. and was told he can come back to work on Monday.

Continue to keep them in your prayers as I know they are all very tired. The hospital is 45 minutes away so it is hard on the other children too.

Thanks again for all your prayers,

Kim (Leanna's sister)

URGENT: Pray for Zackery!

Pray for Zackery! Leanna, called me this morning to tell me that he was rushed to the hospital when he stopped breathing and had 2 seizures. 11/30/2007

Leanna's sister, Kim

Out Of The Hospital

After almost a week in the hospital (over diverticulitis)and more dr. visits to come I am thankful to report my husband is home! It sure seemed like he was there a lot longer than 6 days. We are so grateful that he is getting better all the time.

As you can imagine, being out of work has created a financial strain. However, God has seen to it to provide for our family. We have been humbled and amazed by the blessings that have over taken our family. We have had people we have never met showing up with food, paying electric bill, water bill, insurance, and medication. Through it all we have even found a church. Although many bills have been paid we would appreciate your prayers for the rest. Pray with us that God continues to meet our needs.


Two songs that have meant so much to us are "There Is A God" and "The Best Man" by 33 Miles. I am adding those songs to my playlist to share with you. I hope you will listen to them. God has used them to help us to get through each day.

The words to one of them is below:

There Is A God

There’s a beauty to the dawn, a rhythm to the rain
A silence in the soul that I just can’t explain
There’s a breath of life I breathe, a beating in my heart
A magnificence, a scary sense of what lies past the stars
Beyond what we can see behind the mystery
I know that it could only be

(Chorus)
There is a God; this is the proof
That all around the evidence is speaking the truth
From the center of my soul to the edge of the universe
Creation is crying out believe it or not
There is a God

There’s a debt that has been paid, a grace that I’ve been shown
A hope that I’ve been given that I have never known
There’s a love that conquers darkness a piece of life in me
There’s a life that’s not just here and now but for eternity
Beyond what we can see behind the mystery
I know that it could only be that

(Chorus)

I believe it; I believe it
There is a God
I can feel it; I can feel it
There is a God
And the more I find the less I need to see
I’ve never been so sure, so sure of anything

(Chorus)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DON!!!

Today is a special day.

Today is Don's birthday.

Happy Birthday Don!

You are loved by many!

Here is a birthday cupcake for you!

Update on Don

For those of you whom I have not talked to I wanted to let you know what doctors have told us so far concerning Don's health.
He has undergone a specialist, x-rays and a multitude of body testing. They found that a vertebrae in the back of his neck is pushed out and not placed where it should be. There is also a bone spur on his vertebrae. Also found was a cyst in his shoulder. He will be at a spine specialist today who will also be taking an MRI of his spine. They have determined he has a form of arthritis just not sure of the extent. It is also still believed he has Fibromyalgia. As soon as we find more out I will be sure to let all of you know. Last night after getting home from work he was in much pain. Although they have him on medication for pain it seems to only help to a min. Thank you to all of you who have kept my dear husband in your prayers!! Please keep on praying. Thank you!
~Leanna

Thankful for much!

I decided to take up my sister's idea on her blog of listing what I am thankful for. Because there is so much I think I will list just a little at a time.

First and foremost is my heavenly father. There are not enough words for me to express all that is in my heart. I know that everyday is a walk with him that makes me stronger and closer to him.

Second is my husband ~ Today being his birthday has even more of a special meaning to express all my love and thankfulness for him. He works SO hard for his family everyday& know matter how bad he may feel he keeps on going. He treats me like a princess always trying to spoil me with his GREAT food, cleaning, and so on. He has to be the best household chef I ever met ;) He can send me into laughter in no time at all. He is a great father and hasn't any problem turning into a child with his children (Giggle.) He supports me in all I do. Thank you sweetheart for being the best husband I could ever have. I am so honored to be your wife! Thank you for your love!!

Family Update

Is it already almost the end of October! Seems like time just keeps passing me by. I would imagine with four kids in tow that would be why I am always amazed with the idea that another month has come and gone.

Update - Amanda is working so hard in school. For the longest time we had been trying to get her to pay attention and work hard in school she refused. Within the year she has realized how important her education is. She saw what little money she will earn without working hard and is gaining some understanding what she needs to survive on her own. She is now working on a new subject that Don and I were very excited about "Personal Finance." We are in the beginning stages so there is not a lot to report. However, she has been very focused!! As far as the rest of her work efforts she is hanging in there. Math is her hardest subject and we are trying new things to not only get her caught up but also make life a little less stressful. Amanda, you go girl!! We are cheering you all the way sweetheart!!!!

Josh has passed his Life Pac Test that would allow him to graduate to book two in Math. He scored a 95%! He is doing much better in Language Arts than he had prior. When he was in Public school they tried to convince me he would never be good in that subject. However, I can be a skeptic!! Needless to say, with some hard work and a lot of time together in class he is doing great. I am very proud of you son, keep up the good work!!!!

Jordan ~ although he is in Special Education classes he is doing remarkable!! He is now at a first grade level in reading and 2nd in Math. He has worked so hard for the last five years to progress. I remember when I was in school how hard it was for me. I had to work so hard just to pass with a "C" average. I look at Jordan and realize that he works SO much harder than I ever did and may never be a doctor or lawyer. He may however, be the BEST darn mechanic that ever lived. Who says you need all book smarts?? I know someone who spent a good portion of there life in college and has only book smarts and sadly has no love smarts. My Jordan has love smarts and a lot of eagerness to learn which is why I know he will make it!!! Jordan, mommy loves you with all her heart.
Zackery is already eight months and showing all how much he knows!! He goes to the Dr in the next few weeks and I will give all an update then.He does send his love ;)

Don is hanging in there and goes back to the Dr yet again in a week. He is on some meds' to help many issues he is having. They are now suspecting Fibromyalgia. We will keep you up to date. Please continue praying for him.

As for myself, As always I am trying to keep my head above water. With laundry, cooking, cleaning, schooling and trying to help Don, not to mention my everyday running etc. I can tend to be exhausted at the end of the day. However, my hope at the end of the day is that I have been some sort of a blessing to my family.

Lastly ~ I want to send my love to two people who I have not seen in many years. I will not mention there names but they will know who they are. I miss you so much!!! You will never know what all the love you gave me meant. Thank you for being you!
Leanna~

Update on Don

(Here is a pretty picture for you to enjoy-Amanda!)
The month is flying by fast! Don is hanging in there! He will be at the doctors this Friday Oct 19, 2007. For any of you who are unaware as to what is going on, he has been in a lot of pain for the last several months. His body is always hurting!

Doctors have been doing a lot of testing and have yet to figure out why he is in so much pain. He is on some medicines and vitamins and that tends to take a little of the edge off. However, he returns to his primary care doctor Fri and they will decide together what is the next step. M.S. has yet to be ruled out and may possibly be next for testing. His white blood cell count is very low which is another concern. He is not sick as far as we can tell so that leaves us scratching our heads. We do know that his blood sugar was elevated so they will be doing a fasting sugar on him.

I know my sister had let a lot of you know what was going on and that has been SO sweet of her!!!! She is such a blessing to our family and what a gift to my life (love you sis!!!!)

Please continue your prayers and thank you to each and everyone of you!!

New Crib

New crib for Zackery! It looks like he likes it too. :-) He got to move out of the bassinet and into the crib. Be sure to scroll down to see the new pictures I added to the "New Number" post below.

Good Going

(Here is Zackery doing his best Elvis impersonation.)
Hi to everyone!! Had to report that Joshua just passed his third Math test with a 90% or above in his first year back in homeschooling!! We are so proud of him he has really been working very hard in school! Good job Josh!!!!

New Number

(Fun picture of Zackery at McDonald's.)

Hello to everyone!! Not sure how many of you know but we are no longer available at our home number. Any of you who I have not given our new number to please know it is on the way or we will give you a call.
Been a busy week for us here at home! We are looking at putting a lot of our things into storage in order to de-clutter our home. Because there are so many of us we can tend to be over crowded very quickly. Now with Zackery we are popping out of our home ;) Our home is on the market so hopefully this will do nothing but help our situation in the long run.
Don's hours at work have calmed down this week so he has been able to do some resting after his 83 hr week last week.
School has been going very good!! Joshua has been learning to cook (Yikes.) What a brave son I have. At 13 years old he has made his first steak not to mention hamburgers last night. Amanda and Josh have been budgeting money in order to purchase there own food that they must prepare. They are doing a great job!
Jordan went on a trip recently to School of Economics and had a blast! He learned how to be a chef and how to make business cards.
As far as myself goes.......as I always say, I am just trying to keep my head above water from day to day. Zackery has been standing with little support and learning so much. That has been where a lot of my time has been. He turned seven months old today the 20Th of Sept. It sure does not feel that way ;)
Our love to all!
Leanna and Family~

Below-Joshua & Jordan playing air hockey at the cool McDonald's.

Local Carnival

Here are a couple of pictures of a local carnival we went to.

It is hard to see but Amanda & Joshua are on this ride!

33 Miles

(Look! It's me with '33 Miles'!)

Not sure if any of you have ever heard of the group 33 Miles or not. We were so blessed to recently be able to see them in concert. They are a Contemporary/Pop music group and they have been blessed with the gift of music. This was my husband Don's first christian concert and it was memorable for one of many reasons. It was truly powerful!
This was the first concert I have been to since I was possibly 13 years old! I hope to do it again in the near future.

Zackery's trip to the doctor!

(Could this child be any happier? I don't think so!)

He is now 16 lb 10 oz and 26" long! What a growing boy he is! His doctor has now approved him to eat stage two baby food along with table food. (Mushy of course since he hasn't any teeth) He turns 7 months old on the 20th. Not sure where all the time has gone! He also was able to be taken off his high cal formula that he has been on since he was born. It was so great to have the GREAT news of our sweet baby being healthy and growing as he should.
Please continue to hold him in your prayers!
Blessings to all,
Leanna ~

(Notice Zackery's new bib below.)

How Is That Family?

We are doing great! It is always one day at a time and always trying to keep our head above water. With four children there is never a moment to spare!

Amanda is doing good in school and has been working hard on her Italian. She had previously taken Spanish beginners, A and B. Now that she has completed that with great success she has moved into another foreign language (Italian). In today's world we believe you should know at least one if not more languages (if possible.)

Josh has now been in (home)school long enough that he has been able to get our daily routine and has been adjusting great. He is currently reading "The Moccasin Trail" for History. It seems to be an interesting book for him to have started out with. It is so hard for me to believe that he is 13 years old now. It really does not seem that long ago since he was born. He is such a cutie! Amanda is 18 and even that seems very strange because when I look at her she still looks Josh's age. Not to mention raising her since she was three in a half (how time flies.)

Don is still working some long hours! Other than that he is doing great! He is the best hubby!

Jordan is enjoying school! His newest enjoyment besides cars has been riding his bike. He probably keeps me on my toes more than the baby. He is a sweetheart!
Hope everyone is doing well, my love to each of you!
~Leanna

Update from Kim: Leanna called me today and said she had taken Zackery to the Dr. for his checkup. He is doing well. He is 16 lb. & 10 oz. He is 26 inches long. Dr. said he is still short for his age (he was 6 weeks early after all). She said he is a 'little guy' but we all know that wonderful things can come in small packages. When you look at that adorable face you know it is true. The Dr. also said they can let him start praciticing with a sippy cup and eating solid foods. He graduated from high calorie formula so that is a really good thing.

Zackery is a big boy now!

Cute picture from Leanna's new cell phone.

~Kim (the blog fairy)


Zackery can now sit in a bouncy seat that looks like a walker without the wheels to move. I think the correct name is a Saucer. He has learned he can drive ;) He is also reaching for daddy now when he would like to be held. He goes to the Doctor in the morning (Thur) so I will update everyone soon on his weight etc. We recently had to re-schedule his appointment or we would have had info sooner. His new favorite food is Squash but not to be outdone but his sweet potatoes. I just developed a disk so I should have pictures up soon.
Zackery sends his love to everyone and his hugs and kisses to!!

Hello To All!!

Hello everyone! It has been very busy in the Gallion household so I have ran behind getting any new info on my blog. Thank you Kim for your help!! Amanda is back to school full time, Joshua begins home school on the 24th of August and Jordan goes back to school on August 23rd. The preparation to get all my ducks in a row has for sure been a challenge. Please keep my two oldest in your prayers for the new year to come.
Don has been working some long hours lately and anyone who know him and what he does for a living knows that he works in the heat. That being said it has been a trying week for him with temps at 102 without heat index. Please keep him and my sisters husband Michael's health in your prayers throughout the remaining summer heat wave.
Our love to everyone!

Leanna~

What Zackery would tell you...

If Zackery could talk he would tell you that his favorite food is sweet potatoes, banana cereal and green beans. He would also tell you that he goes to the doctor soon and that his mommy will be sure to update everyone on his weight etc. He wants to make sure that everyone knows he LOVES his daddy very much and can't wait for him to be home more! His daddy has had to work 73 hours this week so he has not been able to get his usual "quality time." However, despite the lack of daddy being home as much daddy has been calling him ;). Zackery has also found his toes and his fingers and is very delighted with them. He sends his love to everyone and hugs and kisses to.

(Love U Aunt Kim)
Zackery xo

Sized up!

Hello everyone! All is going good on this end and like always we are staying very busy. Just recently we were blessed with a bigger automobile. We had all been very crowded in a Galant and when I say crowded that really is an understatement with six of us. We have now purchased a Chrysler Town and Country! Needless to say we ALL love it. It is so nice to leave as a family rather than a few at a time or everyone trying to go at the same time and there be fighting about who will sit on who's lap.
The best news is now we can go see my sister (get ready Kim!!!)
Our love to all!
Leanna

A visit from my sis!

Had a visit from my sister and we ALL had a great time! We all miss her and Catrina already! Catrina has grown into a beautiful young lady and she is so smart. Both girls are such a blessing to Don and I. They will never know how much we love them and what they mean to us. My children are ready to see them again very soon (trust me when I say that there yearning to see them is huge) I was amazed how fast there time here was but can not wait to do it all again. I have the best sister that anyone could ask for! I remember saying that when I was a child and young teen but now as an adult there are no words to express my love for Kim. Thank you Kim for your love and all your kindness....I love you dearly.

Leanna~

Below are some pictures from our visit.

Amanda & Dixie having fun

Proud cousin

Amanda, Joshua, & Dixie

Baby Zackery!

Joshua & his kitty

Amanda & Jordan

Joshua & the game

Catrina & the game

Donny & the game

Cuties!!!

Me & Zackery

Two awake and two sleeping.

Cutie!

Group Photo!

Where is she??

Hello everyone!!! It has been a very busy few days! I have been sick with a bacterial infection and hope to be better soon. Had to be put on some meds but I am getting better little by little. Thanks to my beautiful neice I have a music play list now...Thank you Catrina!!! Seeing how I have been sick I have yet to make it to get updated pictures on here but will a/s/a/p. Hope everyone is doing good! My love to all!
~Leanna

How is baby this Sun A.M.

Zackery is hanging in there! We made it to the Doctors yesterday and were thankful to find it seeing how we have never been to Urgent Care before. He has a nasty Viral infection with some allergies that are all mixing together. The thought is that the allergies may have started the viral infection. He is on a Pro Biotic which will help make is immune system stronger!!! He is also on Ginger Root for his tummy and reflux which mixed with the cold and allergies causes one upset baby. He was running a low grade fever which is how they know he has a viral infection. He slept very good last night going to bed around ten and not getting up until eight this morning. Hunger pains were roaring for his formula and milk when he got up. Please continue to pray that he will start to get better very soon. Thank you for ALL the prayers each of you have already said. We trust that God has already started healing our sweet and precious baby. Love to all! ~Don and Leanna

SICK BABY, PLEASE PRAY!

Please keep baby Zackery in your prayers as he has become very sick. We are not sure what he has come down with but he is dealing with very difficult breathing, hard coughing and watery eyes. Doctor will see him today to find out what may be wrong. We are in prayer he has not caught RSV which is very dangerous for premature babys. He has begun to run a fever! We are very worried about him. We will let you all know what we find out from the doctor. I will be leaving the office here at work early (where I am now) to rush him to the office (6-30-2007) Thank you for your prayers. ~Don and Leanna

Baby Update!

Zackery has weighed in at 14 lbs 1 oz!! He has finally made it to the 10th percentile on his length at twenty three inches long ;) He is now on baby vedgys and his rice cereal!! He is not a fan of peas (Brother Josh is very happy about that seeing how he won't get near them.) Our next venture in the baby foods will be green beans! He is still on Zantac with his reflux still hurting and roaring it's ugly head several times a day. However, we know God is working on his little body and we are in faith that he will soon be able to get off this medicine!!! The other bit of news is that he is teething, the Dr believes he will pop a tooth in the next few weeks to a month. He has been baptizing his bibs and outfits.
I will be getting some more recent pictures up as soon as possible! My love to all for your continued prayers.
~Leanna

Praise The Lord!

About a year ago we were excited to hear about "Pastor Tony Evans" through a freind of ours. We were taken in on how well he teaches! He is my daily cup of coffee ;) I love to listen to him while Zackery takes his morning/early afternoon nap. Even my children listen and have become interested in many of his teachings. I was very unaware that they were catching what he was saying. However, one by one it always begins a wonderful conversation. I hope you can find the time to listen to him or even read about him. It has been worth every minuite for us! God Bless!

To visit his website click here.

A Doctor We Enjoy Listening To!

Wanted to share a web site that Don and I enjoy! We listen to this husband and wife team on the radio on 1140 A.M here in Mo. She is a Dr and together they will talk about things with other callers that we have found interesting. From being a Diabetic to Anxiety - you name it they talk about it. There advice I have always found to be the best and I admire what they do!! Hope you enjoy them as much as we have. They have a huge library of information on their site. To visit their website click here.
~Leanna

To The Best Father!

Happy Father's Day to my adorable hubby! I love you so much!! Thank you for our beautiful children. You are my best friend and the love of my life, Thank you for being a great daddy to! I love you!!
Leanna

Happy Father's Day

Thank you Jesus for being my father when my own father couldn't be!
Although my father has passed away 7 years ago this Sept I wanted to take today to remember him by putting this on our blog. "I love you daddy, always have and always will!!" As he new, I could always find it in my heart to love him but that never meant I had to agree with the many choices he made which have taken years to forgive. One good thing I can say is that like my sister's father he never said anything bad about my mother. Even when I had no home to go back to at 17 he preferred to send me money before saying one bad word about my mother.(If you can hear me) Thank you daddy for what good you had in you to share with me through your last years. I pray you are resting with God in Peace! Happy Father's Day!
Your Little Girl (As you called me) I hope you are enjoying the picture I left with you in your pocket. You looked as though you were enjoying that chocolate cake more than I was at two years old.
Leanna

Josh's Birthday

Count down to Josh's 13th Birthday!
June 29th, 2007


Create yours at BlingyBlob.com!

New info on Coffee and Tea

New research shows there's no reason to feel guilty about your daily cup of Joe. Studies found that drinking coffee may reduce your risk of developing Parkinson's disease, Diabetes, Colon Cancer and Cirrhosis of the Liver. (If you were not aware I am a Diabetic so I find this very interesting.) Coffee has even been shown to reduce the risk of inflammatory & Cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women.One reason? It contains significant amounts of flavonoids, antioxidants that can combat a host of illnesses. Since drinking to much coffee can have adverse health effect, however, it's best to limit yourself to one to four cups per day. Consuming more than 200 to 300 mills per day can be especially risky for those with high blood pressure because it can make pressure rise quickly.
Tea has many health benefits we well. It can be used as a treatment for some cancers, both black and green varieties have significant quantities of disease fighting flavonoids (less than coffee.) Avoid loading up on the sugar though. Try to stay with Decaff when possible as it is just a good.

A Prayer For Misty

Please keep our very close friends in prayer as they await to become pregnant! Misty has undergone some surgery recently that had to be done for her to even begin to try to become pregnant. They are wanting a new little one soon to add to there precious family. They currently have three beautiful girls ages 14, 12 and 8. Now they are in prayer for a boy but will be delighted with either gender. I am asking everyone to join in prayer for a little bundle of love to soon arrive. Keith is a youth minister and works full time in a print shop and Misty a full time mother and wife. They are wonderful parents that we would love to be blessed with another. After the loss of there last daughter a few years ago they are understandably nervous. I am asking everyone to pray for them to have inner peace in there lives. Thank you everyone and I will be sure to keep you posted on the outcome.