Summer Fun!

We bought this big ball today for the kids at Costco for only $20. They actually climb in and go for a roll. 

Brandon

And Megan. 

You can hear me screaming for Steve to stop the ball. Mother's instinct took over and I had the fear of her rolling off down the street.

Strong Enough by Matthew West

This song could pertain to any of us but as I listen to the words I can't help think of my Nicholas. I imagine this is what my little boy thinks. Nicholas keeps fighting relying on the Lord's strength to make it through his daily struggles.  Nicholas...my hero!

Megan Feeding Nicholas

Do you think he liked it? I think he gagged three times with a major one in the end. 
The greatest part was Megan getting the chance to feed her little brother. As a baby she would feed him his bottle so one thing she has truly missed with Nicholas has been that opportunity. She was so excited to be able to go shopping for baby food for Nicholas and then to be able to feed him. This time around it was all about the joy for Megan. A great sight to see. Enjoy and look for even the small blessings in life.

May 4th 4 years ago

Four years ago on this date our son went from this.....

to this.

That is Nicholas on ECMO or life support. It still hurts my heart so much to see this. Memories and pain come flooding back. Nicholas had heart surgery on April 26th and a week later he "coded." HIs lungs and heart gave out. The surgeon and nurses worked so hard on him trying to bring him back...almost giving up. I remember screaming, pleading to the Lord to save my son. The pain is nothing I can describe. Your heart literally breaks.
The Lord gave me my son back only different. He suffered a severe brain injury that day. And while it is still painful at times, my heart hurting for what could have been, I am eternally thankful to our Lord, doctors and nurses for giving me this precious gift.

Our heroes...our family! 

Nicholas, YOU are my hero. You inspire me, you teach me, you've brought me closer to the Lord. I have felt and seen the Lord's love and miracles like I never could have imagined. I will fight for you and with you my son. You have come so far, farther than they ever said possible. Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. We love you Nicholas! We will pray for you and support you through our journey together.

Spotlight Kid on the Month

Stephen David won Spotlight Kid of the Month (out of 750 kids) for his school.

We are so proud of you Stephen! We love you.

Meet me at the fishing hole...

I met this man a few days ago...well, not really "met." You see he was going into cardiac arrest when I first "met" him. I remember them working on him, trying to bring him back. He was dying. No pulse, no heartbeat. I stood by his bed praying for him to come back with tears flowing down my face. I didn't know him but I knew his story.

He had a disease that was killing him and he was ready to go. He didn't want to come back but my heart broke watching him die. They did get him back but didn't think he would make it through the night.

I thought about him for days. Wondering how he was doing, praying he was alive. I don't know why but I felt connected to him. I wanted him to live.

Well I saw him again and finally really met him. He looked so much better with a radiance about him. I spent the day with him. Talking about fishing, laughing, getting to know him. His disease is bad not giving him much longer to live but it's okay. That radiance is there. That shine that says "It's okay. I'm ready and I'm excited."

As I left for the day, I knew I would not see him again. I told him to get well so we could go fishing (something he desires to do again.) He smiles and said " Darling, it's a date." Well, I make it to the door and he says "Lisa...if I don't get to go fishing with you here, I'll save you a spot at the fishing hole in Heaven." "It's a date," I replied with tears in my eyes.

This man touched my life. In the short time I knew him he touched my life. I won't ever forget this sweet man and know someday I will see him again...at the fishing hole in Heaven.

Christmas treats

Megan has been getting on to me because I totally forgot to post Christmas pictures (yes, Christmas 2010!) and especially our treats we made. Megan LOVES to bake and cook. It has been so much fun sharing this with her. This past Christmas we decided to make special treats.

Below is what we made....

Great Job Megs!

Carowinds 2011

As if Make A Wish and Give Kids the World hasn't given us enough, they also give families a year pass to certain amusement parks around the world. We decided we really couldn't afford to travel to Eftelling Amusement Park in the Netherlands so we voted for Carowinds in Charlotte.

For those of you that didn't know, Carowinds lies on the border of South and North Carolina. All day when the kids would see the border they would hop from side to side "North Carolina, South Carolina, North Carolina." You get the point.....

Our silly monkey...

Stephen going up on the Intimidator.

Screaming, a manly scream as he said, going down.

Isn't he precious?

Note to self....never put Megan and Brandon on the same ride when there is only ONE handle to fly the boat/plane! They were fighting like cats and dogs.

Nicholas getting the special treatment-getting fanned by Megan.

Okay, so we all got yelled at by the ride worker for trying to escape the waterfall. We were stilled buckeled! I put my hands up like that was really going to protect me (it didn't)

Yes, we know they should switch sides but it was funnier like this.

A great day...and great memories!