For Aunt Marty...

And by the way, big brother got a smack down by his little sister for goofing around during her debut.

What does it take?

What does it take to take down a 12 year old boy and a grown man?

Putting a bunny on a leash!

You should see all of the scratches on both boys as a result of trying to get the leash on cuddles (there was a lot of girlish screams coming from the boys as well!)

Father's Day

Stephen had been mentioning for a while that he would like to have a fire pit. So...I figured why not surprise him with one for Father's Day.

 He's such a goofball.

 Stephen's new fire pit. He would be so proud. I got FREE shipping AND I did research before I ordered it! Many nights of fun to come...

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.