2 years ago today...

We were standing in front of a CT room as the words you never want to hear were being yelled. "Code blue, bag her stat!!" I was standing in a hallway, watching as Vicky jumped on top of my 3 year old daughter and began administering CPR until the equipment small enough was brought to her. 2 years ago, we sat in the PICU as a nurse rushed past us with a DRILL and we listened as a doctor we had never even met drilled a burr hole into the front of her head. 2 years ago, I sat in a wheelchair in the middle of the PICU, basically rendered speechless and unable to cope, as my Pastor took over and took care of every detail for us. 2 years ago, we rushed into the doors of Strong Memorial Hospital and up the PICU- no clue what we were going to find when we got there. 2 years ago, we were told that our sweet girl would be "a vegetable", "a shell of what she once was" and "not the same Grace we know now." Two years ago today, God began to use our sweet girl to show us just how powerful, loving, and merciful He is.
In two years time, we have had so many triumphs!!!

From this:

to this:

We have had setbacks....

blindness, seizures, and multiple illnesses to name a few!!

And we have had an amazing amount of fun!!

In two years time, we have learned that grace of God truly is sufficient. In the good times, the bad times, and the times we didn't think we'd make it through another minute, He has pulled us up and held us in His hand. He has used so many of you that read this blog to make us laugh, dry our tears, (or let me soak your shoulder), and just keep us fighting the fight. So, thank you....for reading, praying, and loving us! We love you!!

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is

made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather
glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches,
in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake:
for when I am weak, then am I strong."

Prayers...

To my babies:
I sat there last night, beside both of your beds, and prayed. Gracie, I prayed that you would always be as stubborn, loving, and tender-hearted as you are now. I prayed that as your brain heals, which it does every day, you would never lose sight of how far God has brought you. I prayed that as a family, we would never forget. We might move on, one day I might stop explaining to people that you have a TBI--- but please, Lord- let us never forget. I prayed that the circumstances of your early life would cause you to desire to help others. Josiah, I prayed that you would always love me as much as you do right now, no matter what mistakes I make. It's the love of my babies that gets me through some of life's toughest days.You are such a smart boy. I prayed for you to grow and mature into a wise young man- one who gets his wisdom from God, not the world. I prayed that, just like your daddy, you would always wear that cowboy hat and boots. Be your own man!!

For both of you- I prayed for your friends- the ones you have now, and all that you will soon meet. Lord, please help them to make right decisions in their lives. I prayed that you would always be a good influence on those you meet. I prayed for your service. That you would serve God...but not because Mommy and Daddy force you to, but out of love and desire. I even prayed for your future husband and wife!! I had to giggle a bit as I thought of either of you married! Gracie, please don't hit your husband if he steals your last yummy yummy. And Josiah, please learn that chocolate is very important to a woman!!

I love you both. Some day in the future, you'll have a bad day. Believe me, you'll have days that you feel like can't possible get any worse. I pray that they are few and far between, but that when they do come, you learn. When you get there, and you're at your wits end, I hope you'll read this, and feel a bit better. No matter what, your mommy will pray for you.


                                                    1 Samuel 1:27  " For this child I prayed..."

Month of Thanksgiving...

I've noticed a lot of my Facebook friends have been doing posts about what they're thankful for every day. I had decided at the end of last month to do something a bit different this year, seeing as I seem to always be thankful for the same things. Which I still am, but there's only so many ways to say it. So this year, I've been asking Gracie and Josiah what they are thankful for and writing it down every night. They are 5 and 2.5. Some of the answers have been hilarious, some have been pretty selfish, some have been rather...eye opening. So, here we go. Our first week.

This is how the conversation went on Monday.
"Me- Mommy is going to ask you what you're thankful for every night. That means something that you really like or something that made you very happy. Ok?"
"Gracie- Daddy bought me a new Minnie Mouse blanket."
"Me- And you're thankful for that?"
Gracie- "Yep. My dog likes to sleep on it."

So, like I said sometimes, it's quite funny. And Josiah usually has the same one word answer. Mommy. Which is cute and sweet and adorable. Anyway, without further ado.
Monday- Gracie was thankful for her Minnie Mouse blanket. Josiah said "mine mommy"..
Tuesday- Gracie was thankful that her grandma was coming home from Florida. Josiah said his cup and his bed.
Wednesday- Gracie was thankful for her dog and that her Grandma and Uncle Timmy were there. Josiah was thankful that I read him books.
Thursday- Gracie said she was thankful that she got to go to the library at school and that I read the book to her at night. And that she had a coat and gloves and that I put yummy yummies in her coat pocket sometimes. And that I get to come home at night (which made me cry). She was very sweet and thankful that night. Josiah said his usual Mommy that night, but with much coaxing he said his hat.
Friday- Here's the eye opening one. Gracie said she was thankful that I fill up her lunchbox for her every morning. She said "I get hungry at school, and then they give me my lunchbox and my mommy always fills it up." Josiah said Mamma. That's his word for Grandma.

What am I thankful for? That my two beautiful children have so much to be thankful for. That my beautiful daughter has the capacity to tell me what she's thankful for. That my son loves me so much. You know....just the normal stuff.