Feeling Blessed

We all have life changing events that teach us a big life lesson. We were fortunate to receive so many from our sweet Gracie's precious life. One big one that she taught us was to....stop....pay attention...and hold onto to each special moment, big or small. What a special blessing among many that she left behind.

On May 9th I shared a post on “Joy in the midst of grief.” Since that post, I keep reminding myself happiness is a decision to trust in Gods power not merely our own. It's important to continue living and rejoicing in all our blessings we continue to receive. Memories of Gracie fill our hearts daily and I imagine, they always will. However, it's been so wonderful to be able to still have room to rejoice in all that we have received. Our faith continues to grow strong daily and with that we have witnessed just exactly what our faith can do!

Which is exactly why I LOVE the song that is playing. It speaks directly to my heart.

Chorus:

I've seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn't ever end

even when the sky is falling

I've seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

that's what faith can do

When I was listening to the song the other day I started to reflect on how amazing things have been recently, so I thought I would share....

“Our little man Luke”

Health-

As for his heart, all seems to be well at this time. We had an appointment for Abbey last week and since Luke was with me the cardiologist did an exam on him and said, "clinically" Luke sounds great. His next appointment will be in a month. As for his GI issues. We (Adam, myself and his GI doctor) are pretty convinced after monitoring Luke's vomiting episodes, that he does in fact have CVS which is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. He is being treated with Cyproheptadine (which he has taken in the past) and it not only helps his appetite it has also helped with his vomiting. I never thought I would hear the words I did the other day...Luke said, "mom, thank you so much for that medication, it makes me feel so much better." Yay! A temporary cure! As I’ve always shared, Luke’s biggest challenge at this time is feeding, it will probably always be however, it’s nice to have some time where things are a little on the right track.

As for Everyday life-

We have been so thankful and have felt so blessed for all the fun we have been having. We have had many play dates with family and friends old and new, Luke and I had a mommy/son day at Disneyland, Adam recently taught him how to ride his bike without training wheels, he graduated from preschool, and he is becoming such a little man. It's amazing how much our hearts continue to expand with so much love for our Luke.

"Little miss Abbey"

Health~

So excited to report she had a wonderful Cardiology visit. Everything looks great and there is no longer any fluid on her lungs. Praise God for such wonderful news!

Every day life~

Oh my where to start. One of my favorite things recently has been the joy of watching her eat! After so many struggles in this department it is such an incredible blessing that we never ever take for granted. She actually loves it and does not bring it back up. Awww simply amazing! Her little personality is starting to show. She is as sweet as pie, but also has a little feisty side. (which I love) She is crawling all over the place, standing up on whatever she can and babbling away. Not sure if it is just a coincidence but whenever Adam walks in the room, she says “da da” it’s super cute. She is all smiles and we all just adore her!

We are so thankful for this season of joy that we are in....we are holding onto to it as we take day by day.

There is another song that I just LOVE and can't get enough of...it should be coming up next..."Blessed be your name" I never thought a sweet fast song could bring me tears...but who we kidding...everything these days brings tears. All the words are so perfect, especially the last few verses:

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be your name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name

I think it brings so many tears because even though he has taken our sweet baby girl away, he still continues to gives. We would do anything to have Gracie back however, what a blessing to receive all he has given since he has taken her home.

It's amazing how many people he has put in our lives and for those that have been in our lives, it's amazing to see how close we have become.

In the last two months we have wanted to take the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, while the kids were doing so well. We have had a crazy busy schedule, but have loved every single minute of it!

Disneyland

Luke, me, Jake and Careen

Silly Faces

Luke was picked to participate in Jedi Training

Cousin Jaden and Auntie Bridget met us at Disneyland

Cousins...Luke and Jaden....Love this pic

Luke, Mason, Samantha and Abbey

We had a great night hanging out with the Guilline's

Kaelin and Luke

Kaelin is our very close Neighbor/Friends granddaughter

They are the cutest little couple....do you think it is to

soon to start thinking about planning their wedding? lol :)

My family I just adore with all my heart...the Ujkic's

Miranda, Abbey, Marissa, Victor Ryan and Luke

Luke and Zach

Luke playing mario cart with his best buddies...Zach and Max

Could it get any cuter?

Luke, Kathleen, Abbey and Ethan

Had the best lunch...miss them and hope to spend lot's of time together this summer

Mrs. Jones and Luke

Mrs. Jones is the director of St. Pauls where Luke went to preschool

Their constant love and support was so enduring to our family

it has meant so much to us to watch Luke grow, spirtually, socially and intellecutally

Lukes teacher Mrs. Luetto

Her constant loving and caring ways towards Luke and

our family will never be forgotten

Having some fun...last day of school

Fun at Irvine Spectrum

Zach, Koral, Luke, Madi and Max

Luke and Charlie helping Kelly get the Lemonade ready for Alex's Lemonade Stand

Luke serving Lemonade to help raise money for children fighting childhood cancer

The Taggart family and us...yep...they have six amazing children if you look

closely you will see their super hero in the background, John Kelly Taggart.

To read more about this amazing courageous little guy please click here

As John's daddy has always said, "John Kelly Taggart was the bravest person

he has every met." John went to be with Jesus on October 21, 2005, but his legacy

lives on...and we were honored to be a part of rasinging money in honor of John

and all children who battle against childhood cancer.

Lastly, another great blessing, is all the heart families we have met. I cannot tell you how amazing it is to have such an instant connection. A bond that holds us so close...how lucky we are to experience Gods hand at work.

Abbey and Addison

Addison: So I heard we were roomies at Lucielle Packard childrens Hospital at Stanford

Abbey: Really? Wow, you look so different

Addison: Yeah...that is what a few months does to you

Abbey: I think your mom wants us to take a picture

Addison: Ok, let's give her our best.......

The girls had a great time playing together!

Noah and Luke

They were neighbors for their last surgeries at CHLA. It brings tears to my eyes to see them in our pool together. The last time they saw eachother was over two years ago and Noah was sitting up in her bed when Luke had to try and walk for the first time afterhis surgery and she was saying, "Go Luke, you can do it!" she was the best cheerleader!

A new special friendship

We loved having the Michaelis Family over, it was a great day with much laughter!

The Michaelis Family is going to be putting on an event later this month:

"Noah's Festival of Life" all proceeds will benefit Hopeful Hearts

Such an honor....Will post the event first week of July

Lunch with the Synder Family

Another heart family I adore

Dana, Landon and Eric also have a little princess

awaiting them in Heaven. Luke and Landon share a special

bond...both their "twin" sissy's are in Heaven

We are so excited to continue our new friendship.

So as you can see....we have been so busy...I'm constantly giving thanks for all the special people God has placed in our lives and for the time at home with the children being healthy...what a great joy and blessing it has been...we love you all so very much and thank you for being so special!

Whatever it is that we are too loose, God first had to give.

he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal. Job 5:18

My heart will choose to say....blessed be His name.

Summer is here! Enjoy your families. Until next time...Terra~