I Never Thought I'd See The Day

On Friday, February 19, at approximately 5:30pm a loud hurt scream came from the living room. Caleb, Tanner, and Isaiah were playing swords with one another. Isaiah spun around on his right foot with his sword in hand and twisted it just so. I never thought I'd see the day when one of my children would end up with a broken bone.

Friday night I watched Isaiah carefully, observing how he handled walking on his foot. He was so pitiful... watching him gimp around was so sweet, but I knew he wasn't putting on a show, he was truly hurting. He woke up many times through the night. I had made a decision through the night that I would call the pediatrician first thing Saturday morning.

Isaiah was hurting more by Saturday morning. My decision stood firm, he needed to have his foot looked at. The pediatrician said that his foot was most likely broken rather than sprained. Greg and I were shocked, I honestly thought it was a bad twist. We brought Isaiah home and kept him off his foot as much as we could and kept him comfortable with ibuprofen.

First thing Monday morning Greg and I called the orthopedics office and scheduled him to be seen. The doctor confirmed my worst fear, Isaiah's foot was broken. Considering what Isaiah went through on Saturday at the pediatricians office I think he did very well at the orthopedics office. He cried just a little when he first caught sight of the examining table. And he cried for the first x-ray until he realized that no one was going to hurt him here. I am so proud of my little guy and I am so thankful that God gave me the strength to get through the first stage of a broken bone. Thank you to everyone who faithfully prayed for Isaiah and his anxiety from the doctors visits. God was indeed there and with us every step of the way.

Dear God,
Thank you for caring for Isaiah and comforting him when he was scared. Thank you for giving me the strength that I needed in my desperate hour. God, thank you for helping me understand that accidents happen and bones may break. Thank you for showing me that you are right there when I need you most. Lord, I ask that Isaiah's foot heal and return to its perfect form. I ask that he no longer have discomfort or irritation due to being in a cast. God, you are an awesome God!!!

In Jesus' name, Amen

Silly Kids

I just wanted to take a quick moment and share my silly kids with you. Caleb and Isaiah keep me in stitches, and when Hannah gets going I find myself surprised at how humorous she truly is. I just love this about them and I love how they can keep Greg and I giggling. Greg and I may collect ourselves for a moment look at each other and then just get laughing again. My children are not only supper funny, but also super loving and can be super serious when time comes to be super serious.

I love my little ones, I love there kind nature and their giving hearts, and yes, I love.. love.. love.. the laughter they bring into my home.

Dear God,
I want to thank you today for my three special children, I want to thank you for choosing me to be their mommy. God, I love them so much, thank you!

In Jesus' name, Amen

Remembering Lindsay Bear Through NSTAR's Walk for Children's Hospital Boston

Children's Hospital Boston - NSTAR's Walk for Children's Hospital Boston 10 - 's Page

Will you follow the link above and read why I am walking?

"Lindsay Bear" Oh How I Love Her & Miss Her. Remembering Her Today During Congenital Heart Defect Week

LINDSAY GROEN 6/14/06-5/16/08 ERIC VANDAM

On June 14, 2006 in Luverne, Minnesota a little pink baby girl entered the world. She was 7lbs 5oz and 21in long. We were so surprised to have a little girl. Lindsay was a very happy baby full of smiles and rolls. She loved to eat and soon got the name “Lindsay Bear”. Lindsay loved life and loved to play. She loved playing with her big brother Tanner, her dog Kaye, her toys, and loved being outside. Her smile lit up the room and her “bear” hugs were the best. Lindsay was a very healthy little girl. At her 18 month check up her doctor heard a heart murmur. She then went to the cardiologist and was diagnosed with severe mitral valve prolapse. She never showed any symptoms of having a heart problem. Lindsay had open heart surgery at Children’s Hospital Boston April 7, 2008 to repair her mitral valve. Surgery went well and she was doing good. On April 15, 2008 she went into cardiac arrest caused by underlying heart issues. She was put on a life support unit called ECMO. On April 28, 2008 she had bypass surgery. After being on ECMO 33 days, On May 16, 2008 Jesus healed her heart and took her to paradise. Lindsay Bear is missed by all who knew and loved her. Not a day goes by that we do not think of her and miss her. We look forward to the day when we will be reunited with her in eternity. Until then we share her story to raise CHD awareness and to bring others to know Christ is their Savior.

Dear God,
Though I didn't know Lindsay well before she entered heaven to be with you, I feel that today I've known her from the first day she was born. Through Laura, Jon, Tanner, & Case I've come to love Lindsay with all my heart. Thank you for that. God, she is an amazing little girl and I long to hug her. I am thankful for the time I was able to spend with Lindsay and most thankful for the morning I rocked her to sleep in the nursery at DBC... God, I didn't even know Laura and Jon then, but I know that I enjoyed my cuddle time with Lindsay that morning. I even remember the cute jean skirt she was wearing:) God, thank you for giving me time with Lindsay and thank you for the time I have today with her big brother Tanner and her baby brother Case. I love them so much and feel blessed when I spend time with them. God, thank you for Laura and the friend she is to me. God, thank you for Jon and his big bear hugs. God, I can't wait to see Lindsay again!

In Jesus' name, Amen

Home, Where My Heart Belongs!

Some of you may know that Greg and I just returned last Friday from a weeks vacation in Costa Rica. Although it was lovely, beautiful, warm, and eye opening; I would continually find myself saying. "Oh how the children would love this." At times I'd catch myself thinking. "If the children were here, I would stay in this country forever." Honestly A lot of the time I knew I was missing something, actually three somethings, my kiddos. There were no "hey mommy, can I?" questions being thrown around. There was no one tugging on my arm, or no one pulling of my clothing. Things were strangely quiet and maybe a tid bit boring in between our activities.

Greg and I explored a new country and we learned many new things about the people who live and work there. It was a blessing each day to wake up to a new day filled with new discoveries. but all along I wanted so badly for my children to experience it all with us.

The time arrived to board the plan and return home. It was sad, I didn't want to return to cold New Hampshire. Our trip was long and our drive from Boston felt like an eternity. I opened the door to my home and dropped everything. I briskly walked upstairs, I reached out and stirred each of my children awake. It was almost 2:00am and Caleb just couldn't bring himself to get up, I kissed him and hugged him for a while. Isaiah and Hannah were snug in my bed with Auntie Jessica. I woke them both by hugging them and kissing them. we sat for awhile just hugging and whispering a little. It was wonderful to have my babies back in my arms.

This trip to Costa Rica changed me in ways I never expected. God reignited my passion for His mission. He also showed me that my home can be anywhere and in any country. He helped me to see that as long as I have my family with me, beside me, then I am home. He reminded me that I belong to Him and He has a plan for me. Where ever He places me will be my home because that is right where my heart belongs, with Him and for Him only.

Dear God,

Thank you for reopening my eyes to your plan for my life and my family. Thank you for reigniting the fire you set in my heart. Thank you for showing me beautiful country and showing me where my heart belongs. Lord, you are amazing and I am so thankful that you have plans for me and my family. I look forward to the day you send me out!

In Jesus' name, Amen