Advent

ad.vent ~ 

a coming into place, view, or being; arrival

Christmas is here! My favorite season and time of year indeed! This year we've adopted a few new traditions and one that I'm completely smitten over is our Advent calender! Each day, the kids discover a new surprise centered around the true meaning of Christmas. 

Last Sunday at church, we started a series called the Advent Conspiracy. The concept is simple: Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All. It is an awesome reminder of what this season is all about - stepping back and celebrating our Savior in a real authentic way. 

This time last year, was filled with uncertainty. Truth be told, it was a dark time in our lives. We never doubted our Father; however, it was a true test of our faith. We remained optimistic about Landon and hopeful for his future but the sadness was overwhelming at times. This year, a new song has been created. A song of triumph, a song of praise, and a song of God's amazing love. Landon is celebrating 12 weeks of seizure freedom...12 weeks off medications! 

JOY is Here! 

Fall Goodness

Last weekend we headed to one of our family favorites - Cox Farms! This larger than life farm, delivers fall goodness for all and leaves every child with a BIG smile!

These smiles never get old...

they remind me to step back and enjoy the moment

work = fun

Bernice was quite the beauty!

Farmer Jack handpicked our Landon to feed Ms. Bernice - a proud mommy moment indeed! 

sUpEr slide...

no age limit required! 

let the personalities shine

and shine some more!

We had a great weekend just being "us". The fall is one of my favorite times of year but this fall has a deeper meaning. We are celebrating four weeks of seizure freedom for our Mr. Landon!  He is officially off ALL medications and I'm loving seeing his personality shine once again. We still have challenges that face us but we know our God is bigger than those challenges and we trust in Him!

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippines 4:13

above AND beyond

A couple months ago, I received an email from my sister-in-law that brought me to tears. She was writing to let me know that her and Granny Smith were putting a team together in honor of Landon at the 2011 Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech in Kansas City. They spent a month raising money and putting together an amazing event to honor our beautiful son along with the countless other children who have Apraxia of Speech. Granny Smith designed a Thomas the Train tent which had our pictures in the windows that allowed us to be there "in spirit". They also brought along a makeshift "Dixie" with wheels attached to symbolize Landon's horse back home. They went above and beyond anything I could have imagined and I'm SO very blessed to call them family! Thank you to all who have supported this cause that affects so many children worldwide and challenges our beautiful boy on a daily basis. We love you! 

Team "Rif Raf Raftery"!!!

Landon's medal! 

"In Your Silence"

~Sarah Grainer

In your silence I hear your fear,

Your need to have me always near,

The fear you won't be understood.

Speak my child - if only you could.

Some people don't know, they say "He'll be alright!"

They don't see the pain, the anguish and fright.

You understand all that they say and infer,

Yet you cannot respond - a pain you incur.

My love for you is simply not enough,

To get you through life, at times will be tough.

But I will help you grow with all in me,

You shall find your voice, this I guarantee.

Your voice will be strong, your words so proud.

You will one day stand tall and speak out loud.

You won't fear anymore, not being understood.

It is then that we'll know we did all that we could.

So for now in your silence I hear your fear,

Your need to have me always near.

The fear you won't be understood,

One day will be gone - it will be gone for good.

round two!

Our house is feeling REALLY quiet these days! 

Landon started preschool this week! 

Old Bridge Preschool is a place who's motto says it all, "where EVERY child is exceptional". They integrate children from every walk of life and we have been beyond blessed to have found a place where explanations are not necessary and every child is excepted for who they are regardless of their needs, religion, or financial situation. 

My BIG happy boy off for his first day of school!

Landon felt so PROUD wearing his patched up Thomas backpack! 

He could hardly wait to get into his new room...

once there, he gave me a quick kiss, said bye, and ran into the classroom to meet his new friends and teacher! Oh how I love him so! 

As I walked away, I reflected on Landon and where this past year has taken us. We've had our share of valleys but the mountains he has climbed overwhelm my heart. This "magic" diet that Landon has so graciously accepted in his life, is giving him the ability to experience life again. God continues to guide us and sustain us. He is showing us how all the trials are His mercies in disguise! 

"Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights 

are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise"

~Laura Story

Got Spaghetti?

NOLAN does:)

fIrSt GrAdE!

 My bright eyed big ball of sunshine was ready for her next adventure today! 

1st GRADE!!!

With her "revamped" backback in hand...

 a spring and sparkle in her step...

and a BIG hug and kiss from her mama...

she was ready to set sail for another year! 

Miss K - This summer took on a different meaning this year! I loved all of our Kennedy and mommy time we shared! Thank you for being my sidekick - I loved every minute of it! May your first grade year be filled with fun, adventure, and sweet memories!

Story

This picture never gets old...
it tells of a story ~

A story filled with substance. 

A story where every chapter has meaning, excitement, lessons, and memories. 

This story gets deeper with each page...it continues to grow and gain more understanding. 

This story is ours. It is one of my greatest gifts.

Happy 8th Anniversary! 

Hangin with my Girl

These times don't come a knockin to often so when K asked me to "chaperone" her summer camp field trip, I jumped all over it! Here are some pics of our GREAT adventure at the American History Museum (one of my favs in DC)! 

Two of a Kind!

Discovering...

Reminiscing....

Laughing...

reConnecting!

Miss K - Thanks for the most AWESOME day! I love love loved it! 

oNe!

Nolan, Today you are oNe!

Twelve short months ago, you made our family complete!

Your smile, your laugh, your cry, and your joy have captured my heart!

 I love how you welcome me each and every morning with your sparkle, how you rest your head on my shoulder, how you shower me with your "O" kisses, and how you've shown me how to love even deeper! 

Good Morning Ma! 

My very FIRST ice cream cone! 

Need we say more?

Happy Birthday sweet boy! 

How did you grow so big overnight 

How did you get so smart and bright 

Yesterday you were asleep in my arms 

Today you’re growing off the charts 

 I’m so proud of you! 

~ Frances England "you & me"

Midwest Swing

This post is LONG overdue but I wanted to give those amazing grandparents something to smile about today! 

Part One: St. Louis

We started our midwest swing this year in St. Louis! We went to Jared's cousins BEAUTIFUL wedding and managed to squeeze in precious moments with the family. 

This one makes me grin from cheek to cheek!

and this one too! 

The cousins had a blast together at the wedding - PJ parties were a huge hit! 

Daddy Love:)

Granny and K found something special to always call their own - sewing. Granny has been teaching K her amazing trade and Kennedy truly loved every part of it! 

Raftery smiles...

times two!

We loved our time in STL! As always, wonderful memories!


Part Two: Chicago

Laid Back!

My beautiful Sisters!

Great Grandma Lenke and Kennedy - what a blessing that we have these moments to share! 

One of the biggest highlights of our trip was meeting my sweet niece Leila! She is SO Beautiful and oh SO sweet! Miss K was in "mommy" heaven!

My childhood bike revamped by my most talented padre!

Miss K and Grandma K tested it out - good as new! 

Lemonade anyone?

K adored this time with Grandma K - so much that we've had two lemonade stands since! 

Cheers! 

A lover of fountains! 

Paddleboat adventures with Auntie Meaghan!

A True Gentlemen...

walking in his daddy's footsteps. 

ALL my sisters at ONE time - how awesome it was! 

As we continue to experience life away from family, it draws me to a deeper place. A place where I appreciate the small things, a place where time slips away, a place where I treasure the here and now. 


To our amazing family - thank you! Thank you for making our lives that much sweeter! Our cup runneth over!