2012 National Walk for Epilepsy

On March 31st, we are participating in the National Walk for Epilepsy in DC! We have teamed up with other families that have children on the ketogenic diet for epilepsy in order to bring awareness and hope to the thousands of people affected by epilepsy. Landon's life has been filled with challenges; however, we know that his life is for a great purpose. It is through his story that we can give other families and individuals the hope, the possibilities, and the chance for healing.

Visit my page here:

Team "Fighting Back with Fat"

It's a Wrap!

The Christmas season is behind us which has left me behind on blogging! This year we decided to stay home and be in the moment of Christmas. While I love the anticipation of traveling, there is something to be said for being home. It allowed us to create our own traditions which in turn created an atmosphere of  wonder, excitement, and peace. We were lucky enough to have Papa Raftery, Auntie Evie, and Uncle Joe join us which truly put the icing on the cake! 

Santa's cookies and Jesus's birthday cake were TOP priority! 

and we managed to squeeze in some lovin' along the way! 

We couldn't forget Rudolph so we whipped up a batch of "reindeer food". 

Santa brought Nolan his OWN bike and helmet...what a hit! 

The boys stayed busy with Subbuteo (a favorite past-time of the Raftery's)....

while momma was cookin' in the kitchen! 

Miss K was oh so happy in her earmuffs

We made our way to Philly and the kids discovered one of the BEST children's museums. It's called the Please Touch Museum and our kiddos took the name to heart. They soaked up some daddy time and had some self discovery of their own... 

K

Landon

and my munchkin! 

This "time" together as a family flew by but it truly was a time we could connect. No appointments, no therapies, no schedules - just US. 

I can't leave out our Murder Mystery party...good company, good wine, and great suspense! 

A little sidenote is in order as well: Landon is STILL seizure free...4 months and counting! Our God is so faithful! Landon has mastered another milestone - he can now recite his ABC's!!! WOOO HOOO! 

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:)