Today

Today you are you...

that is truer than true.

There is no one alive...

who is Youer...

than YOU! 

Five years ago, you entered our lives. You have filled us with amazement Landon...your heart, your determination, and your strength have given our family a true gift! Thank you for giving me perspective my sweet boy. You continue to defeat the odds, bring hope to the hopeless, and shine your light for ALL to see. Happy Birthday to YOU! 

Pocket

At an early age, Miss K showed a pronounced interest in art. Our house has always been a place where paint and glue are welcomed and encouraged! She has used her gift in many ways and her time to shine came this past weekend. One of her pieces was chosen to be part of the Mount Vernon Art Show that featured artists from five local schools! 

Miss K - my heart leapt when I heard the news! Your clay pocket was more beautiful than I could have imagined! You are a special gift...filled with creativity, passion, and imagination. I adore the girl you've become and the girl you will continue to be. Thank you for sharing your special day with us! I'm so proud of you! 

"Fighting Back with Fat"

This past weekend, we experienced our first walk for epilepsy. It was both emotional and inspirational - a day that I was humbled and grateful for where we've been and how far we've come! "Fighting Back with Fat" raised over $3,500 and we had 36 walkers on our team alone! 

Team "Fighting Back with Fat" 

The stars of our team: Noah and Landon

Each step reminded me of our journey. A journey that has come with it share of battles, heartache, and tears. However, it's come with an overwhelming sense of purpose. Our son has taught us how to embrace the small victories and cherish the smallest of moments.  He has brought us to a place of deep reliance on our Father, a place where faith and prayer have sustained us. 

smiles

hugs

laughter 

 and silliness filled our day! 

we filled our tummies with a picnic lunch 

 and squeezed in some adventure on the National Mall carousal

A picture perfect day indeed! 

A BIG thank you to everyone that supported Landon and the thousands of people living with epilepsy. We are blessed to have such amazing family and friends. Thank you to our friend Erin for coordinating our team and giving us a chance to bring awareness to the diet that has changed our life! You have inspired me along this keto journey and I am grateful for all of your wisdom and encouragement! 

Mount Vernon

One of the great things about living in DC is the history that surrounds you. Right outside our back door, we have one of the most beautiful places to visit in DC - Mount Vernon.  It's a place with rich history and beauty...a place where part of our nations story is told. 

Here's to another great weekend spent with my favorite crew! Momma soaked up all of our little moments:)

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!