Tuesday, September 10, 2013


We spent the past week in this hospital room. Luke had a tough week with pneumonia. This was the sickest he's ever been. He was having such a hard time breathing he started using a bipap machine. It helps moves the air in and out so he doesn't have to work so hard to breathe. Its only needed when he sleeps. Most kids with SMA eventually need bipap while sleeping and some wear it all the time. We thought it would be further down the road for Luke so we were kind of upset. We were concerned how he would react to the mask on his face, but he tolerated it alot better than we expected.


I remember seeing kids at the SMA conference wearing the bipap and I thought it was sad, but now its just a new machine to go along with our other ones. Its actually not such a big deal and its really going to help him. God gives us grace to learn and manage more than we ever thought we could.


Livi picked out the shark for Luke


Livi is doing awesome at kindergarten! She's at a Spanish immersion school and after 2 weeks she already knows lots more Spanish than both of her parents!






It was hard for me the first few days dropping her off, but I'm so proud of her and its so fun to watch her 
learn.



Luke also had a first day of school! We found a great church that has staff that can care for special needs kids. I was very nervous but he had great time and all the kids loved him! Unfortunately he got sick after only two days. We knew he would get sick some, but this hospital stay has shown us how hard it can be on him to get through a virus. We are praying for wisdom about keeping him in school or staying home. 

Thanks for all the prayers this past week. We wouldn't be able to manage without so much support!


Having fun earlier this summer at the Muskogee Water Park






















Saturday, July 6, 2013

House, hospital, and humble heart


We are finally settled! I know its been a really long time since my last post. We've had tons going on and just recently we got a working computer. Lots has changed! We moved into our new house and love it! Just about a week ago we got our new wheelchair accessible van! Thanks so much to those of you that donated! I can't thank everyone enough. It has changed our lives. Luke asks to take rides in the car all the time now! 

Also we have a new family member, Zoey.




Livi lost two teeth!



And Livi graduated from Pre-K!


We had a wonderful visit with Grandma Marge, Grandma, and Papa from PA.



Enjoying the deck at our new house!



Lukie was sick the beginning of June and had to be hospitalized for 2 nights to get some oxygen. It was a really emotional time for us seeing him struggle so much to cough and get through a virus that turned into pneumonia. He really hasn't been sick before so we didn't know how tough it would be. But he fought hard and God brought him through it!


Luke got an iPad and loves it! It took him no time at all to learn to use it and now he is able to play games and all sorts of fun stuff on his own. 



Livi's room with her chalkboard masterpiece


The princess and the frog.



Insurance has denied Luke's power chair request. This just means we will have to appeal and give more reasons why its necessary and beneficial for him. Its frustrating and tiring having to go through the appeal process and wait on something that would benefit him so much now. But, we are feeling the blessing and gratefulness of waiting on God to provide and He has done even more than we hoped for! Our house and van have made life so much more comfortable and accessible for us. Blessings to all who gave and prayed for us!


Wednesday, April 17, 2013




Luke's favorite thing lately has been finger painting. And he also loves cars so of course he had to finger paint with a car. 







Luke's muscles may not work very good, but his brain is growing just right. He knows all his letters and can count to 12! His speech is becoming a little more clear to us which is so helpful. He still speaks alot of chinese too.


Livi turned 5 on March 28th!





My little pony pinata




Party at our church's gym



Livi giving her friend Rupert a smooch. We are trying to encourage hugs only, but she forgets.





Easter with the cousins





We closed on our old house and are living with my parents until we move into our new home. We are really looking forward to moving in! At the moment though we are pretty tired from the move and all the stresses of buying a house with inspections and repairs. Its easy to get stressed out with so many things that seem so big. But God has been so faithful to take care of us through everything.

I've been thinking about how I really don't like it when people say God won't give you more than you can handle. It makes me feel like I should be stronger than I am on my own. God gives us way more than we can handle. We wouldn't have a relationship with Him if we could take care of ourselves. Maybe instead we should say God won't give you more than He can handle. He can handle anything of course! For me its hard to keep believing that he can actually carry my burdens. I don't know how to let go of them sometimes. There is a scripture that says God won't let us be tempted beyond what we can handle. But it doesn't say anything about us being supermoms that can do everything on our own. I'm so glad because I feel like I need Him more than ever and I'm so glad He wants to carry my burdens and love me through all ups and downs we go through.

I like this version of Matthew 11:28 from the Message Bible

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."












Thursday, February 28, 2013


We have some really good news. Our house sold! After almost a year of trying to sell we are so grateful and excited about finding a new home.



We are also grateful Luke has stayed so healthy this winter. Even with all the bugs going around he didn't catch anything. We are still working on getting his power chair. Its been a challenge to figure out which joystick is easiest for him to operate the chair especially since he's not very motivated to drive yet. Its a new experience for him to be able to move so it will take some time.



Sometimes I feel sad because Luke and Livi can't play together like other kids. I know it really doesn't matter though because they love eachother.  She's been trying to teach him the alphabet and it makes him laugh. She helps lift his head up when it falls down. She helps me get him in the bathtub. They love bath time together. Even though they can't run around together they have a special bond.


My princess helping me with the dishes.



And here's the birthday boy. We had a blast celebrating Luke's 2nd birthday with family and friends.




Happy Birthday! I'm so thankful for these two years. When Luke was first diagnosed we had no idea what to expect. Each birthday means so much to us.












Luke's new hot wheels race track.



He got a Lighting McQueen guitar


Luke's friend Dylan


 Lexi reading Luke a book after the party.