Faith

Our day in St. Louis & Surgery Details!

May 10, 2012 2 Comments

After a lazy morning sipping coffee,
we decided to get dressed and hit the pavement again!

We were all craving the energy that St. Louis has to offer.
We needed it to distract us.
And it did not let us down!

We stopped at a little bistro and ate a fabulous lunch.
Sidewalk dining is becoming a favorite in this family.

Kisses.
So sweet.
I can never get enough.

After lunch,
we continued to get lost in the hustle and bustle of city life.

And before we knew it,
it was time to head over to see Dr. Dobbs, the Orthopedic Surgeon that will perform Cliff’s surgery tomorrow.

After the long walk through the never-ending crosswalks and hallways that connect our hotel to the hospital, we were finally in the “sacred area” known as Children’s Hospital.

The Boy knows that this is the place where Dr Park “fixed his legs”
and I am pretty sure he loves these hallways just as much as Ross and I do.

The smell, the lighting, the smiles on children’s faces that we pass in the halls who are going through things at such a young age that most of us will never face in our lifetime all bring back the feeling of hope that was given to us here.

This is where we heard THOSE words that would change our outlook on Cliff’s future.

You know them,

“Cliff WILL walk independently!”

No one else has EVER said that to us and right here,

we were given the gift of hope.

In this place,
hope filled our hearts and there was no room left for despair.

After going over some information with Michelle, the nurse,
Dr. Dobbs came in the room and began to check Cliff out.

Cliff was calm and said “Hey man!” when Dr. Dobbs walked into the room.

Dr. Dobbs is comfortable, we felt as if we had known him our entire lives.

What can I say, The Boy knows an excellent surgeon when he sees one!

Dr. Dobbs said that Cliff’s heel cords had good range of motion and that they did not need lengthening done! He did tell us that Cliff will most likely need a heel cord release sometime in the future as he grows, but we will just monitor his range of motion as he gets bigger. He said that Cliff’s hamstrings were what is causing him to walk on his toes. So, in the morning (at 7:15am CST to be exact) he will make a very small incision on the backs of Cliff’s legs, above his knees and perform a Bilateral Hamstring Release.
We are thrilled because this is the most minimally invasive route possible and Cliff is the perfect candidate for this procedure!

Then after going over some post-op details,
Dr. Dobbs looked at us and said

“I am EXTREMEMLY optimistic that Cliff will walk independently…
and you should be too!”

I just about tackled him and plastered kisses all over his face right there.

Yep.

We heard THOSE words again,
and this time was just as sweet and wonderful as the first time.

Cliff is very calm and even seems to be a little excited about tomorrow.

He informed us as dinner tonight that
“Dr. Park fixed my legs and Dr. Dobbs is going to help me walk with flat feet!”

Please continue to pray for Cliff.

Please say a prayer for Dr. Dobbs and the wonderful medical team that will be in the operating room with Cliff tomorrow morning.

Please pray that Ross and I remain strong so that we can comfort Cliff.

"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted."

Job 9:10

Filed Under: Faith, Family, Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, The Boy

St. Louis Zoo and a fun afternoon!

May 9, 2012 7 Comments

Yesterday,
we hopped into the hotel shuttle and spent 4 hours at the Zoo in St. Louis!

Cliff had the time of his life!

We have a wonderful zoo at home,
but this zoo was AMAZING!

There were little trains that went all throughout the zoo!

(We may or may not have almost been run over… twice!)

There were a bunch of babies there!
We watched this mama and baby elephant for EVER!
They were just soooo cute together!

Then it was time to pet the stingrays and sharks!
Cliff is fearless and couldn’t wait to slide his hand down the slimy back of a big stingray!

Ross was just as excited!

…Ok, Ok, I was too!

This little shark really liked Cliff!
He stayed right by Cliff the entire hour we were there!

Even Hollis got in on the shark and stingray action!

It took about 20 minutes to convince Ross and Cliff that there was more to see!
They so would have stayed there all day!

Cliff got up close with the Apes!
And laughed wildly when they started to wrestle each other!

Cliff was SUPER excited to see the penguins!
They were literally RIGHT there… like we could have touched them!
(Ross was like a kid in a candy store… he has this strange love for penguins…)

They were so neat to see, but it was FREEZING in there…

We had to warm up, so we went back outside where we spotted a baby camel and his parents!

Aren’t zebras so pretty?!

I love them!

The Boy had a blast chatting with the monkeys too!

(monkeys seem to really like Cliff… hmm…)

They seemed to be as interested in us as we were them!

Seriously, who knew there were so many types of monkeys?!

I think they have EVERY kind at the St. Louis Zoo!

After the Zoo,
Ross taught Cliff how to “ride” his walker down hills!

…Boys will be boys!

This Boy is amazing.
His positive attitude and outlook on life is simply beautiful.
He continues to smile through every challenge he he is faced with and embraces life like no one else I have ever met.
He is truly a miracle.

After a fun time at the Zoo and learning new walker tricks,

we all crashed for a few hours!

As soon as we all woke up,
we went straight outside to stroll around and find a bite to eat!
The weather was pure perfection and we had to soak up every second of daylight left.

As we strolled up and down the sidewalks, dodging people who were in a hurry and weaving in and out of tables at local sidewalk restaurants,

we soaked up the energy.
The craziness of the hustle and bustle, the way we all jumped every time a horn beeped, the smells of each restaurant we passed and how people who heard us talk stopped us to ask which part of the South we are from were the perfect distraction for all of us.

After strolling nearly 7 blocks and eyeing the food people were eating at about 50 restaurants, we settled for Tom’s Bar & Grill, which was back where we started.

Sidewalk dining at it’s finest.

Yesterday.
A day full of happy memories and lots of love.

A day where our fears and anxiety were replaced by the buzzing energy that flows through St. Louis.
A day of exploration and distraction.

Today we meet with the Orthopedic Surgeon to see exactly what he will be doing to Cliff on the operating room tomorrow.
I will post an update as soon as I can!

Please continue to pray for Cliff.
We appreciate your support so much!

Today, we are clinging onto this bible verse as Cliff’s surgery draws closer and closer:

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

Filed Under: Faith, Family, Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, The Boy

Hello There {Spring}

March 21, 2012 2 Comments

In our house,

Spring means windows open.

Spring permits late afternoon strolls to the end of our road and back, breathing in the fresh air.

The Boy walks with us now.

Downhill to to stop sign and uphill all the way home.

He is amazes us everyday.

Afternoon snack are enjoyed outside.

Spring means staying outside until the stars come out.

Then counting as many as we can.

Happiness and freedom come with spring.

Spring means that our swings are always filled with littles.

Their squeals of delight and the smiles on their faces are contagious.

This year,

The Girl loves to swing.

Last year, it took her a while to warm up to the idea of swinging.

The Boy can not swing high enough.

He loves the belly dropping movement.

His smile melts my heart.

With spring comes a yard full of flowers.

And with flowers comes beautiful smells.

They smell flowers for hours.

Running from plant to plant picking flowers,

eager to smell their beautiful scent and admire their beauty.

Spring means slowing down to take the time to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.

Thanking God for every inch of it.

See and smell every flower, feel the breeze, dance to the songs created by the birds,

soak in the littles while they are still little.

This is a season for growth and there is always room for growth.

What does spring mean for your family?!

Filed Under: Faith, Family, Inspiration, Life, Seasons, The Boy, The Girl

Johnny In A Dress!

July 21, 2011 7 Comments

Last night I was honored to have a table at our Church’s Summer Oasis For Women “I Wanna Be Brave” where the pastor’s wives spoke about something we all struggle with, fear, and how to cope with it.

Here is the “Johnny In A Dress” table:

I gave away a Many Buttons Necklace!

I also showed off a VERY new product.

Meet my Bloomin’ Broaches…

…and my Bloomin’ Barrettes!

Yes, these will be added to The Shop soon!

There are so many talented women in our Church.

I was amazed by everyone’s beautiful tables and feel so blessed to be apart of a Church where women are celebrated and loved. Where we can connect with one another through God’s word and grow spiritually together.

I needed to hear the wonderful messages that God placed in these women’s hearts to share with all of us about our fears and how to cope with them. I wish you all were there with me, it really was wonderful, heart warming, real, comforting, powerful, I could go on for days.

The main message of last night:

TRUST GOD.

Filed Under: Botique, Faith

"Cliff Will Walk Independently" – Dr. Park (Post Op week 19)

March 29, 2011 7 Comments

Sunday we hopped on a plane and flew back to St. Louis for Cliff’s 4 month post op visit with Dr. Park. This time the craziness of us buzzing through airports struggling with a walker, stroller, bags and more bags was different. The excitement was written all over our faces, we couldn’t get there fast enough. We were proud of Cliff, all that he has accomplished in four short months and we were eager for Cliff to show off his new “tricks” for THE Dr.Park.

This time people stopped, they smiled and encouraged Cliff to walk through the airport even though he was slow, everyone that was bustling through the airport racing to catch their next flight stopped. They stopped and learned from Cliff. A little boy who most people would think was “in the way” was teaching complete strangers. They listened to Cliff’s story, some of them teared up, others praised God and wanted to touch this child that was so blessed by our Savior. Cliff probably touched more lives in that airport than we will ever know and we are so thankful that the Lord uses Cliff as a teaching tool.

This time, Cliff could stand at the window, just like any other three year old little boy and watch all of the commotion happening below. Planes, trucks, carts, workers, he was in heaven!

Two planes later, we arrived in St. Louis. We love this city, although we have actually only seen a few blocks, this city is where Cliff’s life was changed forever. This city represents hope. This city is magical to us. Our excitement grew and grew the closer we got to the city. The taxi was filled with our laughter. I was sure the taxi was going to bust with our excitement and joy.

And then we saw it. THE place. I swear we could hear the Choir Of Angels sing when we saw it. To us, this hospital is better than Disney World, so much better.

This time was so different. The boy HAD to push the buttons every time we went on the elevator.

He walked around the Parkway as if he owned the place. This was his palace and everyone knew it.

Pride.

He was so excited to show everyone at the Parkway his “new legs” and what they could do! Last time they saw Cliff, he could hardly stand in his walker and now he was walking everywhere! They were amazed, Cliff was proud, the lobby was filled with pure bliss.

We took the boy to the Science Center and he had a blast! He danced on the magic dance floor with all of the other children. He was included, part of the group and he was loving every moment of it!

He learned about tornadoes.

And just in case you wanted to know, it would cost this much to send me to space:

Cliff got to pretend to fly a spaceship, just like Buzz Light Year from Toy Story! He was smitten!

And daddy taught Cliff how to operate a tractor!

The next morning we woke up and rushed to therapy then we met with Dr. Park! The PT was so impressed with Cliff and how well he was doing! Before the SDR, Cliff could not do most of the things they asked of him and now he can! It was so wonderful to see his little face light up with pride when he accomplished each task. The expression on Dr. Park’s face when he walked into the room and saw this was priceless:

Dr. Park reviewed the new x-rays of Cliff’s hips (his left hip was about 25% out of socket before his surgery) and was happy to inform us that Cliff’s x-rays were now normal! God is good, so awesomely good. Dr. Park told us that Cliff did not need to wear knee immobilizers at night anymore (aka “sleepy braces”) because Cliff has great range of motion in his hamstrings and all we need to do is daily stretching to maintain flexibility! Can I get an Amen?! Then he did THE “test” and asked Cliff to lift his toes to get his hospital badge… and Cliff did it! He did this right before the surgery but the movement was teeny tiny and that is when Dr. Park initially said “Cliff has a good chance at walking independently!” But this time he looked at me dead in my eyes and said…

“Cliff WILL walk independently!” The tears welled up in my eyes and I swear the earth stopped spinning. ”Really?” I squeezed out around the lump in my throat. “Yes. He will walk independently” Dr Park said again. Then I made him repeat himself two more times. Then Dr. Park said “The goal is that Cliff will begin to walk independently within the next 18 months.” I couldn’t hear those words enough. No Dr. has ever said those words to us and with such ease and confidence. It was no surprise to Dr. Park. He knew it. God knew it. And now we KNOW it. CLIFF WILL WALK INDEPENDENTLY! I will remember this moment for a long as I live.

Then we went over a ton of other things like the fact that Cliff will now wear SMO’s, braces that go up to his ankle instead of covering his whole calf (of course I thought “Wahoo! Just in time for summer!”) and he will only need to wear these when he is out in public. Dr. Park wants Cliff to walk barefoot around the house to build the strength up in his feet and ankles. They also sent us home with a prescription for canes! Yep! Dr. Park thinks Cliff is ready to begin using canes and will eventually use these all the time instead of his walker! We also got a prescription for these shoe inserts called Pollywogs. The goal is that sometime in the near future Cliff will no longer need braces and will just have shoe inserts! A-mazing! We also learned about Fabrifoam Straps. Cliff’s left leg turns in a little bit and this band will help him take straight steps. He will need this for a little while during therapy so he can learn how to correctly take straight steps and build up the muscles in his left leg. Dr. Park wants Cliff to walk pretty much everywhere we go. It is so easy for us to pick him up and hurry through our daily routine, but now we are going to have to learn to slow down and let Cliff walk. Dr. Park told Cliff “You have to walk, walk, WALK!” and Cliff smiled then said “Alright!” Then most importantly, Cliff walked with Dr. Park to get stickers:

And this time, Cliff walked out of the hospital!

It’s hard to believe that all of this can happen in just 4 short months! What a miracle! I can’t share this wonderful news without giving 100 percent of the credit to God. He is amazing. I can’t sing his praises enough. From the moment Cliff entered this world, God has placed his healing hands on him. Everyday we are witnessing God’s good work in our lives. Every step Cliff takes is a miracle and we will forever be thankful to God for blessing our family and especially Cliff. God is so good. We are so grateful. We are so blessed.

Filed Under: Faith, Family, Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, The Boy

So Blessed!

February 13, 2011 3 Comments

My family is so blessed to be apart of an amazing Church Family! If it weren’t for the strength and love from our Church Family, we could not have endured all of the trials and tribulations we have been through in the past three years. This week I was so surprised when my grandmother called me in tears because the head of the Children’s Ministry wrote the most beautiful article in this week’s News Letter. The timing of her call was PERFECT. I was about to totally lose my cool with Cliff and Harper. We were leaving the grocery store and Cliff was HORRIBLE.

Picture this: Harper will not sit down in the buggy (even though I tightened the straps as tight as they would go) so I had to hold onto her while pushing the buggy around. She did not want me to hold onto her so she was screeching like a wild monkey and swatting at my hand. Cliff was in the front of the buggy opening E.V.E.R.Y. single item I placed in the cart. He dumped strawberries out everywhere and when I tried to talk to him about his inappropriate behavior he yelled “Ouch! Don’t hurt me!” (I was not even touching him….). So I was “that” mother who could not control the two wild beasts in my cart…

Then came the phone call from Nonnie and my whole attitude was changed. She could not read me the article because she was so choked up (we are a bunch cry babies in our family) but she told me it was beautiful and I had to go home and read it. From the second I heard Nonnie’s voice and the few words she could get out, my attitude changed and I was no longer that frazzled i-am-about-to-lose-my-mind mother anymore. Isn’t it so awesome how God can change your outlook on a whole day in one second?!

Then I went home, unloaded the groceries, put the babies down for their naps and sat down at the computer and read this article by Mimi Brookshire:

Good News & Great Ideas for Spiritual Living

By Mimi Brookshire

Determination

and our part in

God’s big story

The Children’s Ministry at Shandon is filled with some of the most

awesome “

fun watching each one of them as they grow up, envisioning what

God has planned for their future. In Children’s Ministry, we love to

share with the children stories of great Bible heroes and how God

used them. It provides us with an opportunity to help our children

understand that God has an incredible purpose for each of them,

too. Everyone of them is a part of God’s Big Story.

During the month of January, we studied determination and what

God’s Word teaches us about it. The children learned the value of

finishing the difficult tasks they started. God has given us some

great examples of this in the Bible. We have talked about the

plagues, the 40 years in the desert, Israel’s history, Paul’s sufferings,

and Paul’s advice to Timothy. As we discussed the Bible stories, we

asked the children to share with us what is going on in their own

lives that requires determination. We delved into a great verse, ”

us keep on running the race marked out for us,

kids shared their determination plan for being successful in school,

listening to their moms and dads, getting along with their siblings,

reading better, working through family problems, improving

basketball skills, and many things that seem so grown up for little

people.

Our Shandon kiddos are such an inspiration. Some have big things

that require determination and others have smaller things in their

lives to work on. As we studied determination in the month of

January, one of my three-year-old Shandon friends stood out in

my mind each week. He is working on big things in his life. He has

a medical issue that has not allowed him to walk until now. A few

months ago, God provided a way for him to have a special surgery

so that he could walk. He has endured an unimaginable amount

of therapy and practice. He has much more intense therapy and

practice to go, but his determination is truly amazing. During hard

times, he remains determined because he wants to walk like his

friends. In my opinion, the most impressive thing about my little

three-year-old friend is his attitude. Even at three, he prays and asks

God to help him stay determined. He thanks his friends for praying

for him. He smiles and shows such kindness and enthusiasm for life.

This child is a typical three-year old who shows determination as

only seen in someone who trusts God. He is following the example

of those unbelievable Bible heroes we talked about in Sunday

school. I cannot wait to see the plan God has for his life, because I

know it is going to be something special.

As usual, the kiddos of Shandon have taught me incredible lessons.

When I miss days in my Bible reading… I can be determined to

start again, even if it is hard. When I think I can’t work through sin

in my life… I can be determined and trust God to help me. When

I stay determined… God grows me. When I am determined… the

blessings are greater than I ever expected. When I have a God

attitude… I can do it! Stay determined in 2011 to be who God wants you to be!

kiddos.” They never cease to amaze me! I have so muchLet” Hebrews 12:1. The

Wow!

I wiped the tears that were running down my cheeks then I prayed that God would help me be a better mother to these little ones that He blessed Ross and I with. I woke Cliff up and apologized for not having enough patience with him today and held him tight. He is a miracle and I need to remember that even when he is acting like a wild animal! This article is just what I needed to read. Thank you Mimi for all that you do and have done to accommodate Cliff. Thank you for touching the lives of each and every child who is apart of our wonderful Church. You are setting the foundation for them to live their lives in according to God’s word and grow to be Godly people. Thank each and every person who has and continues to pray for Cliff and our family. The love and support from each of you is unbelievable and means more to us than words could ever express. We are so very blessed. God is so wonderful and works in our lives in so many ways.