Winter Storms

We’ve not had much snow this year but we have had some coastal storms that have brought immense flooding!

Darrell and I went for a drive to Hampton Beach.  Just the two of us to see the damage…sand in the roads, lots of road crews out, debris along the roads and high water everywhere we looked. 

On the actual beach, lobster traps, tons of huge clam shells which brought in hundreds or f sea gulls-singing, swimming and looking for easy food.

We even found a lobster, horse shoe crab and a large fish.  It will take months of work to restore this beach but it seems to have fared better than the beaches north of us.

Sure was a sight to see on this sunny winter day…we walked the length of the beach and then off to dinner to together!

Treasure time together …it doesn’t have to be a big glamorous day.  Most days, the simple things are wonderful just to be together!
 

Jacob’s Cast Free

That is what we left NH in…the snow was sure coming down and the roads were a mess but our flight was still on.  We heard them say we can see the runway…let’s load up and that we did!  Deicing and then we were on our way.  I can promise you that this mama was holding her breathe until we were in the air…because I sure couldn’t see the whole run way!!

Jacob is cast-free!  Who hoo!  He has been casted since October and the smile says it all. Now THE real work begins!

This is the first time in 4 trips that Jacob hasn’t been so exhausted he couldn’t handle anything extra.  We visited the manatee’s winter place in West Palm Beach and actually saw several of them.

The next day after PT we went to the loggerhead turtle rescue.  We saw them feed this fish and enjoyed the few moments of sunshine we saw this week.

We spent one evening looking for shoes for PT..found a pair only to return them before we left.  It is so hard to find shoes that fit AFOs!  But on the return trip we found a place that served boba milk tea…a much coveted commodity at our home as can be seen from the smile!

The therapist put Jacob in this contraption and told us to make sure ours had this…oh and we should put him in the pool.  I looked at him and reminded him we live in NH snd the pool things was good impossible right now.  He was challenged and exhausted daily —a good thing!

 We are headed home-the hardest part of the trip is being away and trying to manage things at home.  Till next time Florida!  Homeward bound!

Christmas

This year…some of the kids were in the Christmas play at

Church.  There were no speaking parts and it surely was fun to watch them act out the shepherd’s story.

Christmas was quiet.  We needed it!  We’ve been running

for medical treatment for months and we found quiet peace at home!  

One new thing we did try was caroling on Christmas Eve…as we blessed people, we received the bigger blessing.  A few kids weren’t sure of going but when we were done, they excitedly talked about going again!  Blessings this holiday season!  Merry Christmas!

 

Wedding Fun

Check out these kids!  We were all headed out to Mitchell and Emily’s wedding in Lancaster, PA.

It was beautiful decorated in white trees and roses…

They sat all of the kids at the table together…they had so much fun chatting and tasting all the good eats!

   Mitch and Emily made the rounds to say hello to everyone!

 Oma and 

My cousins Jackie and Karen brought my Aunt Joan and Aunt Carol too.  Below Aunt Carol, Aunt Joan and my dad together.

Everyone got their jam on and danced together…it was fun! 

                      Oma and Opa before the ceremony.

                                   It was a fun day!

And off we go again!

Stuart Florida early morning Christmas lights as we head towards the airport.  So thankful for the staff at Molly’s house!

 A quick trip to West Palm Beach for a cast change and measuring for AFOs.  It wore this kiddo out and the little time we were here was spent resting!

We met up with our new friends for pizza…it was fun to catch up and connect…so thankful for their generosity.

Also thankful to Jess O. For her generosity towards us!we love you Jess!

 

Ben turns 22

These photos represent me TRYING to get a photo of Ben not having the sillies.  

                They crack me up every time I see them!

Happy 22nd Birthday Ben!  We all had a fun night celebrating you with your favorite-spaghetti and fixings.

 

The Journey Home

The surgery team was very excited for the results of Jacob's foot.  We have yet to see any results due to casting but eagerly await.  He is very excited to see.  After surgery, Jacob got settled into his room.  It was a bit rocky in the hospital.  Once they were straightened out, he was able to sleep a bit.

Not going to lie, the trip home was difficult.  Logistics getting on and off the plane, wheelchairs, luggage, returning the rental car with all of the things we towed behind us but God....he met us every step of the way through his people.  Even when the wheelchair was stuck together and the airline literally 'dumped' us at the end the end of the ramp with all of our belongings and the stuck wheel chair...a gentleman asked me what was going on and helped us get the wheelchair apart.  His traveling companion clapped.  Yes, we were in front of the entire group of passengers waiting to board as this all transpired.  Thankful for God's provision.

We stopped at Chipotle for brunch.  Jacob is a fan of Mexican.  His sister was a bit concerned due to the fact he had an allergic reaction the day before to eating purchased dumplings.  I assured her he was doing fine and back to eating things the way he liked it...hot and spicy!  He looks like he is barely hanging on in the photo.  This was right after the plane-wheelchair getting stuck incident and we had a crazy start to our morning when my alarm didn't go off and he just happened to wake up as we were suppose to be leaving!  This gave us a moment to fill our tanks and speak about the happenings of the morning.  We were also able to bless a worker at Chipotle and speak into his life.  So cool!

I took this photo above of Jacob just before he went into the operating room...It has a special meaning and I will leave that at that but wanted to include this here. 

We spent some time in the garden at Molly's place the day before we left.  Jacob could wheel himself around a bit and took some time to get some fresh air and reflect on all that was happening.  Gardens are my happy place so it was just calming to be there.

                                  Isn't it just beautiful?

 Our last 'leg' home was exciting.  We were excited to get out of the 'tin can' and land in Manchester.  All of the things that were not present on the other loading and unloading of Jacob on the plane changed the second we landed in Manchester!  A gentleman who worked for the airport took one look at Jacob and got a team to get him off the plane so beautifully and comfortably.  We were so grateful to be on home turf!

I want to shout out a huge thanks to people who came around us...our church to pray and lend some support, a friend who gave us some cash for a meal, Suzanne R who made my home crew dinner and dessert-they were so grateful, and for my folks giving us a gift.  This whole process has been stressful in so many ways and we are having to rely on the Lord every step of the way for provision of the kids at home, finances and direction for the doctor's team! He has met us each step and we will continue to look to Him for guidance.  Thanks to all of you who are on this journey with us!