We’ve had a fun-filled Thanksgiving!  Family time is important, and we strive to fit in some “normal” any chance we get.  So for us, that meant over the river and through the woods this Thanksgiving.  You might think that we would have to be crazy to travel 11 hours with the babies.  And you’re probably right.  But thankfully they are WONDERFUL travelers.  Aside from a few ill-timed spitups (which happen whether we’re in a car or not)  the travel to and from went fantastic.  And the time there…totally worth it!

We love getting to share these boys with family, and make holiday memories with them.   I should have taken more photos, but trust me when I say they were a big hit, and quite the troopers.  It’s not always easy to be away from our comfort zone and not surrounded by our routine, particularly given the amount of stuff we use on a daily basis.  But despite being away from home, all 5 of us were cozy, and were able to soak up some quality time.

Lookout!

The most enthusiastic puppet show I’ve ever seen.

Cuddles!

Loving a head rub.

Getting serious.

Brother time.

Still making time for tummy time and stretching!

We are home and settled, with most things washed and put away.   And now, I’m starting to prepack the babies and myself again for the coming week.  This is a big one!  I will take them in the middle of the morning on Tuesday to our Children’s hospital for their pre-surgery check in.  On Tuesday, each boy will have G-tube surgery.  Justin and I are going to take turns being out there.  We will also have some reinforcements at home to help us ensure some consistency for K, and just to have extra sets of hands around as Justin and I cross paths on the interstate.

I will update you on here and/or on facebook regarding Tuesday and the days that follow.  As for specific prayer requests:

• Safe travels in the coming week
• Successful, uneventful surgery, and recovery
• Improvements for the boys in their ability to keep food down
• A fun week for K, as he has to cope with parents coming and going for the next few days
• Good memories and sweet smiles along the way
• That God continues to work in and through the fragile lives of these boys in big ways

Any kids room, twins or not, has lots of “stuff”.  Clothes they are growing in to, growing out of, and miscellaneous supplies.  That is true for us as well, our “stuff” just looks a little different.  The boys have had a range of supplies and changes as of late.  AND a growth spurt, particularly for Nolan.  AND new therapy items.  Before we knew it, it looked like this:

Yikes!

I swear I can find things.

This is embarrassing.

In preparation for more organization, I bought more stuff!

Believe it or not…this ALL came out of there.

Hoard much?

Ta da!

Much better!

Much better!

Much better!

We’ll have new and different gear very soon, but now we have room for it.  And maybe, just maybe, we’ll be able to find it too!

We have a lot to be thankful for right now.  Recoveries, health, memories, helping hands.  It feels like a good time to remind you of why we’re thankful for you, by giving you the results of the hero challenge.

Inspired by the way in which so many have reached out to help us, support us, love us, and pray for us, I wanted to say “thank you” in a far bigger way than I could ever do alone.  So…we asked for your help once again, in paying it forward.  You responded in full force, and made a difference for so many.

Here was the original request…

Here is a special video that captures the enthusiasm…

And here are SOME, (but no where near all) of the things you did.

• ›  Took a meal to a family that recently had multiples. Complete with Melody’s favorite taco dip.
• ›  Donated a massage gift card to a mom who has been busy with her family, including a special needs child and a husband who is recovering from multiple surgeries.
• ›  In honor of Landon and Nolan’s 1st Birthday, Pop & Nan made over 30 pints of peach preserves to be given to other people & challenging them to do something nice for someone else in the name of Landon & Nolan.
• ›  Took “welcome” items to a new neighbor.
• ›  Paid for a month worth of day care for a family in need.
• ›  Delivered snacks and treats to the local police officers, fire department, and EMS crew.
• ›  Made cupcakes for meals on Wheels for homebound seniors.
• ›  Paid a band camp fee for a student who could not pay.
• ›  Ordered T Shirts for some who could not get them.
• ›  Bought a meal for a family at Culver’s.
• ›  Fixed a dinner for a family suffering a devastating loss of a loved one
• ›  Stopped to assist a family who had a piano fall off a trailer.
• ›  Paid a friend’s admittance to the Women’s Club play.
• ›  Donated to Somerset Christian School scholarship fund to assist children with tuition.
• ›  Signed up to be a marrow donor.
• ›  A grandson of our dear friends, was also a Super Hero, he battled brain stem cancer for 10 months, but yesterday he went to be with Jesus. We have sent a gift from you two Super Heroes in your name to help pay his medical bills. Someday, in heaven you can let him know who you are. You two, as well as he, have made a difference in many lives.
• ›  I decided to honor the boys by delivering ice cream to The Bank of Romney (Augusta branch) God Bless the whole family!!!
• ›  Helped an older gentleman, who was admiring Rose, sit on a motorcycle for the first time in years.
• ›  Bought Speedway gas cards for Hancock Christian Clearing House to distribute to those in need.
• ›  Surprised a family of 7 by paying for their meal at a restaurant when we were invited to share a birthday event with them.
• ›  Donated $100 for the School Backpack Program to provide food on weekends for elementary children that would go hungry without this help.
• ›  Purchased pink light bulbs as we will “Glow to Show” our support for Breast Cancer patient education, research and care.
• ›  Provided meals to a family with new twins.
• ›  Donated Books to a local school
• ›  Helped some friends in need
• ›  Volunteering for Project Lead the Way at the local high school.
• ›  Spent extra time with her mother, and talked about some of her favorite memories.
• ›  Helped with the Angel Choir, the UK hospital, pitched in extra with some family needs.
• ›  Donated money to the Blanchard Valley Center
• ›  Made a donation to the Ronald McDonald House (3)
• ›  Gave away their Garden Vegetables
• ›  Helped buy supplies for a classroom in Morgantown
• ›  Took a meal to a friend
• ›  Sending a birthday in a box for a foster child who keeps getting relocated.
• ›  Took one of her special needs students to a Rotary Club meeting where they could be the guest of honor.
• ›  Donated Blood
•   Ran a Superhero 5K
• ›  Bought books and toys for a friend who is going to take in a foster child.
• ›  Helped a friend get caught up on bills
• ›  Being more understanding and patient in general. Hold doors. Say thank you.
• ›  Helping Coordinate a search for a marrow match for a terminally ill child.
• ›  Helped locate a runaway dog
• ›  Donated food to the weekend nutrition program through their local elementary school.
• ›  Donated to the local food pantry
• ›  Took a couple out for a sunset cruise on the lake as a gift
• ›  Put money on the lunch card of a child who was denied food and couldn’t afford to put more money on.
• ›  Donated food to the “Nutrition on Weekends” program
• ›  Paid to help the local band go to Chick Fil A bowl
• ›  Donated Walmart gift cards to the pregnancy crisis center
• ›  Donated to Ruff Start Boxer Rescue
• ›  Donated a free photo session for Landon and Nolan’s first birthday
• ›  Bought formula for a hungry baby to help a family in need.
• ›  Gave Justin and Melody a free day/date night while they watch the kids.
• ›  Donated household items to the Hope House
• ›  Filled up the Hope House Penny jar
• ›  Delivered donuts to the local public servants
• ›  Delivered donuts to the morning shuttle crew
• ›  Delivered popcorn and cookies to the cleaning crew, evening shuttle crew.

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