I am so excited...  The person making the cake does amazing work and is crafting a cake with a candy figure of David on it!  www.carmensucakes.com 


The cake has been generously donated by this baker through an organization called Icing Smiles Inc, which is a  nonprofit organization that provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families impacted by the critical illness of a child. 


 http://www.icingsmiles.org/ 

Homergency to the Rescue...

As the date draws closer I become more and more excited... I got the releases out to my students today so that they can be part of the show, we got our hotel info, and tomorrow we find out about wardrobe.  This dream is become more of a reality everyday.  God is so FAITHFUL.  


If you would like to be part of the finale "The Reveal" Please mark your calenders for May 11th at 5:30pm.  You will have to sign a release =)  Everyone is invited to come and represent Team David!

Mood ~ Extremely Grateful

Just handed off all of David's old Car's decor to the neighbor... With tears in here eye's she thanked me as her son grabbed everything and ran in the house.  It feels so amazing to be in a place where I can pay it forward.  Thank you so very much to everyone who has made that possible!

Our Experience with a Service Dog Went Amazing!

The dog in the picture would not be David's dog, they just brought Evan to see how David would react. If we get a dog it would be a puppy that would start training now, specifically for David and his needs. For a dog that can do both seizure alert and wheelchair assistance it cost approximately 18,000.00 which must be paid before we even enter boot camp. I have sale a lot of stuff and do some major fundraising to do, to make this happen!

  

        

 I was a little discouraged about the price, but then a friend reminded me...

"its a lot, but how much would a live in aid cost, or a care home placement cost for a year? in perspective, the dog will cost less, and provide him with a sense of independence, not to mention, companionship and love from a furry friend!"

He who started will be Faithful to complete in you!

God is sooo Good and to him be all the glory for the numerous miracles he is completing in our lives!

David is back to his toilet tricks!  I know I longed for those days back, but I am over it. Lol Note to David from mommy… Enough already we need the only functioning toilet to work, at least until the Home Makeover =)  


At 3:00 today we will be meeting with http://www.azgoldensllc.com/ about getting a service dog for David.  Between that and our new home we will be one step closer to giving David more independence.  I love my cuddle bug, but he can’t sleep with mommy forever!  Being able to put him in his own room (which will be built next week) and know he is safe will be amazing. 

Calling All Volunteers

The Producer of Homergency, Erin has asked me to forward this information to local family, friends, and businesses who might be interested in helping by volunteering their time and/or services.  If have a talent and/or skill and would like to be part of our Homergency makeover please contact Erin Frisbie.  The renovation begins on the 7th and the house will be the completed on May 11th.   If you or your company would like to be part of our episode please contact Erin as soon as possible.

If you can help with anything, anytime during those 5 days, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.  


Feel free to forward this information to anyone you know who might be interested.


To see what they did last season you can click on the following link:
http://www.sheknows.com/sheknowstv/homergency/season-2


Erin ~ Producer at SheKnows TV
erin.frisbie@sheknows.com | c. 480.516.9550 | o. 480.237.7100 ext. 4115 | f. 480.237.7103

Lesson Learned God...

The Producer and Contractor for Homergency  just left and I am beyond excited!!!  


For a long time I wondered if God had forgotten about me… I wondered why he wasn’t saving me when I faithfully believed in his power and ability to do so…  I have since realized that he needed me to let go and surrender all control to him, before he could step in and save the day!  


Once I did he was right their to pick up the piece.  He has given me so much more than I could have even imagined asking for.  Such a valuable lesson =) 

In Loving Memory of Emily Alexis Rose Evans 10/16/03 ~ 04/16/12

The World lost a Beautiful Soul… but Heaven Gained an Angel with Amazing Wings! 

Our hearts go out the Evans Family!  God Bless you ~ Prayers and Hugs XOXOXO

Save the Date… May 19th ~ You are Cordially Invited to David’s Miracle Celebration

It is official the location time, and date are all secured. Save the Date… 

May 19th

 ~ You are Cordially Invited to David’s Miracle Celebration ~ 

If ever in my life there was a time or something to celebrate it is this, now!  To all our faithful followers please join us on May 19, 2012 in a Celebration of David's life! Come meet the Miracle himself and hear his story.  

A friend of mine reminded me today that there is always a rainbow after the storm.

Never fails, when I finally lay my burdens at Gods feet, he always picks them up. 


If you read my previous post I have openly expressed that I have been overwhelmed with a accumulation of challenges put in our way.  One of the major challenges was the condition of our home.  Our house was built in 1951, and has required more maintenance than I have had the money or energy to manage.  


Our house is not wheelchair accessible so I am forced to lift/carry David (who weighs 85lbs) around the house.  The main restroom is currently out of order,  we have termites, mold, damage from several leaks, the roof in David’s room caving in, and those are just a few of the many current issues in our home.  I am no longer able to keep up with the maintenance our home needs (not emotionally, physically, or financially), but we do not qualify for a new home on my income alone.  


While David was in the Hospital a local organization (Helping Hands for Single Moms) nominated David and I for a home makeover.  I did not want to get my hopes up so although, I appreciated the gesture I never considered the makeover becoming a reality.  


Today at exactly 10:30am I got a phone call that has begun the process of changing our lives.  David and I have been selected to be featured on the upcoming season of Homergency.  Filming will begin on May 4th and the Final Reveal of our new home will be on May 11th 2012.  Again God had provided and given us another chance at a better life.  


Here's a link to last seasons show:
http://www.sheknows.com/sheknowstv/homergency/season-2


We will be receiving a home makeover that will be life changing for us in many ways!  More than anything it will provide David the opportunity to become more independent.  David is my world and my heart will never give up on him, but I have feared the day that caring for him becomes too difficult for my body to handle in our current living situation. Those fears are now gone!

People say you should never bargain with God…

People say you should never with bargain God… which is what I did when doctors told me David was loosing the battle for his life.  On my knees I desperately begged God to spare David’s life and told him he could take anything and everything  from me.  


He spared my son and in the process heal my very wounded broken heart, for that I am forever grateful, but since we have been home everything else in my life has been falling apart. 

I am trying to remain positive and remind myself daily that God is my provider and strength, but it seems like everyday is getting more and more difficult.   Since we pulled through all of our medical issues my car has broke down, been hit in the parking lot of my school,  one of the toilets in my bathroom broke, I broke a tooth, I found out I failed my Arizona Education Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) and in addition I am having to fight with insurance companies/medical providers on a daily basis.  


I am eternally grateful for all of the Miracles and Wonder’s in our lives.  The people God has sent us, the donations, encouragement, support, and the opportunity to share our story, but  the chaos and obstacles we are facing in everyday life  needs to reside so that I can become stronger!    


Today, I am choosing to look up and push forward!  It has not been an easy choice, but I know God is my rock and at moments like these when I feel I can go no further or endure anymore, he always somehow gently reminds me that “He’s got this all under control”.


Satin the more you push me and try and distract me from what God has done, the more God will show me and the world what he can do!  I just need to focus on the things I can change,  get over myself, and let God handle everything else. 

Scripture for the day...

A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. ~ New International Version


1 O Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!


2 Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.” 


3 But you are a shield around me, O Lord;
you bestow glory on me and liftb up my head.


4 To the Lord I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill. 


5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.


6 I will not fear the tens of thousands
drawn up against me on every side.


7 Arise, O Lord!
Deliver me, O my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.


8 From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people. ~ Psalm 3:3-8


I Love this scripture it helps me remember that God is is my EVERYTHING (shield, protector, provider, deliver, ect...).   The one and only part it didn't appreciate was verse 7, about the "break the teeth of the wicked"!  lol

What an amazing perspective David and our experiences has allowed me to gain...

Although having a child who suffers from a "life threatening" illness is an emotional ride most of us would have never volunteer to get on, it is a ride that we are forced to ride just the same, so all we can do it buckle up and try and be prepared! 


That being said, it also gives parents of these extraordinary children an opportunity to appreciate life in a way that most others will never even be able to comprehend. 
I myself have learned to appreciate every diaper I change, runny nose I clean, and mess I have to clean up! 


Today I remind myself and all the other special parents out their to stay strong! Although, our stories may seem heartbreaking to some they are also heart changing to others as well!

Anyone know of a good/affordable dentist???

My tooth fell out during lunch today =(   It is just a stinking tooth right?  Why am I so upset? It just seems like an additional thing to worry about dealing with when I am barley coping with what is already on my plate.  I can’t contain my tears, life seems impossible right now. 

I know I shouldn’t be complaining when David is healthy. God has already done so very much for us that a dental issue seems irrelevant… but right now missing a tooth and having a tooth ache is not allowing me to think rationally. 

I called Human Resources (HR) hoping to find out about my dental package, only to find out that I don’t have any medical coverage at all.  My window of opportunity to enroll was 30 days after I was hired which was right when David got sick.  I obviously didn’t pay attention to that window of opportunity, so now if I opt to get health insurance through the district I will have to wait to enroll for next year. 

Surprisingly, I also don’t have personal time or sick days available to even get it fixed if I had coverage or the money to do so.  I sure hope that I can stay healthy while toothless and trying to deal with all this stress…

I am feeling very overwhelmed with the many challenges I am facing at the moment.  Tomorrows is a new day and maybe then I will be able to handle life a little better, but at the moment I am trying to get through the rest of my day without another emotional melt down.  

Thought I would share this in case any of our local followers have any items you would like to sale... or shop for...

There is an upcoming event that would be a great opportunity to do so!

Our Blog is primarily about David, but I also like to share great opportunities.  Here is a great opportunity to make extra money, get rid of new and used items laying around your house, promote/sale your products and services, all while "paying it forward" to a great cause, so if you are... 


Looking for Items to purchase or looking for items to sale? Mark your calenders because on April 28th The River of Life Church will be having a Mega Sale with new and used items. Everyone one is invited to come shop or sale! 


For more information contact:
Contact Carol or Sue


River Of Life Church
4039 E. Raymond St.
Phoenix AZ, 85040
NE Corner of 40th St and I-10


The proceeds from the sales of spaces benefit River of Life's Urban OutReach Ministry. This ministry provided hope through the distribution of love, water, and the distribution of hygiene bags to the large homeless population in Arizona. 


Come out and support Urban OutReach/Arizona's homeless population, while getting rid of your new or used items and/or promoting your products and services... or just come out and enjoy a day of fun filled shopping.

Do Over...

I am a little discouraged because I just found out I failed my AEPA - Special Education: Mental Retardation test by 12 points.  I planned on studying the month David got sick (which obviously didn't happen)   I had to take the test while he was still in the hospital and that was actually the longest I left him while he was hospitalized (6hrs).  


I know I can take it again and will pass if I study more and have a clear mind, but the thought of paying another $100+ and wasting a day of grueling testing has me very  unhappy right now =(  We have gotten over much worse so I just have to push forward.  


On a brighter note I had a great Interview with Phoenix Unified High School District which is were I ultimately want to work.  I am hoping that not having my MR endorsement will not affect my options or chances.  

♥ Happy Birthday Daddy ♥

We sure miss you!  I wish you were here with us but I know that you a resting healthy and whole.   I know one day we will meet again which brings me peace and comfort.  You have always been the one person who always knew what to say to make me feel better, no matter what was going on... 
I just miss your voice, your words, your laughter, advice, jokes, your shoulder at times like this, I JUST MISS EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU! 


I miss you everyday, but times like this make your absence that much harder to cope with.  I hope David and I both have made you very proud and when I feel alone I imagine you smiling down on us =) 


David loved his Grandpa more than anything, and grandpa felt the same!  I miss watching the bond they have.  I wish he could see how big David has gotten or how much more David is now doing.  I wish he could have been there to hold both of our hands through our last experience.  I know no matter how much I wish... it won't change things, but today my heart rejoice for his peace and aches for my pain caused by his absence. 

To be "absent from the body" is to be "present with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8).  I just remind myself that death for the Christian is not so much an exit out of life as it is an entry into the Lord's presence in a very personal sense.

Team David Car Wash #1

A Special thank you to everyone who came out today and Gateway’s Soccer Team who hosted today’s Car Wash.  It was great to see old friends and meet new ones!  If you couldn’t make it, no worries there will be another one next weekend and I am praying for better weather.  Despite the weather we had a good turn out and we appreciate you all and your many efforts to help our family =) 

 I can’t say it enough…   David and I are truly grateful for the love and support our friends, family, and the community has shown us. 

Adam & David's burping contest Round #1 ~ David had a Blast!

Celebrating David's Miracle Party

I have had several people contact me asking if they could meet David, the courageous little boy that everyone has been so diligently supporting, praying for, and cheering on.  The little boy who’s Miracle they all got to witness.  We both would also love to meet and see all of you just the same, but everyone’s schedules are so hectic that making these meetings happen on an individual basis has been impossible. 

While we were in the midst of our Crisis I joked about having a “We Survived Party” when it was all over and now that it is over I think it is time for a Party!  I been thinking about a celebration since we got released from the hospital, but because of our financial situation and all the stress David's new medical demands I put my plans on the back burner.  The time has come,  I have a few ideas, but would like others input as well…

I am hoping to be able to throw the Celebrating David's Miracle Party in the middle of May.  I am still looking for a location to have the party that will donate the spot or do it for a very reduced price.   I am also looking for other businesses who might be willing to donate things like balloons, decorations, plates, utensils and maybe a jumping castle or clown.  (again for free or a reduced price) 

The Celebration Party will be in honor of God's Miraculous works and wonders.  It will give me the opportunity to share David's amazing testimony and allow us all the privilege of celebrating Gods works in and through David’s life.   

I have a restaurant that has already offered to provided the  food for a very low cost (per plate) with all proceeds going towards "Team David"  for medical bills, my time off work, alternative therapies, and on going medical expenses. 

Any thoughts and ideas would be greatly appreciated.  If ever in my life I had something so grand to celebrate it is this… God completed a miracle on my son’s body and a miracle on his mommies heart!

Jesus you really do know what I need and when I need it the most.

So as I expressed Yesterday it has been one of those weeks…

I had to get on my knees and ask God for strength because I am overwhelmed and weary.  Last night I had a long conversation with God and today (like any other time I finally surrender) he sent me peace and comfort in several different forms.

While tutoring some of my students after school I had two junior high girls come in my room.  They asked if I was David’s mother and asked if they could do some kind of community service for David.  I asked what they had in mind and they created a list…

·       Bake sale

·        Sale Wrist bands

·        Fundraiser

·         Share his story

♥ ♥ ♥ It melted my heart.♥ ♥ ♥  What precious young souls!  I told them that they could help me plan and organize David’s Miracle Celebration in May and they were willing and excited.  It is not often you see that type of compassion and kindness in youth these days, but when you do it is very refreshing.  

I then got a call from Preferred Health care who I have been fighting with to get David’s medical diet (which cost over $500 a month) covered by insurance.  I have been working on the authorization process since David was released from the hospital with no avail.  I have spent countless hours on the phone, to get no where and after  several conversations ending in tears, I surrendered and have been purchasing his food and using my credit card to pay for it.   

Good News… Today I got an unrelated call from Preferred Health and the lady I spoke to was kind enough to look into the issue even though it was not her department.  After speaking to several nasty and unprofessional employees over the last month I got someone who was empathetic and cared.  She has begun the process again, but has gotten a supervisor involved and they hope to have his diet covered by insurance and delivered in the next few weeks. 

Then I come home to a package for David sitting at my door.  We open it and it is a custom bear from Lou and June (a couple we have never even personally met).  The bear had a voice recorded joke to David and a customized t-shirt on which read “When you have an opportunity to help, don’t just think about it.  Bear your heart and do something about it.  Thank you Lou and June because your kindness brought tears of joy to my eyes and put a smile and both David and my face =) 

Jesus you really do know what I need and when I need it the most.  These simple acts of kindness are what will get me through the rest of the week. 

My daily thought… Remember when your dealing with people you never really know what those people are dealing with.  Be kind and show them love because it just might be what gets them through their day!