Just Another Day in Paradise

A Season for Everything

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 06:12:00 PDT

It seems so difficult to believe that it's been six years. In some ways it seems like forever, it other ways just yesterday. It is a choice for me, to remember the painful or to remember the blessings and the miracles...

Just last week while we were digging around the attic, my sweet Alex came upon an old picture of he and Chloe. It's a very special picture to me because it's the last picture taken of them before the accident. Alex didn't realize before I mentioned it that Chloe's two little perfect chubby feet were crisscrossed in the photo. I heard him sniffing and when I looked, great big old tears were rolling down his face. Oh my heart, that's all it took. Something so seemingly insignificant took us back to a place where we were sad for what had been, what our girl had to go through, what Joel and Alex have had to carry. You know what I told Alex? It's ok. It's ok and a good thing to feel that pain in your heart because someone we love dearly suffered. It's healthy to have that hit you now and again. But we don't stay there, we look up (the only place we can look)...we look unto Jesus who is the only One who makes sense out of everything! And we give thanks, we give the kind of thanks because you life itself depends on the One we give thanks to. Our Father God saved our Chloe girl's life that day, six years ago. We could have been remembering something far more painful on this day but we aren't.

It has been a roller coaster of a year for Chloe, many wonderful things and many challenging things. Last fall when school started, she began to experience severe leg pain. There is nothing like seeing her in pain that throws this Mama into a panic. We didn't know what was going on, we tried adjusting her prosthesis several times and having her out of her leg to rest. Nothing really seemed to help. We finally went to see her Ortho Dr. and discovered what I was afraid of -- a growth spurt put her bone down to the very end of her limb. Chloe was walking on zero tissue, just bone. So we knew she would have to have surgery, she's been through it once before. I hated it then, I hated it this time. But we had some time, Chloe's the toughest girl I know! She determined she was going to walk as the flower girl in my Uncle's wedding and she did AND she danced ALL NIGHT too!! :) She determined she would go to her first Camp No Limits and she DID and loved every second of it! But finally after Thanksgiving, her leg had had enough. She had an amputation revision surgery the beginning of December last year. Because she had had this surgery before and it was not a big deal, we thought this wouldn't be so bad. But it would prove to be a very difficult 3 month recovery for Chloe. The pain she endured was incredible, I didn't think my heart could take anymore. But God...who is rich in love and mercy...our gentle Healer, many many times we cried out to Him. This time period I believe Chloe truly saw God as her Father, the One she could call out to herself. I believe this has changed her forever and for good!

March saw her back in school and doing well. Being a 9 year old girl is tough, you know. It's tough when you're not worried about your prosthetic leg making you "different" from all the other girls. It's tough when you go to camp and can't swim with your leg and you have to take it off in front of everyone. It's just tough. But we hold onto the firm faith that God's plan for Chloe is unbelievably good and perfect! We get beautiful glimpses of it now and then...and it's awesome! When I look at Chloe, my heart is so full of awe and thanksgiving. This precious child has been such a gift to us, our family will never be the same. And even though there are times I struggle and would love to take away all the difficulties she faces that only she knows that no one understands...I choose to trust with my girl and for my girl. Because I know that God the Father loves Chloe much much more than I ever could (which is pretty hard to believe!!) :)

So, today -- I'm going to choose to dwell on the good, and there is so much good!! :)

Her Mama's Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:48:00 PST

"I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope." Jeremiah 29:11

This is the verse we have claimed for our Chloe -- I read it to her tonight as she faces surgery again tomorrow morning. We also read from a children's devotional called, Jesus Calling. It is written as God talking to us, calling to us, beckoning us to thank Him by faith for all things that He allows in our lives...even the heartaches, the scary things. Somehow the mystery of it all is that when we thank Him and lean on Him by faith, He turns the darkness into light and lifts up our faces and we see HIM. Our "yucky circumstances" don't change but WE are changed, our faith is stretched.

All week I've been trying to swallow the lump in my throat, trying not to think about the surgery, trying not to worry, trying not to ask the same ol' why questions that often plague me when it comes to my angel girl. I don't know if those questions will ever go away, they swirl around and around in my heart especially during these difficult times. I see it in her eyes...I see her struggling to trust, to believe, to have joy in the midst of it all.

The other night she was having a tough time, she found out she would miss a special school event that Alex is participating in. It unglued her and she began to cry, "it's not fair...why me? Why am I the only one who struggles?" I began to assure it that it was ok to be sad but that she was not the only one who struggles. She turned to me and asked, "what do you struggle with Mama"? It took my breath away...if she only knew the struggles of her Mama's heart. If she only knew the times I shook my fist at God in anger, demanding to know why He failed her, to know where He was when my baby got hurt. If she only knew that every time I see her struggle I beg God to let me change places with her. If she only knew that every time she is sad, every time someone makes fun of her, every time she can't do something because of leg pain, every time she just wants to be normal...her Mama's heart breaks into a million pieces from an ache that will last as long as I'm alive. But I know that God the Father knows just exactly how I feel because He looked down upon His Son in unimaginable pain even unto death on the cross. I think Father, You know, You see me.

Chloe and I have had a few long talks in the past few weeks...one night I told her of the apostle Paul and the "thorn in the flesh" that God allowed in his life. The burden Paul was entrusted with by God to bring about humility in his heart, to remind him of how very much he needed God! And God reminded me too that these things we view as "bad" are not - they are good things because they have come to us through the nail pierced hands of our all loving and faithful Father God. We don't have to feel like thanking Him, we don't have to see the goodness in surgery or leg pain to give thanks. We can simply give thanks because HE is worthy and our faith rests in Him alone, nothing else. This is the "hard eucharisteo", the hard giving thanks that we are learning. We know that God's plan for Chloe is GOOD, pure and perfect - her future is full of hope!

And so as I see her struggle to walk her path by faith, her Mama's heart is encouraged to do the same. It's constant, it's real life, it's my path. So tomorrow I will not give her over to the surgeon's hands, I will not entrust her to their care, I will not put my faith in them ~ No, my hope and my trust is in my Abba Father. Tomorrow I will lay my child into the arms of the Great Physician who loves my angel girl much more than I ever could and in doing so, is my Peace.

Missions In Action Episode 01

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:50:00 PST

This is an incredible video, you must watch!!

Visit Compassion International to sponsor a child who is waiting for YOU...

PLEASE READ!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 09 May 2011 12:27:00 PDT

Many of you may know but some may not of our sweet Chloe's story. Click here to read why these articles touch so close to home for me. I beg you to read this and seriously consider these recommendations and take action.

I write this post because I feel compelled to warn others of the danger of allowing children remotely near lawn mowers of any kind. Please, giving your child a ride on a lawn mower is NOT a "fun family thing" to do, it highly dangerous and has such a great potential to do severe damage.

For your children's sake, PLEASE teach them proper safety measures when it comes to lawn mowers. And please pass it on to your friends and family.

I wish with all my heart someone would have shared this warning with us.

This July marks the 5 year anniversary of Chloe's accident and amputation...think about it...

**************************

"The No. 1 advice to parents is: Treat the lawn mower as hazardous equipment, not a toy. You don't let a child play with an electric saw, and that's exactly what a lawn mower is," Carol Gentry, pediatric OR nurse manager, said in a prepared statement.

***************************

"Lawn mower-related injuries account for more than 51% of traumatic amputations among children. Major limb loss is most commonly caused by lawn mowers for children under the age of 10.

“We want to see the number of accidents greatly reduced by increasing public awareness of lawn mower safety,” Kendra Calhoun, president and chief executive officer of the Amputee Coalition, stated in a press release. “Amputations from lawn mower accidents are among the most preventable. By following common-sense safety rules, you can prevent lawn mower injuries to yourself and others.”

The Amputee Coalition offers these safety guidelines:

Never allow children to play on a lawn mower, even if it is turned off;
Never allow a child to ride on a riding lawn mower with you;
Keep your children indoors and do not allow other children to play nearby while you are mowing; and
Children should be 12 years of age or older before operating any lawn mower and at least 16 years old to operate a riding mower.

Before starting your lawn mower, use this simple Amputee Coalition checklist, which is based on information from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Keep this checklist in your garage or near your mowing equipment. It only takes a minute to prevent disaster.

Before Mowing:

Pick up stones, toys and debris from the lawn to prevent injuries from flying objects;
Wear shoes, not sandals;
Use eye and hearing protection;
Start and refuel mowers outdoors, never in a garage;
Refuel with the motor turned off and cool; and
Have an adult adjust blade settings.

While Mowing:

Only use mowers with automatic shutdown abilities; and
Do not mow in reverse unless necessary.

After Mowing:

Wait for blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel roads."

~Source~

***************************

"More Than 600 Children Undergo Mower-Related Amputations Each Year...

More attention needs to be paid to lawn mower safety this year, according to the Amputee Coalition of America. Needless limb loss accidents can be prevented by taking simple commonsense precautions.

Depending on where you live in the U.S., you may mow your lawn 30 times or more this year. Every time you start your mower, you are dealing with a dangerous and potentially deadly piece of equipment. By following just a few safety measures before you mow, you can avoid life-altering accidents.

Lawn mower accidents cause serious injuries to legs, arms, fingers, toes or other body parts. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 200,000 people – around 16,000 of them under age 19 – were treated for lawn mower-related injuries in 2007.

More than 600 children undergo amputations each year as the result of lawn mower-related injuries. For children under age 10, major limb loss is most commonly caused by lawn mowers."

~Source~

News Article: "A Wisconsin family will mark a life-changing anniversary today. On July 11, 2009, two-year-old Brandon Rudie was severely injured after his father accidentally backed over him with a riding lawn mower. Today, after five facial surgeries, Brandon is an energetic three-year-old, but his recovery is ongoing."

News Article: "AKRON, Ohio -- Roxy Kimberlin describes herself as an overprotective mother, the one her friends make fun of. But even her attentiveness wasn't enough to protect her son, Conner, from a lawn mower accident that nearly amputated his leg a little more than a year ago."

{ Sunflowers }

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sat, 07 May 2011 04:31:00 PDT

Last fall I fell in love with all the gorgeous Sunflowers blooming all over the countryside in our area. Day after day their beautiful faces lifted and sought out the sun...

It reminded me of how I need to be soaking up The Son!

Figuring Life Out - One Thousand Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 12:40:00 PST

Little Star Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:36:00 PST

I recently had the privilege of reading a delightful new children's book called, Little Star. This is the second book by Anthony DeStefano that I've been able to receive and review. I loved the first book, This Little Prayer of Mine and Little Star is just as wonderful! I read it to my little 5 year old nephew and he loved it as did I. The illustrations are simply beautiful and are a perfect complement to this tender Christmas story, told from the Little Star's point of view.

I am always looking for children's books that have deep spiritual truths tucked into an engaging story...Little Star is exactly that.

"Little Star knew that Jesus could have chosen to be born in a palace, surrounded by riches, but instead, He had humbled Himself to be born in a stable. He didn't want to be rich and important. He wanted to be like the poorest of the poor. Jesus wanted to be born little to show all the people of the world that He loved them, no matter how small or poor they were."

If you are looking for that last little gift for your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews...those special little ones in your lives then consider picking up a copy of Little Star for them! You won't be disappointed! :)

A special thanks to Anthony for again allowing me the blessing of reading your wonderful books to the little ones in my life!

Chloe turns 7!! :)

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 06:03:00 PDT

My baby girl turned 7...where did time go?? She is such a blessing to our family. Her smile lights up the room and her laughter is contagious! I don't know what we'd be without you, "CoCo"!! Happy 7th Birthday, baby...we love you with all our hearts!!! xoxo

For her Bday, she decided she wanted to get her ears pierced...

She was so brave...a few tears were shed

But ice cream at Friendlies cures anything!!!! :D

Sight and Sound

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:25:00 PDT

While my lovely in-laws were in town, we were privileged to see the play Joseph at the Sight and Sound Theater. It was AWESOME. It was the first time Joel and I had ever been and wow, was it incredible!! We had such a fun time with our family and also our church young couples group! :)

I don't know if we have any pictures with just us "adults"...what a great one!!

Aren't they cute??!!

What can I say?? He's the love of my life...

Fun at the Stream

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:39:00 PDT

Joel's parents came down from Ontario for a visit...we had such a great time, as usual! They got to spend a whole week with us and there was lots of fun things going on. This day we took them to our favorite spot down at the stream...

My Mom in law had some great shots she shared with me...

They were beyond HAPPY when I let them get IN the stream...

End of School Year

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 04:32:00 PDT

One of my favorite blessings of not working the past few months has been to be available to go to the special end of year school events for the cherubs. Joel and I both got to go to Alex's end of the year picnic...it was so fun to spend that time with him!!

Later in the week, I was able to go to Chloe's end of year picnic! I had such a blast watching her play her games and be with her special friends. I am one blessed Mama...

My adorable nephews

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 04:21:00 PDT

My sister made me an Auntie for the 6th time this April when Kennedy Jay was born! I gotta tell you, being an Aunt is like the coolest 'job' EVER. You get to spoil them rotten, love on them and when they're cranky you get to give them back to their Mama! I L.O.V.E being an Auntie...actually, Abraham calls me KK and I kinda dig that. ;D

So, after Kennedy was born I pretty much begged my sister to let me do a 'photo shoot' of the boys...it was super fun! I love how they turned out --

Field Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 04:11:00 PDT

I was so excited to be able to go and see the cherubs have fun on their Field Day this year!

They had a beautiful day filled with fun...

Grateful Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 11:27:00 PDT

When the weather begins to warm and the grass grows long and green...I know what's coming after. Pretty soon the sound of lawnmowers fills the air. And while I have always loved the smell of fresh cut grass, it's just not the same anymore. I try very hard not to cringe when I hear and smell those first sounds and smells of summer. Each year it gets a little bit easier to enter a new summer season.

But once July comes around, the memories of July 3rd, 2006 become crystal clear in my mind. It has become very therapeutic for me to take time and sit down and write what comes to me about the anniversary of Chloe's accident. I hope one day to print these posts out and give them to Chloe, prayerfully they encourage her heart and tell her how very very much her Mama loves her as well as the rest of the family...and anyone that has come in contact with her for that matter! :)

This year has been very challenging for Chloe - Following a great summer, she began to have severe leg pain and was unable to walk in her prosthetic leg. To this day we are not sure what happened but her Pediatrician at the time believed she had a bone infection. Chloe spent the first week of 1st grade in the hospital. This was quite traumatic for Chloe and it brought back many bad memories for her and many fears she has about pain, needles, medicine, etc.

I really really struggled through this situation because later on, through her amazing Orthopedic Doc, Dr. Leet - we would find out that it was indeed not an infection! And so began my questioning, self doubt and guilt...I had made the wrong decision, believed the wrong person and as a result put my baby through unnecessary pain and trauma. If I can be quite honest, I have no earthly idea why God allowed that to happen, why He didn't intervene and stop this from happening. Why did Chloe have to miss out of all the exciting firsts of 1st grade and go through all this pain? My question for God was WHY? Hasn't she been through enough??

And all of a sudden, I was right back to where I was 4 years ago when Chloe's accident first happened. Angry, yes. Scared, yes. Confused, heck yah. Helpless, that too. BUT GOD. My Father God, who is rich in mercy and love has a perfect plan for Chloe, a plan for her good and to give her a good future and a hope. So I clung to that Truth desperately by faith and in the dark when nothing made sense to me at all. Because I believe, that I believe, that I believe that God is good, ALL the time and He loves my girl much more than I ever could.

So after a few weeks off of school, a few weeks of going to school and riding in the wheelchair...Chloe got back to herself once again. And we all took a deep breath!! One of the things I am so thankful for this year was her 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Strauss. I'm telling you, this lady was a gift straight from God this year! Every day she went above and beyond for Chloe and for us...at the end of the year, she told me that Chloe was an inspiration to her. Wow! Chloe also made some really sweet friends in class this year who (when she was in the wheelchair) took turns spending their recess inside with her coloring, playing games, etc.

However, she took quite a few 'hits' on the bus from some insensitive kids. For the first time, someone made fun of the scar on her arm. She came home devastated. I told her, "Girl, be proud of those scars...they are your warrior marks! You survived something not many could". (and no, I did not hunt that insensitive child down and chew her a new one...I restrained myself!!) ;) We often tell Chloe that we are ALL different in some way or another but that is what makes us special, unique. But her leg is not WHO she is...she is so much more than her leg!

There have been many great moments this year for Chloe!! We've had some fun hikes on the trail, the biggest blizzard we've ever seen, a new cousin who joined the family, a zoo field trip that I got to join her on, a special visit with her Grandparents, a combined Bday party with her brother, a new hamster, a new bike with NO training wheels... Coming soon this month are swimming lessons for her, she is thrilled!! Chloe has also grown 1/2 an inch since her last prosthetic check up so they are ordering new parts, new sleeves and new sleeve covers. What a blessing Real Life Prosthetics has been to us, and it's right in our own backyard!! Our list of wonderful fun times and things we are thankful for goes on and on, they outweigh the not-so-great list.

We've come along way in 4 years...all the way God has led us and shown Himself faithful and loving. Chloe is learning to monitor herself, to take responsibility and is becoming more aware of how she feels and how to take it easy on her body. She is the toughest little person I've ever met and she continues to amaze us and inspire us...Chloe, you are our HERO and we love you so much! Thank you God for placing Chloe in our family, we are forever better because of her. We can't wait to see all the good things you have in store for her!!

I just love pictues. They can tell the story so much better than I can.

Here is Chloe's year ~

Hiking in the woods and finding treasures

Chloe with her new nephew, Kennedy

Chloe with her wonderful teacher, Mrs. Strauss and 1st grade friends

Chloe with her buddy, Quincey

2010 Easter Family Picture

Chloe and her BFF, Sydney...they've been friends since Kindergarten.

End of Year 1st grade picnic

~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ~

"Therefore we do not lose heart.

Though outwardly we are wasting away,

yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us

an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal". (NIV)

Click on the links below to read the past years of reflecting...

July 3, 2007 - A Time to Remember

July 3, 2008 - You Just Never Know

July 3, 2009 - Looking Back

and Chloe's Story

Use EXTREME Caution

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 06:42:00 PDT

Many of you may know but some may not our sweet Chloe's story. Click here to read why these 2 articles touch so close to home for me. I beg you to read these articles, seriously consider these recommendations and take action.

I write this post because I feel compelled to warn others of the danger of allowing children remotely near lawn mowers of any kind. It's not a fun family thing to do, it highly dangerous and has such a great potential to do severe damage.

For your children's sake, please teach them proper safety measures when it comes to lawn mowers. And pass it on to your friends and family. I wish with all my heart someone would have shared this information with us. Tomorrow marks the 4 year anniversary of Chloe's accident and amputation...think about it...

"The power lawn mower is one of the most dangerous tools around the home. Each year, approximately 68,000 persons with injuries caused by power mowers were treated in emergency departments. More than 9,000 of the people hurt were younger than 18 years. Older children and adolescents were most often hurt while cutting lawns as chores or as a way to earn money.

Lawn mower injuries include deep cuts, loss of fingers and toes, broken and dislocated bones, burns, and eye and other injuries. Some injuries are very serious. Both users of mowers and those who are nearby can be hurt.

To prevent lawn mower injuries to children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:

Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower from moving forward if the handle is let go.

Children younger than 16 years should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers. Children younger than 12 years should not use walk-behind mowers.

Make sure that sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) are worn while mowing.

Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins. Use a collection bag for grass clippings or a plate that covers the opening where cut grass is released. Have anyone who uses a mower wear hearing and eye protection.

** Make sure that children are indoors or at a safe distance well away from the area that you plan to mow **

Start and refuel mowers outdoors, not in a garage or shed. Mowers should be refueled with the motor turned off and cool.

Make sure that blade settings (to set the wheel height or dislodge debris) are done by an adult, with the mower off and the spark plug removed or disconnected.

** Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow in reverse **

Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas.

** Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers **

Lawn mower-related injuries to children are relatively common and can result in severe injury or death. Many amputations during childhood are caused by power mowers. Pediatricians have an important role as advocates and educators to promote the prevention of these injuries.

Each year in the United States, approximately 9,400 children younger than 18 years receive emergency care for lawn mower-related injuries. Although most of these injuries occur to older children and adolescents, about one fourth are to children younger than 5 years. Ride-on mowers and other power mowers account for 21% and 23% of pediatric mower-related injuries, respectively. More than 7% of pediatric mower-related injuries require hospitalization, which is approximately twice the hospitalization rate for consumer product-related injuries overall. Amputations and avulsions account for 7% of pediatric mower-related injuries. Power lawn mowers caused 22% of the amputation injuries among children admitted to one regional level 1 trauma center. Additional details regarding pediatric lawn mower-related injuries are available in the technical report available online.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Young children must not be allowed to play in or be adjacent to areas where lawn mowers are being used. ** Children younger than 6 years should be kept indoors during mowing **

Children must not be allowed to ride as passengers on mowers or to be towed behind mowers in carts or trailers. They should not be permitted to play on or around the mower when it is in use or in storage.

Children should not operate lawn mowers until they have displayed the necessary levels of judgment, strength, coordination, and maturity. They should also be educated in mower operation and safety and be supervised by an adult before they are allowed to operate a mower by themselves. Most children will not be ready to operate a walk-behind power mower or hand mower until at least 12 years of age or a ride-on mower until at least 16 years of age."

Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention, 2000-2001

SOURCE

**********

"With spring around the corner, it will soon be time to trim the lawn, but spring also marks the onset of what Johns Hopkins Children’s Center (where Chloe was treated) specialists call lawnmower injury season. Lawnmowers can cause devastating injuries in children and are the leading cause of amputations in teens, Hopkins Children’s experts warn.

'Every spring and summer we see children so badly injured by lawnmowers that they need amputation or extensive reconstructive surgery,' said Rick Redett, M.D., director of reconstructive and plastic surgery at Hopkins Children’s, Maryland’s designated pediatric trauma center where the most severe cases are treated.

Many more children with less serious injuries end up in local emergency departments, Redett said.

Each year, lawnmower accidents send 9,400 U.S. children to the hospital, causing injuries more severe than any other tool or device, research shows. The most common injuries are lacerations, fractures and amputations of the fingers, hands, toes, feet and legs."

**Most injuries occur when a person operating a ride-on mower is unaware that a child is behind the mower and shifts into reverse, backing over the child.**

Of the lawnmower accidents seen among patients at Hopkins Children’s between 2000 and 2006, 95 percent led to amputations and required reconstructive surgery.

Hopkins Children’s experts offer the following prevention tips:

Keep children under 6 years old indoors while a power mower is in operation.

Don’t allow a child under 12 to use a walk-behind mower.

Keep children under 16 off ride-on mowers, even with a parent.

If you are mowing and see a child running toward you, turn off the mower immediately. Children can fall and slip into the blade, especially if the grass is wet.

Wear protective goggles and close-toed shoes when operating a mower or when near one.

Before mowing, clean the lawn of debris such as sticks and stones, which may get caught in the blades and propelled out.

If injury occurs, call 911 right away and apply pressure to the wound to stop bleeding while you await an ambulance.

Buy mowers with a no-reverse safety feature that requires the operator to turn the mower around instead of shifting into reverse.

SOURCE

Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 18:23:00 PDT

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Wow!!! Talk about perseverance and drive...that's my hope for Chloe. What more can I say?

Simple

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sat, 22 May 2010 13:11:00 PDT

{ Serenity }

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:58:00 PDT

Spring Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 21 May 2010 12:49:00 PDT

There is this gorgeous lilac bush on the side of my Mama's house and it's my favorite! Growing up my sister and I would pick blooms from this bush for our elementary teachers each spring. Now my cherubs are picking blooms for their teachers...

And these next beauties began simply from a few shoots from our friend, Kathy's beautiful garden...now they are just thriving and looking absolutely stunning in all their glory!

Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 19 May 2010 05:57:00 PDT

The Story of Zac Smith from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.

The Incredible Machine

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sun, 16 May 2010 11:20:00 PDT

It has been a summertime tradition for my mom, my sister and I to see Kenny Chesney in concert for a few years now. When we heard that Kenny wasn't touring this summer we were pretty bummed until we realized that Sugarland was! :D So, we got our 3 tickets for their Incredible Machine tour. As a surprise to us all, my sister had her sweet baby boy, Kennedy 5 weeks early. Tonight is the concert and it is also the day Kennedy comes home from the NICU. And so we are thrilled to pieces that Kennedy is healthy and going home where he belongs...we are so sad that Erinn will not be joining us this concert. I hope my dad can keep up with us tonight!!! And Erinn, we'll take lots of picts and be wishing you were there with us!! xoxo

And too cool, Danny Gokey is opening for them...

Hopefully this year Merriweather won't turn us away at the gate because of our camera!!! ;)

Kennedy Jay

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sat, 15 May 2010 05:07:00 PDT

I am truly a blessed Auntie!!

Announcing the birth of my 4th nephew,

~ Kennedy Jay ~

Born 4/29/10 @ 11:30 p.m.

(I was THERE!!! :D )

5 lbs 3 oz and 18 inches long

Thank you, Father for a safe delivery and a healthy baby!!!

He never lets go

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 05:09:00 PDT

LAX

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:27:00 PDT

We are proud parents of a first time Lacrosse player this season! I'm pretty sure Alex has found his niche and is loving every.single.minute of it!! Here are some fav shots...

#7...it's the perfect number!

Resurrection Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:43:00 PDT

I know I'm way behind but I had to share some recent picts of my cherubs!!

We had a lovely day together with our family celebrating Jesus on Easter...

Abraham, my nephew figures out how to do it all with just 2 hands :)

Alex and his best friend divide up their "loot"...

Chloe is all smiles as usual as she thinks about the jelly beans inside...

I just love these sweet cherubs!!!

I beg, plead and at times bribe to get family photos...

Chloe is always my most willing model...my sunshine!!

Aahh, there we go...now, was that so difficult?!! ;D