Giving Thanks

The past 4 years we have had Thanksgiving at our house and it was very strange to change this year. We had even started a new tradition of Thanksgiving Brunch with pumpkin pancakes, sausage, eggs, yumm it was great! This year we celebrated Thanksgiving on Saturday at my mom and dad’s house which made it much easier for Grandma Charlotte and in a way easier for everyone.


We laughed (something we McCoy’s do a lot of), ate a ton of food, cried a bit, watched WVU win BIG, and thanked the Lord for all He had brought us through this year – pain, loss, sadness and joy. We even got to talk to Christina on the phone as she traveled back to Arkansas. We all wished we could have had their crew to add to the crazy chaos of kids!

Raegan and Olivia loading up their plates.

The kids enjoyed several heated games of Twister – this was a dual between Raegan and Olivia. Raegan ending up winning, I think those long legs gave her an advantage!

We have a tradition of lining the kids up on the stairs when we get together around the holidays. We grabbed Jacob from his nap to include him so that’s why he has that “deer in the headlights” look. Of course we are missing our four little ones in Arkansas in this picture.
And we are also missing the baby that's on the way! Amy is now 30 weeks, she looks great and is still going non-stop!
I have so many reasons to be thankful this year. As I led the song "Give Thanks" at church last Sunday, I was thinking of the verse in Thessalonians that says to give thanks in ALL circumstances. We are to be thankful for the good and bad, because through it all God is given the glory. Yes, I'm even thankful for (gulp) Aaron's death, that is so hard to say. But through it many, many have come to know the Lord as their personal Saviour and many others have renewed their walk with Him. Unfortunately sometimes it takes tragedy to show us what we already knew but were neglecting. Give Thanks!
Leah

Going Hunting!

I haven’t posted on my blog for an entire week so I have a bit of catching up to do! West Virginia hunting season started last week and then of course Thanksgiving, so our kids had the entire week off from school. Needless to say, I didn’t have much time to work on my blog. Raegan enjoyed her first hunting outing with Daddy. She told me she was “really into it” the night before they went. I don’t even know if she knew what she was talking about but Joel and I were both excited that she wanted to go spend some time in the woods with him. She wore the required blaze orange but underneath that is ALL girl in an Ariel sweatshirt!
Luckily we had a very warm day on Thursday (70 degrees!) and it was the perfect time to take her. They saw 6 does, a fox, and lots of squirrels! Daddy & Uncle Shaun had gotten all of the bucks evidently.
She WAS willing to hold the horns from daddy’s deer. Go girl!

This reminded me of the first time my dad and Aaron took me hunting. I was probably 10 or 11. I got up early, put on all the layers to forge the cold, and headed out with them. As we walked through the woods, my dad and Aaron kept saying they could smell something. We soon got to our spot and not long after that they started saying “don’t you want to go back to the house, Leah?” I thought they were concerned about me, but instead they were concerned they wouldn’t get a deer because I smelled too good - it was scaring all the deer away!!! So much for wearing Love’s Baby Soft into the woods!!

Today begins Pennsylvania Hunting Season so we wish our family and friends in PA all the best in the woods today and this week – may you bag a big one!

Happy Birthday!

Today, November 19th is my dad's birthday!! (I'm posting this at 11pm which means I only have one more hour, I'd better do it fast.) Some know him as boss, some know him as a businessman, some know him as Sunday School teacher, some know him as the church maintenance man, some know him just because he is so outspoken! But I know him as Daddy. Yes, I'm 33 years old and still call him daddy, I just can't seem to call him anything else. The term dad is just, well...too plain. Father is just too formal. Pa is too old fashioned. So I guess Daddy it is! Daddy is 63 years young today and still going strong. After having triple by-pass 3 years ago he continues to work full-time, play full-court basketball and insist on doing just about everything on his own. Of course, behind every successful and healthy man is an amazing woman - that would be his beautiful help-mate of 42 years, Linda!

His 10 grandchildren know him as PAP!

Having a serious discussion about back-hoes with Raegan.

What a great picture!

I've inherited a few things from my daddy, here's the first 10 I thought of:
1. my extremely long legs
2. my flat rear end! thanks alot
3. perfectionism, thanks again
4. a Republican bent - after all, my daughter's name is Raegan!
5. ability to socialize anywhere, anytime
6. love for humor
7. a devout respect and honor for my country
8. respect for others
9. Personal relationship with Christ - not inherited, but influenced
10. Burden that others come to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour!

That said, I wish you a very Happy Birthday, Daddy, and pray that our Lord blesses you with many more years to influence and direct others to a saving knowledge & personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Love
Leah

A Real Trooper!

Mother dressed in Aaron's flight suit for the church's Halloween Trunk or Treat back in October. Tonya Grimes sent me the picture and I thought it was fitting for today's post since she has been such a trooper handling all that life has brought her these last 2 months. We all love you mother, allow yourself time to rest and regroup. Don't hesitate to ask for help. There are so many that are ready and willing.

Your baby,

Leah

Grandma Charlotte was discharged from the hospital today. Hard to believe that just one week ago she was on borrowed time. They weaned her from the Nitro, removed the dialysis port and said it was time to go home! Now the real work begins. Mother has moved Grandma back in the house with her so that she can tend to her. Grandma enjoyed a small supper at home this evening and was preparing for bed at 9 pm but not before she and my mom got all of her pills figured out. That woman is a walking drug store! We pray they will all have a restful night. She is scheduled for a recheck on Monday.

We are all extremely exhausted - everyone of our families have been running ragged trying to catch up and to manage the already planned events of life. Adam is still on the road and expects to be in some time Saturday. Joel, Steve, my dad and a friend from church are planning to begin moving Adam & Carole Saturday morning. Amy is bringing the food for all since she cannot lift much due to the pregnancy! I'm sure no one will go hungry! Hopefully, we will have some pictures for you to see.

I have been running on very little sleep since Raegan's seasonal allergies worsened. We were at the dr's last night and they increased meds, added a puffer, steroids AND antibiotics!! Hopefully sleep will resume. Our business is still going strong, with work scheduled for the rest of the month - if the weather would just cooperate! I managed to get the bills, bookkeeping & payroll done for 2 businesses in two days this week and I have a Creative Memories Open House that is scheduled for Saturday! Somehow I will pull that off. My wonderful Mother-in-law, Sharon, and sweet, sweet friend Julie have offered to help me out tomorrow. I plan to take them up on it!

We continue to rejoice with Christina as more and more people are making decisions to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour since Aaron's death. It is like a revival of sorts and we know that Aaron would have it no other way. He was willing to be used by the Lord and his legacy is proof of that. My mom and I mentioned last night that it is so easy to say "why couldn't someone else have been taken?" but we know that Aaron was ready, many others are not! That's when you know that you are looking at situations through God's eyes not your own!
His ways not Mine, His thoughts not mine,
Leah

Change of Plans

Joel and his dad have a favorite saying "if you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans." So true! We think we know what we plan to do but that rarely is how it happens. Thus the reason for this post. Yesterday I explained that Grandma had been taken in for a heart cath. That's what we all thought (including her general physician). Well, when she came out she had NOT had the cath but instead had her pacemaker removed and a new device implanted, the ICD. A type of pacer that is teaching her heart to beat properly. What a shock! We had been told this was her only hope but they weren't sure if she could handle such procedures and needed the cath first! The heart dr. said he never had a cath on the schedule just this procedure and she should have had it a year ago! How about that for our plans!?

She did excellent in the surgery and her heart rate is already improving! This is an 85 year old that refuses to give in. She ate a little bit of lunch and then napped for several hours which gave my mom and I precious moments together in the quiet just chatting, crying and laughing. I love you mother, you are a beautiful woman of God.

When Grandma awoke we combed her hair and put some makeup on her so that she could make her debut on my blog. She knows there are so many of you praying for her and she is so thankful for you all. She is experiencing a great deal of pain from the incision to remove the pacemaker and the 2nd incision to implant this new device so they've started some heavy pain killers. She still has other health issues like kidney failure but we will know today how well she has reacted to this surgery. Mother now must prepare to bring her home (near future) and take care of her in-home. Continue to pray for her strength - emotionally and physically.

Leah

Small praises continue to come along. Yesterday Grandma's numbers were good and she did not have to go through dialysis! She is currently undergoing a Catheterization (8am) and then will immediately begin dialysis to clean out the dye. They have decided not to implant the ICD today - we won't know when until after the cath and after we see how she fares all of this. She is in good spirits but fears being a burden, of course. She has had lots of visitors and prayers and she knows that the Lord is in control. Before I left her bedside last night I told her that I loved her that none of us were worried we were trusting completely in the Lord and praying for His will and direction on the doctors. She told me she was not worried either, praise the Lord for the peace that He gives us all in every situation. We'll continue to update you all.
Thank you for your prayers.
Leah

Heroes

As we honor our Veteran’s today, we are reminded of ALL who have served our country on every front during peacetime and war. Our servicemen and women are the best in the world and we owe them our deepest gratitude for sacrificing their lives to protect ours and preserve our freedoms.
I always loved to see Aaron in his uniform, what a handsome man he was. Even his flight suit made my heart go pitter-patter. And evidently it did the same for Christina! Hee hee. When we were in Arkansas I was honored to be in the presence of our Airman and comforted by their strong stature, their disciplined resolve, and their tender hearts. They all share that same love for our country that Aaron had. I think it was born into him. He never wanted to go to college, he instead wanted to serve his country and that small flicker in his heart burned into a bright fiery passion the longer he served. He was willing to give his life for it and came close to it many times. I still find it hard to comprehend that his life was taken on American soil in the split second of someone’s bad decision. But no matter how he died it doesn’t change the fact that he was a true American hero! I know I speak for my parents, my siblings, Christina and the kids – Aaron will always be our Hero!
On Saturday, at a small town veteran’s memorial service in Centerville, PA, a wreath was laid in honor of Aaron and his service to our great country. As you can imagine we all shed tears (AGAIN) and felt our hearts swell with pride as we honored his commitment and service.

This is Marine Maj. Stewart Hickey with my dad. He retired in 1999 and resides in Centerville, PA. He was the Mastor of Ceremonies. A true patriot!
This young man, Lt. Bullington was the guest speaker. He served in Kosovo with the U.S. Army. He graduated from Bedford High School (our high school), and either IUP or Shippensburg Univ. I can't remember which. His speech was very inspiring. My mom and dad got to speak with him afterwards. My mom is holding Jacob (Amy's youngest).We thank God for our Veterans!

God Bless America!

Leah

l

Grandma Charlotte

So much continues to happen with Grandma and I wanted to keep you up to date and thank you for your continued prayers for everyone.

A dialysis port was inserted yesterday for Grandma to begin dialysis to deplete the amount of fluid that has built up in her lower abdomen and chest. This is something she had not wanted to do again after going through several months of it 2 years ago but she asked for it so that the doctors can pursue other procedures this week. She received her 1st dialysis this morning, she is very groggy from morphine that they've had to give her to relieve her pain. She will get another treatment tomorrow and then a Cath. is planned for Monday. They will look to see if her stents are still in place and/or if they need to do anything else. She will have immediate dialysis following the Cath to remove the dye so that it does not damage her already failing kidneys. Depending on how she handles these procedures they are looking at possibly inserting an Biventicular ICD in her. This is an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator - it will help her heart regulate its beating and shock it when necessary. Her pacemaker cannot do what she needs. You can check out what this is here http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/abnormal-rhythms-icd

We are all (hopefully) going to make it to the Veterans Memorial Service at Centerville, PA at 11am today - they are honoring Aaron. Mother and daddy have been told they will lay the wreath. It is very cold and wet here but I plan to get some pictures for you all to see.

Thought You Should Know

It’s 4 am and I’ve been up with Ragean since 1. Her seasonal allergies have resumed and the hacking cough is constant. I’m wondering if her dosage of Singulair is strong enough. After taking some Triaminic she’s finally resting. Anyways, I’ve wanted to post some news about the family to keep everyone informed so what better time than the quiet hours of the early morning.

In case you haven’t read Christina’s blog lately, a case against the young lady responsible for Aaron’s death has begun by the county in Arkansas. She is being charged (won’t say the charges). Christina is taking one day at a time. The motorcycle has been sold and the travel trailer is in the process of selling. The kids are faring ok; Lanie seems to be having the most visible difficulty. She doesn’t want to go to pre-school anymore and would rather stick close to mommy. Continue to keep them in your prayers.

My oldest brother Adam and his wife Carole are in the final stages of building. If all goes well, we plan to move them in on the 17th. We are praying that their other house sells quickly – 2 mortgage payments isn’t fun! Hopefully, I will have some pictures of the new one to share soon. Adam is on the road a lot traveling – long haul truck driving.

Amy, my sister, is in her 26th/27th week of pregnancy with baby #5 and is doing well. They’ve been told it’s a girl and while they have had lots of input they seem to settling on one name in particular. I’ll share the name once they give me permission. The kids are all very excited to welcome their baby sister sometime before February 17. Amy’s husband Steve won re-election for Bedford County Commissioner in the Pennsylvania State Elections on Tuesday. This is great news; however, he missed being top vote-getter by 14 or so votes which means he will relinquish his title of Chairman. We are just thankful for godly men like him that are willing to assume the role of public servant.

My mom and dad are very busy with life’s details since Aaron’s death in addition to carrying on with their mechanical contracting company. My mom has been extremely overwhelmed with caring for her mother “Grandma Charlotte” who is 85. She has not been well since Aaron's accident – her health has continued to decline, she's shown signs of depression and now is suffering from chest pains. She was admitted to the hospital this afternoon. Raegan & I spent the evening with my mom and her there. They’ve placed her in high-level care on a Nitro drip and have diagnosed her with Unstable Angina. They are not saying that she is having a heart attack but her severe symptoms and continued pain give them cause to treat her with extreme care. Hopefully we will have more news in the morning. Please pray for her comfort and God’s direction on the doctors.

In addition, I would urge you to pray fervently for my mom. The pain and sadness she is experiencing is devastating and her burdens are tremendous. She has barely had time to cope with this tragedy and rest has been slim. Please, please, please pray for her strength and God’s tender healing.

New Every Morning

I love mornings, especially if I get a little extra sleep and have time to putts around. Well, I didn't have either one of those this morning but I woke to the words to that song in my head. His mercies are new every morning, new every morning, great is thy faithfulness oh Lord, great is thy faithfulness! My mom used to sing it alot when we were kids and I guess it has stuck with me.
Each day I'm reminded how our Lord really is in control. As I read Christina's blog from yesterday I'm amazed at her strength and fortitude to keep plugging away. We all know she is human and has her down times and sorrow but our gracious God has walked her through this, held her hand, wiped her tears and coordinated EVERYTHING! There are no coincidences or luck in the believer's life. Why then do we choose to doubt, to control things, to worry and fret? Because Satan wants us to doubt the almighty power of our Lord Jesus! Don't do it! Even when you feel you are at the end - His mercies are new every morning!

Family

Each one of us is beautifully and wonderfully made by our Creator. When He binds us together by the strings of our mother and father we are Family. The bonds we form in those early years (including the normal sibling rivalry) connect us forever. I love to listen to my mom and dad tell the stories of how each of us were born. They love to tell the stories just as much as we love to hear them and they have such tender memories and hilarious recollections of our birth, our behaviors and our well......teachable moments! My dad especially adds a great deal of humor as he recounts them. How proud our parents must be to see the beautiful fruit of their labor.

This picture was taken in November 2005.

Adam is on the left, Amy in the back, me in the center and Aaron on the right.

I remember with sweet sadness the days of my childhood, the smells of the country air, the joys of no responsibility and the endless fun we shared playing together. The four of us and our endless groups of friends found entertainment in the outdoors. Playing in the sun, sled riding in the cold and hiking in the brisk fall. I yearn to return to those days and live in utter ignorance where there is no death, no pain, no sadness. But that is not reality. And without the pain there would be no joy. Without the loss we would not gain.

I feel the pain in my heart today as we mark a milestone – one month without my dear brother Aaron. There will always be that “count”. I’ve started to refer to it as A.D. – After Aaron’s Death. One week, one month, etc. This month has been life changing for me to say the least and there are days I can barely remember it the way it was before because of the intense sorrow. In a devotional called Joy for the Journey I read this today:
“When we stand in the middle of a lifestorm, it seems as if the storm has become our way of life. We cannot see a way out. We are unable to chart a course back to smoother waters. We feel defeated – and broken. But do we let that brokenness keep us forever in the mire of “if only” thinking. Or do we yield up that brokenness to the resources of the One who calms the winds and the waves, heals the brokenhearted, and forgives the most grievous of sins. The choice is ours.”

Yes, there is pain. Yes there is sorrow. I believe there always will be. But our God who makes all things possible promises us perfect peace. Amy (my sister) shared with me one of her husband’s favorite verses when we were on our way to Arkansas. You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you. Isaiah 26:3

He is the Almighty God. He is the God who heals. He is the God of peace. He is the God who forgives. He is the God who provides, and He is the God who is in control. He knows everything that is happening. He is not caught off guard. His love is perfect.

My family lost a very special piece on October 5th and even though that earthly bond has been severed by tragedy, the spiritual bond will remain and we will jump into each other’s arms on that glorious day we are called up to be with the Lord. And as I said before, with pain - there is joy. We rejoice knowing EXACTLY where Aaron is and we embrace the joy of adding more to our family through Aaron’s life. What a huge family we’ve discovered!! We’ve met so many of you – but there are many more that we will not meet until that glorious day.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8:38-39

More of the family. Each of us with our spouses and children. This visit from Aaron & Christina and the kids was a God-send. We never realized how special this picture really would be. It was a surprise Christmas gift for our parents that year. And now it's been a gift for us all!!

Amy was pregnant with #4 and is now pregnant with #5! Try getting that many kids to sit still long enough to get a usable picture!!

Blessed

The Lord has blessed me with a very flexible home/work schedule that allows me to be with Raegan, her activites and school. The school she attends is a small primary school of K-2. They embrace parent volunteers and I take every opportunity that I can to be in there. I enjoyed being a room mom when Raegan was in K so I volunteered again to do that in 1st. This week was the Halloween Party and it's always so much fun to be with the kids.

One day I won't be "cool" and it will be hard to get this embrace in front of her school friends, I'm sure. But in the meantime, we spend a ton of time together and I know I'll never regret it!! These days fly by and our time together is oh so precious!

Olivia is in the wedding dress. She is Adam's (my other brother) daughter. She and Raegan are only 6 months apart.

I failed to include this picture with the last posting. Thought it was a good one of us all at the SuperBowl. I have always loved pictures and I love telling the stories. I guess that's why I'm a Creative Memories consultant! Those pictures are an extension of me and my love for my family. After losing Aaron, pictures mean more to me than ever and I'm reminded to take it all in, let the little things go, enjoy the moment. I'm thanking the Lord for the many blessings He has showered upon me and my family.

We are off to the Football Banquet tonight!

Last Weekend

Trick or Treating - Wizard of Oz Style

The Saturday before Halloween is Trick-or-Treating in Knobley Estates, where we live. The kids love going from door to door getting tons of junk that will rot their teeth! And, we parents, well.....we like going through their bags to see if they have our favorites! Every year my mother-in-law sews (yes, sews!) the costumes for our daughter Raegan and my twin nephews Jansen and Isaiah. This year we decided that the Wizard of Oz would be fun. As you can see she does an awesome job on them.

We even had Toto - that's our dog Bailey with bows in his hair!

Raegan made a perfect " Dorothy"

Nana with the great grandkids

SuperBowl Sunday

Well, we finished our football season at the League SuperBowl. Our team the Frankfort Colts C Team was undefeated, we ended up playing the Northern Mad Dawgs an undefeated C-Team from another area at Greenway Stadium last Sunday! What a game! The only scoreless SuperBowl C Team game in the league's history. We went into overtime and we fumbled on our possession - you know what happened after that.

Yep, we lost 1-0!

The kids were crushed but they loved getting their trophies.

" Look at my trophy mommmy!!"

Just can't wait for next year. Well, yes I can. It will be nice to have those Saturday mornings back. But this is one thing that Raegan loves to do. Gymnastics starts back up on Monday, no time for the weary.

Entering the World of Blogging

Although I'm somewhat technologically educated, I don't feel completely savy when it comes to all aspects of this blogging thing. Somehow, I figured this blog setup out and hope to discover the ins and outs of keeping up with it. The whole reason for this endeavor is to stay in touch with dear ones. Specifically, Christina and the kids in Arkansas. Since the tragic loss of my brother, Aaron, on October 5th we are seeking all avenues to stay connected. The everyday events of our lives can be shared as we post each day - crying, encouraging, celebrating and rallying together in this journey that the Lord has blessed us with.

I must thank Shannon Sanders for being the first to introduce us to the power of the blog. She kept us all connected as the days unfolded last month and we are so grateful to her for that. We will not forget your blog, nor will we fail to visit it!