Board breaking Lilah

Yesterday all of my children were a part of the break-a-thon for the Karate school. I watched as each one of my babies broke boards and attempt to do something they never had before. I was so proud. I am sure you could hear my screams across the country ;)

The one that made the MOST impact was Lilah.

Here she is walking around happily in the parking lot of the school.

Each student at the school lined up and broke their 5 boards. 

I told Carson that I thought Lilah should wait a little while until it wasn't so loud. This enabled me to take pictures of as many of the students as I could breaking boards. Most of the parents and students walked back out to the parking lot once they were done breaking their 5. But, slowly, the room began to fill again.

With no one else on the mat, Carson had Lilah come up and break boards. 

I asked another Mom, and fellow photographer if she minded using my camera to capture Lilah breaking boards while I assisted Lilah. 

Thank you, Teresa, for capturing these for me.

 Lilah did such a great job. She got a little startled when the crowd cheered so loud for her. But, I refused to let her quit.

The greatest part of all of this was that God used Lilah in that Karate school.

Determination. Strength. Confidence. Beauty. LOVE. Family. Encouragement. HOPE!

Thank you to Derrick Strickland for capturing it on video. Click HERE to watch!

I am so honored to be Lilah's mother and get the privilege to witness God work each day in her life and in the lives of others through her. I am very blessed!

An answer to a prayer and some updates (short video included)

Many of you will remember that I have been praying that Lilah would be able to walk on the beach. For some that may seem as a strange request to God, but not to me. See, for me....the beach has always been the place I can go to and really feel God's presence. I know He is there. I hear His voice. I feel His peace.

I wanted to watch Lilah walk on the sand that He created, see her enjoy those crystals squish between her toes. There is something that is just breathtaking about it.

My prayer was answered...



I keep watching this video over and over.

I took it Monday.

Today at Lilah's therapy I was told how Lilah's evaluations have come out.

Lilah is now at a 20-24m developmental level.

Lilah is 3.5 years old.

I remember when this would have stung SO bad. I remember when this would have made me weep uncontrollably. But, as God would have it...I am gratefully at a MUCH different place.

I no longer look at how "globally delayed" she is. I don't focus on how far behind her peers she is.

Nope!

No way!

Today, I focus my mind, my heart, my thoughts on how FAR my miracle has come.

I thank God for each and every new thing she does.

Just this morning alone, Lilah greeted me with "mo nin, Mom Ee." That is "Mornin', Mommy" for those who don't speak Lilah.

Those two words put my day into a great start.

I have changed my perspective. Wait...GOD has changed my perspective. God sent Lilah HOPE to my life to show me just how STRONG I am because of HIM and what I CAN do with HIS help.

Each day I look at Lilah and I make the decision to see her incredible spirit, her determination, her heart, her love, her JOY, and her PEACE. I feel as if I see God, himself, in her eyes.

I am so grateful that God has given me Lilah to help me see that we should appreciate and be present in each moment. That our greatest gifts are not the ones that come from a monetary form. Our greatest gifts are in the blessings of LOVE and laughter all around us.

Today has been a great day.

My girl is improving. She hasn't hit a plateau. She has improved in each area: speech, occupational, and physical.

Lilah shines God's light for ALL to see.

She is a light in this dark world.

Thank God for HER!

Want to put a SMILE on your face?

Push pause on the music on the side and WATCH this!



Wasn't that worth it?!!

Can you see why I am SO blessed and happy because she is in my life?

She has taught me SO much!

Thank God for Lilah HOPE!

Lilah in the morning

To hear her beautiful voice, just scroll over and push pause on the music



I think a little Lilah in the morning is good for the soul. Who am I kidding, Lilah ALL day is good for the soul!

Thank you, God, for the child who has taught me so much!