"Passing it On" with Philip Rivers

I am so excited to share this campaign with you!!!  Back in April UT columnist (and friend) Kevin Acee wrote this article about our son Stephen and the Ronald McDonald House.  Sooo much has happened since then!

A few weeks ago our family had the opportunity to meet Philip Rivers for a video/photo shoot to launch this amazing campaign to support the Ronald McDonald House in San Diego!

Both Kevin and Philip will be donating $1 for every completed passing yard Rivers throws this season and they are asking others to join in with them!  Whether you donate $.10 a yard (like us!) or more, it will all go to a great cause!

The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provided our family with a home away from home when Stephen was hospitalized during his first 2 open heart surgeries and will again be a place we will turn to in the near future.  While it offers a room and 3 meals a day for only $15 it is so much more than just a place to stay.  I wish everybody could experience the warmth and love the RMH has to offer.

Joe and I were already dreaming of ways to come back and serve during our first 26 night stay at the RMH when Stephen was born.  We were beyond grateful for the service, love and care they provided our family and before we even checked out we planned our return!  Within 2 months we brought our youth group to serve our first meal and have returned many times since for meals, birthday parties and the Easter carnival Kevin Acee was a part of.

Needless to say I am amazed at what has transpired through our love for this house.   But it goes deeper.  Being a part of something so big brings me back.  It brings me back to my bedroom the night we found out about Stephen's heart.  After crying until I had no more tears...and then crying some more Joe and I made a promise to each other and to God that we were going to remain faithful and trust in Him.  We knew that night we could choose hope or despair...we chose hope.  I remember frankly speaking to God and saying "You better do your part"  If Stephen was going to suffer, as far as I was concerned, good had better come from it!  I knew all of His promises and I knew good could and would come from this if we followed Him and didn't get in the way.  So that night I promised to do my part and asked God to show up and do his...and boy has he!

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined all that God had in store.  He has worked in such incredible and unforeseeable ways... and really why would I have excepted anything less?  I was hoping that at least 1 other life would have been touched by our son's story, and instead thousands have read about it.  God is so good and so much bigger and mightier than I often realize.  He has had an amazing plan all along and I am in awe of how he has used our pain to bring so much joy!

That is why this campaign is so close to my heart.  It is another glimpse of how God has and is using Stephen's special heart to touch the world.  It brings me great joy.  It is beautiful.

So please take a minute to read this latest article...it is another little glimpse into our reality.

and then check out the Website here Philip Rivers' Passing it On... it has an incredible video of Philip Rivers and our family!

Then please please please Pass it On!  Whether you can donate along with us or spread awareness I would ask that you pass along the links to your family and friends.  You never know who may feel a tug to give...and hey it is a fun way to give and route for our local team!!!

I hope Rivers throws for 5,000 yards this season!  Go CHARGERS!!!  And all glory be to God!!!

"Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel,

who alone does marvelous deeds.

"Praise be to his glorious name forever;

may the whole earth be filled with his glory"

Psalm 72:18-19

Annual Echo

Short Version:
Everything looks great...Praise God!!!  We will have a follow up EKG and appointment with his cardiologist in 6 months and another echo in a year!

Slightly longer Version: =0)

The night before the ECHO we had to keep Stephen awake until midnight and get the poor guy up at 5:30.  An ECHO takes about 45 minutes to complete, and since most 2 year olds wont hold still for that long, they use an oral sedation drug to put them in a deep sleep.  They prefer for the kiddos to come in exhausted in hopes they can give them less of the medicine and have them fall asleep relatively quickly.

We succeeded in keeping him up until 11:45 watching his favorite videos and sipping milk =0)

To my surprise he woke up happy and the next task was to keep him awake during the 50 minute drive to the hospital...his pal Dusty in Disney Planes did the trick.

Dr appointments and waiting rooms have become more difficult lately.  Since he had to go in and get 2 shots almost every month this year he has associated them with unpleasant memories and therefore cries, points to the door and asks to leave immediately.  It breaks this mamas heart.  Even areas that look like waiting rooms stir up emotions.
So to help ease his fear we let him listen to his favorite song..."The Happy Song"  Total success.  We were able to check-in without one tear shed =0)

Next came vitals...surprisingly he rocked them!  The nurse was excellent and blew bubbles to distract him from all the machines and wires and he he only cried when they laid him down to weigh him...he seriously hates that.  His sats looked great!  He was resting in the low-mid 80's!  A huge improvement from birth when he would ride the low 70's and dip down into the 60's at night.

We moved right along to the exam room where the NP did a small check up and then ordered the anesthesia.  It is not pleasant tasting, and he let us know it, but all in all it was quick and easy.  Now all he had to do was fall asleep.  Since he looked like this before the drugs (yawning) we thought it would be no problem. 

We turned down the lights, got all snuggled in my arms and rocked back and forth.  Usually it can take 10-20 minutes for kids to fall asleep.  The last, and only other, time we did this it took him 5 so we were all expecting it to be easy peasy.  At around 20 minutes he finally fell asleep in my arms and we transferred him to the bed.  Unfortunately he was not in a deep sleep and  woke up when they were positioning him.   They chose to give him more of the nasty drugs and then had me lay beside him in the bed to get him back asleep.  Yeah...he had none of that.  He fought sleep with everything he had.  He started looking around and trying to touch the computer.  Finally they decided he was calm enough to just attempt the ECHO.

He did great.  Actually he was pretty awesome and hysterically funny.  He had many of those moments that would have gone viral had we been able to video tape them.  No joke...the whole room was cracking up!  Then came the end...oh how I wanted to be anywhere but there.  The last images they needed were up on his neck and that sent him off the deep end.  You see one side effect of this drug is that it can make the room spin and the kiddos irritable and well down right crazy.  Enter drunken meltdown.  He started flailing and asking for "Happy Song" "Jack" and "baby Violet"  We tried showing him pictures but that didn't cut it.  Total hysterics set in.

The team was awesome and completely understanding...heck they did it to him not me.  Normally nap time is easy.  I put him in his crib, give him his pacifier and blanket, turn out the light and close the door...done.  Once they got the last pictures we were sent down to cardiology for a follow up with his doctor...what a nightmare.

Stephen non stop cried and asked to leave.  We were "that family".  No one in that waiting room knew what he had just been through...that he was not a bratty little boy but was sleep deprived and drugged. I am sure Joe and I just looked like 2 deers in headlights with a belligerent 2 year old.  I so badly wish I could have announced to the entire waiting room, especially a few women giving me looks, what was really going on but instead the chaos ensued all the way until while in our exam room Joe finally laid him on the table and he went from screaming to snoring in literally 6 seconds.  The dude was done.  He finally gave up and was out.  This is how he should have looked during the ECHO!

When the doctor came in he asked if that was Stephen.  I lowered my head said "yes" and then said it was his fault for drugging him =0)  He too completely understood and said next time since Stephen will be 3 we could try with no sedation...SCORE!  No more sedated ECHO's!!!

Of course the results were music to my ears.  It had been a year since his last one and going that long without knowing was hard.  I know full well that just because he looks so great on the outside doesn't mean everything is perfect on the inside.  I asked a bunch of questions and the appointment ended with the heads up that next year we will be discussing the need for another cardiac catheterization and then the dreaded 3rd surgery.  I told him I wasn't ready for that and he let me know that was why he was giving me a year to prepare.

Okay...tears just came as I typed.  A year?  It sounds like a long time today but it will be here before I know it.  How do you even begin to prepare for something like that?  Yes I have come along way in my faith.  Yes I trust God.  Yes He has brought so much good from all this but still I find myself right back to hating it all.  I wish I could heal my son.  I wish I cold trade places with him in the waiting rooms, appointments and most certainly the operating table.  The thought of handing him over again is too much.  The possibility of loosing him even more so.  So I won't prepare (think about and worry) for a year.  I will pray for him as I always do.  I will pray that God would protect and strengthen his heart and that he would give him what he daily needs, and when the time does come, God will see him through that day like he does every other...well...hopefully with a few extra angels.  (I should clarify that this doesn't mean he will be having surgery a year from now...but that the timing of it and the planning will be discussed and options considered).

So please pray for Stephen and our whole family over this next year.  Pray that God himself would prepare our hearts and continue to give us all just what we need.

After such a long day of on Thursday we took the family to Legoland on Friday...and Stephen was right back to his joyful smiley self!

Thank you all for your love, support and prayers!  
In Him,
Kim

A Reason to Root on the Chargers and Philip Rivers!!!!

I am humbled and amazed by the generosity and possibility of this article. God is so good. He has brought so much beauty through our pain and I wept with joy and gratefulness yesterday.  I pray that Kevin's words touch many hearts and that they too join Philip Rivers and him in making an impact at a place very dear to our family.  
Even more I pray God will be honored, His Kingdom furthered and His love shown.  I know He is at work...and I am in awe of His goodness.

Helping kids, families with some passes


Much Love,

Kim

"Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness" 

Psalm 115:1

Easter Fun Fest!

Last year we celebrated Stephen's 1st Birthday at the Ronald McDonald house.  Joe and I couldn't think of a better place to commemorate his first year then back where it all began.  It was perfect.
  
This year his actual birthday was already booked by another group so we took Saturday the 19th and not only provided the dinner but put together a little Easter Fun Fest for all of the families to enjoy...it was AMAZING!!!  I hardly know where to begin.  This idea was months in the making and early on a fellow heart mama Megan and I began discussing the idea of getting some donations to put together Easter baskets.  We had originally hoped for at least 50...in the end we had 180!!!  A HUGE THANK YOU to all who helped make that happen.  I was humbled and amazed by the generous giving of others and am pleased to tell you that those baskets brightened many days! (more on that to come)  

My partner in crime =0)

Just some of the baskets...

On Saturday we had 50 volunteers from our church and 2 other heart families from Rady's join us in putting together a little Easter carnival for the families staying at the house.  I LOVE being able to share the experience of the Ronald McDonald House with our church family.  It holds such a special place in my heart and I was excited to have so many families come down for their first time and serve with us. 
Let me tell you...it is an incredible place.  It has 47 guest rooms to provide a "home away from home"  for families like ours with children being treated for serious, often life-threatening conditions.   For just $15 a day you get a room and 3 meals...but it goes beyond that.  Physically it provides a bed, shower and meals but also a playroom, game room, television room, chapel, hair dresser, playground, laundry, and even a school!  However, beyond physical needs in provides you peace of mind, love and support.  It takes the financial burden off of people like ourselves who would have to travel a longer distance to be with our child.  Our first stay was for 26 nights and without the Ronald McDonald House we would have had to book a hotel room nearby or travel 50 miles back and forth to be with our son...both would have been draining.  Instead we were steps away from Stephen.  
The House also provided a place for our family to be a family.  While most of the time our 3 other children stayed at home with family, they came down every day to share a meal with us.  It is difficult being torn between your children.  Every part of me wanted to be with Stephen in the hospital but also wanted to be with Michael, Lizzie and Audrey.  The Ronald McDonald House provided a fun place for our family to be together.  Joe and I got to play with our kids, to laugh, smile and recharge before heading back into our small hospital room. Our kids loved coming to the house and still do to this day.  Yesterday when one of our volunteers asked a 9 year old boy staying at the RMH if he missed home he said "No, I love being here!  It is more fun than home!"  I am sure that is nothing against his actual home but a testament to how truly special the volunteers and staff make the house.  From the moment you check in you feel loved and supported.  They greeted our family with warm welcome baskets and stuffed animals for our children.  It brought joy to our hearts watching our kids faces light up and in that moment everything felt like it would be okay.  It is that feeling I desire to pass onto others families.  To be a breath of fresh air that allows them to let down and have a moment of joy.  
That was why I was soooo excited about these Easter Baskets.  I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of a gift like this.  Something that may seem small to others but to someone going through a crisis it means the world.  I was so honored to be able to be a part of such a special day and to bless so many families with little breaths of fresh air and moments of fun and joy with their other children.  
On Saturday we set up games, crafts, a bounce house, popcorn machine, face painting and hosted an egg hunt in which everyone received a beautiful wrapped Easter Basket at the end.  It was a success in so many ways.  The kids had a blast!  Everywhere you looked kids were running, bouncing, playing and smiling.  The parents were grateful.  They loved watching their kids have such a great time and were overjoyed that they too got to pick a basket to bring to their child in the hospital.  Our volunteers were blessed while blessing others.  They learned more about the house and were able to meet and learn the stories of some of the families staying there.  God was honored.  We spread His joy, His love and His hope...I can't ask for more than that.   
We had another awesome crew cook and serve dinner for about 200 people.  These faithful volunteers have come down with us many times and not only love on the people receiving the meal but pray for them as well.  
I get so excited after an event like this.  I am already planning the next one =0)  Thank you for letting me  rave about this incredible place.  If you have time please check out the Ronald McDonald House website to learn more.  It truly provides a home away from home for families going through a crisis and largely run on volunteers and the generosity of individual donors.  If you are ever looking for a place to donate your time or money to this is a great choice =0)  
I need to bring along a photographer next time...I had no time for photos but here are few people took on my phone from the day =0)  ENJOY!

Leap Frog Game...always a hit!

My mom and sister did an AMAZING job face painting!  People thought they were professionals...I suppose they are =0)

"Knock Off My Hat"  I had fun making the bunny faces =)

Most of the kiddos before the egg hunt!

So glad my mom and sister came...it makes it all extra special!

I know somebody got a family photo of all of us but it wasn't on my phone...oh well =0)  

Happy Easter!!!

I thank the Lord for the gift of His love and pray that we can continue to be a shining

 example of that gift to others!

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth"

1 John 3:16-18

The Day You Were Born

The day you were born left an imprint on my soul.  It was a day mixed with excitement and fear, anticipation and unreadiness.  You would think being a fourth child it would have felt routine or familiar, but your delivery was like nothing I had experienced before.  With a room full of spectators you made your appearance into this fallen world.  You were not placed on my chest or in my arms...it was 15 minutes before I ever saw your face.  Before the first of many hard goodbyes I held you a mere moment, daddy said a prayer and we gave you a kiss.  It was not enough time to soak you in.

The day you were born I found myself alone in a delivery room trying to recall your features, wishing I could be with you.  I did my best to stay strong, to pray and to trust in God, but I was scared and broken and clinging to Jesus.
The day you were born my life was changed.  My perspective, my priorities, my desires, my prayers...they were all reshaped that day.  Your life taught me what matters most, and where ultimate healing comes from.
The day you were born I had to live out my faith through pain and suffering for the first time.  I had to cling to what I knew, not what I felt.  At just 9 days old we handed you over to a surgeon knowing that the pain you would endure was necessary for the joy you have today.  It was heart-wrenching saying goodbye and giving up all control.
The day you were born I understood your life was a gift bestowed upon your daddy and me and I clung to that knowledge and our hope in Christ.  The love we have for you runs deep, yet your heavenly father loves you more.
The day you were born my life became fuller and the world was made brighter.
Today, with a plethora of emotions, I celebrate that day.  I celebrate your life.  Stephen, you have touched more people in 2 years then some touch in a lifetime.  God has used your story and your heart to make an eternal imprint on this world...my life is just one of them.  You are strong, brave and ever-joyful.  Your smile brightens my darkest days and your joy brings peace to my soul.  I pray that joy will never leave you and that the Lord continues to bless you and protect you and strengthen your heart.
Your life has made me a better woman, a better wife and a better mom.  I love you Bubba and I am grateful for the day you born!

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!!!

Many thanks to all of you who have continued to pray these past 2 years!!!  We know how powerful your prayers are and we are so grateful for you!
Much Love in Christ,
The Russells

Prayers For Naya

Will you please join me in praying for Naya.  You can read a little more about her story and her wonderful Mom Sarah at  My Winding Road.

Naya had her Fontan surgery at Rady's on February 24th and the road to recovery has been very long with some major hurdles along the way including a second and now 3rd open heart surgery needed.

Her latest update broke my heart...

"So she wasn't stabilizing, they decided they need to take down the current surgery and go back a step. But she's not strong enough for the surgery so they've put her on the ECMO so that she will hopefully get her stats stabilized, then take her to surgery tonight hopefully. So we're all a little devastated but trusting that God's plan is to bring her through this. Thank you guys in advance, I know you will praying hard and sending your support"

Please stop and pray for Naya now and in the days to come.  We know your payers made such a difference in Stephen's recovery and ask that you now cover Naya in prayer.  

Thank You!!!!
~Kim  

Easter Baskets

By now I am sure you all know how much our family loves and appreciates the Ronald McDonald House.  They provide a "home away from home" for families like ours with children being treated for serious, often life-threatening conditions at Rady Children's Hospital.  It is hard describe all that the Ronald McDonald House does for families.  It goes beyond just supplying lodging and food.  They care and comfort families in their time of need.

Joe and I have been so blessed to be able to take our youth group down a few times a year and give back to an organization that truly gives so much to this community.  This year we will be going down the day before Easter to provide a meal and bless the families who will be spending the holiday away from home.  Along with the meal we will be putting on a mini carnival with a bounce house, games and an Easter Egg hunt for the siblings of the hospitalized children who are staying at the RMH.  We hope to provide a day of smiles, laughter and hope as we bless these families and make their day a little brighter.  

And this is where you come in!

We are hoping to provide every child, or at least every family, with a filled Easter basket.  So whether you can proved a filled basket, items for a basket or a basket itself we could use your help!  

This is a great way to get your family or friends involved!  Your kids or grandkids can help you purchase items or make a basket or you can even throw a basket filling party!  If you are looking for a way to touch some hearts this Easter Season this is a great way to get involved. Joe and I can both share many stories of how simple acts like this warmed our hearts during our stays at the RMH.  Watching our kids faces light up when groups came in and offered even simple crafts helped us find joy even during the hardest part of our stay.   

Let me know if you would like to donate in any way! I can even do on Orange County pick up if anyone is interested up there =0)

kdrussell04@aol.com

Ideas for baskets

Crayons

Coloring books

Stuffed animals

Toys

Candy

Books

You know basically anything fun that you think kids would enjoy and would fit in a basket! The only thing we are asking is NO BUBBLES!

We can also use donations of empty plastic Easter Eggs and bags of candy!

Much Love to you all and THANK YOU!!!!!

The Russell's