Unplanned Surgery

Kicking off summer break with another pacemaker surgery was not how Colby planned it, but as always, he handled it like a champ!  The last 18 months have been very challenging for him both physically and mentally.  We knew one of his leads wasn't great after his December 2024 surgery, but we never dreamed it would cause so much trouble so soon.  I'm always amazed at how he handles adversity though.  He didn't let this setback slow him down. He even played a couple soccer games with a heart monitor attached to his chest...anything to continue playing the game he loves so much.

This whole surgery has thrown lots of curve balls at us with timing.  They initially thought he would not need surgery until after his Senior year. Then, after seeing his heart monitor readings during his first soccer game of the season, we quickly realized the surgery was much more imminent.  They scheduled it for May 21, which was the day after school got out, but then on May 15, they called to reschedule for two days earlier on May 19.  We got permission for him to take his one exam early Monday morning and shuffled our work schedules at the last minute.  I feel like God must be working on us...trusting in His plans (not ours), trusting His timing (not ours), and trusting in His strength (not ours) to carry us through. 

I'm happy to say Colby's surgery went well, and he is recovering at home after only one night in the hospital.  We have been told the lead looks much better this time, and he has yet another brand new generator.  If all goes as expected, he should have close to 10 years before another pacemaker surgery is needed.  He will follow up with the surgeon and cardiologist next week.  We are praying for a good report with no surprises! 

Thank you for all the prayers, love, and support!  We definitely felt those prayers, and Colby truly appreciated so many friends rallying around him.  Many came the night before to eat, hang out, and pray over him.  The soccer team wrote his number on their arms, so he could be with them in the state tournament game the day of his surgery.  He hated missing the game, so I loved that he could be there in spirit with them!  Thank you all!!

Junior Year and Freshman Year of College Complete

We are so incredibly proud of these boys!  Brody finished up his first year of college and made Dean's List for both semesters.  Colby wrapped up his Junior Year with all A's and B's.  I'm already getting emotional about his Senior year, because I know it is going to fly by way too fast!

 

Colby's Junior Prom

Colby's Junior Prom...great night with great friends!  I can't believe we are nearing the end of his junior year. 

 

Happy Easter

Grateful for the hope we have and the many blessings God has given our family.  Happy Easter!!

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 

Burnin' for Bucks 2026

Our 9th Annual Burnin for Bucks is in the books, and once again, all I can say is WOW!!  I'm forever grateful to this community for continuing to rally around this event each year and making it such a success.  My prayer has always been to use this event to bring more awareness to CHDs and to raise money for research that will benefit so many kids living with a CHD, and I feel like we are really doing that!

We had 56 teams of 2 compete this year, and every one of them showed up and showed out!!  I saw PRs, I saw people doing things they didn't think they could do, and I saw so much love and encouragement between teams that it brought happy tears to my eyes.  We even had two teams come from Georgia to compete.  It was amazing having them as part of the event, especially since one of the athletes has a child with a CHD.  With registrations, direct donations, shirts, raffle items, and Simply Nourished treats, we raised $13,372.55!!  

Thank you Caitlin for coordinating the best group of judges ever!  Thank you judges!  Thank you McKenzie for always taking such awesome photos during the event!  Thank you Christine and Cady for heading up the raffle items.  I think we had the best items we've ever had!  Thank you to Christine for all the behind the scenes work as well and shirts!  Thank you Cynthia for making Simply Nourished treats to keep the athletes, judges, and supporters fed and happy!  Thank you Lori, Chelsea, and Jeremiah for being the best team and continuing to support this event each year.

Jeremiah, I obviously love this event, and I'm so thankful for all the work you put into planning and organizing.  We make such a great team!

Jason, Brody, and Colby...I love you guys, and I am so thankful for your support! Colby, thank you for coming so early and sharing a little before the event.  You and Dr. Doyle make a great team as well.  

Year 10 is coming, and we plan on making it our biggest and best year yet!!  Get Ready Burn Boot Camp Hendersonville!

Heart Month

February is heart month, and I can’t think of a better way to bring awareness to congenital heart defects than by sharing a post Colby made. We are SO PROUD of him for not only sharing his heart story but also for sharing his faith. Watching him grow in his understanding of his complex heart the last few years has been tough, because this is a lot for a teen to process.  His increased understanding of his heart, though, has brought a stronger personal faith in God for him. He has learned that we may never know why we face trials, but we never have to question if God is with us. He will see us through!!

Happy Birthday Jason!

Happy Birthday to this amazing guy!  Jason, you are the best husband, best dad, and best friend, and I am so thankful for you!  I love growing old with you!!

Happy 10th Birthday Messi!

Messi is 10!!  This sweet dog has brought more joy and love to our lives than I ever thought possible!  He is truly the best dog ever, and we are so thankful for him.  He has had some health issues/scares over the last couple of years, so we have learned to soak in and appreciate every moment with him (and Moose).  Messi is our "little old man," and I pray we have several more years to love him!!