New Year, New Us?

We have been blessed to have been recipients of a visit from Brad's aunt and uncle Jeannie and Jerry from Pensacola. They were in New Orleans seeing family and a show, and they came to see us and even made dinner for us! Braden got his very own ugly doll just like the youngest Obama girl took to school her first day, and of course, Braden got LOTS and lots of snuggles from aunt Jeannie!!

This year we are pledging to make some changes. We have made a decision to start taking care of ourselves as parents. For so long, everything in our life has revolved around emergencies and anxiety and fixing things... so this year we are hoping to make some positive change. Our lives will still be on a rollercoaster, but we will try not to grip so tightly. Kodi is calling 2009 "The year of the mommy", because after years of advice from other moms, it finally sunk in that I can't take care of my family if I am falling to pieces. So we make a pledge to renewed health... back to the dentist... (Kodi hadn't been in 10 years - I know, I deserve what I have coming - but a lifetime of mouth metal left me with a feeling of needing a break!)... new plans of working out... plans of finding a babysitter for some respite care and date nights...plans to organize a 10-year anniversary trip for mommy and daddy next summer... and plans to live our lives without always waiting for the next emergency anxiety - we are giving that to God.

We are connecting with other Leigh's families, so this year we will have some stories and new friends to share with you.

Our friend JazMyn continues to keep us very entertained, and if you get a chance, you should check out her latest adventure dancing to Beyonce's video "Single Ladies". She is such an inspiration... when you see her dance around (and VERY well) - to think that two years ago she wasn't yet walking or talking, you realize that God gives us miracles every day, and we are blessed to have this living miracle in our lives! She is such a JOY!! Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tV8wbFnvuw

Thanks so much for the continued prayers... Braden is in EXCELLENT health!! We hope to have many wonderful things to share with you in 2009.

Brad, Kodi, and Braden

Back with a sleigh full of presents from KS

Well, spending such wonderful quality time with the family was so great this trip. While Braden wasn't up for much moving around, we still managed to see many family and friends. For the most part, Braden did extremely well, but did give us some long sleepless nights throughout. Mommy and daddy fought the "crud" everyone seemed to be passing around and even got a touch of the flu. Vacation should be more relaxing and should involve more times of feeling good, don't you think? We know all too well life isn't fair. Braden is very happy to be home, and seems to be enjoying his light canopy more than ever!

The pics are of our family time together - I will try to label them if I can figure it out!

First, let us give praise and thanks to God for allowing us safe travel without too many "major" incidents. His angels were flying with us along the road, and we felt His protection while on our journey.

Second, a great big THANK YOU to Braden's AUNT, Jenny Betschart and her mother for organizing the Soup Supper fundraiser for Braden's Medical Fund!! The Knights of Columbus were so generous to support us, Aunt Shala's company donations from National Beef were a huge help, not to mention the gift baskets from LA Fish Fry and Bruce Foods. WE THANK YOU for sending money to support this effort, for giving of your personal time, and for showing up to donate your support and money to help us pay off Braden's medical bills that only seem to grow! A very special thank you to Ryan O'Neill, who not only showed his support by coming to the dinner with his family (our long-time family friends), he wanted to something extra to help and hosted his very own "Push-Up-A-Thon" and did over 1200 push-ups for Braden! WOW!! We were blown away by this personal contribution of sweat to help our sweet boy (who has never met Ryan!). We truly appreciate what you did, you are an amazing young man - Thanks for blessing us!!

The gifts and piles of gifts - thanks to all family and friends for the thoughtful gestures and all the wonderful christmas cards we've received. We are so very blessed by your friendships and love, and the support you have provided us during this tough year. We hope that 2009 brings all of you many blessings.

Brad, Kodi, & Braden Wilson