ISAAC'S BAPTISM

We were honored to have Isaac Baptized by his very own Godfather, Msgr. Hart.  We were so humbled to have Msgr Hart and Mrs Hart so graciously agree to be the Godparents of Isaac, playing such a special role in his life.....in the most important part of his life, indeed!

(I absolutely LOVE this picture! Look at how Sweet Little Isaac and Msgr Hart are holding hands)

"Heavenly Father, “from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name,” (Eph 3:15) we ask you to bless our family and each child You have given us in Your immense mercy. We entrust and consecrate them to You for Your greater glory and ask that You enkindle in them the fire of Your Holy Spirit so that they may fully embrace the call to salvation that you have made to each one of us."

 We wholeheartedly offered this little soul up to our Lord the minute that we found out that we were blessed with another baby

"Above all, bestow upon our children, the Spirit’s gifts of wisdom and understanding, so that they may be able to discern their proper calling in life and their particular pathway for dedicating themselves to the work of Your Kingdom. Grant them also a spirit of deep generosity and faith as they consider how best to serve You with the gift of their lives."

 Through fervent prayer, without having one single discussion with each other, Jeremy and I both knew almost instantly that Msgr Hart and Mrs Hart would be the perfect Godparents to guide our precious little Isaac down the narrow path towards heaven.  I love when God is so forthright in what His Holy Will is for us (as He knows that I struggle to hear Him speaking so sweetly to me sometimes)   That was a true blessing

 What an joyous day for Isaac, and our entire family along the Communion of Saints

 Dear little Isaac, we promise to offer you up to our Lord, praying for true holiness each and every day of your life

 We are so grateful that such faith-filled Godparents so graciously agreed to lead our little lamb home

They really do mean the world to Jeremy and I...what special people they are to us.

Lots of family were there to celebrate this most important of Sacraments....Isaac's first Sacrament of many to come.  We promise, as your mommy and daddy, to do our best to protect your soul, as we prepare you to face the world all on your own someday, answering your unique calling, to serve our Lord

We love you little baby boy

I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT HE'S ALL MINE

WE COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT WE GOT TO TAKE HIM HOME AND KEEP HIM!!!

(Nicholas picked out this t-shirt for Isaac)

Jeremy and I NEVER thought that we would be blessed again, with another baby.  A baby that recognizes his mommy and daddy's voice....and he is calmed when he hears it....a baby that falls asleep on our shoulder, that resembles us, as we gaze into his sweet little eyes....a baby that we know so well, as to know when he is hungry, hurting, joyful, or just fussy....we know these things about him because he is OURS....Our Dear Sweet Lord created him just for us and us just for him!!

(Can you spot all 4 kids in this pic....Isaac is in this pic, but tucked away inside of my belly)

We always wanted that big Catholic family of 6+ kids, but after 9 years of praying, we decided that it just wasn't our Lord's Will for us.  We were truly grateful for our 3 beautiful children and knew that our Lord wanted us to be content with a smaller Catholic family : )

THEN CAME ISAAC

He was only 19 inches long, but changed EVERYTHING in an enormous way!!

We are so thankful for him and cannot believe that he is all ours!! 
He has brought our family SO MANY smiles, giggles, and just pure joy!! He has slowed us down greatly, which is one of the biggest blessings of all.  We are home more, just playing, just visiting, just being together!!  He is blessing us as we must practice true patience and charity.

WHEN I AM A MOMMY, I AM TRULY THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF

(Little babies require so much self-giving, while seemingly giving nothing in return....we know better though....Isaac blesses us a million times over in return, by teaching us the true and pure virtue of patience and charity!!)

We would not trade this time for the world!!
Jeremy and I just love our kids so much!!

(This is a pic of ALL 4 kids on Easter Morning.....Can you see all 4 kids? )

(If you had trouble spotting the 4th kid.....here he is close up)

WE PRAISE OUR LORD IN EVERYTHING.....THE VICTORIES WHICH ARE A SHOWER OF HEAVENLY GIFTS, AS WELL AS THE TRAGEDIES, WHICH CALL US TO RUN AND SEEK SHELTER IN THE ARMS OF OUR STRONG FATHER

Thank you for our family

DEAR LORD JESUS, IT'S YOUR LITTLE GIRL....

"Once upon a time there was a plain and ordinary girl who was asked by the God that she so desperately loved to walk through a long and hot fire and He was with her EVERY step of the way"
(I felt called again to share this beautiful quote that has inspired and comforted me SO MUCH in my journey...Because my amazing Father in Heaven has NEVER left my side...not even once through any of this.  I am so blessed to be carried totally carried by my Daddy...which I love to refer to Him as, especially in prayer.  He is my Dad and I love being a Daddy's girl)


Praise be to our Lord Jesus.......I get to go home today!!!
Wow, how far Jesus has brought His little girl....I still weep as I really attempt to wrap my head around everything.  I feel extremely overwhelmed, but as I shutter to think of all of it, I remember that my Lord Jesus carries me always.  I need to keep focusing on that.  It's not my strength but my Daddy's

His Holy and Beautiful Cross will NEVER ask for more than I can give, for it's not my strength but His


 
"Thank you for my life, Father."  "Thank you for this special and perfect suffering that you have blessed me with at my creation."

 "Thank you for allowing this special cross (that could only fit my heart) to be ONLY OURS for so many years.....something that was just between You and I, Lord."  Thank you for allowing me to silently suffer for You up until now (I am so absolutely humbled to be blessed in this way)
I have been SO HONORED to carry this cross and will continue to carry it, in just the way that You Will me to, as long as You Will me to."
"Lord, Jesus, As You continue to amaze me with all of  Your wonderful surprises, I trust that You have brought this suffering out for all to see now, for YOUR glory in just the way that it pleases You.  I have always feared bringing it forth for the world to see, but, how little I am to think that this cross was ever mine to hide away for myself.  This cross is Yours, to do with, whatever You desire.  I am merely the receiver of such a blessing.

"The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away....blessed be the Name of the Lord" (Job 1:21)

Thank you for all of the miracles that have been brought to light during this time. Our family feels honored and humbled to be Your precious Hands in this matter.....hopefully we will always allow You to shine brilliantly though our souls.

With Love and with my entire heart,
Kerry

65 ROSES....A PEEK INTO MY LIFE WITH CF

TO ALL THE PEOPLE THAT I WORRIED SO MUCH!!

I AM SO SORRY.....I NEVER INTENDED ON HURTING SO MANY

I AM TRULY OVERWHELMED, AS I SIT HERE WITH MY LAPTOP AND (LITERALLY) WEEP AT EVERY THOUGHT OF YOU PRAYING FOR ME

I AM TOTALLY UNWORTHY OF ALL OF THIS LOVE AND WORRY.  BUT AS NOT TO BE  SELF-LOATHING (BECAUSE I WAS WONDERFULLY CREATED BY GOD...I WOULD NEVER WANT TO BE SO UNGRATEFUL FOR MY LIFE), I KNOW THAT MY JESUS IS SO MERCIFUL TO HIS LITTLE DAUGHTER, THAT HE ALLOWS SO MUCH LOVE TO FLOW MY WAY FROM ALL OF YOU

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE DEEPEST PART OF MY SOUL

HERE'S A LITTLE OF MY STORY AND WHY CF HAS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL FLOWER FROM MY SWEET JESUS:

I was brought up in such a faith-filled Catholic family with such strong and devout parents.  My diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis came when I was only a year old.  My mom and dad were so strong; to hear that they just needed to take me home and love me b/c I would not be with them for long.....growing up was never scary for me.  Even as our family prayed FERVENTLY for my health (I was always taught to give it to God from day 1), I never really understood my illness, as my parents took on all of that worry and left me to be a kid.....in fact, one day I received a box on my door step filled with long stem roses......65 to be exact!  Wow, who had sent these to me?  They were actually sent to me from the CF Foundation.  Why.....Well, CF is a childhood illness, and most of the patients cannot even pronounce it's complicated name.  Kids often times refer to their illness as "65 Roses" as that is what the term, "Cystic Fibrosis" sounds like.

My mom and dad took amazing care of my health....leaving nothing to chance, while making sure that my life was as normal as possible.  My folks chose to keep my illness as private as they could, so that I would not be treated any different from any other kid.  For that choice, I am truly thankful to them!!

Well, all of you know how the end of that story worked out (I did not die as a child, but instead grew up to be the happy wife of a truly godly man and the mommy of 4 amazing children)  BUT when I think of my mom and dad (me as a mom now) just worrying so much for their precious child's life, it gives me such profound perspective of what they went through for me.  They were so strong and faithful through it all.  With that said...ask anyone in my family, and they will agree that my diagnosis has been the SINGLE MOST BEAUTIFUL blessing that has ever been bestowed on any of us.

If you ask my sweet Jeremy, he will tell you the same thing.  I remember the evening that Jeremy and I sat in his car (in front of my dorm at TCU)  I knew that I needed to share my illness with him, not knowing how he would receive it.  We were in love and we talked of marriage.  He had to know this knowledge of me before committing to me for life.  For my cross would become OUR cross.  Jeremy actually remembers this moment so vividly.  He listened as I explained myself.  I agreed to totally understand if this was too much for him to take and that he should not feel guilty if he wanted to take a step back.  Today, each time I apologize to Jeremy for all of this pain and suffering I've caused him, he reminds me of that evening so many years ago......He says that in that moment, he fell in love with me all over again, seeing how vulnerable I was and he felt so absolutely certain without a doubt, that he loved me no matter what and wanted to be the one to take care of me forever.  

(I am an ordinary girl.....but I am in love with an extraordinary boy) In our 21 years together

(I can hardly believe that we have been together since we were 18 years old)

We have been through so much with my health.  Daily therapies, infections, hospital stays, home IVs, seeking out doctors, seeking out treatments, tears, prayer, lots of pills, lots of bills, etc....the list goes on and on.

We are stronger in faith today and more in love than ever.  Our family has benefitted so greatly from this cross. Our kids have worries that other kids do not, but Our Lord knows that this is so beneficial for their souls.  As a family, we take nothing for granted!!  Our little ones realize the true benefits of suffering.  How we can offer them up as special prayers for others.....how they strengthen us in character and ALWAYS  lead us closer to our Lord.

I feel closest to Him in my difficult times.  He has given me so many gifts through this, but this gift also comes with a great responsibility.  What do I need to do with it.....I pray that I will be a true example of grace when it comes to my sufferings (which is not always the case).  I pray that I will be a true example of gratefulness to my Jesus for all that He has blessed me with.  We praise Him in EVERYTHING!!

"The Lord Giveth, the Lord Taketh away.....Blessed be the name of the Lord"
I love you my dear Lord Jesus, You are my life's Delight.....You are my Everything...You are my Every Breath

UPDATE

APRIL 13, 2015

(These beautiful roses 65 of them....just like the ones that I received when I was little, were brought to me in the hospital by my dear friend, Celeste when I was sick)

I JUST found this picture of my beautiful bouquet of roses today (I had lost this image somewhere on my computer)
I am adding it to this old blog post just today......from last year..... Almost 1 year to the day that my dear sweet Madison had to bravely call 911 for me.  She was SO AFRAID....Oh, Jesus, you have brought me so far
Even though it has been a almost a year since I was admitted to St. Pauls and put on a ventilator, the tears stream down my face right now as I think of last spring.  I try not to think about it (which is impossible because I am so thankful each and every day).  I am still so grateful for every prayer that was offered.....Those prayers are what truly healed my horrible infection

Our Lord Jesus worked through SO MANY people to save me
Thank you to all of our friends and friends of friends and families of friends and people who knew people who knew our friends and just those kind souls who heard about my special intention....the prayers for me health spread out further than I could have ever imagined possible
I am not worthy, but so grateful to so many

Jesus, You are truly my every Breath....be with me

ISAAC JAMES IS BORN

 WELCOME TO OUR SWEET LITTLE ISAAC JAMES

MARCH 29, 2014
7:06am

6lbs 4oz

19 1/4"  

Isaac James

Such a big and healthy baby boy

Look at all of that hair....and it's blonde!! He was trying so hard to cry in this pic....his tiny little cry efforts were so quiet and sweet.  He is absolutely darling

(This is the only pic of the family with Isaac...feeling a little weird that it was taken as Isaac and I were having our skin to skin time...I apologize)

Our grateful and blessed family
Our lives are changed forever now.....we are now forever officially "Lustig Party of 6"

HERE ARE SOME MORE PICS, MIXED WITH A FEW SPECIAL MOMMY PICS THAT I JUST HAVE TO SHARE

Isaac and I meet for the second time face to geogious face...I could finally really hold and cuddle him 

Infant photos taken by my friend, Angela when Isaac was only 6 days old

Isaac and I hangin' out watching the Mavs Game....our Daddy was at the game, so we sent him this pic of Isaac saying "Hi Daddy"

"My Little Darling Button"

Another Pic taken by Angela

Laying around with mommy in bed.  I wasn't feeling so great that evening...and as I was kinda dragging around, Isaac was a little fussy that night too, but there is absolutely NOTHING sweeter than snugging your baby as his precious breath warms your neck, but as I hold him tightly close to my body, resting his head on my chest, he immediately calms and falls into a deep slumber against the safety of his mommy chest.  This of course is so healing to a tired and sick mommy.  Isaac hears my heart beat and it makes him feel secure and safe in my arms.  I will cherish these special moments forever!!

Thank you Jesus for little babies that mommies can just love and take care of

I AM OFFICIALLY IN LABOR!!

This is a "selfie" of me right before moving up to Labor and Delivery to finally meet my sweet baby Isaac

(Daddy is busy moving all of our stuff out of our hospital room)

Dear little Isaac,

  I cannot wait to meet you and see your sweet little face.  I have to admit that I am a little sad as I realize that you won't be in my belly anymore.  You were all mine and I loved every minute of it, Isaac. Your daddy and I prayed for you for so many years.....as did your big sisters and big brother.  I never thought that I would be blessed enough to feel a little life growing inside of me again.  It is like nothing of this earth.  My Jesus spoils me again and again!!  I am so happy that you are finally ready to meet us but I will miss you a lot.  God Bless you little one.....You are TRULY a miracle baby!  You are strong and precious.  Our Lord will be truly glorified through your birth.  He already has been!!  Your mommy loves you so much!!

See you soon

Love, Mommy

ON THIS MOST HOLY SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNOUNCIATION

Dear Baby Isaac,
Mommy is waiting for you.  You have been constantly swimming around in my tummy and now that you have grown so well, you don't have a lot of room to swim.  Our Dear Lord Jesus held you so close to His heart, keeping you safe from the shortcomings of mommy's weak body.

 (My Little Man)

In the past few months, I would just close my eyes and dream about you, imagining Jesus' strong Arms around you, and you snuggling and cooing right up next to His Chest.  I know that this is not possible, but I pray that you can remember the Sweet Smell of His skin and the warmth of the absolute Love that He is.

 (Can you see Isaac's face?  This is a close up of his nose and mouth and chin..He's facing the camera)

I must praise  Sweet Jesus for also showering me 3 1/2 great months of health and peace.  Better health than I started with!  You are amazing little boy.  Because you needed a safe and secure womb to grow in, and because our Lord loves you and I SO MUCH.....He granted me health beyond my expectations.  My lungs have been working better with your sweet soul in me, than they have in the past 5 years!!  Everyone was and is amazed at that.  The world still doesn't understand the workings of our Creator BUT when my Jesus was working in me, no one could help but stand and take notice.  He was Glorified through you, Isaac.  The world could not possibly argue the facts that were put in front of them.  Daddy and I, along with our so many faithful friends and faithful souls who prayed for us so fervently, could see Him working from the beginning.  In the end, He brought the world to it's knees as they saw His Glory.....He is "Am who Am"  "The Mountains will bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of His Name".  I pray that even just one seeking soul was brought closer to Him, as they stood in wonder and amazement. 

On this most Holy Solemnity of the Announciation, I think back to when I found out about you.  Please know that I am, and never would, liken myself to our most Holy Virgin Mary, and her most important Fiat as the true handmade.  I think of her only because, I knew that it was our Lord, but my human-ness created a fear for your little precious life.  I thought of her as I told Him (out loud as I am remembering but could be mistaken about that) "Of course I will carry this baby, but I am not sure how this will work out at this time."  "I have faith though, that this is Your Will and that through this, You will be glorified just the way You have already planned."  "As I sit here in wonder and fear thinking through what was just revealed to me.....just for me right now.....no one else even knows what You and I are sharing at this most pivitol moment". " I am humbled and honored to say YES...I will face this with great faith and trust in You".  "I am in awe of You.....Take care of me and especially this tiny precious soul"

Isaac, I think back to that moment like it was 5 minutes ago and now I cannot believe that you are coming in a few days!  I love you so much and as much as I cannot wait to see you sweet face and kiss your little feet, I don't totally want to let you go from inside of me.  This was such a special time for us.  We have been through a lot together.  You have been a part in saving my life, little Isaac.

ISAAC IS COMING IN MARCH

 

We've been so blessed that I have been so healthy (after a rough start)....just enjoying being pregnant and preparing for our little one to arrive.  Jeremy, the kids and I have enjoyed shopping and decorating and just talking about our little brother Isaac.  We cannot wait to see him and hold him and kiss him.  We are counting down the days.

In the past week or two I have been short of breath again (between baby Isaac, and trying to breath, my weight is dropping as well).  To add to all of this, I have a dislocated rib that has been really painful.....still thankful and feel like the luckiest girl in the world!!  These little grievences are totally expected in the last weeks of carrying a baby for all women, and I have been relishing in the normal hardships that all of us girls are so fortunate to experience.  How awesome to be able to grow another life inside of me!!

I went to my Dr today and she and my other Dr agree that they need to be monitoring me closely during these last few weeks of carrying Isaac.  I was admitted to the hospital today and will be here for the duration of my pregnancy.  Oh no.....I don't want to be away from home and from the family.  I do not want to be in the hospital.  I will offer this suffering up for our little one inside of me.  My OB has decided that she wants to deliver Isaac as soon as he is ready so that my body can regain strength and heal.  I have never been induced before....our other 3 have been early, but I see the reasoning behind her wise and loving decision.  My body is older and sicker these days.  I want to be able to be there for my children and healthy enough to take care of them....especially a new baby, who takes a lot of special care.  I agree that I need to let me body rest and recover asap.  She is inducing Isaac on Sunday March 30th.  I will officially be 38 weeks and Isaac is really doing well and will be ready by then.  So 12 days until Isaac arrives!! Oh my goodness....we are so excited!!  The kids are over the moon!!  We all are!! See you on the 30th....if not sooner : )

MAVERICKS GAME WITH FRIENDS......MAVERICKS WON!!

We went to the Mavericks Game with our great friends, Chris and Rhonda.  We ate at the yummy buffet and then watched the game.  Rhonda and I got a cute pic with the Mavs Mascot!!

(Me, Rhonda and "Champ")

Me and Jer after the game.....What a fun date night with our friends!

SNOWBOARDING IN BRECKENRIDGE FEBRUARY 2014

Jeremy took Nicholas and Savannah to Breckenridge for our annual snowboarding trip.  The kids love snowboarding and are REALLY good at it!  I could not go this year because of our Sweet baby Isaac in my belly. Madison stayed with me for the weekend.  We had a great time shopping, she had a double sleepover with her great friend, Claire and we braved a snowstorm!!  Very exciting!!  Here are some pics from the trip

 Nicholas and Savannah with Sloan in the middle (Sloan is their snowboarding instructor...2 years in a row with Sloan)

 Grammy, Oompa, with Nicholas and Savannah

 Everyone....with daddy too this time (he is mainly the photographer on the ski trip)

While Madison, Claire and I shopped at the mall, I found a dress to wear to Jeremy's Aunt Julie's 80th birthday party

(I had some dresses that I was choosing from, but Jeremy said that none of them showed our little baby bump enough....Jeremy is such a joyful daddy.  I just love him so much

These are the boots that I decided to wear to the mall.....They are so cute, but really Kerry?!?!
I had to sit down as the girls shopped!!  I'm 8 months pregnant.....am I crazy?!?!? They were so uncomfortable!!

Madison and I had a wonderful weekend together.  I just love our girl time!! BUT our family comes home  in 2 days and we miss them a lot!!

Thank you, Jesus for family trips, daddy's to take the kids on family trips when mommy cannot go along, mommy/daughter weekends......and coming home after all of the fun in over

I LOVE MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND

THANK YOU TO MY WONDERFUL JESUS FOR MY WONDERFUL JEREMY!  I COULDN'T IMAGINE GOING THROUGH LIFE WITHOUT HIM BY MY SIDE

Jeremy is out of town with Nicholas and Savannah on our yearly snowboarding trip to Breckenridge.  I could not go this year due to our new little baby in my belly.  Madison stayed home with my and we had a girls weekned.....I sent Jeremy this pic while he was gone so that he could know that I missed him and was thinking of him

I'M A HOPELESS ROMANTIC

I LOVE YOU JEREMY....WELL, I GUESS THAT YOU ALREADY KNEW THAT FROM THIS PIC

A TUESDAY AT HOME WITH SAVANNAH AND NICHOLAS

Madison is at her Mater Dei Co-op, and Savannah, Nicholas and I are homeschooling at the house.  I was just taking some pics of these 2 crazy kids, because they are truly best friends and they were just laughing at each other so hard, as I was putting some clothes away in my closet.  I just had to capture their special moment of joyful laughter.  I am so thankful that my kids are able to be so close to each other.  One of the many blessings of all being home together everyday.  One of the blessings that I will greatly miss as they get older.  I already see this happening as Madison is getting older

 Nicholas and Savannah are CONTINUALLY cracking each other up.  A mommy's heart truly flutters at the sound of her children's jubilant laughter.

 My sweet Savannah is looking so cute in her skirt today (well, it is actually MY skirt.  Savannah does not like to wear skirts and dresses, so she doesn't really own many skirts).....Her first fashion choice is ALWAYS her Tylers shorts....if it is too cold for shorts (in her mind...it is NEVER too cold for shorts) she will air to the jeans and her custom designed Converse tennis shoes (which she custom designed to glow in the dark....a classic Savannah)  Gotta love that sweet little thing.  She brings so much light to our day.

OH....I forgot to tell you that the only reason that she is in a skirt on a random Tuesday is because we went to Mass and jeans and shorts are not allowed by mommy.  I had to get a pic, because she looked so cute all dressed up.

Since we were taking pictures, I decided to take a selfie of me and little baby Isaac.  I have very few pics of myself pregnant with the other 3 and the kids always ask me about that.  I want to have this picture to show Isaac how he looked inside mommy's tummy and also to remind myself of how awesome it feels to carry my children inside of my tummy!!!  I was always happy to meet each of our precious little ones at the end of our long 9 month wait, but a part of me is always sad to let them go, because up until that point of delivery, they were each intimately all mine and I loved every minute of it....wow, that sure sounded selfish....but in my humanness, I just cannot help that bitter-sweet emotion.  I am just so grateful that I got that special time with each of them.

MADISON'S FIRST SCHOOL DANCE

Madison is in the 8th grade this year and she had her first school dance tonight.  She was so excited.  I was so excited as her mommy.  It was so fun to pick out her dress and get her hair done.  Teenage girl stuff is so much fun!!

  Madison got her hair done at the "Hair Bar" in Southlake (for the record, I have never had my hair professionally done for n event)  The things that we do for our children.  She loved it....and so did I!  I love being a girl!!

My Pretty Little Princess

Finished hair

Madi and her friend, Claire, Maggie, and Hannah before the dance

What a fun dance!!!  Jer and I showed up early to pick up the girls.....it was such a fun dance.  They are doing the "Chicken Dance" in this pic

Thank you Jesus, for this great homeschool Co op that we have found for Madison.  Thank you for the wonderful friends that she has found and the great Catholic families that we have found with the same desires for their children as Jeremy and I have for ours.  She is having a GREAT year!!