Another Christmas In Heaven

I wonder what Christmas is like in heaven? Is there lots of beautiful trees there, lots of lights, snow, and I could go on. A little glimpse would be nice to see what Lindsay is doing on Christmas Eve. I bet they are getting ready for the biggest Christmas birthday party ever. I am sure Me Ma is making up lots of her famous fruit cup as well as her chocolate chips cookies while Nan and Bebe are getting the turkey ready with all our favorite trimmings. I bet Pop-Pop has been making beautiful ornaments for the trees. Grandma Groen has probably gotten all her Christmas letters done which I can imagine is pages long with the growing Groen family. At least this is what I hope is happening in heaven today. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I have so many memories of Christmas mornings when I was a kid. I treasure each and every memory I have. I wish we could have more Christmas memories with Lindsay but I will cherish the ones that we did have with her. In the above picture is Lindsay's last Christmas reading the Christmas story and Twas the night before Christmas with Pop-Pop. I know it's not the greatest picture but it holds a lot of memories for me. My very good friend Rebecca wrote this today on her blog. Rebecca's little girl Annabelle is also in heaven with Lindsay. I love what she wrote;
I am reminded that although we may want things to be different this Christmas, they are the way they are supposed to be...because He planned it this way and because He knew, long before the first Christmas and before the beginning of time, that it was best. He loves us that much...
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Thanks Rebecca for sharing this because this is what I needed to hear.

We want to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas. We thank you all for continuing to follow this blog and pray for us. We love you all more than you know. May God richly bless you and your family this year.

Before I end I want to leave you with this poem that my new friend Jessica wrote for her son. Ethin is spending his first Christmas is heaven. When I read this the other day I felt like this was Lindsay talking to me. Jessica writes beautiful poems and I love reading them. Thanks Jessica for allowing me to share this with my blogger friends.

The angels are singing up here songs of joyous measure
Songs of a birth songs that many treasure
The tree here is enormous so full and green
It really is the most perfect tree my eyes have ever seen
God took me in his arms today and told me of Jesus’ birth
He shared with me the way you would celebrate on Earth
Mommy I am spending Christmas in Heaven this year
I want you to be happy please do not shed another tear
Jesus’ took all the children here to hills where there is snow
We went sledding and laughter filled the air I thought you’d like to know
The angels taught us all a chorus wow they are amazing
I am here in Heaven spending Christmas with our King
This is hard for you and I want to ease the pain inside your heart
I am here in Heaven spending Christmas, but we are not far apart
Sometimes I worry about you and God tells me you’ll be OK
He told me your going to send a kiss to me on Christmas Day
He tells me all the time how much you miss and love me
When your smiling and having fun I look in on you so I can see
I like it when I get to hear your laugh and see you having fun
As Christmas time approaches remember the gift of God’s son
This is not forever God told me you will be here one day
We will spend Christmas in Heaven together that’s what I heard him say
Until then my Christmas wish mommy I want to share
Hold my blanket and monkey and feel in your heart I am there
I want you to be happy and live your life down there
God’s plan for you is not done I know you think it’s not fair
So just remember that even when you do not seem to understand
Know that I am in Heaven for Christmas holding my Savior’s hand
Your Christmas wish was heard God shared that with me also
He said there was something you wanted me to know
He said that you love me ever passing day and that you miss me too
I am spending Christmas in Heaven and mommy I know this is hard for you
So Merry Christmas mommy I Love You Too please hold that when life is not fun
Love Always, Ethin Your Perfect Heart Angel, Warrior, Punk, and Son

Jessica Twigg
12-19-09


Merry Christmas!!!

Perfect Heart For Tanner

We are praising God today that Tanner's heart is perfect and nothing is wrong. His heart murmur is an innocent one and she doesn't need to see him again!!!! The doctor said that the echo pictures were beautiful and so was the EKG. We felt totally peace through out his appointment and we can't thank you enough for praying for him and for us. I had a hard time for a little bit but I was able to pull myself together and stay calm. Everyone that took care of Tanner today took care of Lindsay. And let me tell you they have not forgotten about her. Dr. Gauthier was bursting at the seams when she came into talk with us. The first thing she said was everything is awesome. We are so thankful that nothing is wrong. I have to admit that when we got the news I was a little sad that we didn't get the same news for Lindsay. I know that God's plan for her life is different than Tanner's but it still hit home for me. God still cares for us even though we now how to live the rest of our lives with out her. But I still sit and wonder what she would be doing, what she would look like, how she would be with Case and I could go on. Today at MOPS one of our Moppets workers came up to me and asked how many children I had. She had no idea about Lindsay but I of course was happy to tell her about her. A little while later she came back in the room to talk. She looked at me and said I am so ready to go home. And then she said when I do I will be sure and run to find Lindsay and scoop her up and put her on my knee and take good care of her. Well I about lost it after hearing that. This lady loves little kids and has the best time sitting and holding them or playing with them. I know I look forward to that day to but until then I will cherish all the memories we have with her. She will always be our little Lindsay Bear!

While we were there we were told that Baby Micah was going back to Boston. Please be praying for him and his family. You can follow his blog on the right hand side.

Again we thank you all for your love, support, and most of all prayers. As I sat last night and read all the message from family and friends my heart was soaring knowing that so many of you still follow us and still pray. I don't know what I would have been like today without you all being behind us. Thank you, Thank you. Most of all thank you Lord for being with us today as well as Tanner. Thank you for his perfect heart that you created. And thank you for giving us Lindsay and letting her be apart of our lives for the short time she was with us. Give her lots of extra hugs and kisses for us today. Amen!!!

We Need Your Prayers

Last month I took Tanner for his 5 year old check up. His check up went really well other than they heard a heart murmur. We have found out that this can be very common in boys his age but considering everything we went through with Lindsay we are getting it checked out. His appointment for the cardiologists appointment was is on Dec 2 at 12:45. The appointment was already
set up with and an echo and they will keep that for Tanner. He is going to the same doctor that Lindsay went to which we are very thankful for. We have not told Tanner yet as we don't want to scare him. Please pray for him and that when we do tell him that he won't freak out. Pray for peace of mind for Jon and I. Also pray for the rest of our family as they are worried and scared as well. This has all been hard to handle but we are putting our full trust in God that he is going to take care of us and Tanner. I will keep you updated and let you know how things go.
Thanks again for your prayers.

Update On Baby Micah

I got an update about and hour ago about Micah. Here is the update; His surgeon just came to talk with Jay and Susanne. Everything went well!!! They did both the hole in the heart, as well as the pulmonary artery. His heart rhythm isn't what it should be, so he is on a small pacemaker. They will wean him off of that as is appropriate, and take him off once he doesn't need it anymore. He may have to go back in 6 wks for some sort of treatment, not sure what that will be. Praise God for good news!!! Please continue to pray that his recovery will go well!

Thanks for praying for this family today. Please continue to pray for them in the next few hours as well as into tomorrow. If I hear anything more I will update. I know that they will appreciate all the prayers they can get.

Thanks again and we love you all!!

Pray For Baby Micah

Our friends from church Susanne and Jason Kelsall and their son Micah (3 months old) are in Boston today doing his pre-op testing. He will be having open heart surgery tomorrow morning. I don't know the time yet but I am asking that you join us in praying for Micah, his parents Jason, Susanne, as well as the doctors, nurses, and all the other people who will be attending to him tomorrow. Our nurse Moira from 8 south told me that she will look for them tomorrow and try and get on there team. How awesome would that be if she was his nurse. I will update tomorrow when I hear any kind of news on him. Jon and I are planning on going to see him sometime in the next few days. They need our prayers as well as the 3 other kids they have who will be at home.
This hits me in so many ways. I just went and looked back and read when we did all this a year ago. We know all the emotions they are going through even today and especially tomorrow. I never would have thought then that I would be sitting here today with out Lindsay. But God sure knew that she wouldn't be here. God has brought us through so much and he has never left our sides. If we didn't have him by our side I don't think I could have made it this far. But I am here because of God's love for me and for all of you who prayed us through this time in our lives. So as you go about your day today please remember this family in your prayers. As you tuck your little ones into bed tonight hold them a little closer for awhile. When I put Tanner to bed every night we always pray for our nurses, all the babies and kids on 8 south, and all the other heart babies we have been following. And I always end by asking God to give Lindsay lots of hugs and kisses and tell her how much we love and miss her.

Urgent Prayers Needed

I just checked Lindsay Dean's blog and she had to take a helicopter ride to the hospital. She has a high fever and possiable signs of rejection. Please pray for her and for her family. You can check on her blog which is under our heart family on the right.

Lord we ask that you be with Lindsay right now. Help her to pull through what ever her little body is going through. Be with her family as they are with her and fill them with the peace that only you can give them. We thank you for all that Lindsay has made it through and what a special little girl she is. In your name, Amen

Vacation 2009

We recently went on vacation to Gordonsville, VA and had lots of fun. We sure missed Lindsay and wished she was with us to enjoy all the fun we had. We took tons of pictures and made lots of memories. We would like to share them with you.

10-2-09

I am sorry that I haven't been writing as often as I would like to. Life is busy these days with a baby and an almost 5 year old. I will write again in a few days as I have a lot on my mind to share. We are wanting to start another round of Lindsay Baskets soon. So if you are interested in helping again please let me know. We found out than an Explore Girls Group in PA will be helping us this time. They will do this as there special project for the year. I have added another name to our heart family list. Please pray for Jessica who is struggling and could use our prayers. We also have a family from church whose little boy Micah will be having open heart surgery at Children's Hospital Boston on November 4, 2009. We are hoping to get to visit them while they are there. I will keep you updated on little Micah. So far he is doing well and gaining lots of weight which is hard for a heart baby to do.
We hope you are all enjoying this beautiful fall weather we are having. The colors here in New England are so beautiful. I wonder what they look like from heaven and if only we could get a glimpse.

Love to each and everyone of you,
Jon, Laura, Tanner, Case

Lindsay Basket Movie

Click this link to view the video!!

Movies

Prayers For Miss Shanyah's Family

It is with a very heavy heart that I ask you to pray for another heart family. Little Miss Shanyah who we have listed here in our heart family has flown to Jesus. She passed away on Sept 4, 2009. We were able to meet her mom Alicia and give little Shanyah a basket. My heart aches for all these families who have lost there little ones. I know that God has a plan for all these people and sometimes it is hard to see that plan now. I hope that Lindsay was there to welcome her into heaven and that Lindsay will now have a new friend to play with.

Thank you for continuing to pray for us as well as the many other heart babies. Keep praying for them as well as the doctors and nurses.

A Family In Need Of Prayer

My Dad sent me an email this monring of a family who comes to Keswick who is in need of our pryaers. Brett and Tracey Zimmerman's little boy Ezra who was born on June 17,2009 passed away on Sunday Sept 6. Please join us in praying for this family. As I sat and feed Case a few minutes ago I began to pray for this family. The pain of losing a child is so hard and we know all to well what they are going through. My Mom told me on the phone today that she was praying for this family and an image popped into her head. It was of Lindsay sitting on Jesus lap reaching out for baby Ezra then Lindsay held him in her arms and cuddled him. WOW!!! What an awesome image that was and how true it is. I could picture in my mind the same thing after she told me about it. I am sure that Lindsay will take such good care of Baby Ezra just like he was her brother.

Lord, We ask that you surround the Zimmerman family today with peace. Hold them in your ever loving arms and be with them. Thank you for your promise that one day soon we will be renited with Lindsay and with Ezra. Thanks for joining us in praying for the Zimmerman family!

Coming Soon

I am so sorry I haven't posted anything in a long time. I will try and write something in the next day or to. I just wanted to let you all know that we are doing good and enjoying our newest family member. Between feeding Case, changing his diapers and all the other motherly things through out the day I haven't been good about keeping up my thoughts. I will get this updated very soon I promise. We hope you all have had a great summer with your families. Thanks for continuing to check Lindsay's blog and for praying for our family.

The picture I posted is an oil painting that Judy Dickinson painted for us. We have it hanging in our bedroom.

Lindsay Dean Is Home!

I just wanted to let you all know that Lindsay Dean went home from the hospital today. I can only imagine how happy her family is today as they finally bring her home. Please pray for them as they adjust to this new time with her. God has brought little Miss Lindsay through so much. She is truly a miracle. Check out her blog for more updates and pictures of the little cutie.

Case Is A Month Old!!

Today Case is a month old already. It seems like he took so long wanting to come into the world and it's been a month since he has been here already. He is a growing boy and has been a very good baby. At his last check up he was 11 lbs 9 oz and was 23 inches long. He was been pretty much sleeping through the night now which has been nice. He has just started to really focus on our faces and will give us a few smiles to. Seeing him smile can brighten my day in a instant. Tanner has been great with him and will often during the day talk to him or just check on him. They are going to be best buds when Case gets older. Tanner will often talk about the things he is going to teach Case.

I was rocking Case the other day and really thinking and missing Lindsay. I often will talk to Case about his big sister and how much she loves him. I miss her so much lately and especially with Case being here now. She would be his little mother I am sure and she would take good care of him. I am sure she is watching his every move from heaven. Lately I sit and think back to a year ago and still wonder why God needed her more. If we could just have another day with her, another chance to hold her, see her smile, and watch her with Case. Then I remember that God knew this was going to happen and nothing can change that. I look forward to when Case gets older to telling him all about her and showing him all the pictures and videos we have of her. Even though he will never know her (which breaks my heart) I want him to know how special she was and is to all of us. I hope the same thing for all of Lindsay's cousin's as well.
Thanks for continuing to pray for all our heart baby friends. Lindsay Dean is doing great and getting better everyday. Keep praying for all of them.

Happy One Month Birthday Case! Daddy, Mommy, Tanner, and Lindsay are so happy to have you apart of our family. We love you very much and we look forward to watching you grow. Thank you Lord for this healthy baby boy you have given to us!

Please Pray

We would like you to please pray for Baby Elijah's family tonight. I just learned that he passed away at 2 a.m. this morning. We met Elijah and his mom Laurie when we went and delivered the baskets. His care page site is on the right hand side with our other heart baby friends. Please lift them up in prayer tonight.

Long And Over Due!

I am very sorry for taking so long to write a new post. Life here in the Groen house hold has changed a bit. As most of you know Case William Groen entered the world a week ago today. He weighed in at 10lbs 2oz and was 22in long. Jon and I were shocked at how big he was but happy to have a healthy baby. Tanner was so excited that he got a baby brother. We should have listened to him from the beginning because he told us the whole 9 months it was a boy. Next time we will be sure and listen. Tanner is a proud big brother and has been a big help. He likes to check on him when he cries and he likes pushing him around in his bouncy seat.

Last Sunday was also Lindsay's 3rd birthday. Our family and friends headed to Boston in the rain while Jon and I stayed back in the hospital with Case. When they got to Boston the rain stopped and they all had tons of fun. We are so thankful for each and every person that went even though Jon and I couldn't be there. Our hearts were with them and thanks to Brian Bitler who kept us updated with pictures on face book. Jon and I spent time together with Case and shedding a few tears and just reflecting on Lindsay's life. As I was sitting in my hospital bed I would close my eyes and I was picturing in my mind her coming into the hospital room to see her new baby brother. I know that she would have loved on him so much and been his little Mommy. When we came home my sister Julie, Emma, Ethan, my cousin Megan, Zach, and my Mom were all at our house. Emma gave Jon and I a glimpse of what Lindsay would have been like with Case. She was in love with him and couldn't get enough of him. Thanks Emma for giving Uncle Jon and I that small glimpse of Lindsay.

We can't thank you all enough for all your prayers during these past 9 months. Case is a true blessing from God to our family. Thanks for praying for every one's safety as they came to Boston. A huge thank you to Big Brother Tanner, Dad and Mom Welte, Zach, Dad and Mom Groen, Julie and Garrett, Emma, Ethan, Brian Bitler, Megan Goodrich, Jodi, Amber, Kaylynn, Morgan Decker, for walking in Lindsay's memory. We love you all very much and can't thank you enough for all the money you each raised and for helping us make Lindsay's birthday so special.

Here's The Scoop And Prayers Needed

Yesterday was my doctor's appointment which went well. Today I am going for an ultrasound at 10:15 to check the amniotic fluid around the baby. Then when that is done I will head over to the hospital for a stress test. If I don't go into labor on my own this weekend they will induce me on Monday morning. I have to be at the hospital at 7:00 a.m. The doctor said that I can go to the walk on Sunday which I am thankful for. Please keep us in your prayers today as we have these test done. Please know that the doctor isn't having these test done because there is something wrong. I am almost a week from my due date and this is all normal.

To top all of this stressful stuff going on, my parents left at 3:30 a.m. this morning to head NH. I just got an email that they are broken down on 84 in Waterbury, CT :). They are waiting for AAA to arrive to get them to a mechanic. I just talked with them and they are on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. Please pray that it will be any easy fix and that it won't cost them a lot of money.

I will update later today when we know more news on baby and my parents. I have been reminded this morning that God is in control. It seems like we are getting hit from every which way right now. But I know that He is going to bring us through what ever comes our way today. Pray for peace for our family, safety for the baby, every one's stress level.

Thanks for holding us up in prayer today!!

Prayers For A Few Things

I am sure you were all hoping this post would be an announcement about Baby Groen. We are still awaiting his or her arrival which I hope is soon. I keep thinking I am over a week late but I am only a day.

I am writing to ask you all to be praying for a few things this week. First of all would be Baby and that I will have a safe delivery and that the baby will be healthy. We are ready when the baby is ready. If I don't go by Wed I do have a doctor's appointment at 3:00. My doctor said we would talk then about what will happen next. I really don't want to wait until Wed. I keep reminding myself that God is in control and he already knows the day this baby will be born.

Second is for the walk that is this Sunday. Please pray that the weather will be beautiful and that everyone that is coming from NJ will get here safe. We are all really excited about the walk and being together to celebrate Lindsay's birthday. Thanks to all of you who have supported us and our fellow walk members. So far we have raised $3,080.00.

We will post something as soon as things start to happen with the baby. Thanks for praying us through the pregnancy this far! We love you all :)

Update On Lindsay Dean

Lindsay came through her surgery at about 6:41 a.m. She is doing well and is resting. They had a little problem with her blood pressure this afternoon but it looks like they have it under control now.

Thanks so much for praying for this special family. Keep praying for her as well as the family who lost a loved one. But what a great gift they have given to Lindsay.


In case you are wondering, Baby Groen has not arrived yet :(. Please be praying that it will be soon. I am ready anytime this baby is.

Please Be Praying For Lindsay Dean

I just checked Lindsay's blog a few minutes ago and she is finally getting her new heart. We are so excited for her and her family. She has been waiting for this heart for a long time and tonight is her night. I would encourage you to keep checking her blog and pray for the entire team that will be working on her as well as her parents and family. Please also pray for the donor family that has given this little girl a perfect heart as I am sure they are hurting. I will try and update when I hear something new. I know she has lots of angels up in heaven cheering for her. This family has become special to us in so many ways.

Lord, we ask you to be with all the people involved with Lindsay's surgery that you will guide their hands as they put this perfect heart in. We pray for Susie and JR as they wait for more good news. Comfort them and surround them with peace that only you can give them. We also ask that you be with Lindsay and that her little body will accept this new heart that she has been given. Be with the donor family now as they have lost a loved one. Comfort them and hold them close as they go through this difficult time. We give you all the praise and look forward to seeing what you have in store for Lindsay and her family. In Jesus name Amen.

A Time To Remember

On Thursday May 28, 2009 Jon, Tanner, Dad and Mom Groen and I made a trip to Children's Hospital for a Time To Remember service that they have every year. It's a service that the hospital does and families come who have lost a child over the years. The staff read poems, little stories, as well as sing and provide music. At the end they do a flower service. This is where all the families that are there walk to the front of the auditorium and say who they are there in memory of and place a rose in big vases. This part of the service is beautiful and as I sat there watching all the families come forward I got to thinking that everyone of us there has at some point in time lost a child. I am glad the hospital does this every year and I hope that we can keep going every year. After the service they have a big reception with lots of good food. We were able to see some doctor's and nurses that we haven't seen in a year. One of the nurses came up to us after and thanked us for the baskets. She said that the families that got them were thrilled and so thankful that we thought of there child and them. She also said that while she was on her shift she went through the basket and pulled some stuff out of it and used it right away. When the parents came in the next morning the baby wasn't wrapped in the hospital blanket but the blanket from the basket and the socks. Jon and I were thrilled hearing this. We then decided to head over to the hospital to see one of our other favorite nurses Joanna. We then went over to 8 east to see if nurse Lauren was there. She was there and it was so good to see her again. It was neat to hear her share that she thinks of Lindsay all the time when she is working. We stood with her for a long time talking about Lindsay and I found myself missing her so much more. I think because such a big part of her is still there and that she is still being remembered by people. My hope and prayer is that she will be remembered for years to come and that her life will continue to bless other people's lives.

We also want to thank everyone for all the prayers on May 16. We sure felt them all day long. We had a very nice day at home and being together as a family. We let balloons go at 1:00 and then had a BBQ and ate outside in the warm sunshine. We played games and we planted a few things in memory of Lindsay. My parents and Jon's parents joined us for the day which was nice. I still can't believe that it's only been a year. Some days it feels like this all happened yesterday and some days it feels like more than a year. But not a day goes by that she isn't thought of and missed like crazy. I am sorry that I haven't updated in a while but life here has been really busy. Jon has been busy working and trying to get our master bedroom done before the baby comes. He is almost done and hopefully we will be able to move in soon. We are getting really excited about Baby Groen's arrival especially me :). Please keep praying that he or she will come safely and healthy as well as a safe delivery. Also that this baby will come soon and in enough time that I get to be apart of the walk. Speaking of the walk we have 19 people on our team. We have raised over $3,000.00 so far which is awesome. Hopefully this week I will get the t shirts to a place that will add her picture to our walk shirts. We are all looking forward to June 14 as we get to celebrate Lindsay's birthday as well as give back to such an awesome hospital. Thanks to all of you who have supported our team so far.

Well that about wraps up what has been happening here in NH. We ask that you continue to pray for all the babies and kids on 8 south. I would especially ask you to pray for Shanyah who is on 8 south right now. Her parents have been told there is nothing more they can do for her little heart. They have some big decisions to make soon and they need our prayers. We were able to meet Shanyah's mom the day we delivered the baskets. Keep checking back for updates on Baby Groen's arrival.

If you haven't scrolled down to the bottom in a while we are over 70,000 people who have checked the blog since April of last year!!!

A Day To Remember

We are fast approaching Lindsay's one year in heaven. These past few days for me have been filled with crying and smiling as I look back over this past year. I seem to be missing her even more as this week goes on and just longing to hold her in my arms. Tomorrow will mark the day when we were preparing for her to have the Berlin heart put in and looking forward to moving along with her recovery. But little did we know then that God had even bigger plans for her and that He would totally heal her from all the pain and give her that brand new heart. As I look back I wish sometimes that I could have changed God's plan and all the what ifs that we go through. I know now that we did everything we could have done for Lindsay and that God just needed her more in heaven with him.

My parents will be heading here to NH tomorrow morning to spend the weekend with us. I know this weekend will be sad and I am sure lots of tears will be shed together. But we can all rejoice knowing that we will one day get to see her again and hold her. We can look back and remember all the happy times we had with her and enjoy being together. We have been thinking about what to do on this one year of her being in heaven and I think that we might get a tree or bush and plant in her memory. If you would like to do something on Saturday in memory of Lindsay please do so. Even if it's baking cookies or letting balloons go, planting flowers, what ever you feel led to do we would encourage you to something. If you decide to do something please take pictures and email them to us. We would love to see what you did in her memory. We again say Thank You to all of you who have been following her blog for a year now. I am shocked every time I see the numbers on the bottom of the blog go up. We will never know until we get to heaven how many lives she has changed and how many lives she has touched. Please don't be afraid to share your stories with us. We love talking about Lindsay and we would love to hear your story.

Please be praying for the rest of our family who won't be here with us this weekend. They need your prayers as much as we do. I also have added a few more names of heart babies for you to pray for and check there blogs. The new ones I added are at Children's Hospital Boston right now. I don't know if any of you had been following Baby Kayleigh story since I added her blog. She passed away this week so her family needs your prayers as well.

Lindsay Bear, Daddy, Mommy, and Tanner miss you so much and we love you more than you know.

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day last year will always be so special to me. To have to spend Mother's Day in the hospital with your child isn't really fun. But for me it was a special day because Lindsay decided to open her eyes and say Mommy. I can remember being filled with so much joy and now I hold that memory close to my heart. I have to admit that I really just wanted today to pass by and not even think about it. In fact as I write this Tanner and I are in a hotel in Boston that Jon surprised me with. I don't know what the day will be like until Jon gets off the plane from D.C where he has been since Wed. I know this day won't go by with out thinking of Lindsay.

Mom Welte ~ Happy Mother's Day to you!! You have been such a big support to us this past year and through out our lives. We Thank God for you everyday and for the way that you have taught us many lessons and helped us through the good and bad times. We are even more greateful that you spent 7 weeks with us in Boston living out of your suitcase to help us with Tanner and Lindsay. We love you very much Mom and may today you feel our love and especially Lindsay's love for you. You are the greatest Granny to all your little apples.

Mom Groen ~ Happy Mother's Day to you!!! Jon and I love you very much and can't Thank You enough for all the support you have given to us over this past year. We are greatful for all the times that you and Dad drove every night to come and visit Lindsay and to help with Tanner. We thank God for you and for the love that you have shown us each and every day. You are the greatest Grandma to all your grand kids and even to the 3 news ones who are just joining our family. May you be blessed today in a special way and know how much you are loved and how much Lindsay loved you.

I hope all of the Mom's in my life have a great Mother's day today. May God richly bless you all in a special way today!!

Keep checking back in the next few days about how the basket delivery went. We have lots to share and I know you are going to be blessed.

A Tanner Moment And Looking Back

Yesterday afternoon Tanner and I headed out to Kohl's to find him some summer clothes. As I turned the van on I noticed that the low fuel light was on. I was a little scared to even head out because I wasn't sure how far we would get if we ran out of gas. I called Jon to get some reassurance that we wouldn't run out and he told me not to worry just go. So I got back in the van and said to Tanner well we better start praying and ask Jesus to some how help us get there without running out of gas. Tanner's response to me was," Don't worry Mom Lindsay already has it taken care of." I sort of chuckled and said what do you mean buddy. He then went on to say that Lindsay had already gone to Jesus and asked Him to help us get there. To hear him say this brought joy to my heart. So we headed out and I wasn't worried at all and just put my trust in Him. While we were driving we then started talking about what was happening this time last year with Lindsay. Then we talked about it being hot and that Lindsay was probably playing in a pool in heaven and having fun. I then told him how much I missed her and he shared how much he missed her to. My heart was sad for him but loving how we were sharing what we thought she was doing. Do you know that we made it to the gas station without any problems!!! I told Tanner when we got there that we needed to thank Jesus and Lindsay for helping us get there.

As I mentioned above today is the day that Lindsay had her bypass surgery. I remember being so scared but trusting that whatever the outcome was God was going to be with us. My sister Julie, Ethan and Brian Bitler surprised us all my showing up to be with us during surgery. I was so glad to have them there and especially glad to have Julie with us. We all were able to gather in bed space 9 around Lindsay and pray for her, Dr. Mayer, and all those that would be with her during surgery. We knew all of the risks going into it but we also knew that God was in control. It seemed like it took forever for them to be done. I can remember all of us being packed in the waiting room waiting and hoping for some good news. When Dr. Mayer walked in I could tell by the look in his face that he had news but not great news. She had lost a lot of blood but was in critical condition. He was afraid that she wouldn't make it through the night. They prepared Jon and I before we went back as to how she was going to look and to us she looked really good. By morning she was doing better and when Dr. Mayer came in that day he was in amazement that she was doing so good. But you know what that was just another one of Lindsay's mini miracles. I had prayed the whole time we were there that God would somehow heal her to the amazement of the doctor's and you know what she did. Even though his healing for her was in heaven he brought her through some tough times and kept them on there toes. For all those mini miracles we are grateful for and we cherish each and every one of them. As I have been sitting here writing this blog I can't help remember how Dad Welte had shared with us a song by the Gaither Vocal Band called Through. I think that we played this song after we had prayed over Lindsay. The words to this song are very powerful. I am going to add it here so you can listen to this song. You might want to grab a box of tissues before listening.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmKSY12hclQ

If you could say a pray today for my sister Julie today as she is having a hard time remembering last year being the last time she got to see Lindsay, I would greatly appreciate it and I know she would to. I also know that Garrett needs some prayer to as he struggles that he didn't come with Julie to see her. Julie and I have become even closer as sisters through all of this. We have cried many times over the phone, laughed, encouraged each other, and lifted one another up in prayer. Her daughter Emma and I have developed a special bond lately that has helped me through some hard days. Emma and Lindsay are the same age and were best friends. I miss seeing them play together when we go and visit. But Emma has showed all of us that she hasn't forgotten Ce~Ce (this is what she calls Lindsay). Julie, Jon and I love you very much and we pray that God will fill you with peace that only he can give. Garrett, We love you very much and I pray that you will always remember the happy times you had with Lindsay. May God fill you with peace when ever your heart is heavy and may he wrap his arms around you and give you comfort.

Please Pray For The Freeman Family

I have just recently come across this family and there special little girl named Kayleigh. They are in need of our prayers as Kayleigh is not doing very well. When she was born she only weighed 1 pound 1 ounce. She is one of the smallest babies to have open heart surgery. They have just learned that she has some major brain damage and may not recover at all. Please pray along with us for this family as they make those hard decisions that none of us ever want to make. God is the only one who can heal her here on earth or heal her in heaven. I will add her link to the right but also here in this post.

Walk- A- Thon For Children's Hospital Boston

Jon, Tanner, and I on June 14, 2009 will be participating in a walk-a-thon in memory of Lindsay and to help raise money for the hospital. Team Lindsay Bear has been started and so far we have 15 people on our team. We are so excited about this special day because it is also Lindsay's birthday. We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate her birthday by walking in her memory and giving back to the hospital. We are in need of some sponsors to help us raise money for the hospital. Each team member has to raise at least $150. We can raise more than that but this is what they would like you to raise. Praise the Lord as of yesterday morning I have met that goal. Jon has raised some money as well but isn't at the 150 mark yet as well as other members on our team. If you would like to sponsor us we would greatly appreciate anything you can give. I will add a link at the end of this post. The hospital has made it very easy for you to give right online. If you don't want to give online you can send a check to whoever you are sponsoring and make it out to Children's Hospital Boston and mail it to the team member you are giving to.

We are so excited about this event and I am looking forward to seeing what God is going to do. We would also ask that you pray for this event and for each and every member of our team. We are also praying that Baby Groen will arrive before the walk. We are so thankful for each of them and their willingness to join us and help support the hospital. If anyone is interested in joining us in Boston and walking with us please let me know. You can either leave me a message here on the blog or email me at jonnlaura@hotmail.com. We would love to have more team members to join us.

Here is the link; http://howtohelp.childrenshospital.org/walk/pfp/?TeamID=GL0040
You will have to copy and paste the link for it to work. This should take you to our team page. If you scroll down you will see team members names as well as what each person has raised so far. Then all you do is click on the person you want to sponsor. If you have any questions please email me.

11 Months

Here we are once again at 11 months with out Lindsay. One month closer to the anniversary of her living with Jesus. As I look back on the things that we were going through a year ago to where we are now I am amazed at the peace and comfort that we have. God has been with us every step of the way and holding us in His arms. Yesterday was as you know the 15Th which is a day that will be forever in my mind. As you may remember that was the day that Lindsay went into cardiac arrest in my arms. I actually made it through the day only thinking about happy times with her and not going back and reliving every second of that day. I was able to share openly with Joy and Jodi at MOPS yesterday. When I was on my way home I got to thinking that we can sit and think back at all those hard times and dwell on them but nothing is going to change what the out come was. So why not just remember all the fun times, her smiles, laugh, hugs, and be thankful for all those times that God has given to us. We were at Joshua Harris church on Sunday and I went back and was reading my notes from his message. These are some points that I wrote down from his message that seem to be fitting for what we are going through: 1. God uses death and sufferings for His glory's. 2. In the face of death Jesus offers himself as the ultimate hope. One of the verses that I wrote down to look up later was John 11:25-26 which says; I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will LIVE, even though he dies;and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? I know for sure that I believe this. I know for me Easter was a hard day but also a day to rejoice. While I was in church singing I kept getting goose bumps thinking that Lindsay got to have the greatest Easter ever. One day we will get to see her again because Jesus died on the cross for you and for me. If you are reading this and don't know Jesus and all that he has done for you and for me, I encourage you to email me or talk with someone. Please don't let another day go by with out giving your life over to him.

We also want to let all of you know that we were not able to deliver the baskets on the 14Th. We had to reschedule for May 6. We are looking forward to getting them there and blessing another family. We will be sure and take lots of pictures and update when we get back. Please continue to pray for all the heart babies and there families.

Baby Groen is also doing well. He or she is very active and moves around all the time. This is one of my favorite parts of being pregnant. I am going back to the doctor every two weeks now. We are hoping and praying that baby will come before June 14 so we can attend the walk in Boston. Please pray for a safe and healthy delivery. If you could also be praying for Jon who has been sick these past few days. He seems to be getting better but slowly. I know that he would greatly appreciate your prayers.

We again can't Thank You all enough for all your love, prayers, and support you have shown to our entire family. We love you all!!!

Happy Resurrection Day!

Happy Resurrection Day!

Good morning to all of our friends and family. I checked the blog several times this morning to see if Laura had written. I did not want to write if she had already done so.

We want to thank all of our family and thousands of friends who have stood by Laura, Jon and Tanner since last April. The support, encouragement, love and prayers has been so overwhelming and humbling. As of this morning, Lindsay's blog was over 66,500.

The month of April and May are going to be very difficult for the kids as they relive through the challenges of last year with Lindsay's surgeries and homegoing. I know that they will appreciate your prayers and notes of encouragement.

I want to express my thanks for the folks at Dover Baptist Church and the MOPS group who have so faithfully stood by the kids. You have been a tremendous blessing to our family.

Today Lindsay is celebrating Easter with Jesus. We miss her so much, but she is with her Savior and enjoying the greatest Easter ever. I could not help but think of the words to this song this morning:

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;

He came to love, heal and forgive;

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Chorus

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,

And feel the pride and joy he gives;

But greater still the calm assurance:

This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Chorus

Because He lives,

I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,

I'll fight life's final war with pain;

And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,

I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!
Chorus

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,Just because He lives!

Praise the Lord -- He is risen!

With much love,

Bill and Jan Welte and Warren and Phyllis Groen

Looking Back

Well today is another anniversary date for us to remember. This time last year Jon and I were in the emergency room waiting to find out if our baby was o.k. Little did we know that God had already taken this little one home to heaven with him. I was 10 weeks and the baby was only 7 weeks. I can remember sitting there speechless when the doctor told us the news. I was kind of processing it in my mind before he came in and knowing that now my focus was to be on Lindsay and what she was about to go through. Our hearts were sad but I couldn't wait to go and pick up the kids and just hug them especially Lindsay. After we picked them up we headed to our hotel in Boston to settle in for the night. Dad, Mom, Zach came to our room that night to spend some time with us. I was so tired by then that my Mom had to give Lindsay her bath with that surgical soap we were given. Poor Lindsay cried the whole time because it was rough. Granny did a great job of getting it done fast and then Lindsay was happy again. After they left we settled in for the night and dreading what was to come in the morning. Jon and I had to get up with Lindsay several times to change diapers that were runny. When I think back to this time my heart just aches. But we can't change what God had already planned. We can look back at those special times we had with her and rejoice that God gave us those moments.
I wasn't going to write today but this afternoon I felt I needed to. I think I will post again tomorrow if I can.
Just think that Lindsay got to meet her 2 siblings in heaven before we did. I know that she is taking care of them like a big sister would.

One Year Ago Today

A year ago today Jon, Tanner, Lindsay, Mom Groen, and I were all in Boston going through Lindsay's pre-op surgery tests. I can remember that day so clear and how long of a day it was. This was also a day where Tanner met and played with another little boy named Neil. Those boys played great together and it seem to pass the time faster for Tanner. When I look back today I know that we wouldn't have thought that we wouldn't have her here with us now. But God knew even on that day while doing all those tests and running here and there that she would live with Him. I can remember coming home and dreading what Monday morning was going to bring. Then on Saturday I was sick all day and spent most of the day in bed. Then to get up Sunday morning before heading to Boston and realizing that we could be losing the baby that was growing inside. So much happened in those two days but through everything God was with us. I read something in my devotions this morning that really made me think and rejoice. This is what I read " Knowing that heaven is our real home makes it easier to pass through the tough times here on earth. Also knowing that when we get there Lindsay will be waiting for us with open arms. That makes me happy to think about because I miss her so much. I had a dream last night that she was here and that all I was doing was taking care of her. It was time to put her to bed and she was settling in like a big girl and asked me to make sure her music was on. In the dream she seemed to be bigger but all I know is that I was so happy to be with her and taking care of her again. I woke up for a minute ready to jump up and run to get her out of bed. But then I realized that it was a dream but I was happy to see her again. Maybe God let me have this dream to comfort me during these hard times.
I have thought about going back on the blog and reading what took place last year but I don't think I can right now. Julie told me this morning she did and that she had a hard time. But I encourage anyone who would like to go back and read to go ahead.

I wanted to also let you know that Jon, Tanner and I will hopefully be going to be delivering the baskets on April 14. We have everything set up with the social worker on 8 south and we are really looking forward to going. We have emailed a few of the doctors and nurses that took care of Lindsay to let them know that we are coming. We have already heard back from a few of them and they will be there on that day. I also wanted to share another thing I read in my devotions today that sort of goes along with delivering the baskets. The title of it was Joy is an action word. The scripture was John 16:24 which says "Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
It went on to say this; If we want to experience true joy, the spirit of joy that God meant for us to have, we have to do something. We have to be willing to step outside ourselves and reach out to others. It's true we can't do everything, but we can pick one cause, one charity, one family, one friend, one something that will become the object of our help and our kindness. What one thing are you willing to do? Ask God to guide you to where He most wants you to share your joy. At the end it says this; Helping others does make me feel good, Lord. Deepen my desire to reach out in a new direction to offer Your joy to others. WOW!!! Isn't that amazing to read and knowing that in a few weeks we will be helping others. Thanks Lord for giving this to me today.
May each of you who read this at some point share something with someone else and share the joy that you have in Jesus!!!

Prayers For Annabelle's Family

We would like you to be praying today for Annabelle's family today. A year ago today there little girl went to live with Jesus. Although we did not know them this time last year we have become close this past few months. Rebecca and I have never met face to face only through emails and writing on the blogs. Rebecca has become a big part of our lives as now we share something together. Our little girls are now dancing in heaven together and playing with Jesus. They are in no pain, have no tubes, and they have healthy and whole hearts. We couldn't ask for anything better for them.

I would encourage you to read Annabelle's blog and if you feel led to leave them a comment. Please pray for them today as they go through there day together. This day is coming for us and I know that we will be able to get through it by feeling God's comfort and grace. They do have a son named Wyatt and Rebecca is expecting again with another little boy. They also know that this new baby has all 4 chambers of his heart. This is a great answer to pray for them.

We are going to remember Annabelle today here in our house. My bible study ladies are coming to our house today and we are going to do something special for this little girl. Tanner and I made cookies last night with an A on them for Annabelle. We did make a few with an L for Lindsay. There are 9 kids that also come with there Mom's to bible study. We got 9 balloons so that each kid could let one go today in memory of Annabelle. Tanner also picked out a special one to let go for Lindsay. I will be sure and post pictures later.

Rebecca, We love you and we are praying for you and your family today. May you feel Gods loving arms wrapped around you today.

Lindsay Basket's

 

 

 

 

Here are some pictures of our MOPS Mom's putting together the Lindsay Basket's. My heart was filled with joy watching each Mom writing notes of encouragement to the families and arranging there baskets. I pray that each family that gets a basket will be blessed in some way. We don't have a date for them to be delivered yet but I will let you know soon.

A huge Thank You to all of you who donated things and sent money for the basket's. We couldn't have done them without your help. My pray is that we will be able to do more basket's again soon.I have more pictures to add so keep checking back.

10 Months

Wow we are only 2 months away from Lindsay being gone a year. This just hit me this past weekend while we were in Boston. Groen Buliders had their business meeting in Boston this weekend, so on Friday afternoon we packed up and headed to Boston on Am track. We were able to take Tanner with us this weekend. He was very excited about riding the train and taking the T around Boston. Lately when talking about going away this past weekend he was thinking that we were going to the hospital. So we wanted to show him that we can go to Boston and have fun and not go to the hospital. He had a great time and was able to swim and walk around Boston.
We decided to stay an extra night in Boston before heading home on Sunday. We ended up staying in the Hyatt right by the airport. You may not think that staying there is such a big deal. But until we got up to our room did it really hit Jon and I. This is the same hotel that we stayed in the night before Lindsay's surgery. The room was set up the exact same way and the memories just hit me hard. I could picture everything that happened that night. I really wasn't sure that I could even sleep in the room because it made me so sad. I just prayed and asked God to help me to get past it and only think of happy times with Lindsay.

We are not only coming up on a year of her passing away but next month on the 7Th will be a year since her first surgery. Thinking where we were last year to where we are now is not at all what we expected. No one could have prepared us for what was to come after surgery. But through this whole time God was with us and he never has left us. He has taught us to hold on to each other and most of all to hold on to Him. We have learned that you need to take one day at a time and to enjoy each day to the fullest. I miss her everyday and think about her all the time. But one day we will be able to see those blue eyes again and see her smile that melted your heart. Until then we will hold on to her memories and the happy life that she had with us. We would like you to keep us in pray during the next 3 months. April will be her surgery dates, May will be a year of her going home to Jesus, and then in June we await the arrival of Baby Groen. I have yet to clean out her crib and get ready for the baby. I know that in time this will need to be done but I don't feel that I am ready yet. Also to keep praying for Tanner. Lately discussions have come up about going to heaven and dying. I think as he is getting older he is started to think and process Lindsay being gone more. He had to grow up fast last year and go through a hard time that most 3 and 4 year old's don't ever go through. He is really excited about the baby coming and talks and asks questions a lot. I know that he will be so happy to have someone else around to play with.

In other news; This Wednesday we will be finally putting together the Lindsay Baskets. I have decided to have our MOPS group from church help me put them together. I am very excited to get them done and soon delivered. My friend Jodi and I got together last week and put a few samples together and let me tell you they are cute. I was going to add pictures today but I will wait until after they are all done. So check back later in the week for basket pictures. I also have gotten in contact with the social worker on 8 south and we have the go ahead to bring them to the hospital. She thought this was an awesome idea and thinks that the families will love them. We don't have a date picked yet to deliver them but I am hoping maybe next month.
Jon and I also have been thinking about Lindsay's birthday coming up in June and what to do. We found out that on her birthday Children's Hospital Boston will be having a walk to raise money for the hospital. We thought this would be an awesome thing to do and a great way to celebrate her birthday. We are hoping to have a team of people join us in Boston on June 14 to walk and celebrate. I will post more info on this in the next few weeks because we will need help raising money for this event.

I just came up with a few more things to be praying about so I will list them for you;
1. All our heart baby friends
2. That the families who will receive our baskets will be blessed and that they may find Jesus.
3. That we will be able to continue to make baskets after this first round is done.
4. Baby Groen would arrive before June 14 so I can be apart of the walk :).
5. Baby Groen to continue to grow healthy inside and for a safe and healthy delivery.

We again can't thank all of you who still continue to follow our blog. The Lord has truly blessed us these past 10 months and we Thank Him everyday for allowing us to be Lindsay's parents. Lindsay Bear, We miss you so very much and we love you even more!!!

Please Pray For The Gledhill Family

We have been following and praying for Gracie Gledhill the past few weeks. This little girl got a new heart but once they put it in it wasn't working. She was placed on ECMO and as of this morning they were going to unhook her machine's. Her story hit home to us because even though Lindsay never got her new heart here on earth this little girl went through all the same things as Lindsay. Our hearts are aching for this family as they go through this difficult time. I will add her blog page here as well as on the side with our other heat baby friends. Please be praying for this family today as they let there little girl go home to Jesus.

As we have been following this blog we are in some way grateful that we didn't have to go through as much as they did. We could have been in the same boat with Lindsay getting a new heart. There is so much involved with a transplant, the rejections, the heart not working, and all the other things involved. God spared her and us from all of that and now she is happy and has a brand new heart. We couldn't ask for anything better for her. But we know the pain that this family is going through right now.

Lord, We ask that you bring peace and comfort to the Gledhill family today. Surround them with your love. Be with there other 3 kids as they walk through this time with there parents. I hope that Lindsay will welcome Gracie into heaven today and that she will take care of her and play with her. Amen

http://thegledhillfamily.blogspot.com/ You will have to copy and paste it.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is Jon's 30Th birthday and I want to wish him a very Happy Birthday! As I was pondering what to write for him I was going through some pictures of his birthday last year. The kids and I decorated with balloons and banners and made him a special dinner. The kids had so much fun playing with the balloons and waiting for Daddy to come home. Going back and watching those videos makes my heart so sad. Sad because this year we won't have Lindsay with us to help celebrate her Daddy's birthday. But I am sure she will be watching and celebrating in heaven. I am so thankful we have so many memories and special times that we as a family can go back and look at. Jon is the greatest Daddy in the world to our kids. I love to watch him play with them and even now to watch Tanner being his helper. I love listening to Tanner and Jon working in the basement together and to hear what they talk about.

Jon, I hope that your birthday today is extra special. I am so glad that God has given you to me and that for 10 years we have stuck together through some hard times. I couldn't have asked for a better Daddy for my kids. Your tender heart, big hugs, making the kids laugh, and the care that you give them is amazing. Lindsay Bear was so special to you and I know how much your arms ache for her. But I am so thankful that one day we will get to see her again. I hope that in some small way you will be able to feel her presence today and know how much she loves you. I love you so much and I thank you for being the best husband in the world!

Daddy, I love you very much and I miss you like crazy. I hope you have a fun birthday. Thanks for being the best Daddy to me and Tanner. Love, Lindsay Bear

Daddy, I hope you have a good birthday. I love you, Tanner


Here is a little video of the kids wishing Jon a Happy Birthday! (2-14-08)

Happy Anniversary to Dad and Mom Groen today!!

CHD Awareness Week

This week is CHD week. CHD stands for Congenital Heart Defects. We have come to know many babies who have been born with so many different types of heart defects. I encourage you to watch this little video and read the statics that they give. I didn't know half of them and was very surprised when I read them. Our two heart baby friends Annabelle and Lindsay Dean's pictures are in this video. We all need to be aware of these defects and pray for all these babies and kids who have it.

One of my elementary school friends Sibahan lost her baby to CHD. We have since become close and I know that she is trying to raise more of an awareness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHi7VioHGDo.

Please be in prayer for our dear friend Rebecca. Her daughter is Annabelle. Well Rebecca is expecting a baby and we are very excited for her. Please pray that God will protect this baby and that he or she will have a healthy heart.

One last thing is we want to wish my sister in law Jenny a very Happy Birthday today. We love you lots Jenny and we thank you for all your prayers and support you have given to us. Thanks so much for all the hard work you did on putting the special books together from the blog.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Groen

Today is Dad Groen' s birthday and we want to wish him a very Happy Birthday! Dad has a special name that he gave to Lindsay after she was born. He would call her the Little Pinkster. The reason for this special name is because her skin when she was little was so pink.

We love you Dad/ Grandpa and we hope your day is extra special. Thanks for all you have done for all of us. Thanks for supporting us and for all the trips you and Mom made to Boston while Lindsay was there.

Dear Grandpa,

I miss you so much but I am having a good time in Heaven with Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Groen and all our other family members. Thanks for being such a great grandpa to me and Tanner.

I love you,

Pinkster

Baby Groen's Test

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will SHOUT for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Psalm 20:4-5

This verse jumped out at me on Wednesday night while I was doing my devotions. I knew going into the test on Thursday that no matter what we found out the God was going to be victorious and he was. Everything with the test went very well. They got all the pictures they needed even though Baby Groen was a wiggle worm. After the ultrasound the doctor looked over the pictures. The hardest part of the whole test was the waiting part. He finally came back in and said that everything looked great. They didn't see anything wrong and everything was working the way it should. He told us that unfortunately this test doesn't pick up any minor problems. That if there was any of them we wouldn't know until after the baby was born and checked out. He also said that what Lindsay had was a very rare thing. He said that this baby most likely wouldn't have the same problem. We walked away feeling relieved that everything is working and no problems. Thank you all for your prayers yesterday. We really felt them all and we were very relaxed and had ton's of peace.

As I was sitting here writing this post I was thinking of Lindsay and wishing she was here so that she would be able to hold her sister or brother. This picture came into mind and I knew I had to use it. This is my nephew Ethan Houston. (sorry Jul) Lindsay loved little babies and she was aways so cute with them. She was always curious about them and she was especially with Ethan. I wish we had more pictures of her and him but we don't. We will cherish this one with all our hearts. I can picture Lindsay in heaven holding so many babies and being a little Mommy to all of them. I know she is really taking care of our 2 babies who are in heaven with her.

8 Months

Well as you can see that Dad beat me to it yesterday. I was going to write but thought I would wait until today. We hope where ever you are reading this from you are warm and cozy in your homes.

Yesterday has already come and gone but we can still sit and remember Lindsay. We had a nice day together as Jon was home all day with us. The sun was shining and the sky was beautiful just like Lindsay. We all seem to be doing well and we find ourselves back into a normal life. Although I would rather have Lindsay in our normal every day life, we are learning to keep her memory in our daily routines and in our normal lives. On Thursday night I had to go to a steering meeting at our church for our MOPS group. On my way there I found my self going back through those days at the hospital and remembering all we went through. As well as thinking and missing Lindsay a lot. After our meeting one of my friends was asking me some questions about Lindsay. I was so delighted and happy to talk about my little girl that I jumped right in. I then found myself with 2 of my other dear friends standing and talking about Lindsay being in the hospital. They shared with me a lot about what they had all gone through while Lindsay was in the hospital. They shared with me how much Lindsay had changed not only there lives but the lives of their family. As I stood there and listened to them share my heart was overjoyed. Lindsay brought one of my friends and her husband to there knees every night to pray and now they do it all the time. To hear how even there kids were involved by praying for Lindsay and how much there prayer lives have changed was such an encouragement to me. We often sit and wonder why God took her from us, or why it had to be her, or what did we do to not have her here. But then to hear stories like this kind of gives me a glimpse as to why God needed her in heaven. I am sure there are so many other stories out there about how Lindsay has changed people. If you are reading this and this journey has somehow changed you or your family or even led you to Christ, please share this with us. Over these past 8 months Jon and I are so proud to be Lindsay's parents and that God choose us. I drove home that night not feeling sad but feeling blessed that through my little girl's time in the hospital has brought people closer to Jesus and rejoicing that one day I will see her again and hold her in my arms. Psalm 16:9-11 says this; Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

We would like to ask you to remember us in pray on Jan 22 at 10:15. We will be going to have a fetal echo cardiogram done on the baby. I am glad that we will be having this done but also nervous and scared. But I know that God is going to be with us and that he already has this baby formed in his image and no matter what the results we can handle them.

We are still amazed how many people still check this blog. Who would have thought that when Dad started this that we would be over 60,000. With out people praying for us and without God by our side who knows where we would be. We love all of you very much and thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.

Lindsay~ Daddy, Mommy, Tanner miss you so much. Thanks for bringing us such joy while you were with us. We miss your smiles, giggles, laugh, and we miss seeing you everyday. We love you a bushel and a peck, a hug around the neck, a barrel and a heap, and we are talking in our sleep about you!!

Thanks Carrie, Jodi, and Michelle for sharing your hearts with me.

Happy Spiritual Birthday, Laura

First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you for the way you continue to support Laura, Jon and Tanner. Your prayers and notes of encouragement mean so much to them as well as to Warren, Phyllis, Jan and me. As of this morning, the blog went over 61,000. None of us ever dreamed that when the kids started this journey that there would be such overwhelming support that has come from around the globe.

Today is a very significant day. Today is Laura's spiritual birthday. On January 16, 1983, Laura Ruth Welte invited the Lord Jesus Christ to be her personal Lord and Savior. I won't embarrass her by telling you WHERE she was when this significant event took place, but as her Dad and Mom, we will never forget that day.

The prayer of every parent is that there kids will grow up to love the Lord and serve Him with all of their hearts. This past six months have given evidence to the fact that Laura has a deep, abiding trust and faith in her heavenly Father. The growth that we have seen in her as she has faced one of life's deepest trials, has blessed our socks off.

I couldn't help but write today as Laura's spiritual birthday coincides with Lindsay's 8th month with Jesus. Because Laura invited Jesus into her heart on on January 16, 1983, she has the wonderful assurance that someday, she will be with Jesus and Lindsay forever!

Laura, we love you and are so proud of you. Happy spiritual birthday!

PS -- Drop her a line today and wish her a happy birthday. And if you don't know what a spiritual birthday is, Laura would love to share that with you.

Here Are A Few Pictures Of Baby Groen

A side 3D picture where you can see an arm and a leg.

A 3D picture of the baby. I think he or she looks like Lindsay!


Side view with one arm strecthed out and one up in the air.




Our ultrasound went really well. The baby was moving a lot which was so neat to see. Evey thing is measuring what it should be which is also good news. The babies heart rate was 140, the baby weighs 9 ounces, and she counted all 4 chambers of the heart. Jon and Tanner were with me which was really neat. Tanner thought it was pretty neat to see the baby moving all around. In fact when she first started the baby put his or her hand in the air and waved. This brought a smile to Jon and my faces because Tanner did the same thing on the day of his ultrasound. What a joy it was to see another little life growing inside. God is truly amazing at what he does. We have one more ultrasound to go to on January 20Th. This one will be the one where they just look at the heart. So please be praying for that one with us. We know that no matter what God is in control and that he has already formed this baby the way he wanted.

We love you all!!