Monday, December 31, 2012

"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)

As the year ends to a close, I wanted to update everyone on our Christmas, and some of our biggest blessings.  First and foremost, I want to say that we could not have made it thru this year without our relationship with God!  I don't mean to offend anyone with my postings, but I also want to be very clear and honest.  Our relationship with God is the biggest and best part of our lives.  There have been so many times this year where we were completely overwhelmed, stressed, scared, anxious, etc...but He was faithful to lift us up, surround us with the love of friends and family, and speak to us thru His word, and our church family.  So, as we celebrated Christmas, and now the end of the year, we also celebrated the birth of Jesus...and the beginning of a new season. 

Our babies are doing great.  Gracie is communicating better every day.  She clearly says, "no, more, hi, LaLa, Papa, Nana, and uh-oh."  She has lots of words that she just makes the sound of, so I know what she's saying/asking for...but they wouldn't be clear to many people.  LOL!  She is walking great, (although she falls a lot because she is growing and so is the difference in her legs), and is even trying to run away from us!  I can not put into words the feisty spirit this girl has.  She is so full of personality it surprises me every day.  Landry is getting ready to start at a new school and we are so excited to see that changes it will bring.  He is growing and getting smarter every minute, and just to brag...is an AMAZING big brother.  He is having his own struggles with everything coming up for Gracie, but we are navigating thru it, and making sure he knows how much we love him!

Gracie's surgery is only 71 days away.  Yes, I know, I'm counting down the days.  It started today.  I started getting forms and applications together for financial assistance thru different grants we are applying for, and just was shocked at how close it actually is to being surgery time.  It makes me want to cry, and it breaks my heart.  I absolutely hate the idea of having to put her and our family thru this, but Robert and I know, deep inside, that this is the best route for her.  I just wish we didn't have to travel down this road.  I keep praying for complete healing, (and am encouraged to keep praying that, no matter which way God chooses to heal her).  I really feel like God is going to use this for good.  I wish there wasn't anything to use, but I do feel He will bring good from it.  In fact, He already has.  We have been humbled, blessed and loved more then we could have imagined.  We have met strangers who have been beyond generous in their giving and praying, and we have developed some amazing friendships that we treasure.  There are moments that will never be forgotten, like our bike run, and a recent posting from a friend on the "See Gracie Run" facebook page that said Gracie convicts her to try harder.  Our 1 year old little baby girl is being used by God!  In those moments, I can see God moving, and it pleases me.

Please be in continued prayer for our family as this new year will bring about many challenges, changes and much growth.  We would specifically appreciate prayer for our finances/financial provision, our jobs (I want to find a way to stay home with my babies), favor on our grant/financial aid applications, and a covering over our family for health, strength and peace.  Know that you are in our prayers also, and we continue to pray for God to be generous with His blessings towards you!

We hope you had a Christmas to remember, and have a New Year to rejoice about!
~The Peterson's

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

"Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." (Deuteronomy 15:10).


Saturday we had the 1st Annual See Gracie Run, Poker Bike Run. It was AMAZING!!!!!!!  There really aren't words to describe how emotional and overwhelming it was. We were blessed in more ways then I ever imagined we could be by a fundraiser. All day I saw love for my baby girl, poured out by complete strangers. They held Gracie, took pictures with her, prayed for us, offered great suggestions, showed care and genuine concern, and were beyond generous in their giving.

Some people asked about the shirts we were wearing, and I wanted to let them know we will be posting information on how to get a "See Gracie Run" shirt VERY soon, so stay tuned!  (Pic below).

There are people to thank, but first I want to thank Jen, Paul, Dana, Matt, Richard, and Ed. Without these people, the run would've never happened. Not only were we blessed by the run, but we really had very minimal involvement in setting it up. These friends went out of their way and made sure we could focus on Gracie and our family, not fundraising. We could not have done this, or even come close to anything like this without their time, energy, and support. We are so blessed to have moved into our home and have neighbors we can truly call friends. Thank you for your hard work. It was appreciated more then we can express.

I also want to recognize and thank the companies that donated items to our raffle. They went above and beyond and were so generous.  Because Gracie's condition is so rare, we haven't been able to find a non-profit to attach to. These companies donated anyway, and when others were saying no, they gave from their hearts. Each one will be added to our "businesses to support page," but we want to thank them here. When you have a need for their services, we ask that you consider these companies first.

A Touch Above the Rest
Arizona Cardinal Tickets - Richard Mendoza/Debbie Dobkin
Average Joe's Motorcycles
Chandler Custom
Chandler Harley Davidson
Clausen Marketing and Design (created our logo)
Coolidge IGA
Cuts By Dori
Diamond Tattoo Parlor
Evil Twin
Gallopin' Goose
Heckler Designs
Joeta's Leathers
Kelly's Kawasaki
Knockout Motorcycles
Lone Tree Golf Club
Long Bow Golf Club
Network Automotive
RTO Sullivans
River Bottom
San Felipe
San Tan Flat
Shea Hanzal Hair
Starbucks
Ultra Luster
Walmart
Wine - James Hoover

Last, but definitly not least, I want to thank everyone who came. With the exception of the people who put this run together, my mother, and 1 friend....we did not know anyone there.  We did not have friends, family or our church family who were able to make it, so this event was completely with people we'd never met before. Your spirit, generosity, and care will NEVER be forgotten. You will always hold a special place in our heart, and we will lift you up in our prayers. This scripture is our hope and prayer for you, that God blesses you in everything you put your hand to.  This was one of the most humbling experiences of our lives. There is no way we could adequately thank you, but we want you to know that, from the bottom of our hearts, we are grateful for you and even though it doesn't come close to how we feel....THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

And a huge thank you to my niece Bella who made her own cookies and lemonade stand to donate to Gracie's fund!  She is such a precious young lady with a huge heart, and I love her so much!

I have added some pictures, and a video of the take off at the beginning of the run. Unless you were there, you can't imagine how incredible it was to hear and watch....but please check them out.

 


 
 
 






















 














 


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