MRI Delayed

I know many of you have been praying for our sweet Lainey and we are so grateful for your continued prayers!! We were scheduled to be at Baptist tomorrow morning at 8am for her MRI, but after a call yesterday and some rescheduling we will not see her Doctor until January 25th. This was in part for financial reasons and partly her Doctor wants to see her again before the MRI. We are praying for complete healing of her head and know that God is fully capable if it be His Will. Please continue to pray for her healing. The growth on her head, I believe, is shrinking. God is good and His healing hand is all around us. We wish you all a Very Merry CHRISTmas!! May the peace of God be with you all as you enjoy your Holiday Season. I wanted to share with you a few of the kids Christmas pictures!

God Bless,
Casey

Surprises Under the Bed!

Every night we tuck our children in safe and sound and every once in a while Trahtan likes to play games at bedtime. Tonight was no exception, except for the fact that he didn't tell us he was playing the game. He normally gets out of bed and hides some where either in his room or sneaks out to the bathroom or living room. Tonight Michael and I were sitting on the couch watching the App game ( Go Apps) and we hear a loud thump. Michael looks at me and says, oh his milk just fell off the bed, well not the case tonight Babe. Trathan begins to cry and we both rush in there thinking he has fallen out of bed. He is no where to be found. We look under his bed and there he lays! He had fallen asleep hiding from Michael and we both start laughing!! We pull him out and he acts confused for a minute but quickly falls back to sleep. As for the loud thump, it was God saying " go check on your child!" HAHA, we are still laughing over this one!!

Update....

Thank you all so much for praying for little Lainey! We had our visit yesterday at Baptist and it went well. We saw two different Doctors and they consulted each other and came up with two different possibilities for her knot. The first being that it is a simple cyst on the head. They are very common and they do not need to be treated. We are praying this is the case! The other possibility is a dermal sinus tract. This is a little more immediate than a cyst. A DST grows downward into the brain and needs to be removed with surgery. We will find out what the growth is on December 18th from a Brain MRI. We will travel to Baptist to be there for her scan at 8am. She does have to be put to sleep for the MRI so please pray for her. Continue to pray for her. Yesterday was exhausting, and I didn't realize this until we got home. I spent the majority of the trip home on the phone and when I got home I crashed. The kids of coarse were ready to play and be at home. We are laying low today and enjoying a day at home. Michael had to head straight to school from Winston, so we are eager for him to be home tonight. Thank you all for praying. We know God can heal her at anytime. He has given us such a wonderful joy of watching over Lainey and Trathan and we are thankful everyday. We are looking forward to a Thanksgiving with family and close friends and pray you have a wonderful day with your loved ones.

Love,
Casey

Clarification

I have gotten so many questions about precious Lainey's head I thought I better answer them here. First of all thank you all so much for the support and love you have shown us. We are overwhelmed by the love and prayers going up for her and know that God is watching over her and her precious little head. This journey began when Lainey was 10 months old. She had a bump arise on the top of her head, very noticeable to the touch, and it has grown slightly since then. We saw a dermatologist about the issue and he seemed to blow it off and call it a "cyst." I was uneasy about this "call" and at her 12 month visit with Dr. Lonas I brought it up. He checked her out very thoroughly, He is so great with my kids, and did not want to take a chance that is was something else. He made a recommendation then that we see a pediatric surgeon. After we got our appointment time last week, preregistered, and directions, we get a call today saying the Dr that would have seen Lainey at Baptist believes she needs to see a neurologist surgeon. They had an opening at the same time so we took the slot. We will be at Baptist Monday morning. Please pray for her. God has given me a perfect peace about this. I know that no matter what, He is there, I know if this gets complicated, He is there, I know if we have to make tough decisions, He is there. I place my faith in him knowing that His love will not let me go. He is always there!

Pray For Lainey

We just got word today that Lainey will be heading to Baptist Monday the 23rd for an appointment with Dr. Turner. Lainey has a knot on her skull near her soft spot that Dr. Lonas (our pediatrician) did not want to let go with out a specialist opinion. So please pray for us as we travel down to Winston, and that God will heal Lainey with His mighty hand!! We are preparing for God to go Beyond the Beyond!! Praise Him for His abundant outpouring on our lives.

God Bless you all!
~ Casey

The Joy of Cooking

For the past 15 days Michael and I have been in full detox mode. We have been on the Hallelujah Diet! It has been very hard but very worth it. I feel so much better when not consuming meat, dairy, sugar, and eggs. What have we been eating...well.... Lots of salad, nuts, veggies, and fruits. I have found a new way of cooking and fixing than ever before. At this point our diet is 85% raw and we can have a cooked meal for dinner. Breakfast consists of barley green and carrot juice, which I have truly come to love. Our eyes have been opened to health and all the foods we were allowing ourselves to eat. Scary! But back to the "joy of cooking", although it is a fantastic cookbook with endless pages of food prep and recipes, and I highly recommend it, I have found my joy of cooking to be the two little ones at my feet desiring to help in the kitchen. Learning to be patient with these two dear ones and teaching them what my mother taught me, it is a true joy!!

Fall Festival at Perkinsville

God truly blessed the Fall Festival at Church! It was a Christ centered festival, with purposeful planning!! Trathan and Lainey had a great time dressed as an ASU Football player and Lainey as a Lady Bug. They played games, rode horses, ate chili and cotton candy and enjoyed some great friends that came out! It was so nice to see so many families bring the kids out for this. Michael did a great job planning and prepping for the event. It was worth all the time and effort put in. Praise God!

State Fair

We had such a blast at the State Fair last weekend in Raleigh. Jamie joined us with her new friend Dusty. It was very nice to finally meet this guy, we have heard so much about him. The kids loved the fair! They loved the rides, the food, time with Aunt Jamie and Mimi!! It was a great day.

Trathan always ask me what my favorite part of the day was and this was my response, Trathan was almost asleep at about 1:30 and he decided, (we decided) to put him on a "dragon" roller coaster. His eyes were so heavy but he wanted to ride. The roller coaster jolted and he burst out in Laughter. It the best site I had seen all day. He laughed the entire ride, out loud mind you, and had a blast. We had a great time! Thanks to Mimi and Jamie for all the help with the kids. It was a blast!!!

A much needed Vacation!!

We have just arrived home from a weekend of FUN in Nashville, TN!! It was such a blast to stay with Uncle Travis and his sweet family. The kids loved every minute. Trathan spent his time playing football with Jack and dressing up with Levi! Lainey spent her weekend being carted around on the hip of Lily Kate which she came to love dearly! We ate great food, props to Trav for the delicious Makotos meal and some delicious Mexican take out. Our kids did great on the way over and the way home. We made one stop both ways and they watched movies, slept, sang songs, slept, played simon says, slept. It was such a great trip! Thank you Travis for opening your home to us and allowing us to crash for 3 days!! We have never felt more rested coming home from a vacation. You truly made the trip bliss and we thanks you!!

More pics to come...I have to figure out how to download them from my e-mail since we forgot our camera at home!!

Blessings,
Casey

Happy 1st Birthday Lainey!!

My little Lainey Bug is 1........WOW!!! It has been a very exciting weekend at our house with the kids birthday's!!! Lainey is 1 year old TODAY!! This is very hard to believe. She is such a character walking around EVERYWHERE and playing and interacting with Trathan. For her Birthday she got the cutest stroller and babies that she pushes around everywhere. She also feeds the babies a bottle and carries them with her wherever she goes. She is a Mommy in the making!

She also got a very special chair with her name on it, thanks Mimi and Pawpaw!! She loved Trathan's chair and now she knows she as her own! It is very cute how they like to sit next to one another!!


I think her Aunt Jodi spoiled her rotten with this special gift....

I do have to say this is the cutest thing I have ever seen. She got into this BUG and took off. She smiled from ear to ear and rode across the living room. We were laughing so hard she loved it!!!
My sweet girl is 1 and this is hard to believe. We have had an incredible year with her. She has added so much to our family. Her and Daddy cuddled to sleep last night. It was very sweet, she has been pretty attached to Mommy the past year, but last night she only wanted Daddy. I think we have a Daddy's girl in the making. We love you little Lainey and are very thankful for your life. May you grow up for a love of the Lord and one day come to know Him as your Savior!

Trathan's Birthday

I can't believe my little boy is 3 years old!!! He has grown up so much in the past month it's unbelievable. Trathan is comprehending so much right now. He is also very tall for his age. We go for his three year check up Wednesday so I will let you know stats. He is so handsome and doesn't mind being Mommy's little boy, most of the time. I think I like to say he is Mommy's little boy but truly he is a Daddy's boy! He is very attached to Michael, so much that I sometimes dread Monday's coming around because Michael goes to school and that makes for a long day. Trathan's birthday party was amazing. He had a few close friends over and all of our family. Michael chalked a football field in the front yard and the kids loved it. We had a pinata, we painted pumpkins and had delicious cake. What a wonderful time it was!!





Happy birthday to a very special boy. We love you very much and Thank God everyday for your life. Happy Birthday Buddy!!!

Fall Festival!!

We are in the works of planning Perkinsville's Annual Fall Festival! This year it will be held Wednesday Night October 28th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. There will be lots of games for the kids, dinner will be served and a clear Gospel presentation designed just for kids! I am thrilled about this and hope you will come. Make sure you pass along the word to your circle of friends. Some other fun things that night include funnel cakes, face painting, prizes and more! Can't wait :)

I couldn't resist posting some pictures of last years festivities!!

Apple Days at Earth Fare

Over the past month I have come to realize that life goes by even when I am not on board!! I have blinked and my kids have grown up so much! Trathan will be 3 and Lainey will be 1 all in a couple of weeks. So fast!! We have planned birthday parties for each of them individually! It will be one crazy weekend but very worth it. Lainey has flourished this week with her walking, signing and asking. She is very quickly becoming a little person that knows what she wants and knows how to get it. She has surprised me so many times with her signing. I have been signing with her since she was 4 months old but I never had response to it. All the sudden every sign I have taught her she now knows and can very clearly sign her thoughts and wants. It has been so nice to know these things. She is taking steps too! I have got to post a video because it is the cutest thing you have ever seen. She is still a little wobbly but she is making progress every day. Trathan is not a typical three year old. I would never call my kids typical because they are not, not in my eyes anyway. They are both individually natured just the way God made them. They have their own thoughts and views about things and continue to amaze me everyday. The past couple weeks I have struggled with leaving them daily. Please pray for me. Pray that as a Mother I will make decisions that are best for my children. What kind of legacy do I want to leave for them? I am struggling right now.
Back to Trathan. He is an amazing kid that loves his life. He is growing by leaps and bounds both physically, spiritually and emotionally. He has found out that there is more to life than the typical daily routine. He has a very caring heart and will do anything for others. He breaks me when he shows concern for people, especially his age. We were going to a friends birthday a few weeks ago and we had already bought him a present. While wrapping it he tells me he wants to give the little boy his new football shirt and pants. Talk about a teared up Momma! It broke me. What am I doing to deserve such an incredible little boy that shows his heart and reaches out to people in need. Wow. He amazes me. We spent the day together yesterday, just He and I and went to Earthfare for a craft day. I so enjoyed having some one on one time with him. After the crafts, we spent some time walking downtown and eating lunch at the hot dog stand. Walking with him, hearing his words made me fall deeper in love with him. I am the most blessed person, and I thank God everyday for my children, who continue to teach me about God's love for us. Here are some pictures from our outing. Enjoy!

His Blessings,
Casey
Momma and her Little boy

They loved these shirts because they had Coyotes on them

His best buddy Sam. These two are like brothers.

Bottom Line

Sam Klear is little boy that weighs heavy on this heart. Sam has had heart surgery this week and the recovery is a long one. Please continue to pray for him has he is still in the hospital trying to gain strength to walk. Pray for his family as they cope with Sam's pain and take care of little Carolina. You can follow their story www.klearlife.blogspot.com

Bottom Line...... PRAY!!

Our garden

Fresh from the garden tomatoes, green beans, corn, potatoes, squash and zucchini. Boy do we have lots of produce for such a neglected garden. I was telling Michael's Grandparents just the other day that the Lord must be watching over and tending our garden because we haven't! And then to have all the produce that it produced! It makes me think about when God plants a seed in someones life, it gets watered and eventually will produce fruit. It is amazing to me to watch someone grow on the Lord. I thought of this last night when Trathan and I went to pick tomatoes for our salad, he made the comment, "Mommy, we planted this garden, and it has grown so much." When we allow God to use us to plant a seed or to allow Him use the seed planted in us, there is no weed that can over take His fruit! As I looked out at our garden full of weeds, it was extremely eye opening. I am continually amazed at God's work in our home, our lives and our children. Today my prayer is that God will continue to do marvelous things in us amongst the weeds we allow to grow around us!

In His Love,
Casey

Back to School Fun!!

Please be in prayer for Michael as he has gone back to school today. Tough Semester ahead with Hebrew on the schedule. Michael will be speaking at Perkinsville in September. Will update with dates and times when he decides to let me know :).

For Michael's back to School fun trip we took the kids down to Chuckie Cheeses. We had a blast and T-man got to take a friend along, Ben. Ben and T love to play together and get along great. I do have to say I wish I had their energy. We also met Michael's friend BJ, his cousin Timothy and Shane, Keana and Kasen Triplett. I think the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy!


On Our Way!!


T and Chuckie


Kasen and Lainey on their first date! HAHA!!


The Beautiful Triplett Family!


In Action


Slap Wore Out!!

What a Summer!

I am starting to feel very guilty about asking you to follow our blog and then not posting anything!! Wow, once again we have run like crazy this summer but have enjoyed every waking moment. We have just gotten back from a beach trip with Michael's Mom and Sister to Myrtle Beach. Boy did we have a blast. I have to take a moment to brag on my little man who has learned to swim. Before the beach Uncle David gave him two swim lessons, and all though hesitant at first, he has picked up on swimming very quickly. At our hotel pool, T-man took a 6 foot swim by himself swimming under the water. I could not believe my eyes and was so proud of him. He is continuing lessons about twice a week at our local pool. (will post a video very soon).

Lainey Bug also known as LB is on her way to walking. She loves walking behind a push toy or pushing a stroller. She walks around her toys and tables. She is every where. She is also my good eater. The other night I was calling every one to dinner and Lainey made a bee line to the kitchen from Tman's room. It was so hilarious, she came dragging that left leg behind her and pulling herself right along. She loves to eat any type of melon, blueberries, applesauce and so much more.

Yesterday was a BIG Day at church for Trathan. He has moved from the nursery to a big Sunday School class. He is such a big boy and even came home saying his memory verse. He has joined Michael and I in Big Church and right before the sermon heads down to children's church. He truly loves to learn about Jesus and soaks up everything he is taught. While singing the praise songs with daddy I even saw his little hand slip up in praise! There is something very special about his faith!!

One more thing!!
Please pray for the Klear Family this week especially. Sam (same age as T-man) will under go heart surgery in the morning. Pray for pain management and healing!! You can visit their site for updates www.klearlife.blogspot.com.

I will joy in the God of my Salvation,
Casey

NC to NY

Hello all!! My apologies for taking forever to update this blog! It had been a crazy July here at the Gragg house with lots of news! Michael is currently in New York on mission with the youth. He seems to be having a great time and sharing the Lord everywhere they go. The church they are staying in Michael says would be considered abandoned here. Although the conditions are very poor they continually reach out to the homeless and have many ministries that operate on a daily basis. Where have we gone wrong? Our community has so much we could be doing but we complain and then there is this church! Wow, that's food for thought.
Since we have gotten home from the beach, Lainey has flourished into this little mover and shaker! She is now pulling up on EVERYTHING and can walk along the couch and between toys. She is growing up all too fast!! We found out at her 9 month check up she is only in the 10t% for her weight. Dr.L says she will be petite. She is very sweet and just incredible adorable if I can say so myself. T-man is also growing up! He has constantly talked about his birthday coming up in October and wants it to be a New Holland Birthday. This kid loves tractors! He has shot up this summer and fits comfortably in a size 3T. Life is good here. We are missing Daddy at the moment but he will be home sooner than later. Pray for us to get through these next couple of days. God Bless you all!

~Casey

Ocean Isle in a Snap Shot

We had a great vacation at Ocean Isle!


What a great vacation with Mimi and Pawpaw!


The Dixie Stampede is a must when traveling with Trathan.



T-man and Jenny looking at the horses from the Dixie Stampede


Lainey and Aunt Jamie at Coleman's restaurant in Calabash!!


How we traveled every day to the pool and ocean. They were so cute!!


Trathan played with his buckets all week and even caught a crab!



Lainey loved the water and the sand. She crawled everywhere and pulled up on everything! She is very close to walking!! She is growing way too fast!


In her "clubhouse"


This Kid is fearless!! He loved wearing floaties because he could swim with the big sharks...aka Daddy!



We turned around to get this pic. Just a reminder of sweet Grandmother and her famous cooking!

Vacation Bilble School

On our way to Crocodile Dock!!!


Wow, I am so behind on the blog!! We have had such a jam packed summer that I have not had time to write down anything. Right before we left for the beach, we had VBS and it was a blast. T-man had so much fun learning more about the Bible, making crafts, singing and dancing and so much more. Aunt Jenny was his teacher and that kid soaked up every word she said. He came home every night with a different Bible story to tell us. My heart is so full! He has really amazed me with his memory and his ability to tell stories. They learned about Moses and the Burning Bush, Moses crossing the Red Sea, Pharaoh and the 10 plagues, Passover, and the Resurrection of Jesus. I was really impressed with the lessons, they were amazing. His favorite motto was: God Is POWERFUL!! He has repeatedly said this throughout the past two weeks. He had a blast and was well worth the time and energy poured in for these kids.


Setting up our room. Kasen was feeding Lainey from his stroller. Keana and I have already arranged their marriage!! Haha!! They had a ball playing together and Lainey loves to crawl under his stroller. She is a mess!!


Trathan and his best buddy Sam right before they walked in to Opening ceremony.