Grateful Hearts and a God who is Faithful and True

Precious Friends, December is now upon us, and it hardly seems possible that Ellie Kate's ELEVENTH birthday is this Sunday!  It is now officially, "Ellie Kate's Month of Reckless Love" and in honor of our "reckless love" efforts this month, we invite you to change your Facebook profile to one of the pictures below to help us spread the word!

First off, I want to thank you for the many ways you've already loved and served the specific families God has led us to focus on this year. It's just the beginning of December and already, we've had packages come to our door, "In Honor of Ellie Kate"!  I will never tire of seeing her name on the packages YOU have provided for others.  Our entire family giggles and jumps up and down when we open the packages each night, looking to see what the Lord has brought to the families we're collectively giving to!  I could never fully convey our gratefulness, but please know that you honor us and honor Ellie Kate when you give, serve, provide for, and pray for these particular families.  

Christmas Gifts for Families!

Secondly, I want to apologize for my tone in the last blog entry.  Friends, you got to see the real and raw feelings of a mourning momma, that's for sure.  Here's the thing though, in those moments, in that situation, I wasn't giving this all up to the Lord.  I wasn't giving HIM control of this all-important-month and because of that, I was more down and defeated than I needed to be!  When I last wrote, it wasn't yet December and I was already worried that gifts wouldn't be purchased and that these families would be left without their needs or wishes granted . .  . Oh ME of little faith! God told us to dedicate the month of December in this way and this year, He has once again shown us what and who to focus the "Reckless Love" upon.  Oh, Friends!  THE most important thing I have learned in these (almost) four years since losing Ellie Kate from this life, is that GOD IS FAITHFUL AND TRUE.  We are following His direction and He will see it through - no matter how many participate, HE will provide and HE will get the glory.  That's what this life is all about.


A little Scriptural Truth to show God's Character as Faithful and True 

Psalm 78:35
And they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer.
Proverbs 23:11
For their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case . . . 
Psalm 33:4
For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does.
Revelation 19:11
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.

  

Reckless Love (the Mike and Ryan definition): 

Reckless Love is taking intentional action in order to benefit the life of another 

without worrying about the consequences. 

Through this roller-coaster ride has allowed our family to be enveloped by the special needs world, along with the world of child-loss, and those who are medically fragile.  God has taught us so many precious things.  After all, He does not cause or allow things to happen without a purpose.  Through Sweet Ellie Kate's life and all we've lived through, all we've experienced; through the intimate ways the Body of Christ has surrounded us, we have learned more about reckless love than we ever knew was possible!  In the past four years specifically, we've learned more about ourselves, our marriage, our living children; we've learned more about the beautiful Body of Christ, at work in their own giftings, even when hasn't been convenient, even when it's meant sacrificing, even when we've let them down . . . The Body has stayed with us through the eleven years of this journey, all because of the reckless love of Christ.  It's simply the only explanation of why someone, who brought us meals in December 2005, still brings us meals in December 2016 - It's because of the works of Father, Son and Holy Spirit within the hearts of man, not because of anything good man has done, but solely because God created us and loves us! 

We long for the world around us to see, taste and feel this same reckless love, and the month of December, the month of Ellie's birth and the month of her death, is the time we've dedicated and invited those around us to participate in acts of service, sacrifice and love.  Specifically, we ask that you take part in providing for the following families which the Lord has laid on our hearts.  You can do just that by clicking on one of the following lists in BLUE, by providing something that is listed, or even something God has laid on your heart to give. 

Christmas Family Adoption 2016

 The Williams Family, whom we've adopted this year for Christmas is in great need of almost everything, as they hardly have any possessions of their own. They are in need of everything from jeans to blankets, from home decorations to pantry items.

Our Adoption Family is made up of Mom, her teenage daughter (14), a son (8), 
as well as a 16 yo girl who is living with them, due to abandonment.  The Amazon gifts will be mailed to our home and we will get them to the family in time for Christmas (mom wants to wrap some gifts herself so we are providing wrapping materials as well).  

 Remember, both the Amazon Wish List and Wish List for 16 yo Girl give you great ideas, but you do NOT have to order only from Amazon.  You can purchase these items, or even similar items! 
We ask only that you get all items to us by December 18th, 
in order for them to be wrapped and delivered in time for Christmas Morning.

Feel free to spread the word about this specific Christmas Adoption -
You never know what the Lord might lead an individual or Community Group, Life Group,  Sunday School class, or even one individual to give this Christmas season!!! 

SIZES:

Mom - Shirt L, Pants/Jeans 10-12 long, Shoes 9

Daughter 14yo - Shirt L, Pants/Jeans 14 long, Shoes 9

Son 8yo - Shirt - kids M, Pants/Jeans M (size 8-10), Shoes 3.5

Teen Girl (16yo teen who lives with the family/father is in prison and mom has essentially abandoned her) - Shirt S/M, Pants/Jeans 0-3, Shoes 6.5; Favorite Color - Red
*This sweet girl needs new underwear, socks, bras, clothes (new and used), coat (new or used), toiletries, and her main wish: a cell phone to stay in contact with her brothers and sisters.  Wish List for 16 yo Girl

GIFT IDEAS: 

Laundry detergent, quarters for laundry (at their apartments), Walmart gift cards for groceries and necessities, JC Penney gift cards for clothes (mom and daughter need new bras), pantry items.  The Williams Family is also in great need of a car (they currently do not have one). 

***********************************************

"Ellie's Wish" for fellow NKH Families from around the World

As part of the Ellie Kate Wish Fund through NKH Crusaders (which is the main organization supporting NKH families as well as NKH research around the world), these special Amazon Wish Lists were created specifically by individual NKH families.  These particular families were chosen because of their involvement within the NKH Community and because of the needs 
of their special needs/medically fragile children and other "typical/healthy" children as well 
(siblings often feel left out as so much attention has to be given to the child who is sick).

Gifts include items not covered by insurance as well as 
special Christmas gifts for NKH children and their siblings.  

Would you please consider purchasing an item off one of our NKH Family's Wish Lists (click on the link below to see each Amazon Wish List)?  
Each item will be directly mailed to the proper family.  

NKH Family 1
NKH Family1 (cont'd)

NKH Family 2

NKH Family 3

NKH Family 4

God is so good to change my heart and perspective over the last few days.  That doesn't mean I am not hurting physically, mentally and emotionally.  It doesn't mean we are pretending that all is okay, ignoring our feelings and thoughts of Ellie Kate's birthdays and parties in the past.  It just means for now, in this moment, I've been able to give it all to the Father.  He gives me immense joy in knowing other people will be greatly blessed in His name and in Ellie's honor this year.  

If you are holding tight to heartache or bitterness like I was in my last post; if you are struggling in only seeing the bad or can't seem to stop wallowing in your current situations, try sincerely praying and giving it all to the Father.  There are no magic words or rhymes - just a humble spirit, crying out to God for help.  He hears you.  He knows you.  He loves you (no matter what, always and forever).  God IS faithful and true and He can unveil that truth to you now.  Believe me - even if it's a constant struggle to continue to give it over to God and to put it in His hands, it's worth it.  Leaving your problems in HIS hands and out of YOURS brings supernatural, sweet freedom and I am hoping you can find that even now!  

Sweet Freedom!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - In Honor of Ellie Kate

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - In Honor of Ellie Kate

You've seen the decorations in stores and ads on TV, and your children are already giving you their lists. You might even be thinking of getting that tree down from the attic in this mild November weather.  You know what all of this points to, don't you?  It's not "just" Christmas, although that is approaching faster than I would like!  It's almost DECEMBER, and with December comes, "In Honor of Ellie Kate - A Month of Reckless Love"!  THIS is OUR favorite, most WONDERFUL time of year!  

As many of you know, our gorgeous eldest Daughter, Ellie Kate was born December 4, 2005 and she took her last breath on earth December 23, 2012.  Ellie Kate was born with a rare and terminal genetic disorder, the same disorder that Lucy Belle has.  This disorder causes Our Girls to essentially make too much glycine within their little bodies.  The effects are extremely damaging and deadly.
There are less than 600 people living in the world today with NKH.  Most children die within the first few months, but we had SEVEN, GLORIOUS YEARS with our EK!

Ellie Kate ROCKED OUR WORLD, and in a GOOD way.  It's through Ellie Kate's life that the Lord gave us a mission as a family - to love and serve fellow special needs and medically-fragile families just like ourselves.  Through Ellie Kate, we also learned how to recklessly love others, including our Daughter who could not walk, talk, hug or show many signs of true affection..  Now, this is very much a "Mike and Ryan"-type of word and definition, but we stand by it and agree with it 100% . . .

• "Love" should be a verb, an action; it's not just a feeling, because our feelings pass and fail us.  

• "Reckless" means to be unconcerned with the consequences of an action; to test the limits and not worry about what might happen, be it good or bad. 

Reckless Love is taking intentional action in order to benefit the life of another without worrying about the consequences. 

For the past three years, at the beginning of November, I have posted an Amazon Wish List in order to collect specific books and toys for children inpatient at OU Children's Hospital during the holidays. Those who felt led would look at the list and purchase items that would in turn, would be given to patients at OU Children's. This has been a precious tradition and we've proudly passed out gifts for three years now, all because of YOU and your overwhelming generosity!  

This year, the Lord has laid something completely different on our hearts and we hope you will be equally as excited and involved as you have been with our efforts in the past!  

This year, our Reckless Love Challenges will include the following:

1.Grant wishes for fellow NKH Families - We have a special Amazon Wish List dedicated to "NKH Families called, "Ellie Kate's Wish"

NKH Crusaders has created a special fund in Ellie Kate's name.  Through this fund, fellow NKH families are encouraged to submit needs such as medical equipment, medical bills, and other things that may lessen the burden of the family.  These needed items will be posted on the Wish List for you to help provide. 

2. Family Christmas Adoption - An Amazon Wish List will be dedicated to the Williams Family from Shawnee.  This list will include "needs" of the family as well as a few "wants".  Their needs however, go way beyond that of an Amazon Wish List . . . 

This small family  has become very dear to us and they are in great need.  Dad isn't in the picture at the moment, so it's just momma and her two children.  Mom needs a job and is looking for one at the moment.  They do not have a car.  They do not have bed-frames (their beds lay on the ground).  They do not have proper furniture in their home and many times do not have money for groceries and bills. Our desire is for this momma and her kids will get to TASTE and SEE that the Lord is good and that He will provide for their every need.  It's exciting because you and I can be a part of that this year!  

3.  Hope Link Christmas Adoption - There will be an Amazon Wish List dedicated to a precious family within our Hope Link support group.  This list will include "wants" and "needs" as well with the main goal being that we meet those major needs.  We will be "adopting" this family alongside of OKC Hope Link, the non-profit Mike and I helped to start in Ellie Kate's name.  This particular family has three children with disabilities and medical needs.  We want to show them that Jesus cares about the tiniest details in their life!  

So, you have a few questions . . . 

• Why am I posting info on this special event  at the beginning of November? Posting now gives you enough time to look at the Amazon Wish Lists and purchase items. It gives time for the gifts to be mailed and gives time to beautifully wrap and deliver each and every gift.  
• Once I purchase a gift online, where does it go?  Each Amazon Wish List will be different. 
• Items purchased for the NKH Families will be mailed to Boston and then on to their specific family.  
• Items purchased for the Adopted family in Shawnee will come directly to our home where they will be wrapped by a group, of lovely ladies and delivered by hand
• Items purchased for the Hope Link family will also come directly to our home, where they will be wrapped by a group of lovely ladies, then delivered by hand to the family
• Can I get a tax-write off from this purchase/donation?  Yes! This IS possible if you do so through Amazon Smile (check our their site for more info).  

One Last Important Thing . . . 

Whenever you order from Amazon, be sure to do so from Amazon Smile!  By doing so, you are giving a small portion of your gift to the OKC Hope Link Foundation.  Those small gifts do add up, so please take the time to purchase your items in this way - even make it your habit from now on! 

About AmazonSmile

"AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.

Every item available for purchase on www.amazon.com is also available on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) at the same price. You will see eligible products marked "Eligible for AmazonSmile donation" on their product detail pages".

December is a month we look forward to because we celebrate Ellie Kate with those around us and for a time, we hear her name more often and see her name in print.  It's a beautiful thing to us as parents, and we give the Lord ALL the glory for what has been done through this in the past three years and we ask Him to richly bless our efforts this year as well!  In the days to come, I will be posting more information on this special time of the year, giving you ideas on how to love those around you in recklessly loving ways, while also honoring Ellie Kate. More details to come later this week!  

Thank you for praying about how God would have you participate in this year's Month of Reckless Love.  

With Hope and Reckless Love

This past week has been heavy.  Actually, I've felt like the last two weeks have been from a chapter straight out of, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day".  Grief sickness overtook me Thursday night and once again, I couldn't sleep and felt ill from deep within my soul.  Grief hits you in waves and sometimes its extremely overwhelming.


Ellie's birthday is almost here - December 4th.  It's as if, all of a sudden, my Spirit realized all of the tough losses that have recently happened in our family.  I literally looked at the calendar and was shocked - it's almost Ellie's birthday, and then her Heaven Day on December 23rd (my Sister's birthday), and after that, of course, is Christmas.   I scrolled through Facebook while tossing and turning Thursday night (or Friday morning?) and found this gem from November 20, 2009.  Oh, My Heart!

Ellie Kate and Conner

Good things that happened this week - my Sister's missing dog came home, my Dad arrived safely from his last mission trip and I had my Rodan and Fields launch party! And now we prepare for Thanksgiving with an entire week off of school.


Another great thing - Lucy had a party at school and I was able to attend! The special-education teachers at Lucy's school brought in a Music Therapist today for the kids to enjoy in lieu of a Thanksgiving Feast!  It was absolutely precious and Lucy just loved every moment.  It's safe to say, a pink tambourine is now on Lucy's Christmas list!

Lovin' the music and rockin' the bow!

Henry's been having more and more "manic" episodes, where he stays up all night long (literally).  He's happy during these times - playful, energetic, intelligent.  His brain just can't stop, even with medication.  It's so strange, so bizzare to observe this little boy running and playing, all through the night without missing a beat.  His anger episodes have slowed down greatly and he is doing amazingly well in school.  You should see the systems his sweet teacher has set into place - letting Henry tangibly see his schedule every day.  He LOVES her so much, as well as the Teacher's Assistant, who gratefully pals around with Henry and keeps him extra safe.  I just can't say enough good things about how Our School has rallied around us and have helped Henry this year.


I often feel guilty in not posting much about Conner-Mac.  Oh, how I love this eldest boy of mine!  Conner is so easy-going and is truly such a joy.  He had a blast this last week as he and his fellow sixth-graders wrote scripts about a fundraiser the school is doing.  Their job was to convince the other kids to get involved and give.  Conner went to school dressed like an Christmas elf and gleefully delivered the fundraising message.  He didn't want to take extra clothes to school.  He wanted to wear that costume the entire day, regardless of what people thought (which is a big thing I love about him).  I must say, it was pretty hilarious seeing that little Elf ride off to school on his bike!


We have some very tough days ahead - coming up quickly. I won't lie - I'm NOT looking forward to the upcoming holidays this year, as my heart feels so raw, as if it's open flesh. Your gifts in honor of Ellie Kate have been coming in every day now, and with each package, our hearts are lifted more and more.  It's hard to believe that we will soon be there at OU Children's Hospital, delivering the gifts you have given, passing them out in Ellie Kate's honor.  I just don't have the right words, Friends.  I'm so grateful and I pray that the Father will allow you to somehow feel and know how special your remembering, your efforts, your giftings have meant to us and to so many others.  Reckless Love has no boundaries! 

Gifts YOU have purchased from the Amazon Wish List!  

To show your love and support during December, we ask that you use this as your profile picture, in honor of Ellie Kate and A Month of Reckless Love (you are welcome to use this image and the one at the top of this blog post).  

There's STILL time to get your gift here before December 4th!  As a reminder, Mike and I will be delivering gifts from this Amazon Wish List in Honor of Ellie Kate as we celebrate December - The Month of Reckless Love. 

Click HERE to see the wish list on Amazon 

With Hope and Reckless Love, 
Ryan

Peace, Sorrow and Ellie's Month of Reckless Love

Peace and Sorrow are so beautifully intertwined within the life of the Believer.  We live in a fallen world and yet have the hope of a perfect eternity of peace with Christ.  Sometimes it's a solemn dance and sometimes it's a rowdy one.  The month of November reminds me that "Ellie's Month" is right around the corner - that peaceful, sorrowful month of December.  

I've recently been reading a bit about Martin Luther and his wife Katie.  I found out they lost two daughters - Elisabeth and Magdalena.  Elisabeth died early in infancy and Magdalena died around the age of 14.  Luther lovingly called Magdalena, "Lenchen", which means "light" (same meaning as Lucy).  I've read in several  places, that upon Lenchen's impending death, Luther said, "O God, I love her so, but thy will be done.”  It's been written, "Luther reproached himself because God had blessed him . . . and yet he could not find it in his heart to give God thanks. Katie stood off, overcome by grief; and Luther held the child in his arms as she passed on. When she was laid away, he said, 'Du liebes Lenchen, you will rise and shine like the stars and the sun. How strange it is to know that she is at peace and all is well, and yet to be so sorrowful!'" - The Gospel Coalition

Magdalena died after a "long illness", and in a letter to one of his dear friends, Luther wrote the following, ". . . my Dear Daughter Magdalena has been reborn into Christ's eternal kingdom.  I and my wife should joyfully give thanks for such a felicitous departure and blessed end by which Magdalena escaped the power of the flesh, the world . . . yet the force or our natural love is so great that we are unable to do this without crying and grieving in our hearts, or even without experiencing death ourselves.  The features, the words and the movements of the living and dying daughter remain deeply engraved in our hearts.  Even the death of Christ . . . is unable to take this all away as it should.  You, therefore, give thanks to God in our stead.  For indeed, God did a great work of grace when He glorified our flesh in this way.  Magdalena had a mild and lovely disposition and was loved by all. . . God grant me and all my loved ones and all my friends such a death - or rather, such a life." (emphasis mine)

Oh, you guys!  First of all, this is a side of Martin Luther that I had never seen before.  Secondly, he so perfectly pens our feelings into words.  It is extremely true in our lives, in our journey, that YOU have given thanks to God for Ellie Kate's life and ultimate healing when we haven't had the strength to.  As Luther invited his friend to join in the mourning, celebration and remembrance of his precious girl, WE have invited YOU into our journey and you have faithfully been there.  

Once again, we are asking you to join us in remembering and celebrating Ellie Kate's life with "In Honor of Ellie Kate - the Month of Reckless Love".  This special event will take place the entire month of December, with different ways to participate, celebrate and honor EK while recklessly loving the world around you.  

What do we mean by "Reckless Love"?  What we mean is this (and it's very much a 'Mike and Ryan definition'):  

• "Love" should be a verb, an action; it's not just a feeling, because our feelings pass and fail us.  

• "Reckless" means to be unconcerned with the consequences of an action; to test the limits and not worry about what might happen, be it good or bad.  

Reckless Love is taking intentional action in order to benefit the life of another

without worrying about the consequences. 

It's stepping up and out and loving, even if it feels awkward, 

even if it causes a stir in your household, community or place of work. 

Ellie Kate taught US to love others with reckless abandon - to forget about the rules and the limits or how it "should" be done.  Her life taught us to love who the world sees as unlovely.  She taught us to give even when we didn't have enough. She taught us to serve even when it hurt, even when it was costly in time, energy, etc.  

Ellie Kate to love in a reckless way - the very same way that Jesus loves each and every person on earth.  Our sincere prayer is that your lifestyle will become one of Reckless Love, and that in some small way, our Ellie Kate opens you up to loving, giving and serving like you never thought possible. 

We have a Facebook page dedicated to "A Month of Reckless Love", and my hope is that you will freely post ways you are loving and serving others with reckless abandon.  Posting won't be a boastful thing; it will be an encouraging thing to Mike and I and to our entire family.  Your posting will also encourage others, and I pray it will spark those who see it to move and do. 

We encourage you to celebrate Ellie Kate by participating in the following ways: 

1. Purchase items on our Amazon Reckless Love Wish List: All interactive toys, movies and books donated will be given to ill children at OU Children's Hospital on December 4th, Ellie's birthday (Ellie spent most of her birthdays, including her last earthly one, there at OU).  

  Parent Packets are a new thing we are adding this year that will also be delivered on the      night of Ellie's birthday.  These packets will be full of things that parents need during their   stay, especially since many times their stays are unexpected.  The packets will make them      feel loved and will bring some comfort during an intense and emotionally taxing time.  The    Parent Packet will include Ellie Kate's story as well.  
   For more info on Parent Packets:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/719323738169061/?fref=ts

  
2. December 1-31st: Start loving those around you in reckless ways! Give to those in need, purposefully reaching out to those who are hurting, including those with special needs and families who have lost children. Share on our page how you have loved others in Honor of Ellie Kate (see the definitions and explanations above).

3. December 4th: 

• For Ellie Kate's birthday, we ask that you love, serve, encourage, or give to a family with a special-needs child OR to a family who has a lost a child due to any circumstance.  Bring a meal, bake a cake, send a balloon or flowers - anything uplifting to let the family know that they are loved and not forgotten.
• Share Ellie's story with someone you come in contact with.  Post and let us know about your encounter. 
• Share your favorite Ellie Kate memory or story on our FB page

Sissy's 7th Birthday at OU

4. December 23rd: Ellie's Heaven Day! Post pictures of you and your family releasing balloons in Ellie Kate's honor. Send messages with your balloons and be creative! This is a way to show our family that you remember our Sweet Girl.

As Ellie Kate's Mommy, I could never put into words just how very much your participation in this celebration truly means.  Thank you in advance for once again remembering and recklessly loving in honor of Elizabeth Kathleen McLaughlin.

Ryan

Lifted and Loved

With the kick off of Ellie's Month of Reckless Love, my longings for Ellie Kate were getting pretty intense. One evening we had my parents over for dinner and I just broke down.  All of these hard days are coming up so quickly - faster than I want them to; faster than I'm prepared for them to come. 

I sobbed as my parents both held me.  It was really a special time.  Mike had the boys in the other room happily watching a cartoon, so for once in a long time, I was able to let the tears flow and I was able to share my feelings of loss with someone other than Mike.  Those feelings run deep, not just for EK, although that obviously is where my heart has been struck the most.  Over the past several months, baby Kylee, Ellie Kate's friends Makenna and Alyssa, and my friend Jenni all went to Heaven within days/weeks of each other.  My heart has been full with questions as to why God does what He does and why He does it when he does.  I know He is Sovereign, but when you are mourning, the Truth sometimes flies out the window.  That's why you have to grab it when you see it, and hold on to it with all that you have.  Our feelings change but Truth does not.  Jesus is Truth.

This same week I was contacted by an old and dear friend who, along with another friend, wanted to help our family in specific ways.  I was overjoyed at a renewed friendship more than anything, and I was truly encouraged in realizing that God had forgotten about us.  I mean, I know He hasn't forgotten about us, but sometimes it feels that way, and sometimes it feels like He forgets the little things we need or desire.
 
Within a matter of days we were blessed with Henry's first ever REAL bedroom furniture (and it is gorgeous, family heirloom pieces)!  The boys BOTH have their first REAL mattresses! Not only that, but the boys were able to order their very own bedding sets, which is a first for them.  You should have seen their faces as they scrolled through the choices online.  The medium Tumbleform feeding chair, which we needed for Lucy to safely sleep in at night while on continuous feeds, was mailed straight to our door; an extravagant gift that the Lord used His people to lavish upon us. 

My spirits and my heart have been lifted in knowing that I am NOT forgotten by my God.  He sees our needs and those special wants we have in our hearts.  He bestows them upon us just when we need them - physically, spiritually and emotionally.  Yes, My God is concerned with my emotional and spiritual well-being too! I'm so incredibly grateful that God used these two families to love on us this way. I mean, who gives family heirlooms and furniture sets??  Who orders special-needs equipment for another family (it's costly, ya'll!)?!!  THAT is some "Reckless Love". 

Speaking of reckless love - the first gifts from our "Ellie Kate Wish List" came in this week!!!  In the last two days, we've received seven packages full of wonderful things for http://www.ocfoundation.org/uploadedFiles/MainContent/Find_Help/PANDAS%20Fact%20Sheet.pdfthe patience at OU Children's.  It feels my heart with joy to think of handing out these gifts on Ellie Kate's birthday, December 4th.  Here's the list in case you want to check it out:
 In Honor of Ellie Kate McLaughlin - Amazon.com Wish List

Our Very First Packages for the Month of Reckless Love!!

I'm happy to say that my joy inspired me to put Ellie Kate's Christmas tree up this week too.  I was so excited about not being forgotten about by friends and by the Lord, and I was so excited to have a tangible reminder of My Girl up in our home, that I just couldn't wait any longer to get it up!  I unwrapped each packed ornament with care and I was struck with the sweet memories that flooded my heart with each and every one.  The tree is so special as it holds ornaments that Ellie made at school, a few she's made at her birthday parties (she IS a December baby, after-all), along with things that remind us of her - Tinker Bell, Hello Kitty, ballet dancers . . . there are even a few ornaments from special friends that were sent to us last year that now have important places on the tree.

 I hope these pictures bring you joy, Friends.  I hope you remember that the LORD remembers you and your needs, your wants, your desires, down to the very detail.  He gives us above and beyond and does so when we least expect it, always where He alone can get the glory.  And remember - our feelings will fail us but the Truth of God never will.  Go out and love recklessly today! 

In Honor of Ellie Kate - A Month of Reckless Love

The month of December will soon be upon us, and I can hardly believe it!  I say that often, but it is oh-so-true, Friends.  I REALLY cannot believe that it is almost December, the month we will celebrate Ellie Kate's life and death.  

This year, we are starting a grand tradition - a project of service and love.  The event itself will take place the entire month of December.  After all, that is the month Ellie was born, the month she was sent home on hospice and the month she went to be with Jesus.  The event will be called, "In Honor of Ellie Kate - A Month of Reckless Love".  

We have a Facebook Page dedicated to this event, under the same title.  I welcome you to join our Facebook Page/Event so that you can stay up to date on all of the details!  Here is a brief explanation of what the celebration will entail . . . 

Ellie Kate McLaughlin was born December 4, 2005 in Oklahoma City. Ellie suffered from NKH - a rare and terminal genetic disorder, and spent most of her birthdays in the hospital at OU Children's Hospital. Ellie Kate taught everyone around her how to love recklessly and selflessly - to love the unlovely and serve those in need. Ellie Kate went to be with Jesus on December 23, 2012. During the month of December, we celebrate our Precious Daughter by making a difference in our communities, by loving and serving the world around us. Join us as we honor Ellie Kate by loving others this month! November 5th-December 4th: Purchase a book or donate your favorite story to Ellie's cause! Your gift will be handed out to patients at OU Children's Hospital at Ellie Kate's birthday celebration on December 4th. Books should be suitable for children ages birth-18 years. More information on book drop-offs coming soon!  Purchase a book directly from Ellie Kate's Amazon Wish List!  All donations will be sent to our home and will be placed in the hands of children staying at OU Children's Hospital during the month of December. Click HERE for the Amazon Registry http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/giftlist/26F5I0VH3O3FZ/ref=topnav_lists_2 December 1-31st: Start loving those around you in reckless ways! Give to those in need, purposefully reaching out to those who are hurting, including those with special needs and families who have lost children. Share on our page how you have loved others in Honor of Ellie Kate!  December 4th: Ellie's 8th Birthday! Join us at OU Children's Hospital as we throw a party in Ellie's honor. This is a way for us to love on special children who are stuck in the hospital during the holidays, much like Ellie Kate. We will have a birthday party, a reading/story time, and special crafts for the patients (time TBA).  December 19th: Share Ellie's story with someone you come in contact with. Post and let us know about your encounter, and also share your favorite Ellie Kate memory or story!  December 23rd: Ellie's Heaven Day! Post pictures of you and your family releasing PINK balloons in Ellie Kate's honor. Send messages with your balloons and be creative! This is a way to show our family that you remember our Sweet Girl. More details will follow, so keep watching for them!  I want this to be an amazing event, all month long.  I dream of Ellie Kate's legacy living on through this - through YOU loving those around you in reckless, big, intense, and purposeful ways.  I can't wait to see what God will do through you!