Hartz2020 Christmas Time

Christmas Eve:

Starry Night craft 

"There is a light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness can not overcome it."

My whole heart

My best gift!

So thankful Brian was feeling well enough to go to Christmas Eve service. We loved getting to go with his parents.

To God Be the Glory that our family is together at church 2 weeks after Brian's surgery.

Christams Eve Family Matching pajamas tradition

Elf themed this year-4 main food groups, ha!

Christmas morning the boys woke up around 6 and didn't come wake us up until 7:05!

Stockings are always first.

Speedos were on their Christmsa list!

Boxing set for the win!

Sweet boy only asked for a Speedo and a Bible for Christmas. Surprised him with a hoodie and Architecture Legos.

Lincoln asked for an art set, and he was so excited about the fancy case!

All Brian's gifts were related to disc golfing and fishing!

Hopefully he'll be back to those things soon.

Loving my new robe from my boys!

Christmas morning smiles

After we opened gifts, we had Christmas breakfast of donuts and egg casserole with Brian's parents.

The boys spent most of the day building their new Lego sets. Lincoln is finally into it.

The weather is the afternoon was absolutely beautiful. We took a few walks which is great for Brian's recovery. Brian still was able to surprise me even though he just had surgery. I'm wearing my new Sparkle Nike leggings here, and I love them!

And Jackson took a bike ride with me so I could try out my new bike!!

It was the perfect day of being together. My heart is full and soo thankful!

Hope is here, 

His name is Immanuel.

Thankful for the hope we have today and tomorrow becasue of Jesus!

Merry Christmas!

Hartz2020 Week 52

  A little bit of what we have been up to Dec. 14-21...

Sweet moments with Lincoln talking about the navitiy set and Jesus' birth.

Camper Gingerbread Houses

He's home!!!! After 6 days in the hospital I got to pick him up!

Brian is stable, still in the emergency room, and waiting on test results. Thank you for your prayers!

He was having some symptoms, called his doctor, and they said he needed to go to the ER. I was able to see him briefly because one of my student’s mom was one of his paramedics that brought him downtown. Praise God!

They won’t let me be with him or even wait in the hospital, so I’m sitting in my car in the parking garage waiting to hear any updates singing Raise a Hallelujah.

“This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:15‬ ‭

Drive thru nativity with Grandma

My view every night. I put a small tree in our room to enjoy while I read since Brian has been going to bed early.

Self care for me! Peloton spin class. "It's not an indulgence, it's a neccessity."

Chillin' with Papa! He has taken them to swim, picked up many dinners, cleaned the pool, played basketball, gotten donuts, watched lots of sports with them..He should probably just stay forever!

Brian's first time out of the house for an errand after surgery!

Post op date!

Dr. Reul- so thankful that God led us to this amazing surgeon. 

These sweet former students showed up today to spread Christmas cheer and love to our family! They are such a blessing and will forever be “my” students even if one of them is already in college.

Hartz2020 Week 51

  A little bit of what we have been up to Dec. 7-13...

We made an impromptu trip after school to Santa's Wonderland. We wanted a family night of fun before Brian's heart surgery later this week, and this was exactly that!

Ice Skating was a blast!!

The boys loved it!

Sweet memories!

Hayride time

Probably not really worth the money, but the memories are so I guess the trip was priceless!

Twas the night Before Christmas

2020 Ornaments-

Lincoln- swimmer with a speedo and a fish for Mikey

Jackson- swimmer with a speedo and a trombone

Brian and I spent the day together before his surgery.

We worshiped, prayed, and gave the boys bunnies with Brian's voice the night before his heart surgery.

Up bright and early to check in

Right before they wheeled him back for surgery. Surgery started at 9:13.

While I was waiting I filled my mind with scripture, worship, and sketch noting.

Dr. Reul came to talk to me around 3:25. Every thing went well with surgery. He was able to keep Brian’s valve and replaced the aortic tissue.

Hoping I’ll get to see Brian for a few minutes in an hour or so.

Praising God for answered prayers, the best doctor and care team, and support from all of you. “For He who is mighty has done great things for us, and holy is HIS name.” Luke 1:49

I did get to see Brian in ICU before I left. He was still trying to wake up but did squeeze my hand. I just talked to his nurse, and he is still doing well. Throat is sore and in some pain. Please continue to pray for his recovery and no complications. Also for us all of us as no one is allowed to go up and visit him.

I’ve always believed in the power of prayer, but today I have again seen miracles, mercies, and experienced peace that surpasses all understanding.

The first few days after surgery were really hard for Brian. No one was allowed to go see him, and he was in a lot of pain. Lincoln loved being able to FaceTime Brian.

This bunny was a life saver for Lincoln.

Loved getting to see this smile! It was so hard on me not to be able to go be with him.