the pickle ornament

Hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas! We have certainly enjoyed our time with our family. We received some very special gifts and also gave one... which brings me to my tale of the pickle....
All the presents had been opened and it was time to hunt for the pickle. Brandon found it in the tree this year and his extra present contained gift cards to Chipotle and Panera plus an orange box, containing.... Pacifiers, yeap... Pacifiers. It took everyone a minute but then they figured it out. We're expecting a little package, Lord willing late July, early August. The Davis will be adding one more little one!
It was a similar story at the Davis only this time it was Nick's treasured ornament that was hid. Such fun, I think we surprised everyone!

Merry Christmas

Dearest Friends and Family,

So thankful for you! This is our e-card if you will to all those who have cared and prayed for us. Those we don't know, yet count you as our friends. Those we one day hope to meet.... Our family ~ our friends!

Want to take this opportunity to thank you even though thanks simply isn't enough! Your prayers, emails, cards, notes, calls, dinners, hugs... all the donations to Children's, Make a Wish & Give kids the World, the crocs (we get a little note each time something is donated in Mikes memory, you should see our stack of notes!). You have blessed and encouraged us so.

We would also like to honor the pastors and their wives at Covenant Life Church. Joe, you beat us to Children's Hospital, Jan 16 2006. You and Erik were there right after Micah passed to glory. John, Brian, & Joe came busting into ICU to pray for our little man. You prayed for us many times as a pastoral team, like all 25 of you (something like that). Many of you have counseled us during this time, prayed for, encouraged, babysat, brought meals, wrote many notes and cried with us. We feel so loved, thanks.

Covenant Life Church, you are an example of selfless service. You have invested so much, time, money, talents in serving our family. You've prayed for us, your children have prayed for our children. Our Care Group leaders Sol & Eva, who walked with us from begining to end you are dear to us. And our now Care Group leaders Dave & Jen, thanks for jumping in and wanting to serve us. Campbels, Dabbs you are great!! You not only speak the christian life you live it louder than your words. Thanks for walking with us, for carrying our burden too.

Code 6130...the Corrosion division at NRL. Keith, Ted, Liz, Paul, Bruce , Farrel and so many more who made is possible for Luke to work from home, you gave so much. How can we say what having Luke home did for the health of our fam. I couldn't imagine not having here. He led are family so well. We so appreciate all your kindness and generosity!

Our family... this goes without saying but you're the best. Thanks for the endless hours of serving us. Just bieng with us for the long haul...visits, long days and nights at the hospital. Laughing and crying. We love you guys...

Childrens' Hospital~ our docs and nurses, Dr Rood, Yaun, Lawyler, Susan, Debbie, Kathy (so many more, he so had his ownTeam) thanks for not only your skill but your heart. So appreciate all your tender care for our Micah and each one of us. Volunteer Services, you will forever be dear to us, how can we not love you, Katie, Nadia, Terry & Julie!!!

To those we have yet to meet. Thanks for having the Fathers heart of love, following our story, praying for our family. There is no greater kindness that you would pray for us. God has provided much encourgement and comfort through your notes and prayers!

Thanks so much!

All our Love

the Davis & Millers'

Merry Christmas

“The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity—hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory—because at the Father’s will Jesus Christ became poor and was born in a stable so that thirty years later he might hang on a cross. It is the most wonderful message that the world has ever heard, or will hear.” J.I Packer

An Offer on a Home

Hey Guess what!
We settled on home on Thurs (which went wonderful our buyer even gave a White House Christmas Ornament!- so sweet) and then we put an offer on a home Fri!

Luke & I went last night to look at more homes (I think we've seen a least 20 now!). We walked in an loved it (except for some of the carpeting that will have to go=) but other than that and fresh paint it seems perfect for both our families. It even backs to parkland. So last night at 8 we meet our realtor Tom (who works with our friend and Care Group leader Dave Dabbondanza) to fill out the paper work. The home is in a "short sale" so we will have to wait and hear back from the bank to see if they accept our offer.

Thanks as always for your prayers in this endeavor. If you would specially pray for a quick and favorable response from the bank. But more importantly for our hearts. We would really like to own this home yet at the same time we want to hold this desire loosely. Trusting in the Lord and in his good plan for us, remembering that this place is not our forever home. And while it seems like this would be the perfect home for us, he knows. We'll keep you updated!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make straight your paths. Prov 3:5-6

Snow Pics

One of my favorite things to do on the first snowfall is drag my family out in the freezing cold and take "Snow Pictures." It doesn't always work out but this year we got a few good shots and had alot of fun.

Luke, Braet, CC thanks for blessing your mommy!

Also thanks for sending in Micah Moments for our new tradition. What a blessing those have been and will be to us... keep em coming =)

Like to share one that a received, I'm just reading a few here so I can still be surprised on Christmas Eve. This ones from our good friend Adam...

My favorite Micah Moment was the day I joined the entire Davis family at Disney on Ice. I was sitting in one of the seats in the suite watching Mickey do his thing, and I look over my left shoulder and Micah is there standing over me, shirt up, rubbing his belly. So of course I poked him in his belly, and he turns around and does a complete lap at full speed around the suite performing his Indian Chant. He came right back to my left shoulder... shirt up... belly rub. Again, I poke him in his belly and blast off... he is running rampant around the suite like a crazy Indian. He finally tired out after 14 glorious laps. Thank you Micah!

Join us for a New Christmas Tradition

Braeton & Dadda 2004

Christmas Traditions

Here at the Davis & Miller house, we have a few Christmas traditions that we've been enjoying this month of Dec....We get the tree and decorate the day after Thanksgiving, out comes the Christmas music (which Luke insists cannot be played before that day =). On family night we make a snowman cake and dress him with yummy candy, we watch fun Christmas movies, paint our own wrapping paper or gift bags (the kids always love giving gifts with the wrapping paper they have made), count down the days to Christmas with the Christmas Story calander. Oh and I must add that on Christmas morning all the stocking stuffers are wrapped in crazy ways so that the gifts are hard to figure out, we all have a competition to see who can get the most right (thanks mom for the endless hours of taping!). We hide the pickle ornament ( yes a pickle- don't tell me you haven't heard that before!) in the tree and whoever gets it receives an extra gift from mom. We sing, we read from the book of Luke, take turns opening gifts, its grand just being together.

It's great to have fun traditions, they bring us together and remind us of the ulitmate treasure we have in Christ. This year we will add a new one.

This year we will write notes and color pictures of special memories with our Micah Man. Things we did together, things he gave us, what he taught us... on Christmas Eve we'll pull down his stocking and take turns reminiscing, reading and remembering our little treasure and all God has given us through him.

We'd love to invite you to share in this time with us with us, if you have a special memory of our "Micah J" or a story of how he touched your life we'd love to hear from you and place your note in his stocking too. We anitcipate this being a very special time for our family, we'll post some stories to share with you too! Thanks!

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, Phil 1:3

Braet 2005


Mikes 2005

Mikes painting 2006

Nana & G paintin bags 2006

Dadda & B 2007

CC first time painting Christmas bags

Christmas Music

Just in case you are looking for some great Christmas music I like to suggest...

Savior: Celebrating the Mystery of God Become Man

click this link to check it out

"While not traditional Christmas tunes, these beautiful songs are full of the wonderful truths of the incarnation:
God has sent His greatest treasure Shown His love in greatest measure Sending Christ to bleed and suffer Purchasing our joy forever Let the earth rejoice! " Girl talk Blog

You can also listen to some of them online, click the link above to listen. Bob Kauflin, friend and pastor to us is one of the song writers and producers of this wonderful album. You may remember led us in worship at Micah's Memorial. Thanks Bob, for this wonderful cd.

Updates

Oh my, I have so many updates. Guess I haven't been a faithful blogger lately =)

Okay here's the first... My Daddy. He is going in for a small surgery today so your prayers would be greatly appreciated. The recovery time will be 2 weeks. Dad has been quite sick lately and been home most of the month. Last Thursday night he spent most of the night in ER due to another seizure (think they have determined that his seizure med was too low). Dad never complains! If you ask him how he is his answer is always "good", so when most hear he is sick, they had no idea!

And mom, well she has had a lingering cold to put it mildly, maybe she is fighting off the flu- who knows. What can I say, these 2 are troopers!!

A house, we have been looking all over Gaithersburg, Germantown, Damascus, Clarksburg and Montgomery Village for a home that would accommodate both fams at the right price. We have found one that seems like it would work well but doesn't really have much of a yard for the kids. We're still looking. We go to settlement for the sale of our home on Dec 20th and then the plan is to rent back until Jan 30th. It is kinda crazy thinking that it is only about 7 weeks away yet we know the Lord will provide for us and we are looking forward to seeing what he has in store.

Cameron & Brandon are gearing up for FINALS. C just recently got accepted into Maryland's Engineering program and will start there or at UMBC in the spring semester. B still has another year of community college.

Lastly I wanted to share some great pics of our time at Children's Hospital. Our field trip group went to Children's a few weeks ago and it was wonderful!! The kids got to see the new helicopter "Bear 1". This was so great! They also got to ride in the special elevators, chat with some of Mikes nurses (Megan & Pup), climb or should I say cram into an ambulance and our kiddos brought gifts for Doctor Bears Toy Closet for the children at the hospital. It was wonderful to be there. Children's has been such a special place to us and to have our friends there with us was such a joy! Moms, thanks for making that looong drive. Afterwards Katie took us on a tour of the new wing, which is gorgeous and amazing- its so Big! Private rooms are going to be wonderful for those families. The trip wouldn't be complete without a stop at Teddy's coffee shop (a friend of Mo & Wandi -these men started the Sovereign Grace church in Ethiopia). Teddy, like so many prays for our fam often. He dotes a pic of him and Micah at the stand.

Katie, thanks for making our field trip happen. We all really enjoyed it!

the Christmas Message

“The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity—hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory—because at the Father’s will Jesus Christ became poor and was born in a stable so that thirty years later he might hang on a cross. It is the most wonderful message that the world has ever heard, or will hear.” J.I Packer

House Under Contract

Hey Friends!
Thanks for all your prayers, our home is officially under contract! It's hard to believe.... We got a good offer and are supposed to go to settlement on Dec 20 and rent back. So we are currently looking for a home for all 8 of us . Pray for us! And please send us any home ideas you may have for us! Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving

thanksgiving 2006


Hi Friends ,

There is constantly much buzz at the Davis & Miller household. On the house front not too much buzz, 7 clients have come to look at our home, we've lowered the price by 30,000 (ouch!). Thanks for asking us how it’s going and praying for us - it is so kind of you. There have been no offers yet, so for now we are just hanging tight. If you would continue to pray for direction we would really appreciate it.

The last few days have been hard for me and I also anticipate the coming week being hard as well. We've been missing our boy... sigh....yet even amidst our grief there is hope. Our expectations for one day meeting again are sure- we just don't know the date! Because of Christ's death and our trust in him as our Savior our hope is secure. So we grieve for our sweet boy because we miss him so. Yet we hope and we dream of Heaven. Our thoughts on Heaven are grander than ever before. Randy Alcorn is helping us to do this with his wonderfully written and biblically informed books – Heaven, In Light of Eternity, and his novels.

This past week I felt weary and weak. Yet God in his faithfulness is always there to meet us, no matter what state of emotion we find ourselves in. Sunday we had the privilege to hear from Jerry Bridges (who has written one of my favorite books Trusting God Even When Life Hurts). Mr. Bridges spoke of endurance and perseverance- also being a football fan he gave the illustration of punching the line---again and again, punching the line, not giving up. Then we prayed with friends (thanks!) Both were wonderful reminders and very encouraging for my heart.

The struggles aren't over, the sadness hasn't left, the trials can still be many but God is with us. He is not far off. Even though my understanding is limited and I may feel very weary. He is near, carrying us in the darkness, strengthening the weary, meeting us in our need.

For this is what the high and lofty One says - he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." Isaiah 57:15

And with Thanksgiving tomorrow, my heart is thankful for the cross of Christ. That brings me a hope and peace for today and tomorrow. Such sadness is buffeted to know it will only be for a time and that our dear boy is completely well this Thanksgiving, celebrating with some of the Pilgrims & Indians themselves =). Can you imagine? And we will be celebrating with our fam, my wonderful husband and precious children, our loved ones and friends. There is much to be thankful for and it begins with Christ.

Happy Thanksgiving! Much Love


FYI--- you can listen to Mr Bridges message for free at http://www.covlife.org/

lil Encouragement

"Almighty God, Who can give light that in the darkness shall make us glad, the life that in gloom shall make us joy, and the peace that amidst discord shall bring us quietness! Let us live this day in that light, that life, and that peace, so that we may gain the victory over those things that press us down, and over the flesh that so often encumbers us, and over the death that seemeth for a moment to win the victory. Thus we, being filled with inward peace, and light, and life, may walk all the days of this mortal life, doing our work as the business of our Father, glorifying it because it is Thy will, knowing that what Thou gives Thou givest in love. Bestow upon us the greatest and last blessing, that we, Being in Thy presence may be life unto Thee for evermore. These things do we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen" (George Dawson, 1821-1876)

Thanks Cougars

Hi Friends,

Wanted to take this opportunity to share and again thank Coach Bob Buchanan and the Covenant Life Cougars. This past Thursday I had the privilege of attending the their end of the season "party" if you will. It was such an encouraging time. Never have I seen a sports program committed to such excellence on and off the field of play. While scoring goala are important to them it is apparent that their hearts and minds are being set on more than just soccer. The things these men are taking away from this season is much more than saves, goals, wins and losses. Their building their character, building into the church and their community. Soccer's great yet they are investing in much more and we thank them and honor them for that!

Here's what I was able to share in thanking these young men and their family....
On behalf of Luke & I, I want to communicate our deepest thanks for the way you have honored us and our little boy this year. It is more meaningful to us than you may know. At the beginning of your season we received and email from our friend, and your coach. In this email we read of the 3 Cs of this program, Competition, Character and Community. Bob stated that, " As a Community, we should seek to build up one another and always seek to give honor where it is due. We will be taking a new step this year to give honor to a very special part of our greater community."

That greater part of the community Bob was speaking of is our precious little Micah Man. We just can't tell you how honored we are that you don an orange captains band in his memory. Micah's cheerfulness and tenacity was contagious and it remains. Just today Braet told me that one of his favorite things about Micah was his smile. Micah sang through his pain. He taught us much about the greatness and faithfulness of the Lord. You have built us up with your thoughtfulness, encouraging us greatly. Thank you for your care for our family by remembering our cheerful little guy!

Bob thank you for leading in this venture, for serving as an example to your team of caring for friends, this community and the church. May these young men remember such examples as they honor God through caring for this church and this community.

Billy thank you for your example of cheerfulness and tenacity. We loved attending a game and watching you play. So great to observe you. Particularly I am reminded of a time when the opposing team had a player knocked down. Even though it wasn't by you, you went over to help him up. You have honored us so, and more importantly the Lord.

Team thanks. Thanks for your prayers and love, we so appreciate it.

Having fun w/ the Fam

Morning Everyone!

Happy Birthday Paw!! Here are some pics from last night! We had a great time! The day started at the Campbells with a B-day party for Evan. Then for dinner the Lowe's came over to join in the craziness. We had pizza and some dessert (as if the kids weren't going to get enough junk food that night). So the kids got ready all 7 of them =)

We all went to the church for games, face painting, candy, candy, candy a moon bounce and more craziness. I always love going there, Mikes loved going there... It's great to see so many friends and let the kids run around. Braet and CC loved the little mazes and the face painting. Stephanie even managed to paint a heart on CC cheeck (I can't believe she held still!)
After a long night mommy and daddy were tired! Do you think the kids were? No, they were wired!
So this morning I was thinking they'd at least sleep in, again of course not. So we had leftover pizza and candy for breakfast. The great official ending to our Halloween Fun.
Love to All!
the Davis

Notes of Encouragment

Wanted to share these two meaningful encouragements with you...


"Hi friend! Just wanted you to know that you are still very near in my prayers. I'm sure these times getting close to the holidays are bittersweet. What a joy to know your little man is having the best holiday of his life!"


So true!!! Thanks Jonalee!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


" I was thinking about Micah this week and praying for you. This morning, I was thinking about the verse/song, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere." Then I thought of Micah being in heaven for three months and calculated it up: that's 90 days in His courts, which is better than 90,000 days on earth, which is 246 1/2 years' worth of earthly joys and memories. Wow! Just three months in heaven FAR OUTWEIGHS two and a half LIFETIMES here. God is so good and kind. Thanks for teaching us to long for heaven, friend. Praying for God's peace, comfort, and healing love to surround you. He will quiet you with His love and rejoice over YOU with singing, too. :)
Love, Mieke


Thanks Mieke for this reminder. Doing the math really puts in in perspective!!

3 Months in Heaven

The 25th was Micah's three Month Ann in his new home, Heaven. I had hoped to write a post, but it just didn't materialize. But here it is...

The last few weeks have been very hard. The finality of death, at least for now is deep and so very sorrowful for us. Yet God is meeting us and the other morning I had a dream (on the 25th- Micah's 3 month ann. in Heaven). Little did I know that Luke had been praying for God to comfort me. That morning Luke tenderly woke me up like he usually does but instead of starting my morning I crawled back in bed, I had been having a dream about Heaven and I hoped to continue it. However when I fell back to asleep I had a dream about our Micah. I know he isn't with us anymore yet in my dream as I looked around I saw him sitting on a bike and I went over to pick him up. I then remembered in my dream that he is in heaven and I was just picking up his body (dreams are kinda crazy sometimes). So I scooped his little body up in my arms and all of a sudden he started to giggle and said, "Hi Momma". I called to Luke- "Get in here your not going to believe this". He rushed over and we held him long and tight. Kisses, tickles, loving on him....
My dream was so refreshing. A wonderful reminder that even though he isn't here with us, Micah is more alive and well than ever. Waiting for us, playing with our Savior, praying for his family...


It was beautiful, sweet rain for our hearts.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction." 2 Cor 1:3

I love the rain on my face
It reminds me of His great grace
Pouring down on my parched dry heart
Oh precious sweet rain on my face

Light Up Pacifier

Light Up Pacifier

Hi Friends! I wanted to pass this on... A friend of our has entered a sort of new inventions competition and his idea has made it to the final round! A Light Up Pacifier! Personally, I think it is a great idea. And for any of you who have young children or a little one who loved their pacifiers I'm sure you agree. How wonderful would that have been to have as your search aimless at 2 in the morning! For those of you smiling now or thinking of just last night you know what I mean! Anyway if you'd like to vote for Kerrin's Light Up Pacifier please go to Vote here: http://ideablob.com/ideas/518-Light-up-Pacifier-Lights-up-wh and remember voting ends on Oct 30


From Kerrin & Megan
Thanks so much to all of you who voted! Kerrin made it to the finals...
Voting has restarted for the last round.

Well, it looks like my crazy idea made it to the final round. All the voting starts over. If I get the most votes this week (ends 10/30) I will win $10K to develop my Light-up Pacifier idea ( http://ideablob.com/ideas/518-Light-up-Pacifier-Lights-up-wh )

Also thanks to those of you who left comments and ideas to improve my idea during the first round!

Vote here: http://ideablob.com/ideas/518-Light-up-Pacifier-Lights-up-wh

kerrin

House on the Market

Who knew that it would actually happen... our home is officially on the market now...

http://www.homesdatabase.com/MC6567555

We would so appreciate your prayers for direction and wisdom, for a home at the right price- at the right time. And for our hearts that we would hold this desire loosely, that we would be trusting in the Lord.

Prov 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

Hey Friends

Hey Friends
Last Sunday was a very special time for us. It was wonderful to share Luke’s baptism with family, friends and the church. Also our pastor Erik Sheffer was the one to baptize Luke. Our pastors, particularly Joe Lee & Erik have walked with us since the very beginning, so it was so meaningful to have Erik baptize and Joe pray for Luke afterward. Luke also shared his testimony on Sunday, it was so moving- many teary eyes. So very special!

Life has been especially busy here. Our home is going on the market tomorrow. So we are trying to pack up and do all the touch ups that go along with it. We’re hoping to find land and build or to find a home that will serve both families well. Love your prayers in this transitional season. We are open to many options just unsure what direction to go. So we’ll see what happens...

Home schooling is going well. I love being able to have Braet home this year. He is really grasping the concepts we are working on and is starting to learn to put words together. CC loves being in the middle of it all, coloring at the table, looking at the pics in Braet’s books and jabbering with us. She’s our “sweet” (most of the time) distraction! Braet has group classes on Tuesday, Art & P.E., he really enjoys it. B somehow manages to work Star Wars into each pic he makes. Last week however he made a number 9 out of clay and painted it Orange (Micah’s fav # & color). He’s so sweet; it brought tears to my eyes. Wednesday is soccer with Aubreigh, David & Jack- so fun! They are growing so fast.

This Sat we headed out to Butler’s Orchard. Humm… it was a special time, each year we took the kids there. Braet & Micah enjoyed it so, the hay rides, slides, picking pumpkins and I love snapping pics of them, it has become a family tradition over the last few years. I didn’t realize how much just being there would affect me. It was so bittersweet. Great to be there together. Later this week we hope to go back and shoot some pics at the little store there. We love the fall!

So many have communicated that we are in their thoughts and prayers…Thank You! We appreciate it very much! Happy Harvest!