OH MAKE ME OVERRRR

The most wonderful thing happened yesterday! I told everyone that the only thing I wanted for my birthday next Saturday is for my cousin's family to get chosen for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. & guess what?!?! THEY FOUND OUT THAT THEIR HOUSE WAS PICKED YESTERDAY!!!!!

Their story is an incredible one & I have never known a family more deserving of this kind of blessing! I will give you a little idea of Jim & Carmen's story. Here is the write-up from Extreme Makeover's website:

While there are dozens of good reasons that the Simpsons were chosen, none compare to the amazing story of their 2-year-old son, Zoë. Zoë was born prematurely with a usually deadly condition as well as detached retinas that guaranteed blindness. His doctors told Jim and Carmen he might live 24 hours and if he did survive he would never be able to breathe on his own, see or walk.

But Zoë – which means “abundant life” – beat the prognoses again and again as his eyes healed and his lungs began to work on their own. Surpassing every medical expectation and explanation, Zoë is a thriving 2-year-old. Although he is somewhat developmentally delayed, he continues to grow and develop against all odds.

Zoë is a living medical miracle, and his family’s reaction to his recovery is making miracles happen throughout the Savannah community. The Simpsons are so grateful for Zoë’s recovery that they have dedicated themselves to pay the blessing forward as far and wide and often as possible. They look for ways to serve their community and even keep a family wish list of things they want to do for others in need.

The Simpsons, who moved to Savannah so Zoë would be closer to his doctors, need a home that more fully accommodates their son’s medical needs. Despite the living conditions they have been enduring, the Simpsons have maintained hope and a positive attitude toward life’s challenges.

The Simpson family also includes Isaac, 8, and 4-year-old Katelyn. While their house is rebuilt inside and out, the whole family will vacation in the Bahamas with Disney Cruise Line. Meanwhile, Pennington and designers Paul DiMeo, Tracy Hutson, Ed Sanders, Savannah builder JT Turner Construction and community volunteers will rebuild their home.

As you can see, my family is made up of some very special people! Zoe is doing so well- he can't talk or walk on his own yet, but we are just so happy that he has made it this far! I am very upset that I can't be in Savannah for the build, but my mom & Aunt Julia are headed there tomorrow & promise to take lots of pictures! The Extreme Makeover website is updating every few hours to show progress on the house, so I encourage you to check it out!

The pictures on the website are copywritten, but I promise to update with pictures soon!

love.sb