In August my sister, Amy, and brother-in-law, Doug, came to Oklahoma and dropped of my niece, Ashlyn at Mimi and Papa's (my parents) house while they went on an anniversary trip. During that week, Heidi and I spent a lot of time with the other girls in the family. My Mom, sister-in-law, Lana, and the four girls, Ashlyn, Claire, Lydia and Heidi did a lot of fun things!
Playing dress-up
The Jasmine Moran Children's Museum in Seminole was really fun!
Magnets
Rocks!
We helped the girls build this arch
Working on a car
At the dentist office
Some little archeologists
Puppets
Weather forcasters
Flying an airplane
This was a really neat part. It was a grocery store and the kids could pick out 5 items and take them to the check out and then they could actually ring up the items. When they were done they had to put the items back on the shelves.
Heidi ringing up her items
Painting
Firetruck
The bubble station was really neat! They are standing inside a bubble!
The sprayground! Amanda and Casen met us there too!
This was a neat indoor play place in Yukon. Since it was so hot outside this was a nice place to go.
I contemplated where to start since I have been so behind on posting lately. Since I am just now getting around to posting photos from the summer, I thought I would just start there. We had a lot of visitors from Germany last summer! It was great to see everyone.
First Karen came at the beginning of July and stayed a few weeks. We enjoyed getting to spend lots of time with her!
Karen bought her this dress that Heidi is wearing. :)
Then Janine, Kerstin and Olaf came to visit! We took them around OKC.
Steve, Kristi, Hannah and Noah Martin met us in Bricktown.
We got to watch the World Cup Germany game with Karen!
At the OKC Bombing Memorial with Courtney, Janine, Olaf and Kerstin
Larry and Pam came to visit!
Heidi, Kendra, Joel and Pam
At Soldier Creek with Larry and Pam
Going swimming with Karen and Jaydin, her great niece
LESLIE JOY EVANS
March 23, 1982 to October 7, 2010
MARISA BOND EVANS
September 26, 2010 to September 26, 2010
MAC BRODEY EVANS
September 26, 2010 to September 26, 2010
Funeral services for Leslie Joy Evans, age 28, and her two children, Mac Brodey Evans and Marisa Bond Evans will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at the Alameda Church of Christ, 801 East Alameda in Norman with Rusty Tugman officiating.
Leslie Joy Evans joined her Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 7, 2010. She was born on March 23, 1982 to parents, Joy and Alan Bond. Leslie grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma and graduated from Yukon High School in 2000 and from Southern Nazarene University in 2004 with degrees in psychology and music. Leslie was very involved in music and had a beautiful voice which she shared with others by singing in her church choirs and at weddings. In March of 2008, Leslie met Mark Evans which began a beautiful romance. On June 6, 2009, the two married and Leslie joined Mark's family as mother to his three children, Marli, Marcus, and Manning. They had a beautiful ceremony where they also recognized Melinda, Mark's wife who had passed away two years earlier. In May 2010, Leslie and Mark were thrilled to learn that she was pregnant and that excitement doubled when they discovered she was expecting twins. Marisa Bond and Mac Brodey were born on September 26, 2010 and were immediately welcomed into heaven. Though the twins spent very little time on earth, they brought much joy to the entire family, especially to Leslie and Mark.
To her parents, Leslie was their little princess. To her brother, Jay, Leslie was his fearless little sister with a head of blond curls. To her husband, Mark, she was beauty, love and joy. To Mark's children, Leslie was the maternal touch they had been missing and a new song in their hearts. To her in-laws, Leslie was a welcome addition to the family. To Melinda's family, she was a graceful being who fit perfectly in their lives.
Leslie was so many things to so many people, but all can agree on one thing; Leslie was easy to love. Her beautiful smile played a part but the fact is; Leslie exuded love. She loved her family with every moment. She loved her friends with every listening ear she lent. She loved music with every note she hummed. She loved animals with an amazing level of compassion. She loved children with every lesson she taught. She loved sports, especially OU football, with every cheer that escaped her lips. She loved fun with every playful comment and feisty act. And most importantly, she loved the Lord with her life-song.
Leslie was easy to love, Leslie exuded love, and to all those who miss her presence on earth, Leslie was love. We thank God for the precious gift of Leslie and rejoice in the knowledge that she is now singing praises to Him in heaven.
Leslie is survived by her husband, Mark of the home; her parents, Alan and Joy Bond of Yukon, Oklahoma; two sons, Marcus Brian Evans and Manning Bryce Evans of the home; one daughter, Marli Grace Evans of the home; one brother, Jay Bond of Oklahoma City and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.
Leslie was preceded in death by her two children, Marisa Bond Evans and Mac Brodey Evans, her maternal grandparents, Leslie and Mary Callies; her paternal grandparents, Hayden and Frankie Bond and one sister-in-law, Courtney Bond on June 24, 2010.
Marisa and Mac are survived by their father, Mark of the home; two brothers, Marcus Brian Evans and Manning Bryce Evans of the home; one sister, Marli Grace Evans of the home; maternal grandparents, Alan and Joy Bond of Yukon, Oklahoma; paternal grandparents, Gary and Sheila Evans of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and Henry and Julia Watters of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; their Uncle Jay Bond of Oklahoma City; their uncle and aunt, Jason and Becky Evans of Toledo, Ohio; and their two cousins, Alex and Aaron Evans also of Toledo, Ohio; and their uncle and aunt, Mike and Nikki Watters of Shawnee.
Burial for Leslie, Marisa and Mac will conclude in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman.
I love this one where you can hear her beautiful voice:
I have been reminiscing a lot lately of my high school days in choir and all the wonderful times we all had together. So I will post some pictures from those days. These aren't really in any order. They are all either from my senior year in '99 or the summer right after I graduated in May '99. My choir, the Kapella Singers went to a competition in Arezzo, Italy and we also traveled to Spain and France. It was an amazing trip!
Leslie Joy Evans left us to be with the twins and her Heavenly Father yesterday morning. She was at peace and surrounded by family. Her family appreciates the love, support and prayers you gave them during this difficult time. Please continue to check this blog (or her blog) for current updates regarding services for Leslie and the twins.
If you would like to send your condolences, cards, money, etc, you can send them to Alameda Church of Christ, 801 E. Alameda, Norman OK 73071. Thank you for all of the sweet thoughts and continued prayers for Leslie and her family during this extremely difficult time.
Update posted on her blog on Wednesday, October 6th:
No visitors again today. Please respect the family during this time as they are exhausted and want to spend time with Leslie. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. We will be posting more information in the coming days.
Posted by Mark, Leslie's husband on Saturday at 11:24 p.m.
We met the new neurologist today and had a comforted feeling. By tomorrow evening we are expecting that Leslie will no longer be under the effects of sedation medicine, which is hopefully a good thing. At the suggestion of the doctor and at the request of the family, we are asking for no visitors in Leslie's room afte...r the prayer service and for the next few days as we see how Leslie reacts to the change in medication. Thank you for all the prayers for Leslie and our family. You have blessed us and comforted us so greatly.
Posted on Monday, October 4th at 12:27 p.m.
Just a quick update that there has been no real change on Leslie's status. The family is still with her at the hospital and appreciates all that you have done. Please continue to pray for Leslie, Mark, and the rest of the family.
Today, they have also asked specifically for no visitors.
Posted on Monday, October 4th at approximately 11:30 p.m.
There has been no significant change in Leslie's status. The family still remains at the hospital hoping and praying and are so appreciative to all who have given of their time and energy to pray with out ceasing. Your prayers are still needed, so please continue to Pray for Leslie, her parents and brother, Mark, the children, and her friends. Continue to pray for unity and peace midst the storm! I have not yet given up hope for the miracle for which we ask!
Isa 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
I was singing this song called "Human" by Natalie Grant.
The song had been stuck in my head and I was singing: "I'm human, you're human... we are... we are human." Every time I sang that Heidi said, "We're not huban! We're Heidi and Mommy!" So I said, "Yes, we are Heidi and Mommy, but we are also human beings." She said, "No, we're not huban beans! We're Heidi and Mommy!" Ha ha... I guess I will wait a little longer to explain what human beings are. :)
I have heard Heidi try knock knock jokes before but she can never quite get it quite right. Of course she gets confused as to who is supposed to say what. Today, she was trying out a knock knock joke again, but never had a punchline really. Tonight while she was in bed playing and talking before going to sleep, Clint overheard her saying a knock knock joke to herself. It went something like this:
A friend of Leslie's has started a blog. It has some more information about her situation that I had not read before. Check it out if you would like to read more updates about her status.
Initially the doctors thought she had an amniotic fluid embolism. Currently they think it was a blood clot that traveled through her heart and got stuck in her lungs. This deprived her heart of oxygen and caused her heart to stop.
Sunday after Leslie was revived, the doctors were optimistic. Leslie is young and healthy and should be able to bounce back from trauma fairly quickly. So everyone waited. Many friends and family members went to the hospital to pray with the family and be there for support.
By Sunday evening, the doctors were not receiving the results they were hoping for. Due to her brain being without oxygen for 17 minutes, they realized it was not a good sign for her.
On Monday, Leslie's kidneys had shut down. They started doing dialysis Monday afternoon. She is still on dialysis because her kidneys aren't working like they are supposed to be. But the biggest problem is Leslie's brain. Her brain being without oxygen for 17 minutes can do serious damage.
A neurologist has been running EEG's on Leslie daily. She has also had CAT Scans. The CAT scan shows no swelling in the brain and no bleeding. The EEG on Monday seemed optimistic because she did have a little more brain activity than she did on Sunday. But it still isn't where she is supposed to be. In the first 72 hours, she should have shown response to pain, and she did not. To the neurologist, this was a very negative sign.
During this past week, her vitals have improved with support but she has continued to not respond to the neurologist's tests. The neurologist has told the family that he expects no chance of meaningful recovery. A second neurologist is coming to see Leslie today, but they don't expect his opinion to be any different. At this point, the only hope for Leslie's full recovery is by prayer.
Taken from www.Lesliejoyevans.blogspot.com
Update Saturday, Oct. 2nd around 8:00 p.m.:
After I was there this evening, the new neurologist will have Leslie's sedation medicine cleared from her system by dialysis, there will be no more visitors other than close family members allowed in her room as of Monday. They will watch her brain activity from this point and keep her stimuli down. A decision is being... requested with in 48 hours. Prayers are still very much needed! Don't forget to join us tomorrow at Norman Health Plex at 4pm!
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
~ In Christ, Erin
There has not been much of a change in Leslie's status. She still remains comatose and unresponsive. The neurologist continues to say Leslie will not wake and if she does, she will suffer severe damage. Leslie's body remains well, however, her brain is not showing significant improvement. Drs are pressuring family to make a decision. I have not yet lost hope. I remain confident that this (loving Leslie- a group on facebook for Leslie) is what brings his people together as one to praise His name and worship Him and learn to pray with out ceasing!
God have mercy!!! Keep up the prayers! No matter... God is moving!!!
I have been posting prayer requests for my friend from high school, Leslie (Bond) Evans on facebook all week. I decided to add it to my blog so maybe more people out there who haven't seen it on facebook can be praying about it too. We were in choir together and I have so many wonderful memories of her and the whole choir doing such fun things together. One of the highlights, of course being that we traveled to Italy, Spain and France the summer after I graduated to go to a choir contest which we won. Those memories, times and people are forever in my heart, including Leslie. She is a beautiful Christian woman of faith. Please pray for her. I will try to post updates as soon as I hear them on my blog.
Update written on Wednesday:
Leslie was pregnant with twins. Her water broke when she was at 19 weeks. They were able to stabilize her and the babies up to 21 weeks. Then baby A, a girl, was born stillborn this last Sunday. They tried to keep her from having baby B and she unfortunately did and that baby was unable to make it due to lack of lung function. Leslie, had an amniotic embolism which supposedly hasn't been heard of since the 40's and only one recorded time since this. But, she had a heart attack, and was without oxygen for 17 minutes, her kidneys have failed and she's been put on dialysis, she's been placed on a ventilator and started at 100% oxygen but has started breathing at 60% on her own, which is good. She was seizing but that has decreased, and her blood pressure was low, however, that has gone up to normal and meds have been reduced which is good. There is risk of brain damage, heart problems and other organ damage. EEG shows improvements and stabilization, Leslie hasn't responded to touch or sound but her pupils dilate with light- which is good. We are praying for complete healing and recovery. We need a miracle!!!
Update from Thursday:
There was very discouraging news today from the neurologist. HOWEVER, I have not given up hope due to the news. WE STILL NEED A MIRACLE!! for those of you who know Leslie and what her family has suffered through recently and what her husband and step children have suffered, now would be a truly needed time for a miracle!!!
The report from the neurologist was this: They had hoped to see more changes and more brain activity in the last 72 hours than they had seen. The neurologist made a prognosis that stated, Leslie will most likely not wake, if she should, she would most likely suffer severe brain damage and be in a vegetative state. He also mentioned that if this were his daughter, he wouldn't give up treatment because there's always hope.
Once again, though this news is heartbreaking and discouraging, I refuse to believe or something within me refuses to believe that God isn't capable of turning this around and providing a complete miracle!
Heavenly Father,
Please hear the pleas that go up on behalf of my dear friend Leslie! Please perform a miraculous work! May it all bring you Glory and honor and Praise! Rom 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Rom 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Rom 8:27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
Rom 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Update posted at midnight last night:
I don't want anyone to be discouraged or dismayed for what report I posted per the neurologist- rather, to stand stronger in Him and His word and Pray with out ceasing!!
I forgot to mention, that tonight while I was in her room, I held her hand and talked to her and shared with her the dream I had about her waking and telling me she had been awake but just needed rest, I felt the slightest movement as if a squeeze of her hand... I doubted at first then it happened two other times, It wasn't from any sort of seizure or jerking, it felt deliberate... so I said to her, " Leslie, if you can hear me, and you are trying to squeeze my hand, keep trying, because I can feel it." I didn't feel anything at that moment but her cousin who was holding her other hand looked up at me and said something along the lines, " I don't know if it's hope or power of suggestion, but I just felt as though she tried to squeeze my hand."
I don't doubt that she was trying! In that moment I felt the rush of God's presence and a hope like I've never had before!
Mar 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.
Tonight Heidi was eating dinner and said, "Mmmm, that's good!" I said, "Good, I'm glad you like it!" Then she said, "Gwatuwations!" (translation: Congratulations)
She's so funny and cute and I'm so glad she likes my cooking!
In case anyone was wondering I made Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Shrimp. I'm not sure why Basil is in the title though since I didn't use any... ? It was very tasty and Heidi kept asking for more!
Ok, I'm sure a lot of you will laugh at me, but I'm totally freaked out because I found a teeny tiny snake in my house. Yuck!!!! Snakes are probably about 100 times worse than spiders and I don't like spiders either. It took all the courage I had to take a broom and sweep it out the front door. Phew! I'm so glad that's over! Ok, you can laugh now. Here is a picture of the tiny thing that nearly gave me a heart attack today. Laugh away!
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