Today is my sister Brooke's birthday! So I wanted to give her a shout out and say "Happy Birthday Big Sis! I hope you have enjoyed your day! I love you. Thanks for what you mean to me and all that you do for me."
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Baby Stellan
I am still trying to get around to blogging about Easter, but this is heavier on my heart for now and I want to share...
I have recently added some new blogs to my "Amazing Blogs" list, and also a picture on the side that says "Praying for Stellan". If you click on the blog "My Charming Kids" it will take you to the blog of an incredible woman. I have never met the mother who writes this blog, however I feel more connected to her and in touch with her than I do with most people. She has 4 beautiful children under the age of 4, the youngest of which has a heart condition called SVT. I have followed her blog since before Stellan was born, and I encourage you to read her story when you have the time. But I will give you a quick introduction in the mean time.
At 20 weeks pregnant the mother (who is a photographer) learned that her baby had this heart condition SVT, which means that his heart beats at a dangerouly fast pace. She was told that he would not live once born. Well, he was born seemingly healthy and fine, and lived the first few months of life happily at home with his siblings. In March his heart switched into SVT, and he has been in the hospital now for over a month in the CICU. The mother has been faithful to blog almost everyday, and she has been able to put into words many of the same feeling and emotions that I felt as I sat in the CICU beside my son. I can identify with the words of this woman so much and as I read them certain memories of my own experience with a heart baby play back through in greater detail than they have in a while.
Lately, since Stellan has become sick, I have been more wrapped up in his story and circumstances than ever before. I am constantly checking my blog and twitter to see what is going on with Stellan, and how his mommy is doing each day. I feel so emotionally connected to this woman, as she shares her deepest feelings and thoughts while going through this storm. She loves the Lord, and has faith that amazes me every day. Stellan was moved from Minneapolis to the Children's Hospital in Boston today to see a doctor there. He will undergo a very risky surgery next Tuesday. He is known around the world (see his name gallery on her blog) and has even been on the news. With every breathe I am praying for this child and his loving mother and family. I have been there. I know what she is going through.
Following her story brings out lots of emotions in me now. Not only does it make me remember in detail how it felt to live in the CICU, but it also makes me think a lot about how my life could be now had Odell lived. I could be living at the Children's Hospital, torn between my sick son, and my children at home.
I encourage you to read the words of this faithful mother. We could all learn something from her love.
And of course I can't end this without a few picture of my sweet CICU son. So here are a few of my CICU memories...
Look at how purple the top of his hand was from getting "stuck"
The first time Payton came to visit Odell at Egleston this wonderful lady from the hospital spent time with Payton before she went back to see her brother. They talked all about what she would see, and what the machines around him would look and sound like, what all the things were that were attached to him, etc. Basically just preparing her for what she was about to see and experience. She also had art supplies and let Payton make pictures to decorate his area.
Payton was so happy to get to see him!
Look how swollen his belly is!
That's my boy!
I have recently added some new blogs to my "Amazing Blogs" list, and also a picture on the side that says "Praying for Stellan". If you click on the blog "My Charming Kids" it will take you to the blog of an incredible woman. I have never met the mother who writes this blog, however I feel more connected to her and in touch with her than I do with most people. She has 4 beautiful children under the age of 4, the youngest of which has a heart condition called SVT. I have followed her blog since before Stellan was born, and I encourage you to read her story when you have the time. But I will give you a quick introduction in the mean time.
At 20 weeks pregnant the mother (who is a photographer) learned that her baby had this heart condition SVT, which means that his heart beats at a dangerouly fast pace. She was told that he would not live once born. Well, he was born seemingly healthy and fine, and lived the first few months of life happily at home with his siblings. In March his heart switched into SVT, and he has been in the hospital now for over a month in the CICU. The mother has been faithful to blog almost everyday, and she has been able to put into words many of the same feeling and emotions that I felt as I sat in the CICU beside my son. I can identify with the words of this woman so much and as I read them certain memories of my own experience with a heart baby play back through in greater detail than they have in a while.
Lately, since Stellan has become sick, I have been more wrapped up in his story and circumstances than ever before. I am constantly checking my blog and twitter to see what is going on with Stellan, and how his mommy is doing each day. I feel so emotionally connected to this woman, as she shares her deepest feelings and thoughts while going through this storm. She loves the Lord, and has faith that amazes me every day. Stellan was moved from Minneapolis to the Children's Hospital in Boston today to see a doctor there. He will undergo a very risky surgery next Tuesday. He is known around the world (see his name gallery on her blog) and has even been on the news. With every breathe I am praying for this child and his loving mother and family. I have been there. I know what she is going through.
Following her story brings out lots of emotions in me now. Not only does it make me remember in detail how it felt to live in the CICU, but it also makes me think a lot about how my life could be now had Odell lived. I could be living at the Children's Hospital, torn between my sick son, and my children at home.
I encourage you to read the words of this faithful mother. We could all learn something from her love.
And of course I can't end this without a few picture of my sweet CICU son. So here are a few of my CICU memories...
Look at how purple the top of his hand was from getting "stuck"
The first time Payton came to visit Odell at Egleston this wonderful lady from the hospital spent time with Payton before she went back to see her brother. They talked all about what she would see, and what the machines around him would look and sound like, what all the things were that were attached to him, etc. Basically just preparing her for what she was about to see and experience. She also had art supplies and let Payton make pictures to decorate his area. Payton was so happy to get to see him!Look how swollen his belly is!
That's my boy!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Spring Break
Once again I am catching up on posts, but I figure better late than never...
Last week was Spring Break for THE WHOLE FAMILY and we had an incredible week spending time together at home...a place we feel like we never are!
I spent a lot of time cleaning out my house, trying to figure out how we got all this STUFF in the 3 years that we have lived here.
But we did do some fun things too...
Living in Lilburn is great because we are so close to Stone Mountain. We spent a day there at the playground and enjoying a picnic in the woods.
We also enjoyed a day at Zoo Atlanta. Something we did often when Payton was younger, but Elijah doesn't seem to remember ever going before. It was lots of fun.
Can you tell from Elijah's outfit on two different days that one of his favorite birthday presents is a hat and shirt from Bass Pro? Thanks aunt Brooke and uncle Russ.
Last week was Spring Break for THE WHOLE FAMILY and we had an incredible week spending time together at home...a place we feel like we never are!
I spent a lot of time cleaning out my house, trying to figure out how we got all this STUFF in the 3 years that we have lived here.
But we did do some fun things too...
Living in Lilburn is great because we are so close to Stone Mountain. We spent a day there at the playground and enjoying a picnic in the woods.
We also enjoyed a day at Zoo Atlanta. Something we did often when Payton was younger, but Elijah doesn't seem to remember ever going before. It was lots of fun.
Can you tell from Elijah's outfit on two different days that one of his favorite birthday presents is a hat and shirt from Bass Pro? Thanks aunt Brooke and uncle Russ.
Friday, April 10, 2009
AWANA
I am so proud of my children! The church we attend has an incredible AWANA program! I did not grow up with AWANA, but basically it is a "club" where the kids learn Bible verses and earn rewards and play games and have fun...all while learning God's Word. Payton has participated in it now for a few years, but this is the first year for Eli. This year Elijah has been a Cubbie, and Payton is now in something called Truth in Training. I was actually one of two leaders for a group of 3rd graders this year (which included Payton) so that we really fun too. Well, we have officially completed this whole school year, and I got to cheer for my sweet children at two different award banquets for them.
This picture is from the night of Elijah's awards.
This is part of my group of 3rd graders. What a fun group!
Payton finished her whole book so she earned a ribbon.
This is Elijah at Payton's awards. The preacher told all the kids to stand on their chairs, and as you can see he thought that was really cool!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Fishing Party
Here I go...getting behind on the blogging again...
Elijah had a super fun fishing birthday party. The weather was perfect, and the kids had a great time. Here are a few fun pictures.
The ladies
The gentlemen
Aren't they precious! Doesn't Eli look happy?!
He's a fisherman at heart!
Opening presents
Payton and her buddy Rachel
A fishing cake of course!
Elijah had a super fun fishing birthday party. The weather was perfect, and the kids had a great time. Here are a few fun pictures.
Elijah and his old buddy Olivia
The ladies
The gentlemen
Aren't they precious! Doesn't Eli look happy?!
He's a fisherman at heart!
Opening presents
Payton and her buddy Rachel
A fishing cake of course!Monday, March 16, 2009
Happy Birthday Elijah!
My handsome son Elijah turns 4 today, and he is growing up so quickly! He seems to get taller (and thinner) everyday. Of course it is a work day, so Eli spent the day with his memaw. This evening we had some family over for dinner and he opened a few presents. The big party will be this weekend.
This is when we were singing "Happy Birthday". Look at that face.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Breaking the Silence
I can't believe it has been 3 months since I have blogged! Not only that, but I am amazed at all that has been happening in my life (and this country) in the last three months.
Christmas came and went, New Years Eve, the Inaugaration of a new President, Valentines Day, Elijah got a new haircut, Ringling Brothers Circus, a snow day, and more. We have had the addition of 4 new pets, and since have already gotten rid of two of those pets. Over the past 3 months I have watched as daily, I hear of someone I know loosing their job. I even learned that I myself would not have a job next school year. As the economy gets worse, and people struggle more each day, I guess you could say that I just haven't had much to say. I am trying to digest it all myself.
Not to mention I feel like my life is buisier than it ever has been. With Marshall in school 4 nights a week, and Payton participating in a few after school activities, I feel overwhelmed and stressed to get done all of the things that I need to in a day, and still have time to spend with the kids after work. Who has time for blogging when there is always house work to be done? What I want to know is...how does my house get dirty during the week when I feel like we are never home?
Anyways, I am going to try and do better about blogging more often. In the meantime, let me catch you up with a few pictures...
These are from Christmas. We went to Highlands, NC for the Christmas parade, so the picture of the kids in the sleigh is from that. One of Payton's big gifts was 2 guinea pigs (the first two of the new pets). She loves them, and they are actually pretty good pets. Elijah is all about fishing, so he got a new tackle box and fishing vest for Christmas.
For Valentine's Day we went with The Davis's to the Ringling Brothers Circus. The kids all had a great time!
Here are a few picture of the SNOW DAY we had! What a treat!
Our dog Maya
Elvis the pig
And here is one of the the other two pets that we got. After pet sitting for some neighbors, we took on two ferrets who needed a home. Although they were fun, it just wasn't a right fit for us right now. This is Elijah with the nicer one, Bandit.
Christmas came and went, New Years Eve, the Inaugaration of a new President, Valentines Day, Elijah got a new haircut, Ringling Brothers Circus, a snow day, and more. We have had the addition of 4 new pets, and since have already gotten rid of two of those pets. Over the past 3 months I have watched as daily, I hear of someone I know loosing their job. I even learned that I myself would not have a job next school year. As the economy gets worse, and people struggle more each day, I guess you could say that I just haven't had much to say. I am trying to digest it all myself.
Not to mention I feel like my life is buisier than it ever has been. With Marshall in school 4 nights a week, and Payton participating in a few after school activities, I feel overwhelmed and stressed to get done all of the things that I need to in a day, and still have time to spend with the kids after work. Who has time for blogging when there is always house work to be done? What I want to know is...how does my house get dirty during the week when I feel like we are never home?
Anyways, I am going to try and do better about blogging more often. In the meantime, let me catch you up with a few pictures...
These are from Christmas. We went to Highlands, NC for the Christmas parade, so the picture of the kids in the sleigh is from that. One of Payton's big gifts was 2 guinea pigs (the first two of the new pets). She loves them, and they are actually pretty good pets. Elijah is all about fishing, so he got a new tackle box and fishing vest for Christmas.
Upon Elijah's requestion, Marshall gave him a mohawk.
For Valentine's Day we went with The Davis's to the Ringling Brothers Circus. The kids all had a great time!
Here are a few picture of the SNOW DAY we had! What a treat!
Our dog Maya
Elvis the pigHere is a picture of Marsh and the kids...
And here is one of the the other two pets that we got. After pet sitting for some neighbors, we took on two ferrets who needed a home. Although they were fun, it just wasn't a right fit for us right now. This is Elijah with the nicer one, Bandit.
More to come soon...
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