Prayers for Birklee and Stacy

As I see posts on Facebook about good friends and little girls needing heart surgery, my heart aches because I know how hard it is to go through those types of experiences.  They are so difficult because everything is out of your control and it's like an entirely different level of hardship than your normal everyday stress.  And they come out of nowhere when you're least expecting it. 

The other day I saw that my friend, Paul's little four year old niece, Birklee needed heart surgery which she successfully endured, thank goodness. 

Tonight I read that my sweet friend, Stacy (who had just had her 3rd baby five days prior) had an episode this past Thursday where she thought she was having an anxiety attack and at the ER, actually had to have her heart shocked because it turns out she has a rare heart condition and needs surgery which is scheduled for Monday.  The medical staff said that the fact that she lived through that episode was a miracle.

Sweet, sweet Birklee and sweet, sweet Stacy!  I know how difficult these experiences are and the emotional roller coaster they take you on.  The fear, the stress, the anxiety...the unknown.  It's all so foreign and scary. 

My friend, Paul posted this on FB:

I don't find it fair that while my little girl sleeps peaceful in her bed, another little girl just as sweet, beautiful, and innocent (his niece) sleeps in a hospital bed for the third time with an incision on her chest and tubes throughout her body. ...All I can take from this is that trials make us strong. Without them we wouldn't know the joy of love, the importance of family, or the feeling of the Saviors arms wrapped around us in times of despair and sadness. I know that angels stand in reverence in the hallways of Primary Children's hospital, answering the prayers of so many. Mine were answered today. So keep praying. :)

This makes my heart ache and gives me instant tears...I can relate so much.  Skylar had her 3rd surgery at Primary Childrens Hospital as well when she was three months old.  Everything he said is the exact truth.  In my life, that experience with Skylar was one of the three hardest things I've ever gone through.  But I learned so much...about life, about myself, and about Heavenly Father's love and tender mercies.  It changed me and helped prepare me to be the person I'm supposed to be for the future opportunities and challenges that are coming.   

I will pray my heart out for sweet Birklee to continue to heal and for sweet Stacy's surgery to be successful and for her to have a speedy recovery.  I know from their FB posts that they feel the love and prayers of everyone. 

Reading FB messages helped me so much when Skylar was in the hospital.  I remember reading them while Skylar was in surgery and crying at the overwhelming support and the love that I felt.  I could literally feel the love...it felt tangible.  Amazing.

I am so grateful for prayer and for my scriptures.  I would be a crazy person without them.  I've actually said that to a few people recently..."I would be a crazy person without prayer and scriptures."  It's true.

Birklee & Stacy...You are strong!  You are loved!  You can do this!

(((Hugs)))

Skylar's Birthday Celebration

On Thursday for Skylar's birthday, we took the girls to a kiddie amusement park in San Antonio.  It's awesome because the kids just have to be one and there are no weight or height restrictions.  I didn't know if Skylar would like the rides or if she would be scared but she did great!  Here are some of my favorite pictures.  It was such a fun day...I was sad when it came to an end.

Man, my baby is cute!

She always makes this funny face & if you breathe a certain way out of your nose, you can get her to do it on cue.  Funny girl.

My other baby

They move around so much...this is the best pic I got of them together all day

Blakeley's face is amazing in this one

Love her pose...just chillin

We let one balloon go in honor of Skylar turning one 

She liked the homemade carrot cake that I made

I can't believe my baby is one.  Sigh...it's bittersweet.  I love her.

Happy 1st Birthday Skylar Bloom!

4.12.11     5lbs 8oz      19.5 inches

Skylar Bloom,

My strong, beautiful child. You have been through so much in your first year of life. Three surgeries within your first three months. You have taught me so much about life, love, and compassion.

I used to call you "my little old man" because of your bald head. I remember how excited I was when I saw you had two dimples. It's fun when you notice those types of things for the first time about your child.

You have the most beautiful, big blue eyes and they light up so much when you smile. And that smile...it's one of a kind. You are always so happy. You are a force to be reckoned with and are a great example of strength to everyone around you.

Your big sister loves you so much. And you love her too. You both get so excited when you see each other first thing in the morning. You both squeal with delight and it's the cutest thing.

You are a great teacher. If I had to choose one thing that I've learned the most since you entered my world...it's compassion. You have made me a better person. A more humble person. A stronger person. You are an example of what it means to fight, perservere, and ultimately, triumph. You have taught me that we can endure and conquer hard things. My life will never be the same and I will never be the same. I am a way better person from all that you have taught me.

What a journey it's been. I'm so glad you're mine.

Happy Birthday sweet pea!

Texas Wildflowers

I must say I am loving this spring in Texas.  Everywhere I look there are such beautiful wildflowers along the roadsides.  I've been picking them & making bouquets and putting them around my house.  I love them and they are an easy way to beautify.  Aren't they gorgeous?

(Don't worry...I verified that it is not illegal to pick them.)

Happy Easter!

Just Call Me "Mrs. Domesticated"

I've been extremely busy the last few months and the weeks are flying by.  I've basically been working part time cooking & cleaning for members in the ward.  I cook for one family on Tuesdays- She sends me the recipe for the meal she wants me to make & I cook the meal at my house.  Then they pick it up in the afternoon.  I also clean for two families- one family twice a week and another family once a week.  I've actually been taking the girls with me when I clean, believe it or not.  Sometimes the girls are a challenge & Blakeley likes to make messes sometimes while I clean but overall, it's worked out well.  So between these jobs, normal daily life, and taking care of the girls, I'm busy, busy!  But I'm actually enjoying it and it's nice to feel productive.  It's also teaching me some good cooking skills.  Cooking from scratch with recipes is really not that hard!

Within the last couple weeks, it's actually motivated me to really organize and deep clean my house.  I've been doing a lot every day and my house is looking great.  I now truly understand the saying "Cleanliness is next to Godliness."  Having a clean house makes me feel so much better and maintaining it, while, a lot of work, is becoming a habit that is feeling pretty natural.  There's been lots of times in the past when I will get into a really good groove and keep my house clean and then life happens and I get in a funk and things go to crap but this time feels different.  I am going to keep it up and it feels great!  I even organized our master closet, including Ty's side...it only took two years to do!  Anyway though, it's amazing what a really clean house can do!  I will also have to post a pic of my front yard.  It's amazing what planting some flowers, adding a wreath to the door, and getting a new doormat can do.  I'm lovin it!  Pic to follow on that...

Easter Egg Fun

Last night we dyed easter eggs.  It was Blakeley's first time & we had fun.  Let the easter festivities begin!