My definition of love...
My husband is about to give me my nightly blood thinner shot...neither of us enjoy this, but he is doing it for me...and for our baby :)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
30 Day Blog Challenge- Day 4
Today's topic is "What you ate today"...
I started off today with a bowl of
I started off today with a bowl of
I also had two chocolate chip cookies for a snack.
For supper, I had some of my mom's wonderful potato soup! It was perfect soup weather today!
My diet wasn't very "green" today...but I eat what I can when I can at the moment.
Odd topic today...but thanks for reading!
Don't forget about my giveaway!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
30 Day Blog Challenge- Day 3
Day Three of the blog challenge is Parents.
My parents met in the early 80's. My mom was a college graduate with a degree in psychology and she met my dad through a group of friends. Dad was a Harley riding, vietnam vet. He had joined the army young and spent his time overseas.
From their marriage came three kids. My dad also had a daughter from a previous marriage. Things were not the best and eventually, they divorced when I was about five years old. Honestly, it was the best thing in the world for me. I remember feeling relieved.
Dispite their differences, my parents still talked and my dad even came over to my mom's house every Christmas and even a few birthdays and other times just to visit. They always get along well on these occasions. Some people think it is weird that they can hang out like that, but I think when we were younger, they really did it for us and it just got easier.
My mom.
My parents met in the early 80's. My mom was a college graduate with a degree in psychology and she met my dad through a group of friends. Dad was a Harley riding, vietnam vet. He had joined the army young and spent his time overseas.
From their marriage came three kids. My dad also had a daughter from a previous marriage. Things were not the best and eventually, they divorced when I was about five years old. Honestly, it was the best thing in the world for me. I remember feeling relieved.
Dispite their differences, my parents still talked and my dad even came over to my mom's house every Christmas and even a few birthdays and other times just to visit. They always get along well on these occasions. Some people think it is weird that they can hang out like that, but I think when we were younger, they really did it for us and it just got easier.
My mom.
I just love my Momma! She would do anything in the world for me and bent over backwards to give my brothers and I a great childhood. She worked for the state in the office of Protection and Permenancy (Social Services) for 27 years. Many of those years were on the front lines as a case worker and the last several as the office supervisor. She has a heart of gold and did her job well. She retired the day after my 3 year old was born. She watches him while I work.
At my wedding, instead of having my dad walk me the entire way down the aisle, he started and walked me from the back of the church to my older brother who was a few rows from the back of the church. Dad hugged me and handed me to him. My older brother then gave me a white calla lily and hugged me and then I went solo a few more steps (thankfully, the church had a LONG aisle!) to my younger brother who gave me another lily and hugged me. From there a man who has been like a "spiritual father" gave me another lily, then my grandfather, then my godfather (and the man who performed our ceremony) and lastly my husbands father gave me a flower. I then went to my mom. Mom tied these flowers given to me by all the male leaders in my life and made it complete. To me, it was symbolic of how, eventhough my I didn't grow up with my dad in the house, my mom had always placed me with male role models and tied everything together.
At my wedding, instead of having my dad walk me the entire way down the aisle, he started and walked me from the back of the church to my older brother who was a few rows from the back of the church. Dad hugged me and handed me to him. My older brother then gave me a white calla lily and hugged me and then I went solo a few more steps (thankfully, the church had a LONG aisle!) to my younger brother who gave me another lily and hugged me. From there a man who has been like a "spiritual father" gave me another lily, then my grandfather, then my godfather (and the man who performed our ceremony) and lastly my husbands father gave me a flower. I then went to my mom. Mom tied these flowers given to me by all the male leaders in my life and made it complete. To me, it was symbolic of how, eventhough my I didn't grow up with my dad in the house, my mom had always placed me with male role models and tied everything together.
Mom is tying it all together.
Ben, Mom and I after our ceremony.
My Dad.
My dad and I talk and I know that he loves me. One of my favorite parts of Christmas growing up (and still kind of) is when my dad gets to my Mom's house on Christmas morning. He keeps his change all year and his $1 bills. He brings them to us on Christmas and lets us split up the money. Now that my brother and I have kids, we split the change between his Grandkids and the adults still keep the ones :) It is just one of those family traditions. Just like all of us cramming together on the couch in our Christmas jammies to take a family picture.
He had his issues (but who doesn't, right?) but he always wanted my brothers and I to know he loves us. Dad had 11 brothers and sisters and several of them have already passed away. As I mentioned before, Dad served in Vietnam and that left him with his scars, so I never blame him for not being around more or for his other struggles. I love my dad. And I ask that those of you that pray, to lift him up and pray he sees how much he is loved and that He sees God as a real, loving God.
My dad and I talk and I know that he loves me. One of my favorite parts of Christmas growing up (and still kind of) is when my dad gets to my Mom's house on Christmas morning. He keeps his change all year and his $1 bills. He brings them to us on Christmas and lets us split up the money. Now that my brother and I have kids, we split the change between his Grandkids and the adults still keep the ones :) It is just one of those family traditions. Just like all of us cramming together on the couch in our Christmas jammies to take a family picture.
He had his issues (but who doesn't, right?) but he always wanted my brothers and I to know he loves us. Dad had 11 brothers and sisters and several of them have already passed away. As I mentioned before, Dad served in Vietnam and that left him with his scars, so I never blame him for not being around more or for his other struggles. I love my dad. And I ask that those of you that pray, to lift him up and pray he sees how much he is loved and that He sees God as a real, loving God.
Dad and I before my wedding.
I just got way more personal than I meant to in this post, but I guess that is what these blog challenges are for, huh...
Well, thanks for reading!
Well, thanks for reading!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
30 Day Blog Challenge- Day 2
The topic of today is "First Love".
My first love. My love for my first love grows stronger with everyday. I met him at a very early age and, admittidly, have been closer at some times than other over the years feels closer now than ever. My first love never judges me or makes me feel like less. I feel undeserving of his love and how precious I am to him. Forgiving, loving, comforting, and I never have to pretend I am something I'm not...and even if I did try to pretend, he knows better. When others may judge, he knows my heart better than anyone else. I have never seen my first love's face, but I know his presence and see him in the face of a hyper three year old and a breeze and a butterfly.
My Jesus was my first love. If you don't know him, you really should meet him. He is awesome.
My first love. My love for my first love grows stronger with everyday. I met him at a very early age and, admittidly, have been closer at some times than other over the years feels closer now than ever. My first love never judges me or makes me feel like less. I feel undeserving of his love and how precious I am to him. Forgiving, loving, comforting, and I never have to pretend I am something I'm not...and even if I did try to pretend, he knows better. When others may judge, he knows my heart better than anyone else. I have never seen my first love's face, but I know his presence and see him in the face of a hyper three year old and a breeze and a butterfly.
My Jesus was my first love. If you don't know him, you really should meet him. He is awesome.
2nds for Shyla (Giveaway!)
Today is the 2nd of October. Crazy.
It's notw been 13 months since Shyla was born.
I have such a conflict when it comes to the dates of the events of last August and September. You see, I don't really know what day her spirit left her earthly shell and went to be with Jesus. That day I will probably never know. I know it was in the last days of August, but not the specific day. I know the day we found out she was gone. August 31. And then there is September 2nd. The day her body was taken from mine. I have a hard time calling it her "birth" day. Her spirit was given to the Father before this day. So when people asked when my daughter died or when she was born, I feel like there is a five minute explanation. When the last of the month rolls around, what day can I really call hers? I have struggled with this from the beginning. The lone singular date on her stone even bothers me. "September 2, 2009" does not tell the full story, but just part of it. I hated that was all I could put on there and as generations pass and some one looks at that stone years from now, that is all they will know.
I have tried to make peace with this and realize it is ok to call that her day. But it has been hard. As all the "one year" marks came and went last month, I think I finally have decided that the 2nd will be her day. I will always remember August 31, but the 2nd of every month is what I have counted as the time passed for how many months she has been gone. So, from now on...the 2nd's are for Shyla.
To mark this "2nd" I would like to do my first ever GIVEAWAY!!! This months giveaway is for a copy of the first book that really touched my heart in the days and months after my loss. I'll Hold You in Heaven by Jack Hayford gives us reason to not just hope, but to know where our babies are and that we WILL be with them again! I will also been sending a few gifts designed specifically for the person who wins including a candle with your child's name, a pink and blue ribbon for October 15th and a few other goodies!
It's notw been 13 months since Shyla was born.
I have such a conflict when it comes to the dates of the events of last August and September. You see, I don't really know what day her spirit left her earthly shell and went to be with Jesus. That day I will probably never know. I know it was in the last days of August, but not the specific day. I know the day we found out she was gone. August 31. And then there is September 2nd. The day her body was taken from mine. I have a hard time calling it her "birth" day. Her spirit was given to the Father before this day. So when people asked when my daughter died or when she was born, I feel like there is a five minute explanation. When the last of the month rolls around, what day can I really call hers? I have struggled with this from the beginning. The lone singular date on her stone even bothers me. "September 2, 2009" does not tell the full story, but just part of it. I hated that was all I could put on there and as generations pass and some one looks at that stone years from now, that is all they will know.
I have tried to make peace with this and realize it is ok to call that her day. But it has been hard. As all the "one year" marks came and went last month, I think I finally have decided that the 2nd will be her day. I will always remember August 31, but the 2nd of every month is what I have counted as the time passed for how many months she has been gone. So, from now on...the 2nd's are for Shyla.
To mark this "2nd" I would like to do my first ever GIVEAWAY!!! This months giveaway is for a copy of the first book that really touched my heart in the days and months after my loss. I'll Hold You in Heaven by Jack Hayford gives us reason to not just hope, but to know where our babies are and that we WILL be with them again! I will also been sending a few gifts designed specifically for the person who wins including a candle with your child's name, a pink and blue ribbon for October 15th and a few other goodies!
For one entry, be a follower of this blog (just make that your comment).
For another entry, share with me the first book that really was an ecouragement to after your loss.
For a third entry, share the giveaway on your blog or facebook and just comment letting me know you have done so. A winner will be chosen one week from today (Saturday, October 10).
Friday, October 1, 2010
30 Day Blog Challenge-Day One
I always try to "meet" anyone who comments or starts following my blog and recently Jessie left a really sweet comment and I hopped over to her blog. Jessie is doing a 30 day blog challenge and I thought about doing it as well. I have been kind of absent from the blog world lately and thought this might help me get back into it...but I wasn't sold on the idea yet. I scrolled down through the days and noticed what the 18th was..."Your Favorite Birthday"...well...the 18th of this month is actually my birthday. And I thought it would be a great way to celebrate my blogging birthday! So the decision was made to try this blog challenge. I don't think I have ever posted everyday for a month and October is turning out to be a pretty busy month, but I'm still going to try it! Join me, wont you?
30 Day Blog Challenge
Day 01 – Introduce yourself
30 Day Blog Challenge
Day 01 – Introduce yourself
Day 02 – Your first love
Day 03 – Your parents
Day 04 – What you ate today
Day 05 – Your definition of love
Day 06 – Your day
Day 07 – Your best friend
Day 08 – A moment
Day 09 – Your beliefs
Day 10 – What you wore today
Day 11 – Your siblings
Day 12 – What’s in your bag
Day 13 – This week
Day 14 – What you wore today
Day 15 – Your dreams
Day 16 – Your first kiss
Day 17 – Your favorite memory
Day 18 – Your favorite birthday
Day 19 – Something you regret
Day 20 – This month
Day 21 – Another moment
Day 22 – Something that upsets you
Day 23 – Something that makes you feel better
Day 24 – Something that makes you cry
Day 25 – A first
Day 26 – Your fears
Day 27 – Your favorite place
Day 28 – Something that you miss
Day 29 – Your aspirations
Day 30 – One last moment
***
So day one agenda is to introduce myself. I'm going to keep it brief, but try to get as much in as I can.
I was born and raised in rural south central Kentucky and I love the beautiful foothills of the Appalachians and the amazing lake that surround the area in which I live. I accepted Christ at an early age and I love Jesus! I have an older brother, a younger brother and I had a half sister who passed away four years ago this week. I have a degree in Social Work and my LSW and I love helping others and finding resources. I love kids. I met my husband on Valentines Day and married on New Years Eve of the next year. This year will be our 5th anniversary! We have a 3 1/2 year old son and our beautiful daughter was stillborn September 2, 2009. I am pregnant with our rainbow baby and am due before Easter. I love my family, reading, being surrounded by those I love and music. I also love crafting, sewing, scrapbooking and photography. My passion is helping others through the loss of a child and preparing care packages for the local hospital for parents who experience stillbirth. I have been asked to speak at various venues to raise awareness and support for pregnancy and infant loss and feel blessed to have such a loving God who never ceases to amaze me with His grace and compassion.
I was born and raised in rural south central Kentucky and I love the beautiful foothills of the Appalachians and the amazing lake that surround the area in which I live. I accepted Christ at an early age and I love Jesus! I have an older brother, a younger brother and I had a half sister who passed away four years ago this week. I have a degree in Social Work and my LSW and I love helping others and finding resources. I love kids. I met my husband on Valentines Day and married on New Years Eve of the next year. This year will be our 5th anniversary! We have a 3 1/2 year old son and our beautiful daughter was stillborn September 2, 2009. I am pregnant with our rainbow baby and am due before Easter. I love my family, reading, being surrounded by those I love and music. I also love crafting, sewing, scrapbooking and photography. My passion is helping others through the loss of a child and preparing care packages for the local hospital for parents who experience stillbirth. I have been asked to speak at various venues to raise awareness and support for pregnancy and infant loss and feel blessed to have such a loving God who never ceases to amaze me with His grace and compassion.
1st Blogiversary!
One year ago today I began this blog. It began as a way for me to just get out all of the feelings I had been going through over the past month since Shyla went to Heaven. But it is now so so much more than that. I count myself blessed to "know" each of you that comment and whose blogs I also can read. You are all awesome!
I can't wait to see what the next year holds!
I can't wait to see what the next year holds!
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