The 3/4 of my Whole World.....Remember to find Joy in the Journey.......

Five years ago yesterday I was told, "There is NO medical reason Madelynn is alive today. Tomorrow we will be doing open heart surgery to correct her congenital heart defect (CHD). She has an interrupted aortic arch with complications of it's own. She is truly a Miracle."

Phil and I sat in stunned silence.

For 10 weeks our "Peanut" had been living at home with us eating sleeping, pooping, all normal baby things. Had it not been for God's perfect timing and a brilliant former pediatrician, she would have died at home. I am immeasurable grateful daily God chose to save her life than take her from us too soon.

There is NO Experience in life that will ever prepare you, as a parent, to be told your child almost died, still might die and has a long road to recovery. There is no comparison to the feeling of surrendering your child to a doctor hoping with every ounce of your being you will see your child alive again. Even though I have tried with newly CHD diagnosed parents, you can never be prepared for what your child looks like after open heart surgery. NEVER!

I can honestly say I was stunned into silence. I was afraid to touch Madelynn and every alarm on the machines made my own heart skip a beat. It was a long road to recovery filled with lots of tears, shaking my fist and God wanting to know why, savoring the little victories and just being grateful we had another day with her.

Those days have turned into weeks, weeks turned into months and now those months have turned into years. Last year Madelynn's pre-school director told me I needed to enroll Madelynn into kindergarten. I questioned her about this multiple times. She was turning 5 two weeks before school started. But I was assured multiple times she was ready. She is the youngest kindergartener in the school.

Madelynn is reading, identifying high frequency words and spelling them correctly, solving math problems with almost no help from me. The director wasn't lying. Although she does not plot on the growth chart, she has to ride a special seat on the bus, and her clothes for her age are still way too big she is still pretty feisty and taking on the world EVERY DAY!!

As we celebrate the 5 year anniversary of her open heart surgery, I am overjoyed she never gave up and uses ever ounce of her 34 pounds to show she can plow through life just like everyone else.

Happy Heart Day Madelynn!!

Love, Mama

TTFN~

Phil and Chelsea the DYI's are at it again. Lord Help Us!!

This weekend I have worked harder than I have in a long time. I have probably hauled 10 to 12 times my weight in lumber to the back yard. I was smart enough to wear my gloves to protect my hands but my body hurts in the weirdest places. The back of my thighs, my shoulders and my wrists hurt the worst.

I lifted walls, swung a hammer (like a girl, if you ask Phil, LOL!!) and was allowed to use the cordless saw. One thing I learned......I do not envy a Framer!!

As we worked, I would glance over at the kids as they played. Every once in a while I would run and get my camera and then it was hijacked by Katie. She does have her own camera but she liked using mine.

Jack constantly asking what we were doing and if he could help. He was a GREAT helper!!
 

I did not take this picture. Nice Job Katie!!
 

If you have a big empty box, Maddie will steal it from you. They are her favorite toys.
 

I love this girl!! With those blue eyes and freckles I could just gobble her up.

As soon as we took a break, they were on the floor of the shed dancing.

When I showed her how to do a cartwheel on a 2x4 she was bound and determined to do the same.

We stopped working about 3 today and cleaned up. We were able to get all four walls and the door of the shed up this weekend. We had to put a tarp up for the roof since there is a chance of rain this week. Hopefully next weekend we can finish the roof and the siding.

Maybe I can get an extra nap in before I have to carry more lumber to the back yard.

TTFN~

Another 1/4 of my whole world.........

 

Stewards have the responsibility to care for what has been entrusted to them. I am truly blessed with my oldest child, Kaitlynn. She makes me want to use every ounce of my being to be that good steward.

 

However, there are days as a parent I make mistakes with my children. I have learned apologizing does not always mean that I am wrong and Kaitlynn is right. It just means I value my relationship with Kaitlynn more than my own ego. The most important thing I always want Kaitlynn to remember is that I love her. Even on her worst day when she gets in the most trouble or says something that inevitably hurts my feelings, I love her.  

 

This year Kaitlynn will be ten years old. It is still hard to read, say or believe. For ten years I have been raising her and just look at her. She is beautiful. I wish I could kiss every freckle on her sweet face. She loves art. There are days she stuns me when she sees something that without her artistic eye, I would have totally missed it. She loves to play sports. She acts so girly but as soon as I get her in a sports uniform all bets are off. You better forget she is a girl, she will give you a run for your money. 

 

I.LOVE. the person she is becoming. I have no idea what GOD has in store for her but I can't wait to be a part of it. I pray every day I can continue to be that good steward.

 

Remember Punkin, I love you every second of every minute of every day.

 

 

 

 

TTFN~