Layla Grace & Thankful Thursday

GOOD Thursday to you all! I hope you have had a great week. My week has been eh but I am so glad the weekend is near :) My heart has been heavy this morning and this week for Layla Grace who is a 2 year old fighting an aggressive cancer. She is at home and death is near. She is a BEAUTIFUL child and I just well up in tears thinking about her. My prayers are going out to her family.

Today I am encompassing thankfulness to every person who is in my life and supports and encourages me. From quad mamas to mamas to college students, I am blessed to be surrounded with a great family.

Want to play along today? Just link your post to mine or leave your thankful comments in the box below!

Thankful Thursday

My heart is heavy this week as I think about the quake that rocked Haiti and the devastation that followed. So I have to say that the entire country is in my prayers as they deal with the aftermath and destruction from the quake. I am ever so thankful that I have a life built around me that allows me to live with out wonders of when I will get clean water, medication, food, and shelter. The families and people of Haiti are in my thoughts and prayers.

Behind...in more ways than one

I will admit that I am behind in blog reading and commenting...I am sorry! Some weeks days will be better than others. I know my sweet peeps "get it." Time sometimes seems to FLY and other times it seems to DRAG!

This weekend's outlook looks daunting, but I am up for it. I may need a weekend off after this one. First, I wanted to say that you for the prayers and encouragement on my last post. I really appreciated it today :) Secondly...I am having to take a step back and reorganize/recognize how much I can bite off in every situation. NO, the word, has never been an easy word for me to dispense. I am not wonder woman, by no means, but I just like to have a "say" and be involved in all that I can be.

BUT my priorities will be rearranged and my life needs a little breather too. This week showed me who is boss and I was literally flying at the sleep-deprived seat of my pants. This will not happen again. I have to take care of ME and get my school work done first before other activities.

I am definitely thinking about Jeremiah 29:11 right now and it is by far my FAVORITE verse..."For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse will be by my side this weekend for sure!

Have a safe and fun weekend!!!

I made it...

Just letting you know that I made it to collegetown and am settled in for the night!

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement! I truly felt them today on my ride here.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!!!

A small update on Grandma

Your prayers have been heard/read/thought of over the past few days. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. My family & I really appreciate them.

SO onto the update...as of 9pm tonight, Gma has a fever of 102*. My first thought was infection and the hospital is trying to make her comfortable and figure out what is going on. She is quite uncomfortable but has plenty of visitors. My dad is still in Houston and is still scheduled to leave for NM on Saturday night. The phone is ringing off the hook and at all hours these past few days too. Right now the family has decided to take the care of my grandparents week-by-week and each time we will evaluate the situation and go from there.

Just thought you would like to know!

Stellan

Many of you are aware that MckMama, Stellan's mama, and her family had a news story reported about them and it aired last night. I totally encourage ALL of you to watch it. HERE is the link. I was a basket case as I watched this sweet story unfold before my very eyes and I wanted to share with you why this sweet family has made a HUGE impact on me!

** In utero, Stellan was supposed to die...but he did not!

** After being born, Stellan was told there was nothing (that the docs could find) wrong with him.

** At four months old, Stellan started having some trouble and the world (via MckMama's blog) prayed! Stellan and MckMama were away from their family for six weeks and the world helped this sweet family out with Care-packages, prayers, blog posts, and whatever else they needed.

** A world of different people from different countries/states/nations came together and PRAYED and PRAYED for this sweetheart and his family. This totally blows me away of how a world of so many could come together and UNITE for this sweetheart. I have been amazed at the support that the MckFamily has received and continues to receive. Stellan's SVT may not be cured, but there are still so many people praying for him. Amazing how HE (God) can bring us all together, make us disregard the little, and PRAY together for Stellan!

If you would have told me that a blog, MckMama's blog, would bring us all together for this little man and on my knees in prayer a year ago, I may have been skeptical, but NOW...I totally understand and believe ANYTHING is possible!

So A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

Today at 8:30am (EST), Stellan will go for surgery. Please pray as the Great Physician helps sweet Stellan and guides the doctor's hands and minds. Not only is this little guy 5 months, he is already a little fighter. Join the fight today...click on Stellan's button at the top of this post, see updates from MckMama, and pray. This little guy has brought the world to its knees and there are only a few who have that POWER.

Wordful Wednesday: Giving HIM the glory

After an eventful evening and long sleepless night, I could not stop thinking about my "prayer list" and all of those who need and crave daily prayers. Some songs came to mind and I thought I would share a few...

>> "To God be the glory for the things he hath done"
>> "Rise and Shine and give God the glory glory"
>> "Holy, Holy, Holy"
>> "Come and go with me to my Father's house"

These are just a few songs that have been on repeat all night long in my head. No particular reason, just because. I also seem to have accumulated quite a list of prayer requests over the weeks and they sure keep me noticing all the sickness and turmoil in lives each day. The only thing that I can do well is pray for each family and I fully intend and will do so.

Some people may not understand that life is just so precious and pure. I believe that we, as people, are given life by the HEAVENLY FATHER and it is the best gift that anyone can receive and accept. I have accepted the fact that HE gave me life; now I will do my best to live according to HIS plan for me!

Psalm 138:6-8 states "Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands."

Jeremiah 29:11 states "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Have a wonderful Wednesday

Click on the button to see more WWs!

Surrounded and amazed

Words can not express my deepest Sympathy for the MckFamily during their troubling times. Sweet Stellan continues to fight for his life and I sit back amazed. There are a few reasons I am amazed and I thought I would share them. Stellan has brought "us" all together through the power of prayer. He has us down on our knees praying and holds us on the edge of our seats as we wait for his mama, MckMama, to post new updates via blog and twitter. Sweet Stellan, you are in my thoughts and prayers each moment of the day! Fight sweet boy FIGHT!

HE has a "path" for Stellan and only HE knows. I know HE will provide through triumph and struggles...but the waiting game is tough. I find myself thinking of Stellan ALL the time. He has become a constant prayer and thought. Stellan continues to fight for his life and all we can do as a whole is pray. This sweet boy has brought us together and I believe "we" are supporting this sweet boy the best way we can...by using our faith to PRAY.

Psalm 139:13-16 states For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 59:16-17 states But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

Philippians 4:13 states I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Sweet Stellan...you have already shown that you are a FIGHTER! You show your strength as you struggle for life. You amaze me sweet boy! Fight Sweet Stellan FIGHT!

Not Me Monday...Stellan Style

Most of you know that Sweet Stellan is still in the PICU with SVT. MckMama is usually the hostee of this fabulous therapy, but Natalie is so nicely holding the NMM Stellan style due to Stellan being in the PICU. Thanks Natalie :)

** I did not get asked numerous times if I was sad at school today or last week.
** I did not check my twitter and dashboard for new posts from MckMama.

** I am not praying like a mad woman so that Stellan can feel better soon and a miracle can be shown.

** I have not cried numerous times for Sweet Stellan.

** I do not "reply" to MckMama as I know her on twitter.

I AM effected by Stellan. He HAS brought us all together and his prayers will be heard throughout the world. The MckFamily and Sweet Stellan are still in desparate need of prayers! Praying loud and proud for Sweet Stellan!

Wordful Wednesday...Pray for Stellan

Click on the button to see updates

Stellan, MckMama's youngest is in the PICU and not doing so hot right now. His heart is in SVT, which is supraventricular tachycardia and is having a really tough time. By gosh he is only 4 months old! My whole world is praying for this little guy. His mama brings bloggers together each Monday for Not Me Mondays and encourages those around her. Let's give her encouragement and pray for sweet Stellan and the MckFamily!

Even though I do not personally know the MckFamily BUT they have impacted my life in many ways. MckMama is real and she has introduced me to many of my blogging friends. She gives me inspiration and encoragement! Right now, I am paying MckMama back by doing what I can do...praying hard for Stellan. We may not understand God's plans, but HE hears us praying!

Esther has created the Pray for Stellan vigil website that is going on NOW! Check it out and sign up or commit to pray for Stellan. You can choose hours, times, or just when ever you want. The power of prayer DOES work...so join us in prayer for this little miracle named Stellan!



FIGHT STELLAN FIGHT

Wordful Wednesday is hosted by Angie who allows us to say what we want and still have a "Wednesday" theme. Stellan is in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. My heart aches for the MckFamily as they face the "unknown." Fight STELLAN fight! You are such a strong little boy already...keep fighting!

Updates galore

Sorry it has taken some time for me to update. Life has sure thrown me some curve balls this week and I have been taken aback by a few of them. No this week has not been as bad as last week, but emotionally, it has been worse.

Starting off with my Nonni, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all of the prayers. She is still in the hospital and ALL of her doctors have been called in because of the pneumonia and now her heart is giving them worry. She has had heart trouble for a while now and they are concentrating hard with it now as well. She is still on Oxygen and getting a little stronger each day. No date has been set to when she is coming home though. Right now, I believe the hospital is the best place for her.

Then there is a baby girl (21 months) who I babysit for. Girlie spent the night in the hospital last night and was given antibiotics and fluids. On Tuesday, she had what her parents thought was a virus, but after 72 hours of not being able to keep anything down, they took her to the doctor who sent them to the hospital for Rotavirus. They released her today, but she is on strict orders to only have Gatorade and crackers/pretzels. She is still very weak and out of it too. She is still experiencing tummy troubles too. I actually saw her in the hospital last night and she is not herself. I am hoping that she turns the corner very soon.

I also know that there are lots of other babies/kiddos who are sick and I am praying that they feel better soon. Having/seeing a child sick is NOT an easy task and I PRAY they all are healed soon.

Praying Hard for all to heal

Updates

I AM HOME...unpacked...cleaned up...heading to bed...no one better dare wake me before 10AM. Pictures of my trip will be up later today or tomorrow!
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Baby Stellan is off Oxygen and his stats are up right now. Please keep him in your prayers as he continues to fight RSV.
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Baby Kayleigh is fighting hard in the hospital. Please continue to pray for her as she fights for her life!
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Baby Ethan is a sweet 11 month old with JMML, a rare childhood cancer. He has had this since he was 11 weeks old. Please pray that Ethan kicks this cancer.
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Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's Eve and is now tucked in bed! I think I will take my own advice and drift off into wonderland. Since I have been up for 20+ hours, I think it is time.

Happy New Years!!!!

All things are possible

Lately, there have been troublesome events that have filled my head. From my uncle dying and me not being able to attend his funeral to baby Stellan having RSV to my sweet, NOT, nice, NOT neighbors having jam sessions...starting at 2AM. Last night was actually the worst it has been yet and I considered patrolling from 2AM to 4AM since I was awake...considered.

But I have to remember that God does has a plan for me and the little things that make up my life may or may not do anything to my future goal. In my heart, I know that Stellan will be just fine. Once the RSV is contained and eliminated...he will just fine. Prayers do make a difference as well. My uncle had a very good life and was very sick for a very long time. Prayers helped me be able to grieve and accept the fact that he is gone, but his legacy will prevail in the future. He will be missed, yes, but he will be remembered for the great man that he was.

The neighbors...well, God will see them eventually and hopefully they will clean up their act...hopefully. I also head home tomorrow and will sleep in my own bed, in my own room, and have no neighbors who make my walls vibrate. I loved my experience at the conference, but am SO ready to go home. I am ready to see my family and am ready to sleep more than four hours consecutively...silent hooray! I am also ready to just be HOME :)
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Home is where my heart will always be...not trying to be too corny :) Home is where I can get more than four hours of sleep, mourn, and live my life. Home is what I L-O-V-E! Today I bought a magnet that states "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live your life you've imagined" (Thoreau.) I have loved being home...but I also love to live life...hour by hour...day by day and it is so WORTH IT!!!

Love and Live life

I jumped on the Twitter bandwagon

Just for kicks, I jumped on the Twitter bandwagon about an hour ago. Since some of you are curious about my life, you can see what my daily happenings are right under my about me/profile section.
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To answer all of your questions...I got more than four plus hours of sleep last night. My boss was called and she was NOT happy at 3ish this morning...who would be? My plan is to get up at 6AM, so I better get ready. Thanks for all your encouraging comments over the past few days.
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Update on Stellan...he has RSV and is in the PICU. MckMama is at the hospital with him now and could use all of your prayers. This is a very sweet and loving family who has an eight week old in the hospital!
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MORE PICTURES TO COME TOMORROW!!!!

Sweet Dreams....

I've never...

I've never been a night person...that is today's preface. I have always been an early riser and LOVE to go to bed early...not your average college student and I am ok with that :)

So I am at a National Convention till Wednesday night and was called at 12AM to say that the presentation that I was to be giving was to be at 8AM instead of 2PM. So what do I do? Unpack, get ready, shower, check email and try to turn in by 1AM. Oh no, but wait...my next door neighbors decided to throw a party. Not just a hotel gathering...a beer and karaoke singing at the top of the lungs from 1AM to 4AM party. Mind you that my alarm went off at 6ish. COME ON PEOPLE...can you just not sleep at a decent hour and party during the day? I got about 3 hours of sleep MAX and then called it quits.

My presentation went well and the other girl and I tagged teamed which went well. I have had one iced tea and a nice cup of coffee is in my future. I am sorry that I am venting/ranting, but seriously...this is a hotel people...not a keg party. Did your mother not teach you to use your inside voices and be considerate???

Hope you all are having a better Sunday and got a few more hours of sleep than I did. Please keep baby Stellan and his family in your prayers as well. I can not imagine what MckMama is going through! Visit her WEBSITE

Have a wonderful Sunday

Because of you...

Today was a very difficult day to say the least. With prayers keeping me strong and little sleep to gain, I charged through the day. With water on hand and trail mix full of energy...life charged forward. Thank you for all your prayers. Unfortunately...my uncle died at 2:40pm today. Thank you for all of your prayers through this trying experience. Thank you for helping me get through this day.

As if my news could not get any better right now...I know...I have to get up at 5:30AM (4:30 my time) to prep for a presentation that was moved foward. What did I ever do to deserve this??? I know I can handle it, but seriously!!!! Now I must head to bed...

Goodnight

Think Critical Thinking...

Today at 1pm I get (ha) to take a Critical Thinking Test. I MUST pass this test to get into the school of Education this fall. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers today!!! Then the waiting game continues till Monday or Tuesday.

Hope all is well with everyone today!

Sister, Sister...

I am asking for prayers for my family right now. My sister in particular. There are some things going on that I can not go into, but right now, life is just really hard for her.

I am really saddened by some of the things that have happened to my sweet sister and I wish I could be superwoman and make them better, but I can not!!!

It is hard to believe what some "so called friends" would do to others. I wish I could go into further details, but for the sake of my sister, I am keeping my mouth shut and watching how this all plays out.

I appreciate your prayers! Have a great Memorial Day weekend with your family!!!

Thank Goodness It's Friday!!!