Today is Alyssa's first birthday. It truly breaks my heart but at the same time this is the day that God blessed us with her. I can't help but cry and at the same time rejoice.
One year ago our world was turned upside down. I was flown to Columbia for an emergency C-section not knowing whether I would ever see my little girl alive. But God gave us time with her and I am so thankful for that.
We got to see how she always wanted her left foot outside of her snuglet. Every time the nurse would put it back in, she would always find a way to stick it back out. We got to see how she wanted to know everything that was going on. If someone came into the room she would always look. One day she started to get upset at a doctor who she could not see. That's when I realized that I had a feisty little one on my hands (FLO for short). We were able to read to her, to sing to her, and to place one giant finger in her tiny hand. We had really good days and really bad days. We were told that she wouldn't make it but she made it 11 days more than what they thought. Our little girl was a fighter and an inspiration to many. My little girl, my precious angel who would be turning 1 today.
How my heart aches. I should be choosing her party outfit and theme. I know one day we will be together and for that, my heart rejoices. I like to think that when that happens we'll have the biggest, awesomest party ever. I mean, Jesus and my little girl will be there and that in itself makes it awesome!
So Happy Birthday, my sweet little girl. We love you so much!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Generosity
Today was the first day of walk registration and raffle ticket sales. Yesterday, Jamie and I ran around getting things ready. Procrastination? A little. We bought a canopy to stand under, flyers to hand out to people walking into Wal-Mart, a cash box, and poster board.
We went to church this morning and during service I said a prayer. I asked God to open people's hearts to our foundation and to please let us get 10 people to register for the walk and 100 raffle tickets sold.
We left church and went to Wal-Mart to set up. We had everything but the TV out for display and started handing out flyers (thank you Zach, Chris, Amber, Josh, and Heather!). At first, many people were interested in the raffle. But as time passed, some of the people who were working at the doors started to bring money. People were giving us donations - I hadn't really counted on that! It was just nice to know that there are so many caring people out there.
We met a lot of awesome people this afternoon. For those of you who came out to support us, thank you so much!
God provided for us and then some! We had donations and t-shirt sales as well as 12 registrants and waaay more than 100 raffle tickets. Our total today was three times what we expected - isn't God so amazing? I honestly can't say that enough.
We went to church this morning and during service I said a prayer. I asked God to open people's hearts to our foundation and to please let us get 10 people to register for the walk and 100 raffle tickets sold.
We left church and went to Wal-Mart to set up. We had everything but the TV out for display and started handing out flyers (thank you Zach, Chris, Amber, Josh, and Heather!). At first, many people were interested in the raffle. But as time passed, some of the people who were working at the doors started to bring money. People were giving us donations - I hadn't really counted on that! It was just nice to know that there are so many caring people out there.
We met a lot of awesome people this afternoon. For those of you who came out to support us, thank you so much!
God provided for us and then some! We had donations and t-shirt sales as well as 12 registrants and waaay more than 100 raffle tickets. Our total today was three times what we expected - isn't God so amazing? I honestly can't say that enough.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
A New School Year
It's been awhile. I took a little bit of a vacay...I didn't go anywhere but my family was visiting and I wanted to spend time with them! I haven't stopped completely - the walk and raffle are always on my mind. Especially since our first day of raffle sales is this Sunday at Wal-Mart. Can I just say how fast time flies?
A week ago I was invited to speak at a Rotary Club meeting. I met some really awesome people. God never fails to to introduce us to the right people at the right time. I know I say that a lot but it is so true! Some days I don't know what direction to go but with God directing our path I know it will be right.
Just please pray for me now that a new school year has started! Balancing work for the foundation, work and church activities may end up with me losing my mind! If you are interested in purchasing a raffle ticket, please stop by the St. Robert Wal-Mart Sunday from 11-3!
A week ago I was invited to speak at a Rotary Club meeting. I met some really awesome people. God never fails to to introduce us to the right people at the right time. I know I say that a lot but it is so true! Some days I don't know what direction to go but with God directing our path I know it will be right.
Just please pray for me now that a new school year has started! Balancing work for the foundation, work and church activities may end up with me losing my mind! If you are interested in purchasing a raffle ticket, please stop by the St. Robert Wal-Mart Sunday from 11-3!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Planning...
I've had to change the date of our walk three times. Frustrating to say the least but I know that there are going to be challenges. The biggest challenge? Finding sponsors. But I know that God will lead us to where He wants us to go.
There are a lot of exciting things coming up. We will have a raffle in August and September before the walk. So far we will have a TV, Coach purse, and 2 beautiful quilts (thank you Heather!!). I will post more online on the website once we have everything in order. I think we will start selling the tickets in mid-August.
I feel like I have so much to do and not enough time! I know that I just need to let God take control of this. It's been such a long, hard road but I trust that it is what God wants from us. I just have to remember this when I feel overwhelmed with all this planning!!
There are a lot of exciting things coming up. We will have a raffle in August and September before the walk. So far we will have a TV, Coach purse, and 2 beautiful quilts (thank you Heather!!). I will post more online on the website once we have everything in order. I think we will start selling the tickets in mid-August.
I feel like I have so much to do and not enough time! I know that I just need to let God take control of this. It's been such a long, hard road but I trust that it is what God wants from us. I just have to remember this when I feel overwhelmed with all this planning!!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Columbia Bound
Today is the day we meet our first family! I can't tell you how excited we are! We went last night and purchased the gift cards. My mom and dad bought $1000 of Wal-Mart gift cards! How awesome is that??? So now we have 40 gift cards to give families!
We have a family that we are going to meet to present the first gift card to as well as some baby items that they need. I will definitely put up pictures later.
I am a little nervous. Going back to the NICU where Alyssa was born stirs up a lot of emotions. I am saddened a little but joy is what I mostly feel. I am excited to help these families out and I pray that we can touch someone's heart. Please pray for these families and for this foundation. I will post more after our trip to Columbia!
We have a family that we are going to meet to present the first gift card to as well as some baby items that they need. I will definitely put up pictures later.
I am a little nervous. Going back to the NICU where Alyssa was born stirs up a lot of emotions. I am saddened a little but joy is what I mostly feel. I am excited to help these families out and I pray that we can touch someone's heart. Please pray for these families and for this foundation. I will post more after our trip to Columbia!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Broken
This weekend I went to Wild Week in Oklahoma. I can't say enough how awesome God is. I realized something and I feel the need to share it with you.
A lot of people have told me how strong I am. The only reason for that is God. I can't take credit for it. But I realized that I was building up a facade and didn't know it. I was running away from grief and from confronting the feelings I needed to confront. Instead of taking time to grieve Alyssa I was filling up my spare time with things to do.
The foundation is a way for me to honor God and my daughter but this weekend broke me - in a good way. I realized that I was putting things in front of God. I want a baby so badly and it was affecting my relationships - most importantly my relationship with God. So this week has totally put me back in the right direction. I realized that even if I don't get to be a mom here I will always get to be a mom in heaven. So although I'm hopeful to have a baby here I will not let those thoughts consume me that it takes away time from my God.
Also another thing that is broken...PayPal. Go figure. Once we get an interview in the post newspaper with our website, they place a hold on our account so we are not able to take donations. Here is the link for the article http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12293&Itemid=40. God has blessed us in so many ways and one of them was this article. Thank you Cpt. Green and Kerstin! The article is so beautifully written. Please pass on the link to people to get us out there and please let them know that PayPal should be fixed by Tuesday. God bless!
A lot of people have told me how strong I am. The only reason for that is God. I can't take credit for it. But I realized that I was building up a facade and didn't know it. I was running away from grief and from confronting the feelings I needed to confront. Instead of taking time to grieve Alyssa I was filling up my spare time with things to do.
The foundation is a way for me to honor God and my daughter but this weekend broke me - in a good way. I realized that I was putting things in front of God. I want a baby so badly and it was affecting my relationships - most importantly my relationship with God. So this week has totally put me back in the right direction. I realized that even if I don't get to be a mom here I will always get to be a mom in heaven. So although I'm hopeful to have a baby here I will not let those thoughts consume me that it takes away time from my God.
Also another thing that is broken...PayPal. Go figure. Once we get an interview in the post newspaper with our website, they place a hold on our account so we are not able to take donations. Here is the link for the article http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12293&Itemid=40. God has blessed us in so many ways and one of them was this article. Thank you Cpt. Green and Kerstin! The article is so beautifully written. Please pass on the link to people to get us out there and please let them know that PayPal should be fixed by Tuesday. God bless!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Article, Raffle, Volkslauf Oh My!
After our ribbon cutting, Jamie's commander emailed The Guidon (a newspaper on Ft. Leonard Wood). We had an interview today for an article which will come out July 8! I am so excited. Kerstin interviewed us and I just feel so positive about this. She was very helpful and said that we can keep in touch and The Guidon can publish updates about Hold My Heart. We told her about upcoming events that we are planning and different things we are trying to accomplish with our foundation. I can't wait for this to come out! I am so excited!
Jamie came up with an idea to raffle off a nice TV the month before the walk. The walk is now moved to September 18. We are trying to raise funds for the walk to provide tshirts and food for the participants. I am praying for this to be successful. Pretty soon we will meet with a group of ladies who have offered their time and ideas for fundraising. God has truly taken care of us and whenever I don't know what to do, He provides someone who does!
Many people have expressed interest in the tshirts we wore while doing the Volkslauf. For those of you who do not know, the Volkslauf is a 10k through woods, rivers, and a gigantic mud pit. It was fun to do and we enjoyed every minute of it. We are working on getting tshirts made. If you would like a tshirt, please email me at holdmyheartfoundation@yahoo.com. Once I get more information I will email you details!
Great things are in store these next couple of months!
Jamie came up with an idea to raffle off a nice TV the month before the walk. The walk is now moved to September 18. We are trying to raise funds for the walk to provide tshirts and food for the participants. I am praying for this to be successful. Pretty soon we will meet with a group of ladies who have offered their time and ideas for fundraising. God has truly taken care of us and whenever I don't know what to do, He provides someone who does!
Many people have expressed interest in the tshirts we wore while doing the Volkslauf. For those of you who do not know, the Volkslauf is a 10k through woods, rivers, and a gigantic mud pit. It was fun to do and we enjoyed every minute of it. We are working on getting tshirts made. If you would like a tshirt, please email me at holdmyheartfoundation@yahoo.com. Once I get more information I will email you details!
Great things are in store these next couple of months!
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