Sharayah & Kevin's Wedding

My niece, Sharayah got married this past weekend. It was a beautiful wedding and a two lovely receptions. They got married at a church in Ft. Thomas, KY and had cake and punch, etc. for the guests who were there. Then they had another reception later at Kevin's family's home in California, KY. It was such a beautiful day, with love so evident everywhere! :)

Anyway, Sharayah was a beautiful bride and I think she thoroughly enjoyed her special day. She, her parents and Kevin's parents all did a wonderful job preparing for the wedding. Kevin's parents have a beautiful house on the Ohio River with a huge yard to accomodate everyone. They had built a dance floor, complete with lights and decorations. It was really so nice.

Bryce and Mia were in the wedding also. Bryce was the ring bearer and Mia was one of the flower girls. They both did a great job. Bryce was very cooperative for pictures and all the other duties that go along with being a ring bearer. Mia did a great job being the flower girl--she certainly was cute. She didn't drop any petals during the wedding, but had a great time practicing in the dressing room before getting ready.

I thought this picture of Bryce and Sharayah together was so precious. He really was very cooperative and did pretty well during the wedding. He got a little bored, and when he looked up and saw Mia playing with his pirate sword, he started shaking his finger at her and shaking his head "no". :)

Anyway, the day was great....I was fortunate to have all my kids there and grandkids. Any day that I get to see them all at one time is a very blessed day. (Not that the day was about me!) God has blessed me with so much in my life--the best three kids He had and the three best grandkids EVER!! Here are a few more random shots from the wedding and reception. Enjoy!

The lovely flower girl, Mia and the handsome ring bearer, Bryce. :) Both a little squinty.

Uncle Josh came on to the dance floor to do some of his mad dancing skills with Bryce. Bryce was doing everything Uncle Josh did. I think this was some kind of Ninja Turtle dance. Bryce thinks there is no one quite like his Uncle Josh and I have to say that I think Uncle Josh is another example of a godly man for Bryce to follow--he has his daddy too. :) Sharayah dancing with her Daddy. They danced to the theme from "Beauty and the Beast"...Bryce asked if YoYo was the Beast. :) He's funny.

The girls "performing" their pact dance. Sharayah chose the song "Baby, Baby" by Amy Grant to do their little dance to. She used to sing it and act it out when she was little. Mia decided she needed to get involved in this one. :) Can't leave out the little guy. Collin was SO good all weekend. He had a few sleep issues in their motel room, but all in all, he was an angel. He is sitting at the table at the reception here enjoying some snacks. This one seems to be suspended in the air, huh? :) And, last, but not least.....here is the new Mr. & Mrs. Sharayah and Kevin Gautraud. Thanks for including us in your special weekend. May God bless your marriage!!

God in the convertible???

1 Peter 5:7-9

Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world

The scripture above are verses that I've "known" for years. However it seems in the last few months--almost year that those verses have rang so true. I just told someone the other day that it just seemed like there were so many people hurting. Our church is relatively small and I know of some really sad, terrible situations. There are people dealing with health issues, family issues, lonliness, unconfessed sin, etc. There are people within the church who don't "like" others, there are just SO many hurting people.

Well, today, I had to go to the grocery store to get some groceries for a carry-in dinner at church on Sunday. I was so burdened for a couple different people--one special friend who had to undergo a second surgery in 10 days, a family member going through some rough times. Well, I decided to drive my convertible today--the sky was a beautiful blue, the clouds so light and fluffy, the air so comfortable. I drove with the top down, praying for the people who were on my heart. I know it sounds strange, but somehow with the top down, I felt like my prayers were flying straight up to Heaven, directly to the ear of God. I know that God hears each and every prayer I whisper and the ones in my heart, that never have voice to them. But, somehow today, listening to Chris Tomlin on the CD player, smelling the wild honeysuckle and wild roses and feeling the wonderful breeze, well, it seemed like God was "there". I continued to pray, and praised God for the miracle of His creation and the beauty of the Earth He made. As I prayed for a young man who has been on my heart so deeply for a couple weeks, I really felt like God was reaching out to him at that very minute, touching his heart.

As I was casting all my anxiety on Him--I knew without a doubt that He cared for me--and cared about all those hurting people I was crying out for. I also know that Satan is just around the corner, trying to convince us that God doesn't care and that our cares don't matter to Him. But, as I prayed to God, I realized that I was kicking Satan--proving to him that God does care, that He loves His children and that He wills and allows what is best in each of our lives. And, that God wants to hear from me--hear about the cares of my heart. That thought is so deep to me--the God of the universe--the Creator, cares about ME!!

So, do I think that a convertible is the BEST place to talk with God? No, I think anywhere is the best place. God is with me no matter where I go or what I'm driving. However, today it seemed like God really showed me His presence--which was exactly what my hurting heart needed. I praise God for His love, His mercy, His grace and his never ending presence in my life.

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!!

After Krista posted on her blog about the verses in Philippians about being anxious and turning everything regarding Mia and her surgery, etc. over to God, I have to admit that I felt terribly guilty. I found myself worrying endlessly about Mia, about the surgery, about her recovery, about her time in the hospital, etc. However, after meditating on that passage of scripture and others, I can honestly say that I, too, turned my worries and whatever "claim" I have on Mia, over to God. For, He is the Great Physician, He loves Maleigha more than her Nana ever can....and in His sovereignty, He knew while she was being formed what the outcome would be. How awesome is that? Thinking about things like that often just blows my mind!!


Anyway, we arrived at Cincinnati Children's Hospital a little before noon on Friday, May 8 for Mia's spinal surgery to detach her tethered cord. She had to have some blood work done and be checked in, etc. She cried when they drew blood, but was pretty good other than that. They took her right in the holding area for surgery, did vitals, etc. They gave her some sedation medication to prepare her for her surgery that was supposed to be at 2:30 p.m. Keep in mind, that she wasn't allowed to have any solids after 6:00 a.m. and nothing by mouth after 10:00 a.m. Still, she was doing well. The above picture was taken after they had given her the medication that was supposed to sedate her enough that when Mommy and Daddy had to hand her over to the surgical team, she wouldn't care. They brought her a baby to play with and she did really well. However, 2:30 came and went...3:00 came and went....3:30 came and went. Someone did come in and tell us that they had to take a child back to surgery and it would be a little behind schedule on Mia. Well, about 4:40, they came and got her--by that time, the sedation medicine had worn off, she was getting cranky and wanted her "cuppy" with some "milky". She was tired, hungry and not happy. I have to admit that my heart broke when we went out to the waiting area and all I could hear was her screaming "NANA!!"....ringing in the halls of the area.


Her surgery went well, didn't take as long as they thought it would, but the neurosurgeon said that the fibers that were tethered were really tight--much worse than he thought they were going to be. (Another confirmation that God's timing was perfect) She was sedated pretty heavily by the time we got to go in and see her and we were told that she would be "out" all night. So, we all left to go get some sleep--Krista and David stayed at the hospital and Nana and Papaw went to find a motel (another story--whew!!).
Fast forward to Saturday morning--here's what I saw when I came in to see her. Not nearly as bad as I thought she would look, but she was very restless and in pain.....a hard thing to witness. But, still, we were praising God that she was doing so well. When you are in the PICU for just a few minutes, you know that a little one in Mia's condition and with her problems is a real blessing. We knew that she was going to be fine--her surgery was over, she just needed to recover. And, as hard as it was to see her in pain and hear her cries, it was a relief to know that God was in control, was caring for her and healing her as we sat by and watched.


Saturday evening I left to go to the motel, Krista was going to spend the night in Mia's room. She text messaged me about 9:00 and said that all was well and she was going to try to get some sleep. So, I slept well, not knowing what was going on at the hospital. :) They had to replace Mia's IV about midnight and she really had a fit. She had a lot of anxiety over the nurses coming in, etc., they said that most kids who are in the PICU are used to doctors, nurses and the atmosphere of the hospital. She was not...so, she freaked out when the doctors, nurses, cleaning people, etc. came in. But, anyway, they didn't have a very good night that night. I was going to just run around on Sunday so that David's folks had a chance to spend time with them and Mia. But, I got a text about 8:30 that said Mia was having a rough morning and to come whenever I could. I got ready in record time and got there--her nurse said she had been crying for Nana...broke my heart. But, when I went in the room, the above picture is what I found. They had gotten Mommy up in bed with Mia and she finally settled down some.


By Monday afternoon, she was released from the PICU and in a regular room. From Monday afternoon until Tuesday afternoon, you could watch her getting better. She had to get up--which was hard for her at first, but she got up and was trying her best to walk, play, etc. We took her a wagon ride to the toddler play area they had for patients. She played with dolls, kitchen stuff, books, etc. Nana took her for a couple rides in the wagon down to the first floor and we looked for babies--she loves babies!!! And, by Tuesday evening about 5:30, she was being released to go home. GOD IS SO GOOD!!! We never imagined she would bounce back so quickly. Praise God she did and she is continuing to recover, heal and get used to walking again. We all had so many friends and family members praying for Mia--to each of you I want to say "THANKS"...she is such a sweet girl and I have to admit, has a very special place in my heart. She went to church with Nana last night and then came back to our house. She was even dancing to one of her Dora DVDs....a welcome sight indeed.



Praise be to God for His mercy, His grace and His blessings. And, thanks to all who were praying for our Mia--she is thankful too. She now says when asked "Who made you Mia?"...."God did". And, He did!!

Happy Mother's Day 2009

The last couple years, I have not been able to spend Mother's Day in the traditional ways you would think of celebrating the day. Last year, my wonderful son, Josh graduated from Asbury College on Mother's Day. We are so proud of him. He is living in Huntington, WV now and working for Arrick's Propane (hehe) and enjoy his life there. God has truly been with him during the last year and a half--through trials, God was victorious!!!

This year I had everyone over on Thursday evening. Not really for Mother's Day, although I did end up having cards for my mom and the girls for Mother's Day. We had dinner together and had prayer for Mia since her surgery was coming up the next day. We had a great evening together and everyone enjoyed the kids. They are something, that's for sure!!!

Anyway, Mother's Day didn't really happen with our family this year, although there were some special times that made me see just how blessed I am to be the mother of this bunch of wonderful people!

Here's Jayme with her boys on Thursday evening--their "Mother's Day" picture with their mommy. Josh and Jayme have two very sweet boys--God has blessed our family with both of them. They are both so sweet, yet so different. I guess that's good though, gives them some variety. :) They are beautiful, aren't they? All three of them!!

Little Miss Mia seemed to be the center of attention kind of on Thursday evening. We all had her surgery on our minds--dreading it, but thankful that it had been scheduled in God's time and that she was going to be able to have it done before the condition started causing her any permanent problems. Of course, she had no idea what was going on--she's so young. She enjoyed the "party" and had fun playing with her cousins, wrestling with YoYo, being with Uncle Josh before he went to the beach, being with her family. She loves any opportunity to have a party--just like her Nana. :)

We had a lot of fun together, the kids had fun being together, yet it was kind of a bittersweet evening--Mia's upcoming surgery was on all our minds. But, praise be to God, she did great, and has bounced back beautifully. I'm going to do a post about that next--so watch out. Here are a few more pictures from our little get together on Thursday evening. I sure do love my family--all of them.

Sweet

little Collin-always the happy

guy.

Uncle Josh and his best little lady. These two have a special relationship--she loves him and he loves her.

My precious little Bryce..loves the Nintendo DS now--it's what he does. :) He is getting pretty good at it and gets a little impatient with Nana--who is NOT good at it. :)

Easter 2009

Sorry that it's taken me so long to post about Easter. It seems like there's so much to do and so little time. I know--everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. I'm not even sure where my 24 hours go some days. :)

We had a great Easter--complete with the kids "matching" outfits. I felt like they were still close enough to the same age and found these adorable outfits that were all in their ranges. So, here they are, dressed up for Easter. We all went to church on Easter (of course) and then came back to our house for dinner. Krista, David and Mia were able to come by for awhile--long enough to take some pictures of the kids together--family together, etc. Then they had to leave. But, we did get some cute pictures of the kids.

We had an Easter egg hunt mainly for Bryce--Jesse did help him find all the eggs. We had 32 eggs hidden, so he probably needed a little help. He had a great time finding them, then he took a turn hiding them for his Mommy, for Granny, for Nana and anyone else who would look for them.

Mia loved picking the beautiful yellow flowers in Nana and Papaw's yard (dandelions). She would smell them, share them with others to smell. She thinks they are so special. :) She looked so adorable in her little dress and her little pigtails her mommy gave her and the dandelions matched it perfectly!!

Collin enjoyed his lunch then was sitting at the dining room table with the rest of us when he began dozing off--in his high chair. It was really quite funny, well, in a sad kind of way. But, he had a great time playing when he got up from his nap. He looked so cute in his little shortall thing--he's definitely got the legs for short pants...those chubby rolls!! Gotta love 'em.

It was wonderful to have my parents and my brother, sister-in-law and their family here as well as my kids. It was a wonderful day to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord--the real meaning of Easter. Having the family near and enjoying time together is a gift from God--but the greatest gift is the gift of His Son who came to earth as a baby to die for the sins of the world. Praise the Lord He rose again--giving us the chance for Life Eternal!!

Happy Birthday Krista and her daddy

We had a birthday get together last night to celebrate the hubby's birthday and Krista's birthday. That's right, she was born on her daddy's birthday...26 years ago. I used to tell her all the time that I was so happy she was born on his birthday because I didn't have to buy him a gift that year. :) She's been the best birthday present he ever received, I'm sure.

We all had dinner together and then had present time and cake. It was a great evening to all be together. It's hard when your children become adults and have their own lives to be able to get together. Josh had softball practice last night, so he didn't get to come to the party, but he will be here tomorrow for Easter. So, it all works out. I love having them here whenever they can be. The kids all had a great time together and Bryce and Mia got along really well.

The saddest/funniest thing of the evening was when the Greenes arrived, Bryce immediately got very sad because Uncle Josh had gone back to his apartment before they got here. He thought he was going to get to see him for a minute before he left. So, Bryce starting crying--he didn't want anyone to see him, so he went into the living room to be alone and cry. Mia kept going in to check on him. Jayme told her that "Bryce was sad because he didn't get to see Uncle Josh before he left". Mia walked away and spotted a collage picture of Josh's graduation from Asbury last year. She went over and said "Bryce, Unca Josh"...and pointed to the picture. Then she smiled at him and laughed, like she had fixed it all. Then Bryce walked over to the picture and looked at it and told Jayme "Mommy, I just feel really sad inside of me"....it was heart wrenching!! :) But, after YoYo, Dawn and Jesse got there and Jesse wrestled with him and played with him, he was better.

Happy Birthday to my two favorite April babies. I love you both SO much.

26 years ago

Twenty-six years ago today, I welcomed my second precious daughter into the world and into my life. I was honestly so excited to have another girl--I loved the first one so much! So, I just wanted to take this opportunity to say "Happy Birthday Krista"....you are definitely the BEST birthday gift your dad ever received--even if you did steal his birthday. :)

We're having a little birthday get together on Friday, so I'll post pictures then and another birthday greeting for her, but I didn't want to miss saying "Happy Birthday" to my sweet, wonderful daughter. Love you sweetie.