-
meeting an angel
here’s the story behind this piece of art that changed lives and perhaps even saved one. a remarkable man i know, once asked me a question one day while i was caring for his grandson in the oncology infusion clinic. “marian, do you know why the hospital doors are so wide?” he proceeded to tell me that one night when he was staying in the hospital with his grandson, he had a vision that the nurse who entered their room that night had angel wings and that is why the doors are so wide. you see, i remember those doors at our old hospital that he was speaking of. in…
-
thoughts this week
as i’m off work anticipating the arrival of baby boy, childhood cancer awareness month is on my mind. i’m reminded of the miracles of healing as well as the lives lost. raise awareness or support the cause if you can! http://www.curesearch.org/ gracie has always loved craft time but even more so in the last month since starting her preschool program. she LOVES arts and crafts and especially on days we are cooped up inside because of the heat. here’s the space i created just for her to create. this bag. OH THIS BAG. it’s amazing. it’s handmade in India providing dignified work for artisans. it’s the perfect size and holds anything…
-
writing my story
i’ve had the opportunity to read a few books (pictured below) this summer, something i usually don’t enjoy that much but for some reason, i think god was tugging on my heart to slow down and read. these books have been a complete blessing. they have opened my eyes to how our ordinary can be extraordinary. how my daily steps are writing MY story and it’s an incredible privilege to honor god with every step. these books have sparked a passion in me for writing. i do feel convicted a bit that i chose these books over diving into god’s word on most days but they have inspired and urged…
-
your kindness
dear gracie,i have learned so much about you this summer. i have learned that your heart is bursting with love. i love watching you discover other kids at the park, pool, store, etc and instantly want to know their name, age and favorite color. you are so social and friendly (now don’t get me wrong, a little stranger danger will do you some good, too. we will work on that!) i know you love to talk and ask questions but i believe your true desire is to know people. to care for them. you ask daddy how his work day was and you ask me how the sick kids at…
-
my new best friend, joy, and other stuff
i read this really great book over the weekend by melanie shankle called sparkly green earrings. it’s a memoir by a down to earth, honest, hilarious momma. i loved it. i finished it in two days. that is quite a feat for me as i don’t ever read. i think i was scarred as a child because i struggled with reading comprehension so much and if it weren’t for the patience and expertise of my amazing mother (who just so happened to be a reading recovery teacher), i don’t think i would have ever recovered 🙂 this book was easy to read and i felt as though melanie took my…
-
what we’re up to
summer is in full swing and here’s what’s been keeping us busy: anything involving water and goggles! lots of snow cones: getting a big girl bed: spending time with her new cousin: AND….getting ready for BABY BROTHER’S arrival in september with lots of craft projects! (art collaboration by gracie and dad) (whale pillow by mom)
-
hugs
have you ever been hugged so tightly and so sincerely that it caught you off guard? one of those hugs where you felt like you were truly needed and that the other person was going to melt into you? that happened to me the other day by the mother of a dear patient of mine. a mother i have known for years as i have known, cared for and been a friend to her son for many years of his cancer journey. this hug happened the week we were saying goodbye to him. she whispered in my ear the most sincere “thank you” and reminded me that her son “loved…
-
dear gracie
dear gracie, you are away at grandma and bop bop’s house. you’ve only been away for a couple of days and i find myself, in the stillness, missing you so much. i miss your adorable chatter and your never ending curiosity. i miss the way you smile at me and your cheerful giggles. i miss your silliness and your wild imagination. i miss the tears i get in my eyes when i read you bedtime stories. i miss you needing me. you’ll be back tomorrow and i am so grateful that you get to go on adventures to grandma and bop bop’s house, be spoiled rotten, and receive crazy amounts…
-
diy skincare
i made some super easy face wash other day with these simple ingredients and the simple science of them working together to create a safe, refreshing and effective product! i got the idea from pinterest so i don’t take credit for any of this 🙂for the face wash, i used equal parts unrefined coconut oil and baking soda (1 cup of each) to create a paste and then added some drops of tea tree oil. coconut oil is super nutritious for you inside and out but on the skin, it has amazing moisturizing properties and replaces healthy oils on the skin. it is also great for removing makeup. the baking…
-
my love/hate relationship with SXSW
our city always has COOL events going on. with a toddler in tow, the closest to the action i get is being stuck in the horrific traffic; catching the remnants of sound from the park or people watching as we are out and about. jed’s company has been blessed in the past few years to be an integral part in the background work that goes into making things like SXSW happen. this year, his company is “wrapping” buildings with signage he designed and completely transforming offices and clubs into “lounges” and “exclusive parties.” they are painting murals all over town, printing band merchandise, VIP badges…etc. so lately i have been experiencing…
