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recap
thank goodness for springlike weather! the daily leotard was finally an acceptable outfit. gracie loved opening a birthday card she got in the mail. we went on a wonderful bike ride around the east side and stopped at a smoothie bar, went to town lake to feed the ducks (although gracie fed herself the bread), and finally ended up at a playground overlooking the historic holly power plant. fun day! beautiful weather.
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mom fail
today i tried to be the super fun mom. i took gracie to eat lunch at “old macdonald’s” as she calls it and let her play on the playscape. i thought it would be like a dream come true for her since she always asks to go there. well, it was not super fun. she was totally overwhelmed by the playscape and couldn’t figure out how to navigate it which led her to be stuck at the very top. not to worry, i raced through the tiny tunnels, bumped my head on the low surfaces and wedged my body through the maze to reach her and helped her find her…
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art contest
a former coworker of mine, cancer survivor, amazing mom, and most importantly a dear friend introduced me to this ART CONTEST. i love to create but i rarely put my creations on display and have not ever entered an art contest, but this one in particular is right up my alley. this one is the reason why i create. this one is for people walking the cancer journey, either as a patient, family member, friend or caregiver… i was in the midst of creating this piece as i was grieving a loss when she mentioned the contest so here’s my entry. i’m excited that i will get to use this…
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i’m just a nurse
i will never let these words slip out of my mouth again, “i’m just a nurse.” difficult shifts lately have left me reflecting on my job, my career, my calling… you see, your view of a nurse may be what mine was before i considered it as a “real” career option. i used to think nurses were just helpers, they gave meds, they cleaned up patients, they simply did as the doctor asked. while all that is true to some extent, nurses are so much more. nurses must think critically and be the eyes and ears for the doctor. we must pick up on subtle trends on vitals signs, assessment…
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reflecting
dear baby a,we received a surprise update on you the other day and a picture. you look so beautiful, healthy and peaceful. i instantly broke down into tears when i saw that picture of your sweet smile in your sleep. i remembered the short time you lived with us. i felt your sweet spirit as if you were in my arms again. we are so thankful that you are back with your family and pray that you don’t ever have know about us; that you never have to hear the words foster family again. we hope you are protected from the hurt, neglect and pain that you endured during the…
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dear gracie
dear gracie,you are precious. you are sweet. you are caring. you are silly. you are brave. you are adventurous. you are wild. you are perfect. i want to save your sweet kisses to have forever. i want to hold onto your tight hugs all day long. i love you so much. thank you for giving me grace. thank you for making me smile. thank you for making me better. sometimes i sneak into your room at night to give you a kiss. tears well up in my eyes as i watch you sleep and i imagine the dreams you must be having. i pray that your dreams come true someday.…
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band of brothers and sisters
i read an article that was floating around on facebook the other day that resonated deeply. it was written by a local pasor, will davis jr, and the quotes in this post are from his article found here: http://www.willdavisjr.com/ this topic hits home. this topic frustrates me because unfortunately, the shortcomings of man have blinded some to truth and have hindered the reputation of the true Christ follower. i’m not a Christian because it’s trendy or because i was raised that way… i am a Christian because first and foremost i believe that Christ is the son of God and that He died on my behalf, gave glory to God to…
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conversations with my 2 year old
lately, i have been cracking up at some of the conversations i have had with gracie. she is curious, smart, hilarious and i am in awe of her quirky personality… google images [my sister, meredith, talking to gracie] mer: gracie, who’s your best friend? gracie: beyonce mer: really? what do ya’ll do? gracie: dance —————————————————– [cue a major meltdown] me: gracie, let’s be thankful for the two tic tac mints i gave you. gracie: i NEED three me: i know it’s hard when you want something and mommy says no. let’s try and be thankful. gracie: thank you mommy (very dramatically while crying) ——————————————————- [conversation while at a restaurant] gracie: mommy,…
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gift picks
this past year, i have had the privilege of representing artisans around the world and advocating for their well being and economic growth through being and Ambassador with Noonday Collection. with that role, i have opened my eyes to {ethically sourced consumerism} and am trying to do my part in educating myself about where the products i purchase come from and how the people who are making them are being treated. there are several fair trade companies that are doing great work representing the artisans and i’d like to highlight some of my favorite gift ideas for the holidays. happy shopping! links at bottom of page. {shop with purpose} this…
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tuesday reads
i can’t get enough of reading great articles today so i decided to share them in this post. here’s my heart behind desiring to seek wisdom and knowledge; why my heart is thirsty for answers and why i am desperate for advice when it comes to raising children well. i am longing for insight into why i see the things i see. i had no idea that when i got involved in the world of pediatric medicine that my eyes would see young children attempting suicide and begging for attention about it on social media; teenagers hanging themselves to death because, well no one really knows why, maybe because someone…
