Saturday, January 23, 2010

Growing up...


A few weeks ago, I took Jason out to have his photos made all by himself! He got a new leather jacket for Christmas that his Pop picked out and he looked so cool in it, I thought it called for a photo shoot! I cannot believe how grown up Jason is getting. I am so thankful to have such a great son! He is good in school, loves his family, considerate of others and just an all around good kid. Even while taking these photos and looking through the lens, I didn't see how old he is looking until coming home and seeing the photos on the computer! When did my baby turn into a pre-teen!?

He is looking a lot like dad, but in some facial expressions, I see myself, too. He loves his guitars! (He has 3 of them, which he plays quite often!) He is learning so much. He got to play at church for the children's church kids a few weeks ago and I wanted to cry a little. First of all, when did my "child" become the one entertaining and not the one being entertained? When did he pass the line of not being the kid in class, but trying to show his talents for them to enjoy? I am so thankful that he is not shy or that he doesn't get "stage fright". Maybe because he has a stage in his room and he is constantly on it practicing! haha It was so great to see him use his talents for God! He is learning so many great praise & worship songs and is trying to learn to sing them as well as play them! I have been so impressed with his abilities so far and that it is something HE wants. I never ever ever have to say..."Jason....go practice!" or hear him whine about lessons! He looks forward to his lessons every week! He takes care of his guitars and he is doing it all on his own! He chose this for himself and he is determined to get better and better. He is not into sports and that is okay with me. Some kids just aren't. He does like soccer but really could take it or leave it.

I am a firm believer that you should let your children grow into what THEY want. I am not going to try to mold him into a guitar player or piano player or singer....if he picks that....wonderful! I will support him no matter what. I am so glad that he not only loves his music, but is very book smart as well. Even if I do have to beg him to finish his homework sometimes, for the most part.....he does wonderfully all on his own. I hope that as he grows into a young man and leaves being a "little boy" behind him, that he follows the path that he's laid out for himself. I cannot wait to see what he becomes as he matures. (but then again, I can!) Watch out, American Idol! LOL For right now, though, I just am enjoying every day. Every day, he learns something new for himself and every day, I see a little more maturity. (well, most days! LOL)

He still fights with his little sister and drives me insane with whining sometimes when he doesn't get his way but it's growing into "valid arguments" as I would like to call them. He is starting to try to have conversations about WHY he isn't getting his way and trying to show me WHY he should! (which usually still doesn't work...but sometimes...bite my tongue....he's right and I will go his way!) Thankfully, I don't think he reads my blog! haha

I know that God has so much in store for this young man! I feel so blessed to be his mom and to help him along his way. I hope he always comes to me in his life and yet can stand on his own. God has truly blessed us with a wonderful gift and I am so thankful! He is growing up so fast now. Days are flying by. He reminds me constantly that he's only 3 years from being a teenager and that number is moving to 2 years very quickly....and then one....and then..... well, tears! LOL
"He's only 3 years from being a teenager and only 3 more years from driving and only 3 more years from college....etc. etc. etc." HUSH CHILD! Be my little boy for just a little longer!




























































































































Tuesday, January 19, 2010

A Wish Coming True....She's no longer BLUE!

A Poem for my Pink Little Girl!
"Thank you, God for giving me something so special to share with others!"

Blue used to be my color you see,
Not on my clothes,
But actually on me.
My fingers and toes
Not shaded in rose.

Just like Cinderella,
I was racing the clock,
Running behind
Always having to stop.
Wanting to see
My fairy tale ending…
But so out of breath
My heart needed mending.

But then something happened
A miracle day
I got my heart fixed…
And the blues went away!
Now I am
as pink as can be…
I can run, jump & play…
And have fun being ME!

Like Snow White,
I am full of good cheer!
I have lots of energy
And I'm so glad I’m here!

I love to play dress up
And dance with my friends
And enjoy ending each day
With a good tucking in!

I sleep like a beauty
And rise like the sun
And now I can play
‘til the whole day is done!

My favorite things are
Running and swimming…
Someday I sure hope
To shock them by winning!

I swim like a fish…
Or a mermaid, I guess.
I can swim really quick
Without fighting for breath!

I can’t wait to see
What life has for me…
But one of my wishes
Is to go visit Disney!

To meet all the princesses
That have inspired me so!
To hug them and kiss them
And to just let them know…

I was once sick…
And now I'm all well
I’m pink like sleeping Beauty…
And graceful, like Belle!
So I’m letting go of “the blues”
And moving on with my life.
It’s hard to believe…
That I’m already five!

There’ve been days in my life
That were nowhere near “fun”
But my fairy tale’s here…
And with the blues…I am done!

- Sharon Swan
January 19, 2010

Sarah is getting her "wish" from the Make a Wish Foundation to meet the princesses at Disney World in February! She is so excited and thankful, as are we. After all she has been through, this will be a great celebration of her journey and all she's been through and endured. We are so thankful for her and the blessing she is to us! God is SO great!


























































Thursday, December 24, 2009

Posting a MONTH of stuff! Sorry!

Wow! It's been a month since my last post. I honestly have not had time to sit and really write. I have spent a lot of time playing and doing puzzles and reading and getting ready for the best Christmas EVER!

Sarah is doing GREAT! She is recovered and is our miracle. Jason is doing great in school and loving that we are all home together enjoying this wonderful season.

I am posting a lot of photos to sum up the last month! I am so thankful to God for me being able to capture our journey through a lens and for giving us the perfect "things" to take photos of! We are so blessed and looking forward to a wonderful Christmas together!


I took this photo of Sarah in August and entered it in a contest in September. She was making a wish on a dandelion and when I asked her what she was wishing for, she said "A good heart." I entered it and it WON! On the day of her surgery, I had gotten an email that I was the grand prize winner and didn't know it until we got back home! This photo is titled "Sarah's Wish" and it came true on the day we won! Go to www.lifehappens.org to see it as their ad on their home page! So exciting!










This photo below was taken the DAY after we got home from Houston! What a perfect reason to celebrate every day!



Sarah is welcomed home by Willie, her best friend! Our precious neighbors and our family was there to welcome her home! Willie came dressed as Rudolph! So cute! We celebrated with cupcakes and friends and family! What a welcome home!















This does not even look like a child who JUST had heart surgery!

































At the dr. waiting!

















Rocking out with Presley a week and a half after surgery!!!!!!!










We made it through!








SO thankful at Thanksgiving!












































Having a little sleepover with Presley!
























Mimi loves her babies!














Pop and kiddos! Love!















Scary! Jason behind the wheel!













Sarah with Miss Suzan! Her buddy!















Sweet girl!






















































SO happy to all be together again! Us at the Ronald McDonald House!











Riding the wagon a few days after surgery!











Looking good girl!