A Reminder to Be Grateful

We are approaching Tyler's 1st birthday which is filled with indescribable emotions. We have witnessed tender mercies of the Lord, miracles, answers to prayers, realized how many wonderful friends we have and felt so lucky to be parents to such a remarkable, special baby. Along with those feelings also came numerous days of feeling helpless, pain, sleep deprivation and heartache to see your child endure so much. Others sometimes express how Tyler reminds them to be grateful for their healthy children. Don't get me wrong, that is a great blessing, however, we feel incredibly blessed for Tyler and his heart. Today was a great example of how he has transformed me. Tyler hasn't been feeling well, had a fever last night and has just been off. The doctors fit me in at 11AM. Instead of being frustrated my little guy was sick and my Saturday plans to attend a shower and go shopping were dismissed, I was grateful! I was grateful doctors were able to see us on a 3 day weekend. Grateful I didn't have to go to the Emergency Room. Grateful to be a mom to two incredible boys. I was reminded of so many who long to be parents. We waited patiently for the doctors, lab techs, x-ray techs and pharmacy. Instead of getting frustrated or waiting to get out of there, I cherished the day with my boys. We colored, played trains, made paper balls and tossed them into the stroller, read and I enjoyed being a mom. I enjoyed not having other distrations. I enjoyed sitting in the doctors office with my two boys. All my energy was on them. Don't get me wrong, it is emotionally exhausting watching the baby get blood drawn, be uncomfortable, seeing low sats, worried doctors, x-ray restraints but you just continue on. I was so appreciative of how much Scott helped and how good he was. Tyler was sleeping, we were waiting for lab results and I told Scott we would have a special lunch date. He wanted a burrito, so we walked to the burrito place which sadly didn't accept checks. I felt so bad for Scott. I left and explained to him we would come back later. The man in back of me came outside and handed me $20. I insisted on writing him a check, but of course he wouldn't take it. It was one of those reminders that there are good people out there, people watching out for you, people who the Lord places in your path to help make your burden a little lighter. Before Tyler I would have had a hard time taking his money, however, now I realize that is what life is all about. Serving and allowing others to serve you (which is often harder). The man had no idea about my day. He just could see that I had a little boy who wanted a burrito and a place that didn't accept checks. I am grateful for people like that. People who remind me to be a little kinder and the importance of little acts of kindness. His kindness was so much more than $20. We were there for 4 1/2 hours and came to the conclusion that Tyler has a bad ear infection in 1 ear, staph infection and slight pneumonia. When immunocompromised children get sick they are sometimes just too weak to fight off routine colds. He is on medication and I know he will be feeling better soon. Thank you to all doctors and nurses who help make our days a little easier.

i'M baCK

Sorry about the lack of posts. I have been on summer break from work and trying to fit in a million things. Not to mention had 6 kids and a huge house to maintain for a couple of days. Here are the kids coloring. Cute Brothers
Scott
Me & Ty. Yes, I am still in pajamas and unshowered.
The Perry kids were great. It was actually good for Scott to become more independent & learn to share a little better. There house is BEAUTIFUL. They took a broken down, unliveable place and transformed it into a gorgeous Alamo home with a great backyard. I love their home, however, quickly realized I would not be a good home owner in a big home (I actually think I was always aware of that). A little about my future dreams. My dream home is a 1 story. I love that everyone is closer together. A nice back yard for the boys to play. And a medium size house. Not cramped, yet close together, can entertain but is manageable for me. I am just starting to figure out some of my likes and dislikes. I love that! It is so funny how your perception changes from growing up to young adulthood to newly married etc.

Preface to Below Tag

I decided to make up a tag (see below entry). It is inspired by more, recent, Heidi deep thoughts. So if you are bored, go ahead and read on, and if you are busy or uninterested in my many deep thoughts, just know I appreciate and love you. In high school I was always surrounded by friends. We traveled in packs and did everything together. When I got married and had kids that changed. Why? Several reasons. I had a husband, financial obligations, kids, was tired, only have 24 hours in a day, wanted to spend the little time I had with my family. The list can be endless. I didn't put in the effort, I was scared to entertain in a small condo, I didn't want to stop by unannounced or on short notice because I didn't want to interrupt naps, family time, etc. Is this normal? I don't know, but I did feel all of these. Well, life changes and I am just starting to figure out how to adjust from single life, to dating life, to married life. As I am learning to balance all my needs, I am gaining greater fulfillment and happiness. I stop by friends houses unannounced. I am quick to call someone to hang out. I invite people to my messy, small condo. I realize that I have so many amazing people in my life and want to go through life with them. Just recently I have been so enriched by so many people, conversations, strengths, learned from others mistakes and successes and so much more. I feel so blessed to have amazing friends in my life. I know I could rely on countless friends for advice, help or a needed reality check. People who care for me, love me as well as my family. I have come to realize that not everyone is so fortunate. So here is a tag to honor our friends.

TAG - YOU ARE GREAT

How this works...Choose 10 (or as many) people in your life who make you better for the following reasons. Send it to the 10 people who you chose. Than have them send it to 10 inspiring friends.

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Faith Promoting

Elder & Hermana Bowen (my mission president). I am grateful for your examples. You truly helped mold me into the mom, wife and friend I am today

Everyday Martha Stewart

Lillie. You are so talented. I love your house and photos.

Kind to our Earth

Christi and Amy. Infant potty training takes the cake.

Ability to Always Make you Laugh (Even when you should be crying)

Heather Nelson you are blessed with this gift. Remind me to wear diapers while talking to you

Fills the World with Great Art

Victory Nichols I love your photos, pots, view of life through art.

Amazing Parents

Mom & Dad. You live a life of selflessness to me and my family.

Full of Patience & Kindness

Krissy. You emulate kindness in all your actions

Roxanne & Althea. A mother & daughter who always looked and treated others with love.

Always has a Glass Half Full

Jenny Sorenson. You remind me to be grateful

Spreader of Sunshine

Katherine Foulger. I still often think of you and instantly feel happy.

Makes Everyone Feel Great

Heather & Jason...there couldn't be a kinder couple.

True Friends

The Pentlands. We are lucky to have you in our lives.

Makes you a better person.

My husband. I love you!!

"To be a friend means encourage strengths in others and accepting their weaknesses; in other words, accepting them for who they are." Catherine Pulsifer

StreetBeat

Congrats Tiff!! One of my high school friends has been working hard to help put together streetbeat with her boyfriend. She is the hot brunette in this trailer. I thought is was pretty cool so I wanted to show all of you. Columbia Artist Management is setting up a tour for next year so look for tickets and help support them.
http://www.streetbeat.biz/Videos/CAMI%20Trailer%20Web%20size.wmv

Happy Birthday Jason

Jason & his adorable dog Marley. You can't tell in this picture but she is one of the cutest labs I know. Heather and Jason are so good to her. It actually was Jason's birthday, not Scotts.
Ditto to the above caption.
Happy 29th Jason. For those of you who know Jason, you already know he is one of the nicest, selfless people who you can count on at anytime. He is a great husband to my sister, great friend to many, great son to his parents and great uncle to my kids. I feel so blessed to have them in our lives. They are true examples to me and Danny. They are so full of love and wonderful friends to so many! They have endured some tough times this year with the ongoing Lietz health issues and have been filled with faith and a positive outlook on life. Thanks for that reminder. Wishing you a great 29th year. We love you guys!

Dodgers Vs. Giants

AT&T PARK + THE MCMILLANS =

A great night of baseball. Dodgers vs. Giants.

Tyler's carseat sat in his very own stadium seat. He loved watching the people, lights and waz a happy little man all night.
I got to hold Tyler for the last 2 innings which I LOVED. He was tired, yet content, and melted in my arms watching the game. Nothing compares to a night out with my 3 boys. Danny loves his boys and so did many people sitting around us. I kept thinking back to the days at UCSF when I yearned to hold him. I couldn't believe we were actually sitting at a baseball game 1 year later in San Francisco. Danny and I have memories and a new appreciation for the city and doctors who gave our little boy a chance at life. He has come so far in 1 year. It was a great reminder of our many blessings!
Leaving at the end of the game. What a beautiful ball park set on the water.
This was all possible by the Pentlands who gave us tickets to a great game, great seats and chose a warm night for us. You guys are the best. Thanks a million!!

The Future

People often ask us what our plans are for the future. How do you answer that?!? I think to myself, "What plans do you want to know about?" Believe me, I am someone who loves to know what comes next in my life. Part of me would love a magic 8 ball that could show me glimpses of the future. Well, let me just tell you, that magic 8 balls doesn't exist in my life. It is good to plan, prepare and dream, however, it is impossible when you are establishing your little family, starting your professions, realizing what even brings fulfillment or what your talents are, and striving to find that perfect balance. I have learned the importance of being flexible. The importance of allowing your spouse to find fulfillment. My outlook on succes is constantly shifting from the worldly view of awards, prestige and wealth to things that bring true happiness and fulfillment. Success to me is having a stable marriage, loving your children, finding professions that are fulfilling, an atmosphere where you can strive and better yourself, friends and family. The great thing about life is that we strive for these things more and more each day. So what does the future have in store for us?? Here are some of our dreams. Someday Danny wants to start a dental practice, I want to establish a swim school or something that allows me to be with the kids more, teach children to find self-worth and success and allows me to make meaningful friendships. We want to have more kids (2-4 more is what we are thinking), we want to own a house, rent our condo, I want to research my family genealogy, Danny wants to improve his photography, we want to be more involved with CHD, we want to make deep and meaningful friendships, we want our family to grow closer to Christ, I want to go another mission to a far away country. Hmmm...what else, what else? I want to write a book or books someday about life experiences, Tyler, marriage topics, etc. That would be fun. Realistically, we will see what actually comes to be but it is fun to dream for now. What hinders all of this? Timing. My inability to just do. I am working on that. Hope you enjoyed some of my deep thoughts for the day. What are your aspirations? It is fun to write them down and laugh years later when you realize everything, nothing or a little bit came to pass.

Book Review

I just read The Kite Runner and loved it. It is the story of Amir, a boy from Kabal, who is haunted by the guilt of betraying his childhood friend Hassan, the son of his father's Hazara servant. The story is set against a backdrop of tumultuous events, from the fall of the monarchy in Afghanistan through the Soviet invasion, the mass exodus of refugees to Pakistan and the United States, and the rise of the Taliban regime (thanks wikipedia). I gained a greater appreciation and love for America, our liberty and opportunities. The book helped me strive to be a little kinder, a little more patient and a lot more accepting. We never know someone elses circumstance, background or desires.

One of my favorite quotes from the book which becomes an underlying theme. "When you kill a man, you steal a life. You steal his wife's right to a husband, rob his children of a father. When you tell a lie, you steal someone's right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal the right to fairness."

Laurel's Getting Married

One of my best friends from high school is getting married so all the girls got together. It was a great time. We went to Maria Maria for dinner and came back to my house for a fun night with the girls. Here are some pics from dinner. I love that we always make each other laugh. Usually because we are dorks.
Laurel showing off her ringRachel, Shawn and Laurel looking beautiful!
This week I will be starting a blog for my high school friends, the Gap Girls, which is sadly going to be private. I can't follow a crazy email chain during the day and think it would be fun. We have been an extremely close group of friends since elementary or middle school. We have so many great memories, gone through the good and bad together (often associated around boys), attended colleges together, hung out at Encina and look forward to so much more. My girlfriends impress me so much. We are all in different phases of life. Some married, others engaged, some in law or business school, others in great jobs, others starting their own company, all are so intelligent and beautiful inside and out. You girls are amazing. I love you. Each of you makes me a better person. Congrats Laurel. I am so excited for you. You and Ryan are PERFECT for each other!!