Thursday, February 23, 2023

Where am I going?


Perhaps this is a question you've asked yourself as well?

After living days, months and even years in survival mode I think it is only natural to come to a point where you ask, where am I going and have I lost sight of who I am or who I want to be?  Maybe you are the person you always wanted to be but you can't see yourself through all the demands and responsibilities around you.

20 years ago, I became a mother, one of the greatest blessings in my life. In fact, this was a dream of mine for as long as I could remember. 

I was living my dream. However, a twist along the way...to be honest, with several twists along the way I found my days began to run me instead of the other way around. 

One of those twists that put me in survival mode for a couple years or more was the birth of my 3rd child. She was born with Spina Bifida, a fairly common birth defect yet one I wasn't familiar with prior to her diagnosis. Four weeks after her birth her common birth defect turned into a one in a million case and as a result our world spun an entirely different direction than we ever could have imagined.

Two years later another turn was my husband's diagnosis at the young age of 38. He had ulcers on his legs and had a medical procedure that was supposed to improve the circulation in his legs and be a game changer. Game changer it was, but not in the hoped direction. As a result of a mistake during the procedure he got a diagnosis of lymphedema in both legs, with his left leg being the worst. An incurable condition. We moved forward with the hope of maintaining the health in his legs and preventing the progression of the disease. 

Two years later... another turn, my mother and best friend was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). She was given two to four years to live and made it 22 months before she passed. Those 22 months passed too quickly and included a lot of struggles my mother fought her hardest to get through. She fought with grace and beauty.

Combining these three twists and I feel like I have had a tornado spinning around me. I have times I have felt lost and alone. I find it hard to see outside the storm because of all that is going on and all that is my load to carry. 

So when the twists throw you off balance and you aren't sure which direction you are headed. Rest assured that you can always lock your gaze on the Light of our Savior Jesus Christ for direction, comfort and hope. He can be the fixed beacon in the storms of life. A constant. And as you know where to look and focus on the light, the twists can spin and you will remain moving forward.  That is where I hope to always be going... forward.  


Thursday, June 28, 2018

Many thanks!!

Have you ever needed something but were unsure how it would ever become a reality?

With the kindness and generosity of so many, (friends, family, friends of friends, friends of family, community members and local  businesses) our families need for a wheelchair van has become a reality!

It is more life changing than we imagined. We are so grateful for the every part played... From prayers, many many acts of service, every donation from $0.34 and up, the Christmas miracles. It all added up and made a dream come true... And continues to make dreams come true.

Many adventures have already been made possible as well as the ability to travel to multiple doctor appointments...







Thank you from Emylie and our family!!! Thank you for the opportunity you have helped create. Thank you, thank you so very much!



Friday, November 17, 2017

Boutique Fundraiser - THANK YOU

A big THANKS to all of you who took part in the Boutique fundraiser last night. From the behind the scenes, the raffle baskets that were put together and brought out of the blue, to each of you who helped spread the word and to those who were able to attend and those who expressed support and were not able to attend. Because of each of you, we are $700 closer to getting the van for Emylie. Because of each of you we can see the light at the end of the tunnel where we will be able to afford a loan for the remainder of the cost.

Thank you each for supporting and loving Emylie and our family. You are making dreams come true. May our Heavenly Father bless each and everyone of you for all the service you have shown our family.
Much love to all!!!

Friday, November 3, 2017

Would you be willing to help us....

Would you be willing to help us sell the Little Miracles cookbooks? 
We are hoping to find 40 people that are willing to try and sell by word of mouth 5 cookbooks (or how ever many you are up for). The books are beautiful, with a 3-ring binder, hard cover and just over 1,000 delicious recipes added by friends around the country. 
Cookbooks are $20 and it will go towards Emylie's wheelchair van
Please contact Melanie (call or text 801-390-4552) 
if you are willing to help or would like a cookbook.

Thanks a bunch!

Yard Sale Fundraiser coming up!

We have scheduled a Yard Sale fundraiser for
Saturday November 11th, 7:30am - Noon
If you have any items you are willing to donate to go towards the yard sale please contact Melanie at 801-390-4552. Or come stop by that day and find some new treasures!

Friday, August 4, 2017

Summer is quickly passing...

July flew by without a post!? Summer is going by way to fast for this mom!  I love the relaxed days of Summer, spending more time with my kids, family and friends. Warm weather, long days of sunshine, parades, fireworks, and no homework.

Mid-July we had a Car Wash Fundraiser at Kirt's Drive Inn and had a great time! I loved watching the vehicles come and the group of volunteers wash the car, then pull forward and another  group of volunteers dried the car off. The volunteers that danced with signs along the road. The volunteers that gave of their time and resources to make it all come together and for Kirt's for allowing us the place to have it. Thank you to all who came to get their car washed by an amazing crew. Thank you to each of you for making it all come together! With everyone's generosity and a generous match, we were able to raise $1218. We are that much closer to getting the wheelchair accessible van. Thanks again!

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Opportunities to PLAY

Emylie and I were able to tour a few accessible playgrounds in the area last week. The school is looking at adding an accessible playground so we get to help on the committee. It was fun to see the options and discuss ideas with another awesome mom and her son, our amazing principal and a district coordinator. I think you can tell by Emylie's smile how much she LOVED playing on the monkey bars. So much FUN!