Better or Bitter..............You Choose!

Whew! Time to take a breath. Do you ever look back on a week (or two) & just sigh in relief? That's what I am doing today. The last couple of weeks have been so hectic that I can't keep everything straight. Besides the everyday hustle & bustle that goes with work, home, & keeping up with a five year old, we've experienced a family heartbreak as well.

A week ago this past Wednesday, my uncle went in for an emergency appendectomy. What usually is a routine surgery ended up being not so routine. Uncle John was taken to the Intensive Care Unit & never regained consciousness. After numerous tests & consultations with several doctors, the decision was that everything that could possibly be done had been done. There was nothing else to do. So, yesterday the decision was made to take him off of life support & let him die peacefully. With his daughter & daughter-in-law by his side, he died last night about 9:20.

Now that brings me to my title of this post. Bitter or Better? One day last week we had an assembly at school. It featured a former pro-wrestler who is now a motivational speaker. His platform is Bitter or Better. Meaning we choose our emotions. We can either take a situation & make it worse or look for the positives in the situation & make it better.

I am trying very hard to look for the positives in Uncle John's death. I want to make the situation better. So, in doing so, I want to share one of my favorite moments with him:

When I was in junior high, Uncle John took my cousin Cheryl & I to a major league baseball game. On the way to & from the game we ate at White Castle. The three of us decided that we would keep all of the little boxes the burgers came in & throw them in the floorboard of my aunt's car to represent my cousin Sean's car (which we named Meals on Wheels - there was trash everywhere!). Well, Aunt Ginny didn't think this was too funny. Not only did she not like all of the trash, but she says it took about 6 months for the smell to escape the care! (I'm sure Uncle John caught hell for quite some time!)

Lucky Me!......Lucky You?!

I am probably the most unlucky person. I never win anything. However last week I won NOT ONE, but TWO giveaways. Can you believe it? I'm still surprised about it.

First Giveaway - The first giveaway that I won was from Three at Four. By leaving a comment on Angela's blog I was entered into her drawing for a set of homemade cards made by Lianna. So, I picked a set of Halloween cards from Lianna's little store, Greeting Cards for Our Garden. Check 'em out for yourself. There might be something you just have to have.

Second Giveaway - The second giveaway that I won was from Jen at The Art of Living Boutique. She was having a giveaway for the grand opening of her store that specializes in adoption merchandise. You can just imagine how excited I was to know that I could pick something out. Of course, I thought of Zoe first & let her choose between a couple of items. Here's what she picked out: (Isn't it cute?!)

Perhaps I should buy a lottery ticket & see if my luck continues. What do ya think?...

Could you be lucky?

My friend Lianna, who I mentioned above, is having a raffle to raise money for IVF treatments. Unfortunately, her health insurance covers nothing. As a survivor of the infertility roller coaster (Those of you who have experienced infertility, know exactly what I am talking about.) I can relate to her frustrations in dealing with each & every "inconvenience"; whether it be taking shots, getting the dreaded call from the doctor, receiving another bill indicating you owe 100%, etc.

I thought about Lianna's situation for several days trying to rack my brain about what I could do to help out. As I was cleaning my closet out, I came across a Coach purse & wallet that I had actually bought for my one of my nieces thinking that my sisters would rig the Christmas exchange so that Zoe would get one of the girls' names. Well, do you think they rigged it for me? Heck no! So, seeing that purse & wallet in my closet got me to thinking....I'm gonna give that to Lianna to raffle off. Not sure if it will raise a lot of money, but I hope it helps put a little dent in their fundraising effort. Anyway, go visit Lianna & give her a shout out. You never know, you could be the big winner just by stopping by.

Gunner Earns His Wings

It's with great sadness that I write this post. Several of you who have been following our blog for quite some time recall that I have mentioned Gunner Gillespie several times. He was an 8 year old boy from Marshall County, Kentucky who had an inoperable brain tumor. He's fought so hard over the last year, but his little body slowly gave out. Please keep his family in your prayers as Gunner earned his wings this afternoon. Many tears are being shed thinking of the little boy who was such an inspiration to others. However, the angels are singing as they welcomed a sweet little boy entering Heaven's gates.

Gracie's Big Day!

Monday morning Zoe, Hannah, & I set out to witness the final court hearing in my niece Gracalyn's (Gracie) adoption. Not only did everything go as planned, but little Miss Gracie looked so sweet in her pale yellow dress & bow to match. It was a dream come true for my sister Heather & her husband Marvin.

Heather, The Judge, Megan (Marvin's daughter) Gracie, & Marvin

The older cousins (minus Zack who was at school) line up for a picture!

That evening we had a family dinner to celebrate Gracie's adoption. Everyone enjoyed visiting with each other & watching Heather open a few gifts. Of course, Zoe loved being around Gracie & always wanted to hold her.

Zoe carrying Gracie. (Made for 2 very nervous moms!)

My One Good Thing (OGT) for the day was spending time with my nieces & nephews. They are so much fun. They are at the age when they think I'm still kind of cool. Since I was in town all day, I took my nephews Blake & Zack and Zack's girlfriend Kaylyn out to lunch. Then once school was out, my niece Courtney joined all of us as we ventured out to the apple orchard for a few much needed items! The kids decided that I just need to quit my job & chauffeur all of them around each day. At the dinner that evening they informed Uncle Paul with their decision. His reply - "If you're willing to pay her what she makes teaching I would agree with that!" So, it looks like I won't be quitting my job any time soon!

Blessed with One!

I must admit that I feel pretty good about myself. If I could, I'd even give myself a pat on the back! I cleaned & cleaned yesterday, pretty much all afternoon & evening. I even got rid of some of the clutter (some of it mine, but most of it my husbands - Shhh! Don't tell!) in the entertainment center in the living room & redecorated with cute picture frames. It looks so much better.

Anyway, I promised you some pictures of my freshman niece Courtney & freshman nephew Zack (They are not brother & sister, but cousins.) as they attended their first high school Homecoming dance last night. They are both good looking kids & oh so sweet.

Don't they look awesome?!

What's pictures without a close up?!

And of course, here's a couple of Zack & his girlfriend Kaylyn (Zoe's new favorite friend!):

Aren't they cute together?

Last night as I was cleaning, Zoe sat at the dining room table coloring & drawing. I walked by several times & she told me not to look. She was making something very special for me. Well, she was true to her word. Look what she drew? Pretty good, huh?!

Don't you like the fancy letters?!

This afternoon one of Zoe's friends came over to spend two nights with us as her parents were going out of town. Hannah, age 4, is adopted from India. She & Zoe are both quite the celebrities in town, which is understandable when you live in a town of 1,400. Since Hannah arrived she & Zoe have been playing non-stop. I did snap a few pictures of them having fun.

Every girl loves dressing up! (Hannah as Cinderella & Zoe as Belle)

Taking time out for a picture while Daddy reads the girls a book.

You know, while going through fertility treatments Paul & I both thought it would be kind of cool if we ended up being blessed with not only one child, but two. Yes, that's right. We were secretly hoping for twins. (We knew in our hearts & minds that if our fertility treatments worked that we would probably not undergo them again.It's just too stressful & emotional.) As you all know, God had a different plan for us & blessed us with the adoption of one precious little girl. Now, neither one of us can imagine our lives without Zoe. Let me tell you, after having two girls very close in age in the house together all day I am so thankful that I have just one. I know, I know, God doesn't give you more than you can handle, & I'm sure I could & would have learned to adjust to more than one child. But after being with a 5 year old & a 4 year old all day, I NOW more than ever admire those parents that have more than one child, especially those with children so close in age. Wow! It's hard work! So, my O.G.T. (One Good Thing) for today is that I am blessed with one & only one child! ( I think God knew what He was doing when He blessed me with ONLY Zoe Gwen!)

Tomorrow Hannah, Zoe, & I are off to court. No, I'm not in trouble. We are going to witness my niece Gracie's final adoption hearing. We are all so excited. I am tickled pink for my sister Heather. She has waited to be a mom for quite some time. She & I will always share a special bond (besides both being named Heather) as both of our daughters are adopted. Having both traveled down the fertility road, neither one of us would have ever imagined the plan that was in place for us. Isn't it amazing how God knows what's best?

Super Saturday

Zoe & I headed to my nephew's freshman football game this morning. We had a great time except for when Zoe fell down in the bleachers. Thankfully she just ended up with a pretty big bump behind her ear. She hasn't complained about it since so she's gonna be fine. Here are a few pictures from today:

Zoe dressed up in Zack's girlfriend's old cheerleading uniform!

That'd be Zack - #11!

Getting ready to head on to the field.

Wonder what he's smiling about.....

Hanging out as time ticks off of the game clock! Another win!

Taking a little time out for Zoe after the game!

We couldn't leave cousin Blake out!

O.G.T. - Friends of ours daughter called this evening & wanted to come play with Zoe. What a wonderful idea!!! I got a lot of cleaning done while the two of them hung out together. I started at one end of the house & made my way down the hall. Didn't quite get all the way finished, but I plan to do the rest tomorrow! THANK YOU, ABIGAIL!

PS - Zack (my nephew) & my niece Courtney had their first high school homecoming dance tonight. I will post pics tomorrow!

Tuesday Tidbits!

Zoe & I headed over to my parents' house Sunday for a relaxing afternoon. Paul had to work all day & then had a visitation that night so Zoe & I were in no hurry to get home. We had a great time visiting with family. Zoe enjoyed Paw Paw pulling her & cousin Gracie in the wagon around the yard.

Two Very Special Little Girls

Later in the afternoon we made our way to the pumpkin patch with Nana & Paw Paw, cousins Zack & Gracie, & aunts Heather & Tracy. We even had a chance to see cousin Megan as she was working. We had a great time picking out pumpkins, riding the pirate ship, & petting the small animals.

Zack & Zoe hanging out with Dora.

Didn't take long to find her pumpkin!

What a smile?!

Zoe had to have her picture with Barney & Baby Bop.

Zoe couldn't wait to hold Gracie. (Not so sure Gracie felt the same!)

Zoe suggested we get a pony for our house.

Zack, Gracie, & Zoe hanging out by the ponies.

Sunday evening Zoe & I headed out to Aunt Tracy & Uncle Brent's house to meet Zack's girlfriend, Kaylyn. For Zoe's birthday last week Aunt Tracy gave her a real cheerleading uniform from the high school that Zack attends. Well, the uniform was Kaylyn's from last year. So, Zoe's been wanting to meet her because she's all into cheerleading & she thought that was just so neat that Kaylyn used to wear her new outfit. Not only was Kaylyn a hit, but now she is all Zoe talks about. (She's just a little obsessed!!!!) I didn't take any pictures & I should have. Poor Kaylyn wasn't really allowed to spend any time with Zack, Zoe had her playing hide-n-seek, school, etc. Kaylyn was probably relieved when we left.

My friend Lianna from Be Thou a Knight just recently opened her own Etsy store. She enjoys making cards & decided to start selling them to help with the fertility costs that her insurance does not cover. Knowing first hand how much fertility treatments are & how frustrating it is to go through, I hope she has great success with her adventure. She has some gorgeous cards. So, run on over & take a look. Lianna's also planning on doing a raffle in the near future to also help with costs. Be sure to check back for more details.

O.G.T. - Yesterday I didn't have school because of Columbus Day so Zoe & I just kind of bummed around in the morning & then did a few errands before her gymnastics class. While we were still at home, she painted my fingernails a cotton candy pink. I must admit, I'm not really a fingernail polish wearing girl so I always cringe at the thought of her painting them. She usually gets "outside of the lines" (as she calls it). Wouldn't you know it? She did a great job this time. I even left the polish on & wore it to gymnastics! She was quite proud of herself. It was fun knowing that she was so excited about something so small. (I guess from now on I shouldn't second guess Zoe's fingernail polishing ability. In fact, Paul told her that if she keeps improving, he might just have a part-time job for her at the funeral home helping get the elderly women ready for visitations & funerals!!!!)