Simple Pleasures

I wish that life could simple like this for me. I wish I didn't have to worry about making the wrong decisions. Sometimes, I feel like this sweet little ice cream covered face is my reminder to stop and enjoy the simple things in life. I don't always do it, but I get the hints! He's so fun loving and carefree ... and he tells me, "Momma don't be sad," when I'm having a bad day. What a smart little kid. I love him so much it hurts. I love him so much that I probably worry too much about making the wrong decisions!

Anyway, here's to wishing everyone an ice cream mess of a week! Enjoy the little things, and don't obsess over how you're gonna clean up the mess! Life's too short.

Braden's 4th Birthday!!!

I just can't believe it. Just 4 short years ago, it was just me .... and here he is ... 4 years old!!! The best thing that's ever happened to me, the biggest challenge, and the most love I've ever known! He's 4!!!!

He had a bowling party and shark cake made out of cupcakes. All just as he ordered! Gotta love his fun-loving personality. Every year it gets more and more obvious to me that I am going to be laughing alot throughout my life. He is such a character. He loves to entertain.

And here's one of him on his real birthday ... Wednesday at Incredible Pizza.

Happy Birthday, Heather!!

Today was my friend, Heather's 26th birthday ... and though I tried not to go because I'm too poor, my sweet friends wouldn't let me skip out on such an important occasion! Thanks, Haley!! She was my sugar-momma for the evening! This is us and our beautiful kiddoes! We had a great time at our favorite place ... Osaka! Thanks, Ryan for bringing me such a great friend that I have so much in common with! I can't imagine my life without her in it!

Facebook withdrawal

I am dying without my daily "status update" on Facebook, so you loyal bloggers better just get ready for more wordy posts here. Facebook was a place that I could express myself, vent a little at times, and let all of my far away friends see how things were going here in Claremore. And I loved seeing how all my friends were doing as well. I had friends from Texas all the way to Italy that I kept up with on Facebook every day! However, I got a little too comfortable, and forgot that there's no such thing as "privacy" on Facebook ... or here for that matter. *sigh* My generation just loves to communicate electronically, and it had become such a huge part of my life. For those of you who don't already know, I lost my job over a facebook comment that the hospital thought violated a patient's privacy. I've since deleted my account, taken a long hard look at myself, and had to pick up and start down a road that's a little unfamiliar and scary. I've never been without a job, and I've never so much as been in trouble at my job ... until recently. Anyway, I know I'm rambling. I just wanted to share with you all, because many of you are just like me. So just be careful what you say. I know I will. I miss seeing what everyone is doing, but I can't say that it's been as hard of a "facebook withdrawal" as I anticipated! I may get back on some day so I can keep up with everyone's wedding pictures, and growing baby pictures ... but I can assure you my posts will be drastically different!

As for the job update .... I only went 48 hours without a job. Thank God I'm a nurse! I am working for Community Home Health here in Claremore, and Friday was my first day. I was so scared to start something so unfamiliar, but I actually had fun! I think after 6 years, I needed a change! It may only be a short time before I miss the OR and decide to go back, but I do think that I need a break. I will have the flexibility that I've been hoping for when Braden starts school in August. If he gets the morning class, I will be able to take him every day, and I will only be a short distance from him. AND it only takes 10 minutes to get Braden to his babysitter (YES! a babysitter ... in 24 hours notice!!! Thank God for great friends) and then to the office! So, it looks like when one door closes ... many others start opening. It's just like the message at church this morning ... God has a plan for me, but he also has a perfect time for it. I know I screwed up, but I've picked up the pieces, and I'm moving on .... to bigger and better things.

A good deed never goes unpunished

So Braden is getting to be so helpful these days. He loves to help water the garden so the tomatoes can "turn red!" However, today while doing his daily chore, he tripped over the edge of the garden and cut the bottom of his foot open! In 4 years, this is his bloodiest accident yet ... and it wasn't terrible. He's been milking it all day though ... on the couch with his foot propped up and an endless supply of fruit snacks!

www.asecondmiracle.blogspot.com

Jace Burgess

2007-2010

So I have a pretty heavy heart tonight. The tears are so normal to my face this week, that I don't even wipe them away anymore. Such a roller coaster. This little boy has a special place on my blog for a couple of reasons tonight. He lost his special little life today, and he shouldn't have. His sweet mom was a coworker of mine. I can't even get these words out ... her boyfriend shook that baby so hard on Saturday night that he died 4 days later. Leslie's faith this week has been such an inspiration to me ... and it couldn't have been at a better time. The very day I thought ... and actually spoke, "NOTHING could make this day any worse," was the day Leslie found out her baby would not live another day. I can find another job. If I lost everything I owned, it could be replaced. I could never replace by son. Leslie and her sister were holding on to their belief in God and their faith that He is by their sides protecting them throughout all of this when many of us would be yelling and screaming and asking why me. Though I'm sure they've had their moments, it's been an inspiration to me and I'm sure many others. Leslie's facebook had thousands of comments, her blog shows followers from places so far away ... people were calling me that she'd never met in the middle of the afternoon just to check on Leslie ... praying for Jace and his family

From Leslie about an hour ago ...

Leslie Burgess I may have not gotten the second miracle I asked for. Our journey has been great in three years. I saved Jace and in turn he saved me. I have carried on that servants heart to my son. He will now save others. And not just a second miracle...... Maybe countless. His body was once thought beyond repair and now he will repair others....

As far as the monster that shook that little boy - the little boy who just celebrated his third birthday a couple of weeks ago ... Someone on her blog said it best when they said, "I hope he repents ... and then gets hit by a train!"

Muscle shows

My good friend Jennifer competes in figure competitions, and she is an amazing person both inside and out. She and her husband, Dallas, are great role models for Braden. I took Braden to her competition on Saturday, and he has not stopped talking about it. He says, "Momma, when I grow big like you, I wanna do muscle shows like Jennifer." She didn't win, but she is a winner to us. I would be more than proud if my son grew up to be half the person Jennifer is. Way to go, Jenn! Thanks for being such a great friend to us! We love you and Dallas!