Importance of Charity!

Just a reminder to all of my friends and family to take a moment and thank God for what He has blessed us with. So many times we get wrapped up in our problems (myself included), and we lose sight of all the wonderful people and things in our lives. There are so many people in our world who struggle with poverty, abuse, and health issues, among other things. And, any little bit that each person can help, will go a long way towards helping others. If you're able to do so, I urge you to research some charities and give what you can.

Here are some foundations and charities that I regularly support. I've included their websites and would be honored if any of you would be willing to choose one or more of them to

support as well.

American Heart Association https://donate.americanheart.org/ecommerce/donation/donation_info.jsp;?campaignId=101&site=Heart&itemId=prod20008

The American Heart Association was the very first charity foundation that I supported. I lost both of my grandpas (at what I considered an early age) to heart disease. I will never forget the heart attacks I witnessed or my time spent with both of them in the hospital during their final days with us. I also know, though, that without the money raised by the American Heart Association, the doctors and the hospitals would not have the knowledge and technology they obtained from research to have helped them. My dad is proof of this technology as he has an ICD (implanted cardioverter defibrillator) that should shock his heart should it stop beating or become irregular. As you can see, this is why I'm passionate about helping this organization. In fact, this year I became a "Dear Neighbor" volunteer. This is another easy way to help the American Heart Association; check it out on their website as well.

Arthritis Foundation

http://www.arthritis.org/

I became a regular supporter of the Arthritis Foundation when I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, first, and later, rheumatoid arthritis. The chronic pain from arthritis can be debilitating. I've been there! My worst pain with this disease came right after Michael and I married. But with the help of medication, and now with better knowledge of how nutrition and stress affects my body, it's largely under control. One of my biggest struggles is to understand that there will be bad days, and it's okay to rest on those days; I have the tendency to feel very guilty and beat myself up if I don't accomplish anything on any given day. This is where I need to work on my spiritual self, I think. Anyway, one thing I would like to add to my support of this group is finding a local Arthritis Walk to join in.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=6459&idUser=123211

My support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation began after our nephew, Eli, was diagnosed. Eli is an energetic and happy little 4 year old who can put a smile on anyone's face! Research over the years has provided better technology in dealing with this disease, but the patient/parents must still be very disciplined in their treatment regime. Each year, CFF holds a Great Strides Walk to raise funds and awareness. My family will be walking in support of Eli at Creekmore Park in Fort Smith on Saturday, May 15th at 9:00 AM, and we welcome everyone to come join us.

Methodist Family Health Foundation

http://www.methodistfamily.org/donations/donate.html

This was a new one this year for me. Our church took up a special donation for this organization, so I participated. I have bookmarked their website to learn about the foundation at a later time, but I did read their mission statement, and I will share it: "With God's guidance and within the Wesleyan focused healing and caring tradition, we will express God's love by providing quality compassionate behavioral healthcare to those we serve."

New International Version (©1984) The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Billie's Barbie Ballerina Birthday!!!

Billie celebrated her 4th birthday with lots of family and friends at her Barbie-themed party.

Getting all dolled up for her 4 year pictures (I'll post them later)...

All glammed up!

Cindy, Katie, Mom, and I had fun making the centerpieces the night before. We took two each of Mom's, Becky's, and my old Barbies and made some Ballerina outfits for them. Billie just loved them!

Billie with some of her guests...

"Pin the Tiara on the Princess Ballerina"

Yum!

I had so much fun decorating this cake, and I'm not being sarcastic. Here's why:
The girls had just had their bath, and they asked if they could watch me decorate the cake. They were sitting in their princess chairs right beside each other and commenting on my work. Billie: "Oh, Mama, I LOVE my Barbie cake. You are doing such a good job!" Kyleigh: "It's so pretty!" Then Kyleigh to Billie as she puts her arm around her: "Billie, you are my BEST friend!" Billie to Kyleigh: "You are my BEST friend too!" Billie to me: "Mama, thank you SOOOO MUCH for making me a Barbie cake! Oh, mama, it's so adorable!!!" Kyleigh to me: "Yeah, Mama, it's a-dor-da, a-dor-da, a-dor-da-ble!!!!" This little conversation just made me smile the whole time I was working on the cake! They can be so sweet!

Michael and I got her Barbie furniture for the dollhouse that he built her for her 1st birthday (it had been used as a bookcase until now). I was just as excited as she was to decorate the house...ha ha!

The finished home...isn't it cute?!?!?

Billie

I remember so vividly (5 years ago) the six months that I prayed, pleaded, cried, and waited for God to bless Michael and me with a baby. And then, that day finally came! Michael left for work early, I took a pregnancy test, looked after 3 minutes with disappointment again, and got into the shower to get ready for work. My mood changed, however, when I got out and noticed the very faint + sign. Could it be a false positive since it took longer than 3 minutes to show up? I couldn't help but get somewhat excited, though. I went on to my office at the education coop, then went to the walk-in clinic at Charleston during my lunch hour. There was no way I could hide my smile when the doctor came in and said "You're definitely pregnant!"
"Finally, thank you God!"

I had to leave that night for a business trip to Arkadelphia, and Michael was going to ride with me to Little Rock and stay with his sister since he was off the next 2 days. So, when he got home, I met him at the door with a gift (one that I had been waiting to give him for so long). It was a Hallmark frame that said, "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad!" His eyes gleamed with excitement, and he said, "Really?"

What happened next was funny and a little stressful. We made it to Little Rock, started unpacking the car, and I realized that I had left my garment bag with my business clothes in it at home. All the excitement had caused me to lose my mind for a moment (actually, I don't think I've gotten my mind back since having the kids...Ha!). So, with 20 minutes 'till closing, we set out for Target, the closest store that was still open.

The months that followed were exciting, with all the baby planning, especially since my sister was also expecting. I lost 14 pounds from being so sick the first few months, then gained 22 at the end of the pregnancy...an 8 pound overall gain was not so bad. I felt great after the morning sickness: my arthritis went into remission. Then, the due date came and went...the next day came and went...and the next day came and went. As much as I did not want to be induced, that time had come (I still think if doctors would let you go on your own, as long as there were no health risks at hand, everything would be fine). She just wasn't ready to meet us after 15 hours of labor, and the doctor said what I had really dreaded...it's time for a c-section. I cried and cried, so scared of being operated on and worried that the baby just wasn't ready.

Michael was with me in the operating room, and as she made her entrance to this world, he watched and said, "Mandy, you don't need to worry about her not being ready; she's a chunk!" I got to see her for only a second before she was taken to be cleaned, and I was taken to recovery (this is the major con that comes with having a c-section; you don't get to hold your baby for at least an hour after they're born). But, she was worth the wait! What a beautiful baby girl...a true miracle!

We waited until we had her with us in my room and our family was gathered around to announce her name (that was special to us, even though our family hated having to wait to hear the name).

Introducing BILLIE JAYDA...named after my grandpa Bill (otherwise know as BB). I miss BB so much, and I wish that he was here to see my kids, but I know he's watching over us in heaven. And my daughter is named after a very special man!

My Love!

17 years ago today, my parents drove a group of my friends and me to the CHS basketball game in the Regional Tournament (maybe in Harrison???). The next-to-last friend we dropped off at home put his senior ring on my finger (then bolted out of the car and into his house). Ahhh...memories! I love you Michael!