Getaway

 If I were being honest, I'd tell you that it's been a rough month... or two. While I love to blog about happy times and projects, I also think that it is important to be real and share that things aren't always happy-go-lucky. In the midst of darkness or down times, I am comforted by He who is always with me. I'm encouraged by God's living word. Though I have the most supportive, loving husband, family and friends, nothing and no one can compare to my heavenly father's abiding love. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28.  But, the good part is that things are on the upswing! Even better news is that as of this coming morning, I'm officially on vacation for 2 whole weeks!!!!! I could not be more excited about this. In fact, I'm ecstatic. In a sense, my "christmas break" is just now starting...  and somewhere tropic is calling my name! I'm also very excited to see my entire extended family and to have Andrew spend lots of time with them for the first time.

I'd say that the true start of this break was the quick 24 hour getaway we took last week. We both know how important it is for us to get away from the daily routines of our lives and do something enjoyable together. We don't have many "hobbies" that we enjoy together like some couples do (wouldn't that be great if Andrew liked crafting with me! Imagine the possibilities!!) but we both enjoy getting away together. 

We returned to the Resort at the Mountain near Mount Hood for a package deal mini vacay to include a night's stay, 2 fancy dinners, 2 breakfasts, and a couple's massage. Throw some hot tub time in the beautiful snow in there too! It was perfect and oh so needed. Here is last year's trip to the same place.

I hope you had a lovely Christmas! I encourage you to plan a little "getaway" with your lover. Do something special, something new. Go away together on an adventure. Big or small, grand or simple, do something and invest in making some sweet memories.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from us! 

May you enjoy this time of celebration for Christ's birth to the fullest. May you be surrounded by family and loved ones, cherishing each moment as it passes. Peace, warmth, and Joy to you!

PS- I'll be MIA for a while... Off to a tropic vacay... can't wait!!!!

51 year old dress

I cannot believe that Christmas is just a few short days away. Where has December gone!?!? More on that later, but today I have something very special to share with you. During my recent weekend trip to visit my 2 grandmothers in Texas, we worked on this little project together. I feel so incredibly blessed to have such amazing grandmothers and to have a strong friendship with both of them.

Today would have marked 51 years of marriage between my Grandma Barb and Granddaddy Carl. I'm sure that my Granddaddy took a break from tinkering with old cars today in Heaven to look down and just smile at his beautiful wife. Their life was far from easy. Being an Air Force family, I'm sure that my Grandma felt like a single mom much of the time. But, they persevered and built a life for themselves and their kids... and us grandkids.

I scanned in this photo of my grandma (pregnant) & granddaddy but somehow cut off their heads. I still like it! Artsy!

My sister and I were both honored to wear my Grandmother's wedding dress as our 'going away dress' at our weddings. Grandma thoughtfully wanted to put each of these pictures side by side for display. I simply helped her accomplish it.

 

Started with the originals and made copies in Black and White and Sepia. 

 

Found the right frames.

Assembled the frames and my other grandma (Mamaw) helped write the dates below. A frame for each of us. So special. 

Left to Right: Jenna and Andrew (us!), Uncle Charles and Barb (Grandma and her brother), Uncle Charles and Jordan (My sister). 

Uncle Charles was unable to be at my wedding, but how special to have this memento of each of us sharing in wearing something meaningful on such a special day.

 Thank you Grandma for this precious gift. Love you so very much. 

 Meaningful, special art is my favorite. I'm slowly compiling more meaningful pieces in our home. How about you? Anything extra special displaying in your home? Anything bring back warm, sweet memories when you walk by and see it?

Eternally Safe

It's impossible not to think about it, 

Cry about it, pray it never happened,

The innocent children gone and then,

A nation torn in tears and sorrow.

If only... we say,

Maybe someday...

But you see,

While we cry and drop our heads in despair,

The evil one smirks and yells, "how's this for fair?"

Full lives unlived,

Whole hearts to love,

Potentials and futures left to only imagine.

Our Father is heartbroken and sad,
So confused was this lad.

He cries for those hurting while holding close,
A classroom of friends eager to learn,
But for the lost, still he yearns. 

20 young souls gaze down and say,

Don't yet lose hope, if I may,

I was greeted by a perfect Father.

Strong, mighty, loving, merciful.

I was welcomed with Angels' song and trumpets playing,

I'm now fully alive and fully loved.

 Take heart,

Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with my God. 

Join me, brothers, sisters, moms, and dads,

It's hard to believe with such tragedy, 

but I'm safe now. 

I'm eternally safe.

I'm eternally alive.

I'm held tight and warm. 

I'm finally home. 

That world was not mine, 

As safe and sound as it seemed. 

That world is not your home. 

For this my Father has deemed.

Live true and right, 

Though it's hard to find the way,

And with all your might,

Walk with my Father each day,

In the midst of terror and fright,
Join me, I say.

Look up, have faith, find truth. 

For this I pray.

 ___

My heart breaks for these families, this community, this nation. I find peace in reminding myself that this is not my home.

Awesome & Awkward

 Awesome & Awkward

Staying up until the wee hours of the morning because our bedroom smoke alarm is out of batteries and wired to alarm throughout the apartment complex if we tried to take it apart... consequently, we ended up snuggling up on our guest twin bed trying to block out the high pitched BEEEEEP and sleeping in until noon... ok, I slept until 3 but then went to work all night, I promise!

One of my patients hating me because every time I walked in her room, her baby started whaling... "How are you doing?" "Fine until you walked in...". Those were her words! Eeeeek!

Enjoying a pizza-making-feast for my brother-in-law's birthday. It was my two favorites meshed into one- arts & crafts and eating! Yum!

Literally falling out of my chair at the nurses station. Only my preceptee nursing student saw. That's right, Ashley, follow my lead! Oh, I forgot to mention there are cameras all over our unit. Super Nurse right here! 

Getting to use my parent's vehicle for a few weeks- I feel like a soccer mom except without the whole being a mom part... Gotta work on that :/

Feeling blessed with some amazing friends this week. So thankful.

Holding little Isaac (7month old cousin that I help watch) and squating down to pick up something I dropped..... but ending up on my bum.... in the parking garage... I don't think anyone saw. No one was hurt. 

One of my patients insisting that the photo on my badge was not me. "Looks absolutely nothing like you" as she stares back and forth between my face and my badge. I guess working nights has morphed me into someone else.

Meeting up with my brother for a 30 minute overlap at the airport. Listen up single ladies, he's a stud.

Just a few more days of class for Andrew until a little winter break.... cannnnnnot wait....

Self Timer Fun

 You want to know what makes for a fun afternoon activity? Attempting to self timer your own Christmas card picture. It was freezing, we were on a jogging/biking path, carrying our kitchen stool, big camera bag, and our coats. Found the perfect spot to set up (with the stool/camera duo right in the middle of the path of course). We took turns aiming, focusing, and running to the correct spot within the 10 second window. We ended up with at least 20 attempts and came away with maybe 3 usable pics. Oh dear... 

The numerous runners/walkers just laughed and some even offered to take a picture for us. It was far more fun doing it ourselves and I knew that it would be harder to explain how to use the camera to the stranger anyway.

This one isn't on our Christmas card- but it makes me smile. Too bad I was silly and didn't order enough cards for everyone I want to send one to. Lesson learned for next year.

Family Photo Art

While in Texas visiting my family, I had the pleasure of thumbing through tons of old photographs. My grandmother has numerous nicely organized photo boxes full of memories. The treasures I found are just that, treasures. I'm so thankful and I just can't get enough. Here's one way that I'm using these photos: creating photo art to blow up and hang on walls. 

I got to this point by realizing that most of these old photos are out of focus compared to today's standards. So- why not go with it and make "painting-like" art? That's exactly the direction I went. I'm thinking that these pieces would make for great wall art in a little boy's room (I know, I know, the amount I talk about babies and little kiddos, you'd think I was expecting- but I assure you, I'm not).  I still might hang some of my new "art" in the guest room. When I get the art up, I'll post an update!

Each of these are photographs of my father as a little boy. I edited them in photoshop by utilizing a few of the artistic tools. 

Before

After

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 Before

 After

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 Before

 After

PS- I'm heading back to Oregon today. Had a great visit in Texas and got my fill of good sweet tea for a while! 

PPS- Please keep praying for baby Hayley. She had an MRI last night to further evaluate for brain damage.

Please Pray | Baby Hayley

Dear friends, 

I want to share something with you and ask for prayer. This is sweet little Hayley (she's nearly 10 months old now). Her story (written by her mother) is below. In short, Hayley stopped breathing last Wednesday night. She was coded more than once and life flighted to Portland for further care. Her sweet little body went without oxygen for numerous minutes and her heart completely stopped, yet the Lord has thus far spared her life. God is in control and none of us know his will, but Stacey and Jesse (mom and dad) have asked anyone and everyone to pray. Their faith is simply amazing. I cannot even imagine how hard this is for their family. Hayley's future and prognosis is unknown at this time. Each hour and day bring something new. Stacey and Jesse regularly post updates and through the pain, exhaustion (mentally, emotionally, physically), confusion, and rays of hope, they remain strong in their faith and positive that God is in control. 

It was a miracle that Hayley came back the first time. Being in the medical field myself, I can only imagine how "puzzled" (as Stacey shared) her care team is. Hayley continues to make small improvements against the physicians' predictions. Yet, we still don't know the extent of her health and condition. We may not know why this is all happening, but I'm trusting that God has a greater plan.

But now, we pray and surrender this to the Lord. 

Hayley, Stacey, and Jesse, I am praying extensively for each of you. May God comfort you and bring you peace through this difficult time. May God's will be done- whether that means healing or clear answers. Thank you for leading by example and showing many of us what true faith looks like. You are both amazing parents and the perfect mom and dad for Hayley. What a lucky little girl to have you both. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."  Matthew 17:20

Thank you for reading and thank you for your prayers. 

Photo taken from Stacey's (mom) facebook.

Mom, Stacey, and baby, Hayley, at a church women's tea last spring.

I met Stacey through my Mom & Dad. They attend the same church and are a part of the same small group.

 (From Stacey)

Here is Hayley's story in a nutshell:

Hayley was born with muscular dystrophy. This was a surprise to us, because Jesse and I are both carries of the recessive gene that causes her particular type. This means any child we have has a 75% chance of being "normal" and a 25% chance of having muscular dystrophy. No one in either of our families has ever had muscular dystrophy.

Hayley is generally weak. At 9 months, she had finally gained head control and was gaining trunk control. But she could not roll over, or sit up, or many other things that most babies do. However, she can out-smile anyone. She has always been happy and positive while in the hospital or at the many doctor appointments we have had. Hayley cannot cough very well because of her weakness. She had been sick for the past few months. Mostly general congestion, possibly worsened by teething.

Hayley started showing symptoms of possibly a flu-like virus on Thanksgiving. She was throwing up, very congested and exhausted. She slept a lot over the weekend and especially on Monday and Tuesday. I stayed home with her for a few hours on Wednesday before I went to work. We both work full time as we cannot financially make it with just one of us working at this time and part time opportunities were not available for me. My sister watches Hayley and plays dress up with her. She is the best baby sitter :)

Since Hayley had been so tired, we thought rest would be best for her. After a doctor visit, chest x-rays, and starting a new antibiotic, her pediatrician said it would be ok to keep her home if we wanted to, as we have a hospital basically set up at our home. We kept her home as we thought she would heal faster in a familiar environment. The doctor said we could always go up to Doernbechers if she got worse or we felt uncomfortable.

Wednesday night we got home from work and Hayley looked exhausted. She gave us weak smiles but I felt bad seeing her so tired. Jesse ran to the gym and I started making dinner and muffins. I like to make a big batch of muffins and freeze them so we can grab them when we unexpected go to the hospital. I was considering taking Hayley in that night. I was going to talk to Jesse when he got home from the gym.

About 10 minutes after he left, as I was talking to Hayley and trying to get her to smile, she took a breath but because of the congestion and mucus in her airway, she couldn't breathe. I won't go into details because the next few minutes were awful. The paramedics came quickly and preformed CPR on her for 25 mins.

The fact that her heart started again was a miracle. The doctors at the hospital, while they were performing CPR told me that she probably wasn't going to make it. They told me, "we practice medicine, but that's all we can do. We can't do miracles and what Hayley needs is a miracle" Well, God provided a miracle, as he keeps doing each day.

Hayley was life flighted to Doernbecher on Wednesday night. This is where my posts started. Well, my first post was from the ambulance. As they were loading her up and I couldn't get a hold of my husband, I knew I had to get the word out so that people would pray! So I sent out a call that people would pray, and tell everyone they knew and ask them to pray. Facebook is amazing. I believe that the reason her heart started beating again is due in part to the fact that in just 25 minutes, already several hundreds of people were praying for Hayley, even without knowing the details.

If you want to go back and read the rest of posts from the beginning, send me (Stacey Mecham) a friend request.

We are so honored that so many people care and are following Hayley's story. It is humbling to see so many people earnestly praying for my daughter.

Hayley will be 10 months old tomorrow. It is also my brother's birthday and my mom's is the next day, Dec 5th. Its a hard time to be going through this. I was so excited for Hayley's first Christmas and I had a whole list of things that I wanted to do this month. My dear friend Silvia got Hayley a beautiful Christmas dress. Hayley smiled so big when I showed it to her. She loves it and I'm sure she wants to wear it very badly.

Christmas time is a season of hope. Its hard sometimes not to get caught up in the traditions we all love and remember the true meaning of Christmas. Its all about hope. Jesus, the light of the world, was born. He came to save us from our sins, but along the way, he healed the sick and brought back people from death. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) all tell the Christmas story, Jesus' birth. I would encourage you to read it often this month and focus on the gift we were given in the form a little baby boy. I'm glad the my baby girl is touching your hearts this Christmas season, but focus on baby Jesus.

Well, that's a big nutshell, but there is her story. Thank you so much for following Hayley's progress and sharing your hearts with us. We cannot express how grateful we are for your prayers or how much they carry us through hard moments. Its so encouraging to read what each of you post. We wish we could respond to each of you. I was trying to "like" each comment in the beginning, but I can't keep up now. Just know that we are encouraged by each post and "like" them all. Someday, we would be honored to meet and thank each one of you personally. That might be in heaven, or maybe on earth, but for now, just know that you encourage us and we are blessed by what you are sharing. Thank you for your prayers. Keep them coming. God is listening! Love you all!

Babes

Fried chicken or chicken fried steak? Those are your options. Add some creamy mashed potatoes, corn, the most delicious biscuits you ever did have, and a sweet salad, and man oh man.... scrumptious! How could I forget the perfect sweet tea, friendly staff, and hodgepodge decor...  What a great outing. 

I took a short weekend trip to Texas to celebrate my Grandmas' birthdays (they share the same bday) and visit for a few days. The 75+ warm weather was a welcomed bonus. I was able to treat these two lovely ladies with a dinner at the original Babes and we even got lucky with a christmas parade through town. I'm adding "learn how to make good southern biscuits" to my 2013 to-do list. High priority. Mmmmmhh, so good. 

If you're ever in the Dallas Fortworth area, hit up Babes!