August 1st

Today my sweet Titus is 10 1/2 months old, the age Elyse was when she went to be with the Lord. I wasn't really sure what to expect from today. Cliff did a great job of expressing his (our) thoughts on it, but I am some times late to the game (I'm late to a lot of things;)). I don't always know how I'm going to feel until I'm here in the moment.

As I was putting Ty down for his nap this morning he was a little fussy (oh, by the way I took him to the doctor yesterday because he has had a cold for about 2 weeks and started coughing Monday night. He has a sinus infection, it hasn't been easy having him sick during this time). So after we read 'moo, bah, la, la, la' (one of our favorites) I decided to just rock him. I started singing to him, "Jesus love me this I know, for the Bible tells me so, little ones to Him belong they are weak but He is strong, yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me the Bible tells me so." As I sang those words to my sweet gift, who is 10 1/2 months old today I realized those words were from the Lord to me. Tears started falling from my eyes as I thought about the love that Jesus has for me. Isn't He so gracious to love me in my weakness? In His strength reach down and touch my heart, my mind, this very day that I have to trust Him a little extra with this life that is in my arms. As I told Titus how much I love him, I also told him that Jesus loves him even more.

Looking back on the last 2 1/2 years, I know so much more today than I did before about how much my Jesus loves me. I know it seems counterintuitive, but I know my God a little better than I did before. And while if I could choose I would have a sweet, sassy 3 1/2 year in my home right now.  I wasn't asked my opinion though. This is the path that has been laid out before me. And so I will choose to press in, to trust deeper, to love this boy that is 10 1/2 months old with all that I am. I will choose to love my God who is able to strengthen my heart and my mind in new ways each day. I will choose to be joyful that I got to know my daughter intimately in those short 10 1/2 months (+9 inside of me). And I will rejoice in that time and look forward to eternity with my God and my sweet girl.

Thanks for journeying with us. May you see Jesus through our smiles and tears. 

Thankful for these two sweet boys!

Wish there was a little girl in an orange dress next to them. :)

Elyse's 3rd Birthday w/Jesus

Today is Elyse's 3rd birthday. Many of you know and have already written, sent a text, called or celebrated with us. We miss this girl. I miss her everyday, multiple times a day. I'm thankful for today for so many reasons, 3 years ago today I heard three very exciting words. 'It's a girl'. That was so fun and a little surprising, I remember I kept staring at her name on her bassinet that day thinking 'I really have a little girl'. There was something so special about finding that out in that moment. A little girl. If I had known then that I would only get to hold her for 10 1/2 short months I'm not sure what I would have thought. I'm so glad we don't know the future. But, I wouldn't trade those 10 1/2 sweet months for anything. The tears, the pain, the heartache, the loss, the many, many rough days are all worth those short months of having her in our family. I'm a different person because of her life and her death. Life is more precious to me than it was just over two years ago. I look at Titus and I really treasure every moment with him both when he is happy and sad (which is not very often).

We celebrated Elyse's life on Sunday. We threw a party, it's the party I've never really gotten to throw and it was good. We had family and close friends. Our good friends and little friends that would have been her good friends. We were together, there were tears and laughter, good food and lots of pink and orange! I sure hope she likes those colors, cause her mama does. ;)

 The drinks & cups, a borrowed and enhanced idea from my friend Allyson, thanks friend!  Pink & orange mason jars with chalk lids to help you keep track of your own glass.

 The amazing dessert buffet from my very talented sis-in-law! Thank you Spoonful of Sugar!!

 

Tanner & Pete, sweet friends! 

Peter is such a great big brother and remembers and loves his sis so much.

 We released balloons at 1:06pm, the time she was born. It was just two days early this year. We always do balloons, but this year was fun with SO many!! There were 50 that went up to her and the kids were so sweet as they sent them 'up to heaven to see Elyse and Jesus'.

Here are a few lot of pictures from the party. Thank you for celebrating with us and for walking this journey of loss, hope, redemption and hopefully more than anything of looking to Jesus for our everything. He really is everything. I'm thankful I get to celebrate Elyse and then look forward to Easter and the cross and the empty tomb, because that brings new life and assurance of seeing my girl again.

Elyse's 2nd Birthday with Jesus

As I write this we are headed down south to celebrate our sweet girls birthday. In just two days she would be celebrating her 2nd birthday. Oh how much I wonder what life would be like with her these days...how much of a two year old would she be, how much would she be saying and how would Elyse and Pete be getting along (or not getting along).

But, I am left to wonder these things without answers...ever. So I will focus on the fact that I've made it to this point, one year ago I honestly wasn't quite sure how that was going to happen. But here we are in March 2011 and we are doing even more than surviving we're making it and we're looking ahead to what God has planned for our family and future. Oh it doesn't mean I don't still grieve...often, but I have hope HOPE in the creator of life. Who does indeed give and take away.

Cliff is running in his third half marathon within the last nine months tomorrow. I know he's incredible and in such great shape these days. I'm hoping to jump back into the game next year, after baby comes and a little recovery time!!

Then on Sunday, the 27th Elyse's birthday we're going to Disneyland!! We went last year with my sister, brother-in-law, Sam & Ben. It was a good, mostly fun thing to do. This year it's just the three of us going and I'm looking forward to watching Peter enjoy everything even more. I think he actually knows who Mickey Mouse is this year. ;) Lots of people have ask us if this is going to be a tradition, we don't know. But, we did think that since I wasn't very far along in pregnancy and we don't have a newborn it would be a good thing to do on Elyse's birthday again...we'll see what next year holds.

We do want to invite anyone that's interested to help us celebrate her birthday by releasing a pink balloon at 1:06pm on Sunday. Some of you did this last year and it meant a TON to us. If you take pictures will you send them to us or tag us on Facebook? We would love to know that you are thinking about our sweet Elyse and us.

Thank you for walking this journey along side of us, through tears, prayer, hugs and so much more. We are so blessed and loved by each and everyone of you. And we really don't take that lightly, we covet your love and friendship.

January 6th

Today marks the point where Elyse has been gone longer than she was here on earth with us. Minus that sweet 9 months in my womb, which I now treasure so much more and really appreciate that I got an extra few months to know her.

I was doing okay, had a busy day lots to do (still have lots to do as I sit and write out my thoughts). I think I just wanted to push it aside and not confront what it really represents. I think I've been wanting to do that lately, just put my head down and plow through. Surely it will be better on the other side. Really? Probably not. Not if I don't learn anything from walking this road. Lord knows I never want to have to learn any of these lessons again, at least not in this same way.

And then it all came crashing down. The fast tears streaming down my face, feeling as if I might not be able to breath because it hurts so bad. Those feelings and emotions that I don't feel everyday anymore. But they still come. And they probably will a little more as February and March are drawing so near. I just wanted to be mad, I just wanted to be angry and sad and every other emotion that I keep at bay most of the time. I'm tired of having the 'right' reactions and attitudes. I just want to scream and say it's NOT OKAY!!!!! It's not okay that my sweet girl isn't here anymore. I think you got it wrong Lord, I think I still need her.

As I looked up and saw her smiling face and chubby arms, her beautiful blue eyes, those cheeks that went on and on and of course her chubby little legs that barely fit into those skinny jeans she's wearing. I thought, I didn't get enough. Not enough giggles, or smiles, or tears, or even fits (which I never really got to experience). I didn't get to feel those roles in her arms enough, or place enough zerberts on that belly, or tickle those thighs enough to elicit such joyous squeals and giggles. I was jipped. There should have been more moments, I wish I could have one of those moments right now.

But you know what? I don't, I don't have any more moments with Elyse this side of heaven. I'm really sad about that, really sad. And you know what else? That's okay that I'm sad. I want to feel this sadness for all that it is and today I felt it.  Deep in my soul I feel it right now. Part of me is missing, part of my family is missing, so much of my future is missing.

So I thought, I'm just going to be upset about life and scream LIFE STINKS! Which it does, at times. My God wouldn't really have any of that...I think He's okay that I'm sad. But, He doesn't want me to live there and truth be told I don't want to live there either. It's hard work being upset about everything and it's draining, it will suck the life right out of you.

So I jumped on the treadmill because if there was one thing I really needed to do today it was run. I put on a podcast from Focus on the Family in was on Trusting God in Family Life I didn't think much of the subject. And then it started, talking about the fear of losing a child and Job and so on. I won't go into all the details, but I will tell you it was God speaking to me. More tears, I had to walk, I couldn't run with the tears that were falling. It was God reminding me that His ways are the best ways. His plan is good, He has good things for me. He's God and I'm not. I'm so glad.

This morning He showed me this verse:
     "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is as work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."          Ephesians 3:20-21

I'm so glad his power is at work in me. I'm so glad that he is able to do more than I can imagine, I don't have a great imagination. ;) I'm so glad that he doesn't let me sit in my muck for long. Yes, I'm sad, but this year I'm also hopeful. Trying to live in that hope today and everyday. Not ignoring the real emotions and realities that are in my life, but not living in those 24/7 either.

Thankful

I know Thanksgiving was two weeks ago, but I wanted to share something from my devotional that struck so close to my heart as I read it. And then as Cliff was praying last night it made me think about it all over again.


     Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: You give me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of you circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience - at times, blind obedience. To people who don't know Me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossible to thank Me for heartrending hardships. Nonetheless, those who obey Me in this way are invariably blessed, even though difficulties may remain.

    Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective. It is this Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity.


I am not in a place to thank my Lord for the circumstances that I am in, but I am able to thank Him for who He is. Along with what He is showing me and how He is working in my life through the current events. It's kind of a fine line of thankfulness, almost a sacrificial thankfulness, there is sadness in my soul and joy in my heart at the same time. In this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas my focus must be on who my God is, it's too much to get wrapped up in the activities and emptiness that I feel at times. My prayer is that thankfulness will fill my heart and soul each day, each moment really, and truly realize how wonderful a gift baby Jesus is, better than all the gifts I've ever received.
   

Pete's Tractor Party

Here are some pictures from Pete's 3rd Birthday Party! It was so much fun, I had a great time putting it together and all the kids and mamas had fun too! Thanks to all who helped and came to celebrate our sweet Pete!

The star of the Party, thanks Kirk!!

Drinks for the adults and kiddos

Almost all the kids in the scoop!

Yes Ben, dirt does make you cuter. ;)

Birthday boy thoroughly enjoying the tractor, dirt and a stick :)

I love GiGi hanging out on the tire in this one!

Sweet Friends

It was so many of the kids first time with a pinata, we adults had a good time telling them to give it a good whack!!

Me, with the cupcake. Can't believe my little man is three.

 The candy bar for favors was super fun! Thanks Johnna for all the containers and candy too! It was a bit of a candy-overload party, but hey Peter's only going to turn 3 once right?


Love you sweet boy, so blessed by the little man that you are and I'm believing BIG things for you life. God has plans for you my little rock.

Blogging and Love

As you are well aware I haven't blogged in a while. The problem with blogging (for me) is that when I get behind I don't know where to start from when I begin again. Should I back-blog and catch everyone up or just skip to what is happening right now. So instead of doing either of those things I debate back and forth of what I should do and in turn get farther behind. I do intend to post about our trip and Elyse's birthday, but they require a little more time and effort than I have to give right now.

So here's a short sweet story about my little man, isn't he cute?

This is Pete climbing his first tree, he loved it! I love that he is all boy. Jumping off the tree was his favorite part, he could have stayed there all day.

But, the story came from breakfast this morning. For the last month or two I've been working on getting him to say 'I Love You' and he would repeat after me (or Cliff) I - I, Love, You - You! He would not say Love, just the I and You. It was really sweet how he said and I figured we were headed in the right direction. Just this last week he started saying the Love part. I was so proud of him!

Back to breakfast, Pete and I sit next to each other at the table and he always leans over and grabs my arm and sometimes migrates to my lap. This morning he grabbed my arm and said 'I Love You'!!! SO SWEET! It is the greatest thing a parent can hear from their child. And just what this mommy needed to hear from her sweet little one. Thank you Lord for this blessing in my life!

Elyse's 1st Birthday

Well, I should be staying up late tonight making cupcakes, cutting fruit and all the other last minute preporations that go into a first birthday party. Cliff hates it when I throw a party becuase it usually means we're up until at least 1am and pretty tired by the time the party starts! But, it's all worth it in the end when everyone has had a good time and most importantly the guest of honor knows they are valued and loved! And when the last guest leaves you put your feet up and know you will do it all again for the next event!

Tonight isn't like that, we're in Southern California, we went to Disneyland yesterday to celebrate our little girl and to have some time away this week. It has been really good, but a little bitter sweet too. I'd rather be at home with sore feet from standing in the kitchen instead of standing in lines all day. But, THIS is my life now and I'm trying with all that I am to still go on with each day and to make the best of what I've been handed. Including still celebrating Lysie's birthday.

Cliff did a great job explaining what we're doing tomorrow, so here is a copy of what he wrote on his blog.

Saturday, for Elyse's birthday, we're starting a tradition. At 1:06pm, the time that Elyse was born a year ago, we'll be releasing balloons in her honor. April, Peter and I will be in San Diego and will have a picnic lunch, a time together to honor her, and then we'll release our balloons. We're inviting anyone who wants to join us, wherever they are, to do the same in honor of Elyse. If you are able to do this we would love to see some pictures from your time and also be able to put those in her album.
 
Thank you family and friends for helping us celebrate!

Perseverance

The definition of perseverance:

1.steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

2.Theology. continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.
 
This may seem like a funny or strange post, but I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who is persevering with us. In so many ways. It really means a lot right now. Life has been rough for the last five weeks or so and lately perseverance has been on my mind. For us to "stay the course", for our friends to keep asking and nudging their way into our world. I really appreciate those that keep asking things, specific things or just come over or just jump in and help or maybe don't do anything but sit with us. It's really difficult to explain, but I kind of feel like I'm in a fog A LOT!! Simple problem solving things are difficult, planning life activities more than a day in advance takes a lot of brain power. Really simple daily life things are just so different.
 
I thought the second definition was interesting too. I'm living in that continuing state of grace everyday and I am so thankful for salvation. Praise the Lord! Can't wait to get to heaven, for so many reasons.
 
Thanks for reading my random thoughts, it means a lot to have people 'follow' this journey we're on.

The Top Ten Things I Miss About My Lysie Lu

• 
  
  10 - I miss her smile
•   9 - I miss her giggles
•   8 - I miss hearing her say 'mama' and 'dada' and 'baba'
•   7 - I miss watching her crawl and listening to the sound of her slapping hands on the linoleum
•   6 - I miss reading her stories
•   5 - I miss having her press against me with her feet while I fed her in the high-chair
•   4 - I miss her hanging out in her high-chair eating cheerios & puffs while I cooked
•   3 - I miss watching her face light up when she saw her brother
•   2 - I miss singing to her
•   1 - I miss feeling her in my arms; whether feeding her a bottle, just holding her, lifting her up to change her diaper, or get her dressed, putting her in the high-chair, holding her on my hip or just carrying her from place to place. I just miss feeling her.

These are certainly not all the things I miss about my sweet girl, just the ones I was thinking of now.

Trust

A good friend gave us the devotional 'Jesus Calling', it's been great because there are times that I want to go to the Word and then I sit there with my bible unsure of where to turn. It's just a short devo and a few verses. I read yesterdays today (I didn't really know what day it was) and was very blessed by the truth in the words. Here is what it said:

Trust Me one day at a time. This keeps you close to Me, responsive to My will. Trust is not a natural response, especially for those who have been deeply wounded. My Spirit within you is your resident Tutor, helping you in this supernatural endeavor. Yield to His gentle touch; be sensitive to His prompting.

Exert your will to trust Me in all circumstances. Don't let your need to understand distract you from My Presence. I will equip you to get through this day victoriously, as you live in deep dependence on Me. Tomorrow is busy worrying about itself; don't get tangeld up in its worry-webs. Trust Me one day at a time.

"O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you." Psalm 84:12

My soul needed this reminder today.

One Month

It is overwhelming to think that tomorrow will be one month since our sweet Elyse went to be with Jesus. I still miss her just about every minute of every day, which will probably remain for a while. We got a pack of info from Angel Babies, a ministry in Fresno through Hinds Hospice. There is a page with some insights for friends that I wanted to share. It talks about things I have been feeling, but have been unable to communicate, at least unable to communicate them well. Okay, here is an excerpt:

To our Family & Friends: Our Grief Experience Shared.
We want to share with you some of our feelings and how you can help and support us. We have suffered a tremendous loss, and we need to grieve. Even though this may be uncomfortable for others around us, it's something we MUST do. We won't be over this in a few weeks as most people expect. We will be able to adjust to the loss of our precious child if we are given the time needed to grieve. (Avereage intense grieving is 18-24 months). However, we will not be the same people we were before our loss.


We may need to talk about our baby, how much we loved our child and the details of our experience. Even though we may not have many memories we suffer from broken dreams. During this time we need others to be there and listen to us time and time again. This is the kindest thing a person can do for us. We do not want to forget our baby and we will need to mention her in the future. It would be appreciated if you would remember our baby, especially on difficult days such as anniversary days, birthdays, Christmas, and Mother's and Father's Day.

In our struggles with our grief, we may have difficulties with the following:
* Understanding our many emotions and feeling emotionally balanced.
* Coping with feelings of guilt, anger and jealousy.
* Dealing with normal daily functions due to lack of energy.
* Deciding what to do with our baby's belongings.
* Coping with the individuality of our grief as a family and as a couple.
* Sharing family celebrations.
* Seeing babies that are the same age our child would have been.
* Need to make major decisions such as subsequent pregnancies, moving, job changes, etc.
* Visiting the cemetery and purchasing a tombstone.
* Remembering our baby in special ways that are acceptable.
* Feeling different and subsequently feeling isolated.
* Dealing with physical symptoms that arise due to grieving.

Dealing with these many emotions takes a lot of courage and tedious work. It is worth it so we can have peace of mind and physical well being.
If we sound a little selfish, please understand. Only after we are able to adjust and experience the journey of grief can we reach out and help others. One day we will be able to live life in a fuller manner.
We try not to criticize others. Before our baby died, we didn't understand the full impact this loss had. We want to share this painful experience with you so others can understand our need for support. No one will be able to take our pain away, but perhaps they can be there and listen.

Reading this has been so comforting; it helps to validate some of the feelings and emotions that I have. A couple things in particular have stood out to me, the statement about grieving over broken dreams. That has been such a reality for me, you picture your family, life and future to be a certain way and then in an instant it has all changed. So not only am I missing my sweet little girl, I'm missing what I imagined her life and our life as a family would be. I'm so saddened over her and Pete not being great friends. I'm saddened over future siblings missing out on their older sis. There will always be a part of our family that is missing...

Also, the timeframe of intense grieving, 18-24 months, that seems like a long time. And yet it is hard to imagine this pain and suffering leaving us anytime soon. I think the encouraging side of that is that what we're experiencing is pretty 'normal' so to speak. I know some people expect us to be over this soon, not so much spoken expectations, but silent ones. Well we're not going to be better for a while. We know that God is good, faithful and sovereign and that we are in His hands. We trust Him with our futures, with the pain and ache and know that HE WILL complete a good work in us and through us. There is so much more on my heart and in my mind, but I think this is more than enough for right now.

Love this boy!!

I really do love and I think I appreciate him in new ways these last few weeks. What a blessing he is! He LOVES looking at sissy's pictures. For almost a week now he has been asking to see her pictures, the ones around the house, on the computer, on Cliff's phone, her slideshow, anywhere he can see his sweet sis. I think it took all the commotion slowing down for him to really realize that she isn't here with us anymore. He asks for her sometimes and we usually just tell him that sissy is with Jesus now. One day he'll understand just what that means. Yesterday I was cleaning my bathroom and right outside the door is a basket left from Elyse's memorial service with a bunch of the smaller frames in it. Peter emptied the whole basket talking about each picture of her (he would say, "sis" or "feet") it was so cute! And then he put them all back just the way they were before, what a sweet type 'A' little boy I have. We have been praying that he will have supernatural memories of Elyse and I hope this is the beginning of seeing that prayer answered.

Your Hands

I am loving this song by JJ Heller lately, it kind of just spells out what I am feeling. I find myself playing it and sing it often. I had just heard of her a couple months back and then a few days after Elyse died my friend mentioned this song. I had to purchase it right then! You can check her out here or download the album here. Enjoy!

I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That You would take my pain away
That You would take my pain away

I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crookedly lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

When You walked upon the Earth
You healed the broken, lost, and hurt
I know You hate to see me cry
One day You will set all things right
Yea, one day You will set all things right

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

Your hands
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave You when...

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave...
I never leave Your hands

Monterey - The Aquariam

I love this one of the boys, it totally shows all of their personalities, Pete could have stayed here all day!

Oh how I love this boy, he wasn't really into posing for the picture.

The Jellyfish room was really cool. We had a good weekend all things considered, it was rough at times and good at times. We know that we are going to have so many firsts without our sweet girl and this was just one. Cliff does a way better job at writing our feelings so visit his blog for a more detailed report. Overall we were glad to "get-away" for a couple of days, yet nothing is to great these days. Thanks sissy and Eric for everything!

Saturday

Here is the link to my sweet friend Jen's (one of my many sweet friends named Jen) website of a handful of amazing photos that she was able to capture from Elyse's Memorial Service and the graveside. They are so incredible, I'm so glad that someone thought to have someone take photos (thanks Johnna - I think) I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Jen, what an amazing gift you've given us - THANK YOU!!!

Sweet Elyse

Oh, how I miss this sweet baby girl. God is so faithful and good, but man what I wouldn't give to have this whole last week be just a bad dream and I could still have her in my arms.

It was WILD!!

We went out to the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park a couple of weeks ago just for a couple of hours, it was lots of fun. The park is huge, it's pretty spread out so we didn't get to see too much in our short visit, but I think we'll try to go back before we go home. Peter loved this play area they had, he could have stayed for hours!

The gorillas were really cool to see without any glass between us and them, just a mote!
Pete loves the Flamingos! He could also spend all day just watching them.

Bath Time

Elyse is enjoying her baths, I love this time with her she smiles and talks to me as I give her a bath. Wow, she's growing every day so much!

SD Living

We are enjoying our time here is San Diego, actually we're about to leave, but it's been a great month down here! It has been really fun to see how much Elyse has changed in the short time since we've been here. And now we have a 2 year old, wow we still can't believe we have 2 kids at times!

Here is Pete enjoying the swing at the park and a great smile from our sweet little girl. More highlights from our time down here to come...soon.