I just realized I have not posted anything for a while... what's been going on?
OCTOBER
October 3rd was mine & Cary's 11th Anniversary. We were both sick so we didn't do anything!!! It was nice sitting at home, cuddling on the couch with Cary and the wiener dogs (Suzi & Roxi). Halloween - not much fun this year. We had a few kids ring the bell, but nothing compared to the usual crowd. I was a bit disappointed. I really enjoy seeing the kids dressed up!
NOVEMBER
Holidays are coming so my stress level JUMPS up. I always thought the holidays were supposed to be days of relaxation? Nope! Don't get me wrong, I love my family dearly, I just like to relax and be lazy!!! November also seems to kick start my emotions and remind me that Braden and Brody aren't here. I do not forget about them ever, but the holidays seem to intensify my emotions. I know that God has them in his arms! I am selfish and do want them in mine again. We will reunite again one day!!!
DECEMBER
Shopping, shopping and more shopping. Am I done yet??? This stressed me too! I tend to go overboard and buy more than I should for my nephews and nieces. I'd hate to see what I'll do with my own children one day!!! Let the holiday parties begin!
All in all, nothing has really been going on in my life worth writing about. These are just a few things that pop in my mind. I'm praying 2010 will be a great year and I'll have great things to post for the readers!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL!!!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
The number you've ALL be waiting for...
People amaze me! Loni and I had a very successful first Baby Steps Memorial Race! We were able to donate a GRAND TOTAL of $9,000 to The Amelia Center.
That's me on the left, Andy McNiel (from The Amelia Center) and Loni Hodge. What a great team!
The center was VERY happy to receive such a large donation. We could not have done it of course without all of the participants, volunteers, sponsors and donors! You guys know who you are!!! We want to thank everyone for their hard work and kind heart!
Loni and I decided to donate the funds into a Remembrance Funds for Braden, Brody and Maddox Elise. This is something new for The Amelia Center.
Here's what their website says about the new opportunity - "A Remembrance Fund, bearing the name of a family member or friend, can be established to provide annual support to The Amelia Center by making a memorial gift of $500.00 or more. This can be made as an individual memorial donation or a combined memorial donation by you, family members and friends. Once a Remembrance Fund is established, friends and family can make contributions throughout the year to support the fund. The Amelia Center will send annual updates to those supporting the fund regarding opportunities to contribute. At the end of each year, a portion of the Remembrance Fund will be used to support Amelia Center program costs, the remainder of the fund will be sustained to build upon for the next year. Remembrance Funds will be acknowledged in the Tears to Hope newsletter and by letter to family members and friends at your request. In addition, each fund will be recognized on the “We Remember Them…” wall in The Amelia Center lobby."
We chose to set up the Remembrance Funds so that The Amelia Center can use all or part of the race donation before the end of the year. This type of donation allows them to carry over part of the funds into the next year if they wish. I'm very honored that Braden and Brody will have a plaque on the "We Remember Them" wall. I decided it would be best to have Braden & Brody one plaque rather than two. They came into this world together! They drifted from this world together! They belong together!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Baby Steps 5K Memorial - August 29, 2009
What an awesome day we had on August 29th. It was filled with many emotions. Although the loss of Braden and Brody is not easy, I see purpose each and everyday. If God took my children to benefit others, I'll take this pain. It is his plan, not mine and I have to follow it.
Loni and I had the pleasure of being on "Matters of Faith" with Brenda Ladun. She is such an encouraging woman and was inspired by our stories. The picture shown is from the interview day at The Amelia Center. You can also view the segment by going to: http://www.abc3340.com/news/stories/0809/652098.html#
What an awesome day we had on August 29, 2009! My day was filled with emotions. I was very pleased with all of the sponsors, participants and volunteers. The support we received was amazing. I was honored that the loss of my boys and Maddox Elise made all of this happen! There is a purpose... to help all of the grieving families out there, to show them they are not alone on this journey, that they can heal and that we can remember them in our own special ways!
Our hope is to continue the race year after year. With the continued support we can make this happen!!!
Loni and I had the pleasure of being on "Matters of Faith" with Brenda Ladun. She is such an encouraging woman and was inspired by our stories. The picture shown is from the interview day at The Amelia Center. You can also view the segment by going to: http://www.abc3340.com/news/stories/0809/652098.html#
Monday, September 21, 2009
The words of Marvin Gaye "What's going on?"
I have to admit, as much as I'd love to document my journey, I am HORRIBLE at taking the time to write "What's going on" so here's where I am in this life for today...
The FIRST Baby Steps 5K Memorial Race was so awesome (I'll post more on it later!) I want to keep you curious on how much we raised for The Amelia Center...
I am doing pretty well in my grief. I continue to have good days and bad days. More good than bad so I've made it a long way since April 12, 2008!!! Certain things in life are harder to deal with while others, I just don't think about as much. I've learned to control my emotions by helping and keeping busy. As a grieving mother, I encourage others in my "shoes" to reach out to others. Talking to others and even volunteering for various things is what I've found helpful. It may work for youl, it may not. What we have to do is share our attempts for a happy life and encourage each other!
The FIRST Baby Steps 5K Memorial Race was so awesome (I'll post more on it later!) I want to keep you curious on how much we raised for The Amelia Center...
I am doing pretty well in my grief. I continue to have good days and bad days. More good than bad so I've made it a long way since April 12, 2008!!! Certain things in life are harder to deal with while others, I just don't think about as much. I've learned to control my emotions by helping and keeping busy. As a grieving mother, I encourage others in my "shoes" to reach out to others. Talking to others and even volunteering for various things is what I've found helpful. It may work for youl, it may not. What we have to do is share our attempts for a happy life and encourage each other!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Get over it???
I've had some very rough days lately. I should not have to explain myself, but people need to realize that grief does not have a time frame, nor does it ever really end. It is important not to have expectations that parents will be "finished" or "get over" this type of loss.
I say this because recently I've been told that I need to be the "old Abby" and I cannot understand how people who have NOT been in my situation feel as if they can tell me how I should be. The loss of Braden and Brody was not like a scratch that heals in a few days. It is like a deep wound that will forever scar my life.
As much as it may make others uncomfortable that I lost the boys - I do not think they realize that I am uncomfortable as well. I don't think you can EVER be comfortable with "visiting" your children in the cemetery.
I say this because recently I've been told that I need to be the "old Abby" and I cannot understand how people who have NOT been in my situation feel as if they can tell me how I should be. The loss of Braden and Brody was not like a scratch that heals in a few days. It is like a deep wound that will forever scar my life.
As much as it may make others uncomfortable that I lost the boys - I do not think they realize that I am uncomfortable as well. I don't think you can EVER be comfortable with "visiting" your children in the cemetery.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
July 4th - Another Holiday Down!
We survived yet another holiday with family fun. It's upsetting to both Cary and I to see all the kids having such a great time swimming and playing together. Here we are the "sad" couple without kids! We just sit and dream! We want our babies there to share the fun. We wanted them to play with their grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews! My peace is knowing they are playing in Heaven and it's a BEAUTIFUL place. They don't have to get a sun burn, bitten by mosquitoes or stop playing if they don't want to! Have fun in heaven boys!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Father's Day#2
Today is Father's Day #2 without Braden & Brody. Cary is such a trooper! He had a father and sons breakfast with his dad this morning and a family lunch with my dad and grandfather. I could tell he was a little down, but he never mentioned it.
I hope that one day we'll have days like this to celebrate with children. I want hand made cards and special gifts from children. They make you smile! We will always remember our heavenly children!!! It would just be nice to experience a life of parenting!
Happy Father's Day to all of the wonder fathers out there. Whether you have children on this earth or in Heaven!!!
Love to Cary, Dad & Dale (father in law)
I hope that one day we'll have days like this to celebrate with children. I want hand made cards and special gifts from children. They make you smile! We will always remember our heavenly children!!! It would just be nice to experience a life of parenting!
Happy Father's Day to all of the wonder fathers out there. Whether you have children on this earth or in Heaven!!!
Love to Cary, Dad & Dale (father in law)
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Missing Pieces
I live day to day. Each morning, I do not know if it will be one of "those" days or not. My life is all about ups and downs and I've come to terms with the fact that this will never change. The hurt will always be there. It will NEVER leave me. I've recently started going to the Amelia Center in Birmingham. It is a grief counseling center for parents and grandparents who have lost a child and also for children who have lost a loved one. The few times I've been, I've enjoyed it. Not that grief is something that you should enjoy. The fact is, at the center I do not have to hide my tears, be strong , fake a smile or worry about making other people feel uncomfortable that my children died. I can be weak, pissed, sad, cry and acknowledge my boys! You can be who you are!
I am bitter. People really piss me off sometimes. I've had a comment lingering in my brain that makes me want to punch something... Can you believe a pregnant woman had the NERVE to tell me that she wasn't avoiding me. She was just staying away from me because she know's I'm jealous because she's pregnant. I cannot say that I am not jealous. It amazes me how some people kiss and get pregnant. It amazes me that people do not have the heart to not say what they are really thinking. I use caution when I speak and I feel others should as well. These comments are PAINFUL and my life is PAINFUL enough without them. I apologize that my children died and yours did not. That should be my comment but I do not feel like anyone deserves this PAIN. Are people jealous of me because my boys died? Maybe I should avoid people?
Recently I keep finding myself having little moments of tears. They appear out of nowhere. I do not know what causes them. Well, I know why I'm crying, but have no idea what triggers the tears. It could be a song, a road, a smell... It's crazy, I'm crazy. I feel like a puzzle that is missing pieces. I'm missing Braden and Brody!!!
I am bitter. People really piss me off sometimes. I've had a comment lingering in my brain that makes me want to punch something... Can you believe a pregnant woman had the NERVE to tell me that she wasn't avoiding me. She was just staying away from me because she know's I'm jealous because she's pregnant. I cannot say that I am not jealous. It amazes me how some people kiss and get pregnant. It amazes me that people do not have the heart to not say what they are really thinking. I use caution when I speak and I feel others should as well. These comments are PAINFUL and my life is PAINFUL enough without them. I apologize that my children died and yours did not. That should be my comment but I do not feel like anyone deserves this PAIN. Are people jealous of me because my boys died? Maybe I should avoid people?
Recently I keep finding myself having little moments of tears. They appear out of nowhere. I do not know what causes them. Well, I know why I'm crying, but have no idea what triggers the tears. It could be a song, a road, a smell... It's crazy, I'm crazy. I feel like a puzzle that is missing pieces. I'm missing Braden and Brody!!!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Business Sponsors Needed!!!!
Local Business Owners:
Please join us and your fellow local business owners in supporting the Baby Steps Memorial 5K Run/Walk at Tannehill Historical State Park benefiting the Amelia Center on August 29, 2009. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Amelia Center in Birmingham which has served as a place of hope for grieving children, parents and families for the past twelve years. The Amelia Center offers free grief counseling not only to parents and grandparents who have suffered the loss of a child but also to children who have lost loved ones. The center operates by donations and continued support from our community members and it is programs like this that are vital to many people here locally and in our neighboring communities. For more information on the Amelia Center visit http://www.ameliacenter.org/.
We have chosen to support this program as mothers who recently suffered the loss of our children this past year. Abby and Cary Nicholas lost twin boys, Braden and Brody at 22 weeks due to unexplained preterm labor in April 2008. Loni and Justin Hodge lost their daughter, Maddox Elise at 28 weeks due to Triploidy in February 2009. As two grieving mothers, our mission is to provide support to bereavement programs, NICUs and infant/child causes throughout our community. We organize, host and provide fundraising in the community to accomplish our mission to support these important causes.
The 1st Annual Baby Steps Memorial 5K Run/Walk needs sponsorship from local businesses both large and small. We are reaching out asking how each of you can help us to give these families the support they need to cope with their struggles. All business sponsors will be included on advertisement materials as well as race participant shirts.
There are many areas needing sponsorship but some of the biggest needs are:
• Monetary donations for T-shirts, race result equipment (Trak Shak), water/snacks for participants, park fees
• Door Prize items for participants such as any service or items from your business would be great!
• Coupons and promotional items for participant goodie bags
• Race Participant Company Teams are welcome!!!
We would like to thank you in advance for your consideration and support to make the race a success! Please contact us with any questions or to find out more on how to make a donation or become involved.
babysteps5k@yahoo.com
Donations can be made payable to Baby Steps and mailed to:
Baby Steps
PO Box 674
Moody, AL 35004
Sincerely,
Abby Nicholas & Loni Hodge
Please join us and your fellow local business owners in supporting the Baby Steps Memorial 5K Run/Walk at Tannehill Historical State Park benefiting the Amelia Center on August 29, 2009. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Amelia Center in Birmingham which has served as a place of hope for grieving children, parents and families for the past twelve years. The Amelia Center offers free grief counseling not only to parents and grandparents who have suffered the loss of a child but also to children who have lost loved ones. The center operates by donations and continued support from our community members and it is programs like this that are vital to many people here locally and in our neighboring communities. For more information on the Amelia Center visit http://www.ameliacenter.org/.
We have chosen to support this program as mothers who recently suffered the loss of our children this past year. Abby and Cary Nicholas lost twin boys, Braden and Brody at 22 weeks due to unexplained preterm labor in April 2008. Loni and Justin Hodge lost their daughter, Maddox Elise at 28 weeks due to Triploidy in February 2009. As two grieving mothers, our mission is to provide support to bereavement programs, NICUs and infant/child causes throughout our community. We organize, host and provide fundraising in the community to accomplish our mission to support these important causes.
The 1st Annual Baby Steps Memorial 5K Run/Walk needs sponsorship from local businesses both large and small. We are reaching out asking how each of you can help us to give these families the support they need to cope with their struggles. All business sponsors will be included on advertisement materials as well as race participant shirts.
There are many areas needing sponsorship but some of the biggest needs are:
• Monetary donations for T-shirts, race result equipment (Trak Shak), water/snacks for participants, park fees
• Door Prize items for participants such as any service or items from your business would be great!
• Coupons and promotional items for participant goodie bags
• Race Participant Company Teams are welcome!!!
We would like to thank you in advance for your consideration and support to make the race a success! Please contact us with any questions or to find out more on how to make a donation or become involved.
babysteps5k@yahoo.com
Donations can be made payable to Baby Steps and mailed to:
Baby Steps
PO Box 674
Moody, AL 35004
Sincerely,
Abby Nicholas & Loni Hodge
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Donations
For those of you interested Bunco for Babies has been a HUGE success.
April - We had our first Bunco night. It was so much fun and I enjoyed meeting all the new people! We collected disposable cameras as our "item of the month" which Loni and I took to Trinity Hospital's NICU. They gladly accepted our donations.
May - Our second night was wonderful. Although we had a lot of people who weren't able to make it, we had several new players. Our "item of the month" was small blankets. Loni and I made a trip to STV East Wednesday and donated the blankets, bouncy seat, socks, hand mitts, breastfeeding drape and a womb sound bear. The women in this NICU were VERY excited to receive the donations. They made us feel extremely welcome. Their charge nurse Melanie even shared with us that she too has lost infants. It's amazing how many people have lost infants but are not vocal about it. There are so many of us out there and we have to support each other.
I am so thankful that Bunco for Babies has been such a success. Each month brings a bigger smile to my face and I'm happy to share the memory of Braden and Brody with these special women!!!
April - We had our first Bunco night. It was so much fun and I enjoyed meeting all the new people! We collected disposable cameras as our "item of the month" which Loni and I took to Trinity Hospital's NICU. They gladly accepted our donations.
May - Our second night was wonderful. Although we had a lot of people who weren't able to make it, we had several new players. Our "item of the month" was small blankets. Loni and I made a trip to STV East Wednesday and donated the blankets, bouncy seat, socks, hand mitts, breastfeeding drape and a womb sound bear. The women in this NICU were VERY excited to receive the donations. They made us feel extremely welcome. Their charge nurse Melanie even shared with us that she too has lost infants. It's amazing how many people have lost infants but are not vocal about it. There are so many of us out there and we have to support each other.
I am so thankful that Bunco for Babies has been such a success. Each month brings a bigger smile to my face and I'm happy to share the memory of Braden and Brody with these special women!!!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day - Tina
This is MY mother-in-law.
Cary's mom is a special woman. She does so much for other people and neglects her own needs! I hope she takes this day and makes it her own!!!
Thanks for everything you do for Cary, me and everyone else! We love you!!!
Mother's Day - Honey
This is MY mom!
She makes me laugh, cry and act like a fool. What can I say, she brings out the best in me!!!
I love you and am glad you are here for me to spend this special day with!!!
Thanks Big Mama Honey for being there and being the best!!!
P.S. the necklace in the picture is so pretty - I'm sure it cost a lot!
Friday, April 17, 2009
I'm so excited!!!
I absolutely can't wait for Mother's Day. I know I should be down and sad since I'm a mother and don't have children here on earth. I am so excited about a special gift I have for Braden & Brody's "Honey" and "Nana" Oh, it will be so special. PLEASE don't forget to check back soon for a picture of their special gift. Honey is dying to know, but I'm being good... MUM's the word...
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Silent Footprints
Silent Footprints
We never had the chance to play,
to laugh, to rock, to wiggle.
We long to hold you,
touch you now And listen to you giggle.
I'll always be your mother.
He'll always be your dad.
You will always be our child,
The child we never had.
But now you're gone... but yet you're here.
We'll sense you everywhere.
You are our sorrow and our joy.
There's love in every tear.
Just know our love goes deep and strong
We'll forget you never.
The child we had, but never had, And yet will have forever.
(c) Christie Michael All Rights Reserved
I love you boys!!!!
We never had the chance to play,
to laugh, to rock, to wiggle.
We long to hold you,
touch you now And listen to you giggle.
I'll always be your mother.
He'll always be your dad.
You will always be our child,
The child we never had.
But now you're gone... but yet you're here.
We'll sense you everywhere.
You are our sorrow and our joy.
There's love in every tear.
Just know our love goes deep and strong
We'll forget you never.
The child we had, but never had, And yet will have forever.
(c) Christie Michael All Rights Reserved
I love you boys!!!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
I will never forget...
Today is the day. April 12, 2009. The day I've worried about since Braden & Brody's arrival. It has been one year today since their birth. This year has gone by so fast. We've struggled. We've laughed. We've cried. We've been pissed. You name the emotion, I've had it all year!
I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN...
how mad I was at myself for working all day in pain and being stubborn and not calling the doctor...
how guilty I felt for not going to the doctor when Cary told me to...
that awful feeling when I realized, I was having my babies and there wasn't anything I could do to stop it...
that long car ride to St. Vincent's. The rain, the phone call telling the doctor I thing I'm in labor they gush, my water just broke...
the angel in the lobby of the hospital that directed Cary where to go to get a labor and delivery nurse. Why a little only lady was sitting in a chair in the lobby by herself at St. Vincent's at midnight on a Friday Night still shocks me. Why she was gone when Cary came back down with a nurse shocks me. An ANGEL indeed!
the fear I had and the fear on Cary's face when the nurse told be "you're having your babies" knowing it was too early and they wouldn't make it...
the uncontrollable feeling of delivering Braden as we pulled into the hospital...
showing all my "goods" to the parking lot at the hospital while I delivered Brody right there before I could even get out of my car...
the elevator ride up to the hospital. Shaking and trembling from shock...
the boys waiting until after "Honey's" birthday to make their grand arrival...
the wonderful night nurse who was so kind and caring...
seeing both boys brought in to us, cleaned up and beautiful...
Braden's sweet toes that are identical to his dad's toes! The big one that isn't the big one...
Brody's sweet little body, his tiny hands, tiny feet, tiny nose...
20 fingers... 20 toes...
holding them for the first time...
the awful morning nurse who left us out in the hallway with all the "happy" bows on the doors for all the baby boys and girls while the were bring the boys to the bereavment room...
holding Braden & Brody for the last time...
Today is a celebration. A celebration of the memory of Braden and Brody Nicholas! Although, I don't have the opportunity to celebrate 1st Birthdays like most parents, I feel this is a special day. It's the day, one year ago that we met our angels!!!
Even if we never have more children, we're parent's and will always love Braden and Brody.
Happy Heavenly Birthday Boys! Celebrate with Jesus, Maddie, Grandmaw, Mema & Paw Paw. Keep watching over me and your daddy! Keep us strong! I love you!
I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN...
how mad I was at myself for working all day in pain and being stubborn and not calling the doctor...
how guilty I felt for not going to the doctor when Cary told me to...
that awful feeling when I realized, I was having my babies and there wasn't anything I could do to stop it...
that long car ride to St. Vincent's. The rain, the phone call telling the doctor I thing I'm in labor they gush, my water just broke...
the angel in the lobby of the hospital that directed Cary where to go to get a labor and delivery nurse. Why a little only lady was sitting in a chair in the lobby by herself at St. Vincent's at midnight on a Friday Night still shocks me. Why she was gone when Cary came back down with a nurse shocks me. An ANGEL indeed!
the fear I had and the fear on Cary's face when the nurse told be "you're having your babies" knowing it was too early and they wouldn't make it...
the uncontrollable feeling of delivering Braden as we pulled into the hospital...
showing all my "goods" to the parking lot at the hospital while I delivered Brody right there before I could even get out of my car...
the elevator ride up to the hospital. Shaking and trembling from shock...
the boys waiting until after "Honey's" birthday to make their grand arrival...
the wonderful night nurse who was so kind and caring...
seeing both boys brought in to us, cleaned up and beautiful...
Braden's sweet toes that are identical to his dad's toes! The big one that isn't the big one...
Brody's sweet little body, his tiny hands, tiny feet, tiny nose...
20 fingers... 20 toes...
holding them for the first time...
the awful morning nurse who left us out in the hallway with all the "happy" bows on the doors for all the baby boys and girls while the were bring the boys to the bereavment room...
holding Braden & Brody for the last time...
Today is a celebration. A celebration of the memory of Braden and Brody Nicholas! Although, I don't have the opportunity to celebrate 1st Birthdays like most parents, I feel this is a special day. It's the day, one year ago that we met our angels!!!
Even if we never have more children, we're parent's and will always love Braden and Brody.
Happy Heavenly Birthday Boys! Celebrate with Jesus, Maddie, Grandmaw, Mema & Paw Paw. Keep watching over me and your daddy! Keep us strong! I love you!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
A bad week that isn't so bad!!!
As Braden and Brody's birthday creeps up on us, I expect this to be a bad week. Easter is their Birthday!
Although the week isn't over, tonight I was HAPPY!!! Loni and I started a Bunco for Babies group and we had our first game tonight. We had 16 people and raised $160 and had 26 disposable cameras donated. It was a success and I really enjoyed myself! All that worrying for nothing! Everyone seemed to have a blast and I thank God for allowing us to do this in memory of our children.
What a Happy Birthday to my baby boys!
Here's our 1st Bunco group. Thank you ALL for making this such a great success!!!
Although the week isn't over, tonight I was HAPPY!!! Loni and I started a Bunco for Babies group and we had our first game tonight. We had 16 people and raised $160 and had 26 disposable cameras donated. It was a success and I really enjoyed myself! All that worrying for nothing! Everyone seemed to have a blast and I thank God for allowing us to do this in memory of our children.
What a Happy Birthday to my baby boys!
Here's our 1st Bunco group. Thank you ALL for making this such a great success!!!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Anyone can help!
As most of you know, in April 2008 Cary and I lost our Twin Boys (Braden and Brody) at 22 weeks due to preterm labor. Recently I have become close friends with Loni Hodge. February 2009, Loni and Justin lost their baby girl (Maddie.) You can see Loni's blog at http://maddoxelisehodge.blogspot.com/ We are able to help each other with our struggles of our loss.
We both want to give back, to hospitals that treat babies, but also to the hospitals that delivered our sweet babies. So we've been contemplating ideas to raise money and we've found a couple of good ones...
Our first idea is to organize a 5k or 8k race to benefit Children's hospital NICU - that's is being planned and we will send out more info on that as it becomes available!! Just be ready for it in the fall (2009)...it should be a great day!!! We will need lots of support so we can make this an annual event in memory of our children. Any BIG sponsors out there???
We're also trying to get a Bunco group together. We’re going to call it “Bunco for Babies.” If you’ve never played, it’s a lot of fun (I promise.) Bunco is a dice game that you play tables of 4. We need at least 12 people for the game, but can always play with more. So, think about it. It’s an easy, fun game and you can come and enjoy food and time with friends and meet new friends as well! The main thing is you will be helping us “heal” and do something for these hospitals that are in need.
The idea for now is, to play – you will bring $10 which ½ will go towards the hospitals and the other ½ will go in a pot for the “winners.” You will also bring a cheap item that Loni and I will take to the NICU at Children’s for the tiny babies which need things that aren’t always provided. The items may include small blankets, socks, diapers and disposable cameras for the parents who may not have thought to bring theirs from home. The cameras are a great idea because some parents (like us) will only be able to take home photos of their children. It’s important to us to give what we can. (Think of it as a tax deduction for next year!)
We were hoping to get at LEAST 12 people to commit to playing with us maybe once a month. The more players the more we will be able to give to the hospitals and families in need so please feel free to pass the invite to ANYONE in the area. We also thought about having a BIG BUNCO BLOWOUT and play with other groups around the area! (If you're already involved with a bunco group think about your group joining us for the big nights if you can!!!)
Let me know if you'd be interested so that way I can get you more information as we plan more. (you may see information emails come from bunco4babies@yahoo.com - that's me and Loni)
Thanks for being there for us! Hope to hear from you soon! Abby
We both want to give back, to hospitals that treat babies, but also to the hospitals that delivered our sweet babies. So we've been contemplating ideas to raise money and we've found a couple of good ones...
Our first idea is to organize a 5k or 8k race to benefit Children's hospital NICU - that's is being planned and we will send out more info on that as it becomes available!! Just be ready for it in the fall (2009)...it should be a great day!!! We will need lots of support so we can make this an annual event in memory of our children. Any BIG sponsors out there???
We're also trying to get a Bunco group together. We’re going to call it “Bunco for Babies.” If you’ve never played, it’s a lot of fun (I promise.) Bunco is a dice game that you play tables of 4. We need at least 12 people for the game, but can always play with more. So, think about it. It’s an easy, fun game and you can come and enjoy food and time with friends and meet new friends as well! The main thing is you will be helping us “heal” and do something for these hospitals that are in need.
The idea for now is, to play – you will bring $10 which ½ will go towards the hospitals and the other ½ will go in a pot for the “winners.” You will also bring a cheap item that Loni and I will take to the NICU at Children’s for the tiny babies which need things that aren’t always provided. The items may include small blankets, socks, diapers and disposable cameras for the parents who may not have thought to bring theirs from home. The cameras are a great idea because some parents (like us) will only be able to take home photos of their children. It’s important to us to give what we can. (Think of it as a tax deduction for next year!)
We were hoping to get at LEAST 12 people to commit to playing with us maybe once a month. The more players the more we will be able to give to the hospitals and families in need so please feel free to pass the invite to ANYONE in the area. We also thought about having a BIG BUNCO BLOWOUT and play with other groups around the area! (If you're already involved with a bunco group think about your group joining us for the big nights if you can!!!)
Let me know if you'd be interested so that way I can get you more information as we plan more. (you may see information emails come from bunco4babies@yahoo.com - that's me and Loni)
Thanks for being there for us! Hope to hear from you soon! Abby
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Today
Time goes by so quickly but yet, seems to be slow. I'm still in a struggle with Braden and Brody's birth. I'm great one day and sad the next. Work has had me busy so I haven't had much time to think.
Today, I feel their birthday getting closer and wonder how I will handle it. I just realized April 12th is Easter this year. This will be a very difficult day for me and my family. I am still trying to come up with something special to do in remembrance of the twins on their birthday. I'd thought about having a picnic at their grave, releasing balloons with messages to them in it, there are different things to do. I want it to be special and make it a tradition.
Hopefully I'll come up with something good that will not make the day as difficult.
Today, I feel their birthday getting closer and wonder how I will handle it. I just realized April 12th is Easter this year. This will be a very difficult day for me and my family. I am still trying to come up with something special to do in remembrance of the twins on their birthday. I'd thought about having a picnic at their grave, releasing balloons with messages to them in it, there are different things to do. I want it to be special and make it a tradition.
Hopefully I'll come up with something good that will not make the day as difficult.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
It's been a while...
It's seems a lot has gone on since my last post. I'm not a faithful blogger...
1) Christmas
2) New Years 2009
3) 3 OH!
CHRISTMAS EVE - Cary and I decided to go to Braden and Brody's grave and put up a small Christmas tree. While we were there, we decorated the tree with battery operated lights, garland and ornaments. It was nice for the two of us to have this time together. We feel so helpless and it's the least we can do to honor our children. We are going to plant the tree in our yard as a memorial to the boys. This will be our tradition every Christmas Eve. I'll try to post a picture of our little tree later.
CHRISTMAS - It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great either. Let me just say it was hard this year, but once again I put on my fake smile for everyone. I love watching all of the kids open presents - it makes me happy. At the same time my heart aches because my children aren't here! We found out Christmas Day that Brad & Christine (brother in law & his wife) are expecting their second child. Not something I was prepared for so I didn't react as well as I should have. I don't think I had any emotions at all. It was a shocker, but I'm happy for them. They are really great parents!!!
NEW YEARS EVE 2009- Cary and I aren't party animals. We were in bed by 9 I think? REAL EXCITEMENT I know!
JANUARY 5TH 2009 - I hit a milestone and turned 30. This is not a number I thought I'd be at yet. While I'm glad I had another birthday I also feel I'm much older than last year. Let's just hope I don't start getting gray hair anytime soon.
Time seems to be ticking away...
1) Christmas
2) New Years 2009
3) 3 OH!
CHRISTMAS EVE - Cary and I decided to go to Braden and Brody's grave and put up a small Christmas tree. While we were there, we decorated the tree with battery operated lights, garland and ornaments. It was nice for the two of us to have this time together. We feel so helpless and it's the least we can do to honor our children. We are going to plant the tree in our yard as a memorial to the boys. This will be our tradition every Christmas Eve. I'll try to post a picture of our little tree later.
CHRISTMAS - It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great either. Let me just say it was hard this year, but once again I put on my fake smile for everyone. I love watching all of the kids open presents - it makes me happy. At the same time my heart aches because my children aren't here! We found out Christmas Day that Brad & Christine (brother in law & his wife) are expecting their second child. Not something I was prepared for so I didn't react as well as I should have. I don't think I had any emotions at all. It was a shocker, but I'm happy for them. They are really great parents!!!
NEW YEARS EVE 2009- Cary and I aren't party animals. We were in bed by 9 I think? REAL EXCITEMENT I know!
JANUARY 5TH 2009 - I hit a milestone and turned 30. This is not a number I thought I'd be at yet. While I'm glad I had another birthday I also feel I'm much older than last year. Let's just hope I don't start getting gray hair anytime soon.
Time seems to be ticking away...
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