The Hawn Family

My Co-worker Jen Hawn and I were pregnant at the same time. She is also a Labor and Delivery, now perinatal nurse. We all knew when her water broke extremely pre-mature that life can be uncertain. She was on bed-rest in the hospital for many weeks. The testing and ultrasounds unfortunately painted a very grim picture for this family. Jen and her husband Chris are a very religious couple and the prayed that this baby would make it into this world safely and healthy. They welcomed a baby girl, Charlotte. She is a now about to turn 3 in September. They have had lots of struggles with Charlotte, sensory issues, feeding issues, several surgeries including open-heart. But with all this on board, they still had a longing for another baby. Following a very healthy pregnancy and delivery they welcomed a healthy baby boy, Ryan. He is now 5 months old. Their world unfortunately was turned upside down when they discovered he has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, SMA Type 1. He is currently at home with the help of a pediatric hospice company. Jen is a great writer, when you read her blog she puts it all our there. You can go with her in the ups and downs of this journey. She has said that her goal isn't to fill up your keyboards with tears, but to just get out her feelings. She is so positive and always looks to the sunnier side of things. I long for her sweetness and patience. My goal in posting this is to maybe help others look around them and be thankful for what they have, to empathize with those struggling to get through each day and night.


Click Here to Read Jen's Story featured on my friend Danielle's Website http://extraordinarymommy.com/
or to follow her blog go to Jen's Family Website

Bringing Back Old Memories

P-Dog had her 1st recital at the same auditorium I performed all of my recitals from age 5 on.

It was perfect. Love of My Life, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, and Bad for ballet, jazz and tap.

She did awesome, and I was a little worried since she likes to goof off during practice.

2009 Komen Race

I am sure if you know me, you have heard me talk about my lovely friend Deb. She has been battling breast cancer for over 2 years now. She is the ultimate fighter. I have loved her "tell it like it is" attitude since the first day I worked with her. Whenever I feel like life is rough, I just kick my own ass and think of her. All she wants to do is live and be here for her daughter. You can read her story on her caringbridge website, I have her link on the left.

Pray for her everyday. I know I do.

I will always love me some MJ

I wanted to post the lyrics to my favority Michael song.
Is it called Childhood and is on the HIStory CD. It really explains alot of how he felt.

Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for the world that I come from
'Cause I've been looking around In the lost and found of my heart...
No one understands me
They view it as such strange eccentricities...
'Cause I keep kidding around Like a child, but pardon me...
People say I'm not okay 'Cause I love such elementary things...
It's been my fate to compensate, for the Childhood I've never known...

Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like pirates in adventurous dreams, Of conquest and kings on the throne...
Before you judge me, try hard to love me,
Look within your heart then ask,
Have you seen my Childhood?
People say I'm strange that way
'Cause I love such elementary things,
It's been my fate to compensate, for the Childhood I've never known...

Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like fantastical stories to share
But the dreams I would dare, watch me fly...
Before you judge me, try hard to love me.
The painful youth I've had
Have you seen my Childhood....
(Music and Lyrics by Michael Jackson)

Why is it???

Why is it when I get the ready ready to take a picture.

They instantly turn into hyper goof balls.

I know they do it on purpose.

I'm sure it is just their way of letting me know who is in control here.

Isn't it supposed to be me? This is what I am talking about...

Goodbye Impala

Well Shane's car is shot. So my mom graciously watched the girls for us to car shop tonight. I have a major aversion to car dealerships and the car salesmen. Sorry. I just always feel like I am being stalked. I have never really had a pleasant experience buying any of our cars. Shane picked out a new car and hopefully if all goes well with the trade-in situation we will be back in business as a two vehicle family by tomorrow.

JB Blast

We had a blast at Jefferson Barracks on Friday Night. Too Bad it rained on the 4th.

We drove by and watched the fireworks from our car then.

It was fun seeing the smiley face and star shaped fireworks this year.

Here is Payton before we left with the fruit and stars kabobs we spent all morning making.

The Whole Fam before we left.

The Girls

Hope Everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July!