Giving Thanks

I've been thinking alot lately about all the things I have to be thankful for. Each time I sit and think something new comes to mind....in other words, I feel like I am a truly blessed woman. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of days when I have a good ole pity party for myself wondering why other's lives seem so perfect and mine seems to be full of struggles. But then I flash back to reality and I'm reminded of just how wonderful life is.

First of all, I have a husband who knows everything about me and still loves me. Alot to be thankful for. Last year this time, our first grandchild was fighting for her life in the NICU at Baptist and this year our grandchild will be celebrating Thanksgiving in our home! Alot to be thankful for. Our daughter has had the opportunity to stay home with her child another year ....alot to be thankful for. Our son in law is our third son and the awesome daddy to Morgan Kate. Alot to be thankful for. Our oldest son has just recently purchased his first home....alot to be thankful for. Our youngest son will be getting married in two weeks and has a new job.....alot to be thankful for. I already know 2010 will be bringing alot of big events to our family....alot to be thankful for.

I can't count my blessings without thanking God for the wonderful friends in my life. Some so special they are like sisters and brothers to me. Some so close that they can actually finish my sentences before I do and can pray for me when the words won't come. Is that awesome or what!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Think about what you are thankful for and if you will, share it with me. I'd love to hear from you.

Prematurity

Do you believe in miracles? I not only believe I have witnessed one first hand and continue to marvel at that precious miracle each time I am around her. November is Prematurity Awareness Month and Morgan Kate could be the poster child for a true sucess story. The facts are staggering and absolutely take my breath away each time I read them. Heather, my daughter, is stating facts each day during the month about Prematurity on her blog. As I read these facts each day, I reflect back to the time we were experiencing the circumstances when Morgan Kate was in the NICU. At the time I think I was too much in shock and too ignorant on prematurity to know just how fragile Morgan Kate's life really was.

Now adays I love being able to tell people who are meeting Morgan Kate for the first time a little about her journey. Everyone seems to be in awe of knowing that she weighed a mere 1 lb. 12 ozs at birth and today is growing in leaps and bounds. All grandmothers love showing off all of their grandchildren but each time I have the opportunity to introduce her to folks I honestly swell with tears of pride in knowing how hard she has fought this first year of her life.

In closing I want to share a funny story about MK! Her mom has purchased a few bows for her to wear in her hair because she has been known to be mistaken for a boy! Of course, I don't see how anyone could think that as pretty as she is (ahem) but oh well they have. Well guess what, she does not like them and takes them out immediately. Does she remind you of the same little girl I blogged about one time that would hide her bonnets in the seat to avoid having to wear them. I guess it's true....what goes around comes around and boy do I have fun laughin.

Until you walk in those shoes

Life is full of experiences...some good, some bad and some in between. I'd like to think in all my life experiences I have learned something through each event. One experience near and dear to my heart is prematurity. Until my granddaughter was born, I never thought about prematurity, never knew much about it, never knew the staggering statistics, never knew the harsh reality of what all is involved, and certainly never knew we would be walking in those shoes. First let me say, that I still wouldn't be as familiar as I am with prematurity except for the fact that my daughter and son in law allowed me to walk this journey with them very intimately. I was involved from the moment we got a positive on the pregnancy test. They have been wonderful about allowing us as grandparents to "partner" with them in the birth and life of Morgan Kate. Morgan Kate is our premature miracle baby, born 15 weeks early!

Since her birth, I have learned that 8-10% of all pregnancies in the US are premature births. A premature birth is one born before 37 weeks gestation. Extremely premature infants are defined as those born between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation. This is the category Morgan Kate falls in. Being born at 25 weeks, the survival rate according to some statistics is 50-80%! Think about it....as low as 50%!!!! I have never been one to see the glass half empty, always half full so for me...statistics meant nothing. But in the world of betting 50-50 is not good odds.

The month of November is Prematurity Awareness Month. If you are like I was rather oblivious to this, please take the time to read up on it and see what premature babies are up against. Not everyone has a survival story. We do however and it is with a grateful, overflowing heart that I thank God each and every day, several times a day for the miracle of Morgan Kate! She is not only a survivor, but a thriver. May I never take for granted a full term healthy baby again and may we all think of the families who are affected by premature births.

Personality Types

A coworker and I were talking and he told me that he had recently studied personality types. He indicated that he studied four types (sanguine, melancholy, choleric and phlegmatic) and he went on to say what he thought his type was as well as the personality type of his wife. He laughed and said that he knew my type...choleric. He elaborated a little on his reasoning and left my office. Later in the day, I decided to read up on this and see what websites had to say about the personality types. I first investigated choleric.....strong willed, decisive, independent, confident, able to motivate the family, and excel during emergencies. I was feeling pretty good about myself and thinking it did sound somewhat like me. BUT then it listed the weaknesses of this personality....impatient, demanding of others, too independent, hesitant to say you are sorry, often give answers too quickly and can be inflexible. The air in my bubble was deflated because none of the weaknesses were too flattering, But each time I read back over these weaknesses, I realized that these words can describe me just as much as the strengths. I went one step further and read up about phlegmatic which is the personality trait of my hubby. Words such as low key, easy going, relaxed, keeps emotions hidden and all purpose, were words used to describe this personality trait. Another trait that popped out at me and caused me to laugh out loud was "not in a hurry". Anyone who knows my significant other knows just how true that is! It stated in my findings that these two personality types are compatible and compliment each other. I do agree.

It helps sometimes to see in black and white what your weaknesses might be and I am working on some of mine. I know that will delight my family :) What is your personality type - check them out and let me know. I think I agree with most of what I read, but definately not all of it.....there I go showing my choleric personality. Have a good evening!

Full Cirle and Empty Nest

I haven't blogged in a while....not because I don't have things to talk about I just haven't taken the time to put my thoughts in writing. Two things that are really striking close to home these days are the terms "full circle" and "empty nest". Let me try and explain...I'll start with empty nest because that is easy - no children at home. I have read some interesting aspects of the term empty nest syndrome. It surprised me that it is considered a syndrome but I guess no two people handle things in the same way. I understand there is a healthy way and a not so healthy way of handling this. I'm trying to go with the healthy way. For the record, I did wait for our last child to get out of the driveway before I immediately started cleaning his room (he he). In total honesty, I didn't do it until the next day. Whew - what a mess but what a relief to get it clean again. However I did have to stop, sit on his bed, and reflect back on the years he spent in that room. See his departure came rather suddenly and I had no time to think about it. I'm sure God realized how emotional it might be and allowed it to happen that way. From my reading, there is one thing they urge parents not to do. They don't want you to wake up, find that last child leaving the house, and you and your spouse are strangers! I'll never forget when our youngest was leaving that day he turned around to me and said "Mom is this going to be like the commerical when the last child leaves home, the parents go to Disneyworld"! I just laughed....we haven't been to Disneyworld but we have certainly taken advantage of good quality time together.


The next term "full circle" might not be as easy to explain but here goes....as a parent, I hope and pray that I have done the things necessary to prepare my children for life. In particular I am seeing the full circle in my "child having a child". I watched this past weekend as Morgan Kate is developing her personality and at times seems "strong willed" and I smile. I vividly remember her mom being that same way at her age and I'm sure if you asked my mom, she would say I was strong willed too. Just one of many examples of how I feel life is coming full circle. I look at full circle like a boomerang....you throw it out and hope it comes back. I feel like I gave it my all when raising my children and it is amazing to watch it "coming back" now in the way my grand child is being raised. I'm sure I'll have many more full circle moments or I certainly hope so.


Two terms, different meanings, but all a part of life and what a great life it is.

What a difference a year makes!

Almost a year ago to the day, we were told that Heather needed to go to bed and stay off her feet followed by being put in the hospital for the duration of her pregnancy. What a scary time we faced and by the grace of God's love and many many answered prayers, Morgan Kate Callahan was born. The day Heather was put to bed was right before her birthday. We attempted to celebrate her birthday, which is August 16, and cheer her up the best we could. She tried to be a trooper and act like she was enjoying the day but her mind was on her unborn child and her well being. At times that seems like light years ago yet so much of that is etched in my memory as if it was yesterday. A lot has transpired in this last year....oh boy what a difference a year makes. However my mind is full of all the memories - the good, the bad, the difficult, the tears of joy and the agony of watching my first grandchild fight for her life. During that fight, Heather was a rock and I am so proud of her. My prayer this year as we celebrate Heather's birthday is that this day will be full of joy and laughter. I can't wait to watch Morgan Kate's expression as we sing to her sweet mommy and I tell her how lucky she is to have her for her mom. And speaking of lucky, I am the one who is honored to call her my daughter. Happy Birthday Heather! You are truly a blessing to our family.

33 and still going strong!

It was the year 1971 and I had just celebrated my 15th birthday - perfect timing to meet someone since they won't have to buy you a birthday gift (he he). I met him in my neighbor's backyard and literally fell in love with him. I remember telling my sister a few week's later - I will marry that guy! I spent the next five years getting to know him and spending as much free time as I could with him. Along with the highs, there were lows, but the lows were what helped me realize just how blessed I was in having Loitton Hardison in my life. I had found one of the most patient men I know, one of the most complimentary men alive, and one of the most giving and devoted men ever born.

On September 19, 1975, he proposed to me and this Friday, July 10, we will celebrate 33 years of marriage. Wow that sounds like a long time but boy has it been alot of fun.

Now for a few fun facts. We got engaged on September 19 and were married on July 10. Four years ago, our daughter, Heather got married on July 9, and was engaged on September 18, 2004. So as you can see, our engagement dates are a day apart as well as our anniverary dates. We also had the same person perform our wedding vows, my uncle. He and his wife celebrate their anniversary on July 11. I can't really recall the number of years they have been married but it has to be close to 60 or more.

I love the history that Loitton and I have established with each other. He jokes alot about how he knows me better than my mom because after all he has had me longer than her! In reality that is true and I love the fact that he knows me so well, loves me so deeply and cares about family so much! I know God had him in mind for me and I sure am grateful! He is the love of my life and my everything. So Loitton, Happy Anniversary, and I look forward to growing older with you.

PS - Happy Anniversary to Heather and Travis and my uncle and his wife. May God continue to bless each of our marriages!