Save the Date!

I think that you should all try to make this wonderful event! There are going to be so many amazing artists, and a fabulous silent auction to benefit families with Congenital Heart Defects. I will definitely have more information to come, but tickets go on sale soon!!

Earthquake

I just thought that I would post a link to my post last year. http://darinandmelissa.blogspot.com/2008/10/where-were-you-19-years-ago-today.html

Wow....20 years. Crazy.

Elaine....

Myra is starting to remind me of Elaine. I think it's the age. Not to mention that she is in the size clothes now that Elaine wore before she died. It's a hard size. We have been blessed with lots of hand me downs, so I try to choose things that Elaine never wore, but inevitably she does wear some. Everytime I put something on her, I'm reminded of Elaine. I'm glad for the memories, but it is still hard.I have another funeral to attend this week. Sweet little Tristan. You can read his story here. I am gearing up for that, and trying to to dwell. I should just think constantly about vacation next week! I am so excited.

Maybe you can't tell, but I really am. I get to see Wicked!! And have 4 days of no diapers to change, sheets to wash, kids to feed, house to clean. Just play time. I love my family, but everyone needs breaks once in a while. This is it for me. I am bummed to miss a few things (Donate life 9K) but, it cannot be helped.

Spending time with my friends who knew and loved Elaine is great, and hard. I was able to attend Elaine's friends Handen's baptism a few weeks ago. He is eight, girls are gross. He likes to pick on me, and asked me to speak. I was not prepared for how emotional I would be. I thought I'd been through that in May when Elaine would have been getting baptized, but this was harder. I don't know why. I know that she loves us and is watching out for us, and her friends.

It still touches me deeply to know that other people remember who she is, and love her. That is why I always use Judy's middle name (even if Deann teases me). I still want people to know that she existed. I love that Judy has a similarly shaped birthmark on her foot to the one that Elaine had. I'm glad that Violet, Ashton & Myra know they have an older sister, even if they don't quite grasp it. So, this is a rambling post...no real point, just what I've been thinking about.

Heart Walk Pics

Enjoy!! These are all fabulous pictures from our photographer, Peter Firth!! A million thanks!

(click on the photo to view larger)

RUN WITH KAIDENCE FOR ORGAN DONATION

If you have followed Kaidence you most likely will have a place in your heart Organ Donation. October 24th is the 'Nations Day of Service.' The Quest For The Gift Of Life Foundation is gearing up to try to set a world record. On that day they are trying to get over 9,000 new Organ Donor Registries. Can you think of any better way to give that day?

In correlation with that, Salt Lake will be having its first ever ORGAN DONATION 9k race/walk. Please come and help Kaidence 'Pay It Forward'. We have been blessed and know that we can make a difference in the lives of others when we all work together. We are actually running (walking) in honor of all the children that are waiting, will wait and have waited for someone to give them 'The gift of life'. In our hearts that day will be the children that ran out of time while waiting for a second chance at life. This is why we are doing this. So on that day please come out and RUN WITH KAIDENCE AND INTERMOUNTAIN HEALING HEARTS and give HOPE to other CHILDREN and their FAMILIES!

The 9k will be October 24th at 9am at Liberty Park. Kaidence has invited children young and old to come and run/walk with her on this day. We would love you all to grab your strollers, tricycles, walkers whatever and come and join us. This walk is to raise awareness of the need for Organ Donation. A $5 portion of each registration fee will be given to Intermountain Healing Hearts to give to Primary Children's Medical Centers Transplant Program for families. Mark your calendars and we hope to see you there. Follow the link http://www.donatelifeutah.com/ register and find out more info on the race or click the picture on the upper right hand side of the blog.Please snag this button on put it on your blogs to help spread the word! Kaidence with Mallory Wahlstrom, current Miss Kaysville, living Donor.

As many know, our daughter Elaine passed on while awaiting a heart transplant. No one should have to go through what we have been through. Please register to become an Organ Donor today! If you wait, it may be too late!

Buyer Beware

I was walking down an isle at Wal mart and saw, out of the corner of my eye, another shopper. She was looking through the different hair brushes and trying them all out! I was shocked and just kinda stared at her. What the crap?! People in the stores brush their hair with brushes that I might buy! Ick!!! If you are in the market, you may want to sanitize once you get it home. I am still disturbed by the whole situation. Talk about Heebee Jeebies!

Our Myra Bean

She is two years old today. She officially became a toddler a while ago. She walk, talks and is in a big girl bed. But today, she is two years old. Wow, it fells like a long time since she was born. My little 7lb 15 oz 19" baby. I was looking back to my post when she was born. You can read it here if you want.

Happy Birthday, Myra! We love you so much. You have so much energy! You are always running, jumping of skipping. You have the greatest, funniest looks! As we speak we are preparing your b-day dinner while you nap. You are still my little baby though. Enjoy the pictures!

Best comment ever!

This is what Ashton just said to me.

"Mom, I'm so glad you picked me!"

Me too, son! You just made my day!