Another Season

My little guy began Pre-K this week.  We all have been a little concerned about how things would go at his new school.  He certainly has had a lot of changes in the past few months.  He loved his preschool in Georgia and we were apprehensive about a change. 
I'm pleased to report that he has done very well this week!  He has made a couple of new friends (the boy with the blue shirt and the boy with the red backpack), likes his teachers and is learning the new routine with ease. 
I've gone down a trip through memory lane as this new season in his life (and ours) begins.  I think of the apprehension and fear we had throughout his pregnancy.  I went on leave at a very stressful job to ensure that nothing interefered with a healthy baby.  We had a weekly standing appointment with my doctor and each week we would get a glimpse of our baby on the ultrasound.  We had enlisted true women of faith from our church to pray for he and I every day.  And we chose the name Corban (Mark 7:11 says "Corban" was a gift devoted to God) to express how we felt about this child we had anticipated meeting. 
So when things didn't go as expected in delivery, you can imagine our surprise and heartache.  The first news I heard of my baby was from a NICU doctor (6 hours after waiting) explaining to me that he would be in the NICU for a few days, which turned into a few weeks, and then nobody spoke of time after that.  He was a very sick baby and to say that our faith had bottomed out would be an understatement.  This "gift devoted to God" might not make it and we were terrified to be going through this with another baby.  A baby we loved so dearly already and hadn't even held.  Well, you know that he came home eventually.  And despite everything he had gone through was the happiest baby I have ever seen.  He was always smiling, and as I look through pictures, I am reminded of that.  I am reminded of how much joy he has brought us.
Though he continues to struggle with some minor delays, I know without a doubt, that he will rise above it all and succeed.  I am excited to see how he learns and grows this year.  I know it will fly by and next year Kindergarten will be upon us, with all the emotions that brings!  God has been so faithful to us--and I am reminded of that each time fear creeps in my mind.  Corban is so loved.  He came into our lives at such a dark and hopeless time.  Happy 1st week of Pre-K, Corb!  We are so proud of you!

Christmas Tutu Giveaway

Well the giveaway is almost over!  It ends on Saturday, 9/1.  Last chance to get your entries in!  Find me on facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SilverLinedHarts

Fabric Tutu Giveaway

Everyone loves free stuff.  I certainly do!  It's a wonderful feeling when the mail comes and there is something with your name on it that didn't cost you anything!  That is why you are here, right?  Would you like a free fabric tutu?  Head over to https://www.facebook.com/SilverLinedHarts and like my page.  There is a section in the notes that details the rules for the giveaway.  It's that easy!  You could win a Christmas fabric tutu in the size of your choice! 

Silver Lined Harts

There is always a silver lining....isn't there?  To be quite honest with you, I am not an optimist.  I never have been.  I am a realist.  A skeptic.  I don't remember ever believing in Santa Claus or other mythical characters. 
But, though I am not an optimist, I still am a "hopeful".  See my last post if you want to read more.  One thing that has brought me a lot of healing has been sewing.  It ties my past to my present and also to my future.  My Nanny taught me to sew when I was little.  Together, we made a doll outfit that I came across when we were cleaning out her house.  She is now in a nursing home, her body trapped here while her mind is gone due to Alzheimer's Disease.  I have her sewing machine that she purchased and used maybe twice before she lost her eyesight.  I also have a lot of her sewing notions so  I feel connected to her when I sew.  I love sewing for my children, especially all the ruffles that little girls love!  I save every outfit I have made my daughter for her to one day look at and pass on to her children or at least play dress up with! 

I have decided to begin selling some of the things that I make.  I have a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SilverLinedHarts , and have named my business Silver Lined Harts.  My heart yearns for the silver lining.  Let me know if you are interested in purchasing something.  I have very reasonable rates and will work with you to hand select fabrics that match your personal taste!  I am excited about this new venture to share my passion with you!

Hope

Hope.  It is a driving force in my life.  I honestly don't know where I would be without hope.  A few days ago I read this "Hope is a golden cord connecting you to heaven.  This cord helps you hold your head up high, even when multiple trials are buffeting you....Hope lifts your perspective from your weary feet to the glorious view you can see from the high road."  Wow.  I couldn't have said it better so I won't try.  Hope is what gets me through each day, especially the tough ones. 
I am looking to expand the topics in my blog to include sewing, crafting and cooking.  I began this blog as a way to tell my daughter, Callie's story, and to help hurting people in their grief journey.  It will still be an emphasis in my blog but I want to add other things from my life, too.  Just as there are many dimensions to our lives, grief is only one of those pieces and my blog will begin to reflect this too. 
**Excerpt from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young**