Bountiful Blessings

Hard to believe Skyler just celebrated her third Thanksgiving. We got crafty and started the week off by making "Turkey Hands". The Princess enjoys art projects and excels at it in Puggles, always bringing home lovely art work.

Before we began, I explained to her that we'd be tracing her left hand, which would symbolize the turkey. I gave her a pencil and some spare paper to practice. She understood the concept clearly and was eager to begin. Coloring/drawing is one of her favorite daily activities and she's become a pro when holding a pencil and is such a quick learner. A Blessing!

After a few practice runs, we began making the turkeys. 5 lucky recipients to be exact! Gammey & Papa, Auntie Cheryl & Uncle Charles, Auntie Nicola & Uncle Bogie, Auntie Kevie & Uncle Larry and of course, us! Family is everything to us. A Blessing!

After cutting the templates, next came gluing on the feathers. I know Fall colors involve reds, oranges and browns, but the Princess elected for pink feathers. I'm certain it's a girl thing...lol

Messy, but tons of fun!

I explained to Sky that the feathers needed to dry from the gobs of glue, but told her we could hurry the project along if we started blowing, helping it dry quicker! She liked that idea and immediately showed me just how she was going to puff out that hot air. So cute....

All done!

Introducing Turkey Hand 2011...

Thanksgiving morning finally arrived and Sky couldn't wait to wear her festive dress. Isn't it so adorable? We were also excited to spend the holiday (Laney, too) with the entire Green Clan. Auntie Cheryl & Uncle Charles drove down from Tennessee and Auntie Nicola was already at the St. Pete condo with Gammey and Papa. A Blessing!

We received an early morning phone call from Gammey regarding Papa. He was rushed to Morton Plant Hospital due to severe pains. Many of you know that my Daddy is battling cancer and has just completed his 9th week of radiation and chemotherapy.

Although we were heartbroken about Papa, we loaded the car with the wonderful Thanksgiving dinner that Tom had cooked and dropped it off (and Laney) at my parents. After the brief detour, we quickly headed to the hospital to see Papa. We spent the entire day by his side, taking turns watching Skyler in the cafeteria. A Blessing!

We kissed Papa goodbye for the night and heeded his words regarding Thanksgiving, sitting together as a family over dinner. We lined the food, buffet style, and waited for everyone to get their plate before saying grace. A Blessing!

After a lovely dinner, we celebrated Gammey's 70th birthday. Sky loved the gift bags and pretended to be a surprise gift for Gammey. A Blessing!

We spent Thursday, Friday and Saturday with our family. It was hard not having Papa home but we saw him gain strength each new day and showered him with so much love and prayer. A Blessing! Skyler always enjoys being at her Grandparents and this Holiday weekend proved no different.

I hope you all had a Thanksgiving filled with many blessings. We certainly did! Being with my family is the greatest blessing of all.....no matter where we gather. Hospital or Home. God touches us with his grace and provides an abundant of daily blessings, even through trying times like this past week.

And a holiday could never be complete without a home made card from Ron to Skyler. A Blessing!

My Big Boo-Boo

Many of you knew that Skyler was born with an umbilical hernia, which is quite common in so many infants. Her pediatrician, Dr. Eanett, suggested we waited until she turned two before we made any surgery decisions.

Well, after her scheduled check up this past summer, Dr E told us, unfortunately, the naval was not going to repair itself and recommended, Dr. Caughlin, one of Tampa Bay's top pediatric surgeons to perform the umbilical hernia repair, so we scheduled an appointment for November 18th.

Surgery week finally arrived. The day prior to her naval incision, Pastor Tom stopped by our home to pray with us. It was such a lovely surprise! That Friday morning, our Princess under went her very first operation and she was a true champion! We arrived in Tampa at 9AM for her 10:15 surgery. The pediatric center had such a delightful waiting room for the children, so Skyler felt like she was at the park and had much fun playing and climbing!

The nurse called us all back to a patient room and we were greeted by Dr. Caughlin and the general anesthesia doctor. Within minutes, we said our goodbyes to our Princess as she was carried away by the nurse. No cries.....No hesitation....No fuss.....just a sweet kiss and a bye-bye wave. I truly believe she did not feel threatened because of her sweet personality and love for people. Anyway, it hurt both of us to watch her being taken away. We wept and certainly prayed while waiting in a private room. The surgery lasted 45 minutes and it was a total success. We were immediately taken back to her recovery room and spent 30 minutes relaxing and waiting for a discharge. Here's a sweet picture of our brave Angel after waking up. The anesthesia made her nose and eyes itch. You can see the green tape securing the i.v. on her right hand. Poor Precious!

By 11:30, the nurse allowed us to go home and she gave Skyler stickers for not crying and for being very brave. Skyler talked to the nurse about her belly and told her, "Dr fixed my belly and ice is gonna make it all better". The nurse smiled and thought she was adorable. She was also shocked to find out Sky's age, because she mentioned how well Skyler puts sentences together, just like a 4 year old!

Praise God for a successful surgery!

Homeward bound......

Although Skyler was still a bit drowsy, she was happy to be going home. We had a 35 minute trip, but made a pit stop at our local Publix for her prescribed pain medicine.

She received an erasable pad from the nurse and got to drawing right away...

While Daddy was picking up her medicine, he stopped by the bakery to tell the ladies about Skyler. We visit a few times a week, so they have all become big fans. Leslie gave her this cookie. How's that for service! It's true about Publix....shopping IS a pleasure!

Sweet Pea was the perfect patient, just staying rested and faithful with the ice pack all weekend. I was a bit worried about her reaction to it, but she welcomed it with open arms. Again, just perfect. Each time the ice would melt, Skyler would say, "I need more ice to fix my belly, cuz the doctor said so". Too cute! She only took the pain medicine once and that was instructed by the doctor for 2PM that afternoon.

Tom stayed home with her while I attend Sunday service. Our church family has been wonderful during this procedure. She was very missed in the nursery! Later that evening, our Associate Pastor's wife, Sandy, came over to visit and drop off a card and gift. Skyler got a pony tailed blonde baby doll & the added bonus was the baby's belly. How appropriate! When you touch the doll's tummy, she sings "Jesus loves me." Before Sky went to bed that evening, she already had the pretty song memorized!

Thank you dear family and loving friends for your steadfast prayers, emails, phone calls and multiple text messages! Your support means the world to us and we are greatly blessed to have each and every one of you in our life. God is so good in ALL ways!

Btw......The Princess had a follow up visit this past Monday with Dr. Caughlin and after removing the bandage, he was very pleased with the results. We return in two weeks for one last visit.

True Princess For A Day!

That big day finally arrived for Skyler to walk down the beach, as a flower girl, in Cousin Jodi's wedding. It couldn't have been a prettier afternoon in Cocoa Beach. She looked so beautiful in her dress and she kept reminding me as we drove to the Hilton Hotel that she was Princess Skyler! We arrived shortly before 3:15 and we were greeted by familiar faces, Debi & Ron VanderBaan.

We also saw the gorgeous bride-to-be, a.k.a Cousin Jodi, then followed her Aunite Kevie, Grandlee, Uncle Dog and Cousin Nikki to the elevator for a smooth ride up to the private rooms of the bridesmaids.

The Princess enjoyed hanging with all ten bridesmaids and Cousin Jodi. She especially liked watching the make-up artist touch up the girl's lipstick. In fact, when the last girl was completed, Skyler chimed, "My turn!" Yes, a true girl indeed. Here are a few pictures taken 'backstage'.

It was show time at 4PM, so I kissed my sweet Pea goodbye and just told her to walk through the sand and stand next to Cousin Nikki once you passed me. I would be lying if I told you Tom and I weren't nervous. You see, Skyler is a beach lover and we were afraid she'd take a detour and head to the ocean. As we sat on the second row and watched each young lady walk and then Matron of Honor, Cousin Nikki, we knew Sky was next.....just before the bride.

What an amazing site. Our little 2 year old had no problem walking from the boardwalk stairs, through the sand then down the petal lined aisle. It was like she had done it a million times before. No stage fright, just big smiles and even a wave to Mummy & Daddy!

As you can see in the background, the Princess had quite a long walk, starting to the left of the stack of the white lounge chairs.

She had the wedding guests laughing when she waved and said, "Hi Daddy......Hi Mummy!" You could just see in her face how proud she felt. It had both of us in tears.

Skyler made her way to the front and placed one single flower petal at the foot of Cousin Nikki's feet. Once the ceremony began, Sky just sat quietly on my lap. A perfect flower girl to match a perfect day!

After the nuptials, many pictures were taken of family members. We even had a family shot!

While more pictures were being taken of the new bride and groom, we joined the many friends for appetizers and cocktails on the deck.

Skyler was happy to see her friend Nathan from St. Louis and they got reacquainted by sharing a kiss. They have not seen each since the July 4th 2010 weekend.

After socializing outdoors, we were all asked to gather in the reception hall to begin the celebration. Doesn't she look so grown up. No booster seat or high chair. Such a big girl!

Debi and I quickly found our way to the apple martini bar. Check out this huge block of ice, carved out with the couple's wedding logo. The bartender poured the liquid in the opening and we watched it trickle through the ice sculpture, waiting with our glasses for that fresh, cold cocktail! It was so cool.

I mingled and just had to capture the beach theme cake...

It was time for the wedding party to be introduced and again, Sky was a champ! She walked through those double doors to a loud cheering crowd of over 150 guests.

Introducing the Mr. & Mrs. Roark w/Skyler....

The reception party began and the music was flowing. Skyler immediately jumped on the dance floor and showed off some moves! Did I mention we don't have a shy toddler? She danced.......

And danced......

And coupled danced with Johnathan...

and danced some more.....

with Jamie VanderBaan.......

And danced for 3 hours.....

By 9:30, we had one very tired little girl on our hands. She had only stopped dancing once for a short potty break and then actually said, "Come on Mummy. Let's go party!"

The wedding was fabulous and we were certainly proud of our daughter's flower girl duties! We wish Jodi & Dustin nothing but happiness as you begin this remarkable journey as husband and wife. May God continue to bless you both richly! We thank you for allowing us to share in your special day. It was truly a beautiful wedding!

Jodi & Dustin

11-12-11

We love You!!