heidi's blog

To all my sisters...

Wow, thank you so much for your encouraging words...those who have called, posted, emailed, or come and seen me...I won't lie things are not hunky dory just yet, but your encouraging words are more valuable to me than you will ever know!  Life has a way of throwing you curve balls and for as spontaneous of a person I am I hate to feel a little lost...but thank goodness I have a loving family to keep me grounded. 

I was just at CHA...and saw so many wonderful people...I still have to get people to send me photos because I did not bring my camera.  The highlight for me was meeting so many new people.  I got to do meet and greets, signings, and the most fun thing was when I got to do hand drawn personalized sketches for people.  I drew their families, their stores, their homes...their pets...some of the requests were rather interesting...top weird ones had to be when I was asked to draw a flamingo, and an outhouse...

The hardest part was being gone for 5 full days...I can go and do shows anytime in my life, I can meet people anytime anywhere...but it is hard to think that I will never get those days back with my girls.  It may be a little dramatic sounding, but seriously...they seemed to have grown so much in my absence.  I went in and woke up Reagan when I got home, and she was so cute, I think that she thought she was dreaming for awhile, then once she realized she wasn't we just held each other and baby talked to each other, I held her so tight..Ireland stayed asleep but I slept with my hand on her all night. ( her crib is still right next to my bed...can't let go!)

ok...now some more interesting news...

first...I started training for the marathon on Saturday...I could not hit it full force because I blew my knee out two weeks ago (when it rains it pours)...I did not want to tell anyone because I was not sure what was going to happen.  I told my physical therapist and doctor both that I had to start traing with team HAM on the 19th...they reluctantly said it was a maybe, I started anyway, just not full force.  My MRI was yesterday and I should have the results in a couple days....please send me good vibes that I will be able to go froward.  I so believe in Team HAM, and want to do this for Janelle and Micah.  I was telling so many people at the show about my marathon and team HAM...it was awesome to raise awareness for their family...some people seemed surprised that I would get so motivated by something like this...I realized that we are giving a gift to each other...I wil raise awareness, money and sacrifice my time and energy as a symbol of my support...and they in turn have given me the priceless gift of focus, and motivation. (most of you know I have CADD...Creative ADD) It is not the fact that it is a Marathon, it is that fact that this is an everyday commitment for 20 weeks, and an everyday reminder to me to put my life into perspective!

Next...I am trying to potty train Reagan this week...I think...she seems ready, but she is only 18months old.  She keeps taking off her nappy and going to the bathroom...wherever she is...worst one so far was when I came in her room one morning, and she had removed all her clothes, and her nappy and gone both #1 and #2 in the corner of her crib...

so, we got her the Elmo underwears...the Elmo potty chart...the Elmo going potty DVD...and the Elmo potty...and we are trying to see how it goes.

seriously...I really need your advice on this one!!!!  wish me luck!

This is going to be pretty raw...hope it makes sense to someone who might need it...ok...so life has been a little...let's just say...challenging. no need to go into detail...I have lots of stuff going on...personal stuff, and while of course life is totally good, I am sure all of you know that negative things can certainly creep up on you.  For real I am totally fine, but I have just had a lot of heavy thoughts weighing on my heart...we all go through times when we just seem a little...lost.

Anyway...the other day I was getting groceries, and Ryan took the girls separately to go get dog food, we were both doing errands in two separate cars...but we both heard this song...the one that is playing... at the same time.(we did not know it till just today)  Seriously, stop reading and just listen to the lyrics...it is pretty good stuff. 

I have never been one to believe that a parent should rely on a small child for strength...or anything for that matter.  But here is the thing...so much of my strength truly comes from my children... or maybe more from my desire to be strong for them.  With all the things that have been weighing on me, it hit me today that I am able to push it aside, and remember that first and foremost comes their happiness...and for now, that means me being the best I can be for them...reality check...perspective check...while my worries are valid, it is more important that I am a confident, loving, and focused mom.  So this is what it feels like...each day it gets stronger and stronger...true blue, unconditional and selfless love for someone else.  Some days, it is what keeps me going!

When I listened to this song I realized this...

They are my world.  Nothing else matters, and they can always rely on me...no matter how weak I may feel...I am certain that I will always have strength for them, so through that I have the strength.

Maybe I am totally not making sense, or just getting a bit freaky...but I guess it all boils down to this...

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have been given to be a mother..nothing has brought me more happiness, confidence, pride, focus, and purpose.  It is what I am supposed to be, and I love it!  I am more sure than ever that I am part of a much greater plan.

Sometimes I feel like I am a just a kid...raising two beautiful girls that Heavenly Father has trusted me with..

I like these two next photos because I feel like I look so happy, so childlike...not in an naive or childish way, but a pure happiness, the kind you see in children...like at that moment I am not jaded by the world, just living and enjoying that moment with these two sweet girls in my arms...

 

It is a great song, and I am happy to have heard it...thanks so much to the creators of it...so much talent!here are the lyrics...

 

Your baby blues, so full of wonder

Your curly cues, your contagious smile

And as I watch you, start to grow up,

All I can do is hold you tight

 

Knowing clouds will rage

And storms will race in, but you will be safe in my arms

Rains will pour down, waves will crash around

But you will be safe in my arms

 

Story books full of fairy tales

Of kings and queens, and the bluest skies

My heart is torn just knowing

Someday you'll see the truth from lies

 

When clouds will rage

And storms will race in, but you will be safe in my arms

Rains will pour down, waves will crash around

But you will be safe in my arms

 

Castles they might crumble

Dreams may not come true

But you are never all alone

Because I will always, always love you

 

When clouds will rage

And storms will race in, but you will be safe in my arms

Rains will pour down, waves will crash around

But you will be safe in my arms, in my arms.

-plumb-

songwriters:

matthew bronweele, tiffany arbuckle, jeremy bose

 

...and the highest bidder is...

KIM CHALFEN!!!! Hooray!

If you missed out...don't worry we will have another one soon!

so...Kim, send me your info and we will get things arranged!

Thanks you so much! you are awesome this is such great support...for real, as a mom, I can only imagine what Janelle is going through, and how wonderful that she has this support!

ok ladies...now any ideas for the next one?

the scrapbook goods are in...let's start the bidding!

Let's raise some money for Micah!!!

THIS IS AWESOME!!!  LOOK AT ALL THIS PRODUCT!!!!

ok...pictures are not the best...but I am sure you get the idea

(I chose this line, because it is my favorite one yet!!!...if you can not bid, at least check this cool stuff out!)

here is what you get...

15 Papers:

6 double sided card stocks, 3 shimmer foiled papers, 3 shimmer flocked paper, and 3 shimmer glitter papers.

over 300 pieces of  punch board embellishments:

alphas, tags, journal mounts, decorations, swirls, shapes, bookplates, photo accents...

chipboard alphas and accents (there is product on both sides)

clear stickers, quotes and words...(both sides have product)

flocked stickers

Glitter flowers, and ribbon

all this really cool photo decor stuff...like tons of pieces...epoxy, flocked embellishments, chipboard, card stock, rub-ons...

all these rub-ons...

OK FOR REAL!!!!  TONS OF STUFF!!!

Well over $75 worth of product...so this will be easy...

so...let's start the bidding at $75

COME ON LADIES!!!!

oh...if there is something I can do to make this even more enticing let me know...I will see what I can do...

now,

Here is the deal...I had my first day of training today...for real...not easy, but for the first time, I have a different motivation other than just to lose weight or get in shape...it is weird...I thought of Micah, I thought of Janelle, his mom, I thought of my own girls and how grateful I am that they are healthy, I thought of how blessed I am...Ok...I know, I know, it is only day one, but I think I can do this!  Still need tons of support.  I met with the trainer and owner of Route 16 in Gig Harbor...he will be training us for the Team Ham group.

I am still pretty irritated, I still have no idea how to respond to people...

so,

...those who gave me tips on the hair loss...oh man...I totally will check my thyroid.  Some of you are emailing me directly which is great, but I sure wish I could figure out how to respond to posts...anyway...

oh wait...

Gina...I love that you are doing your first marathon too...do you mean Leavenworth Washington?  That is like one of my favorite places ever!!!  I would love to come  support you!  let me know when the dates are!  I am there! 

Open those check books ladies, if you miss out on this first auction for Micah...there is more to come!

ahhh...I'm painting again...and then some buisness!

   I am really excited to say that I have started painting again!  I love to paint, it is such a creative outlet for me.  Normally my scrapbooking stuff looks like the banner you see above, that is all my hand drawn stuff, super cute...but I also love to paint contemporary pieces.  I have all sorts of artsy craftsy hobbies that I love...sewing, felting, painting, bookbinding, stitchery...of course scrapbooking.  I have just not made time for these things.  I guess I have let myself get so wrapped up in the duties of my job, that I have forgotten to just let go...I MUST get back to my creative roots.  So I have to start doing some of this other stuff, it will only make my scrapbooking product ideas be more fresh!  FOR REAL...I have to start scrapping again, painting again, just....creating again...I will be sure to keep you posted!

Here are some of my recent paintings...

some are still works in progress...ok, and I have never displayed this stuff other than in my own home, so...this is a little weird for me, but here it goes.

For Ireland my sweet girl.

For the family room...

(still in progress...it is in our entry way..reminds me of the sea...still need to finish this one and the one that matches it that is like 10X its size for the wall above the entry way)

In the front room...one of my oldest paintings...

ok...now lets get down to business!

First, I am totally embarrassed to say this, but...here goes...I do not know how to email or communicate back with people who respond to the blog...I have just started to realize that you even can...so, I have to figure it out!  Any hints would be greatly appreciated...hey...I'm getting there!

Next, I am still totally loosing my hair from being pregnant for so long, I thought for sure it would have stopped falling out in handfuls by now, but it has not, I feel like if this goes on much longer I am not going to have any hair at all!...no...for real! I am totally freaking out!  Any hints to help in that department would also be appreciated!

...and finally...I am siging up for Seattle Marathon today, and also siging up to officially be on Team Ham for Micah's Miracle.  I NEED....seriously NEED your support.  Some of may know that I used to be ULTRA-fit kick boxing-aerobics-girl...but 9 months of bed-rest, 18 months of pregnancy, and 2 C-sections later, I am far from that...but I have committed to at least a half marathon...if not the whole thing, and I have just 4 months to train.  My training officially kicks off July 19th (while I am at cha!)

So, here is how you can help...email me about being a sponsor, or just make a donation, give me constant moral support over the next few months...or...RUN IT WITH ME!!!!  (If you are interested in this part and do not live in Seattle email me (heidi@heidigrace.com) and we will get it all figured out!...I might have a really full house that weekend...) if you live in Seattle, then come join our team!  It is November 30, 2008.  Go to Seattle Marathon to learn more.

hope to hear from you!

oh...and finally...finally,

I am going to start having auctions...first one will be later this week...we are kicking it off  with an assortment of new Heidi Grace products...so stay tuned!

If you are as Patriotic as I am...have a look!

With Forth of July coming up I thought it would be fitting to blog about how totally patriotic I am!  Then with in the very same thought I was worried that I might offend some readers...

So, let me just say this...some of you know where I stand, but this is not he place to bring that up, but...whether you are for or against the things going on in our country right now...I am sure we can all agree that...WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!  So many of you, even my foreign readers have been supportive of me and my husband and the things that he has done to serve us all, in efforts to bring safety and peace.

Last year I had an amazing experience at the airport...

For anyone who travels, you totally understand it sounds way more glamorous than it actually is.  I have yet to wait for a flight where the majority of the passengers are not irritated before we even get on the plane for one reason or another.  But anyway...like I said...last year I had an amazing experience. 

I was waiting for a flight, and as usual it was delayed...so everyone was sitting around complaining about the airline...slowly there started to come a hush from a few gates down...and then slowly only a couple gates down, and then a hush in our area.  It was almost eerie.  Why all of a sudden, was no one was talking.  As the conversations stopped we all turned to the main isle to see what it was, and there marching with tremendous dignity was a group of military men and women carrying the remains of one of their fallen brothers.  The formation was flawless, and the mood was solemn.  Some of us moved from our coveted seats to stand in the main isle and pay silent tribute to this hero.  In perfect unison the soldiers marched the remains onto the flight. Some stayed in a protective and respectful formation outside the gate door and waited for the others to return.  Amazingly, the people at this gate sat quietly and waited.  When the remains had been placed on the aircraft, all of the soldiers filed off, assumed their individual positions in the formation, awaited the command, and then broke formation.  Some of them with tears in their eyes embraced each other like old friends.  With tears streaming down my cheeks I went back to my gate.  I am sure that each day around the world this same process is taking place, and sadly at the end of that journey awaits a wife, mother, sister, father, or any loved one or friend.  I thank God for sending us brave men and women who are willing to sacrifice their time, energy and sometimes their life for what they believe in.

Here is a commercial that reminds me of my experience.  soldiers coming home.

 

So if you have been to you-tube, you know how addicting it can get...I watched short tributes to our armed forces and service men and women for almost 2 hours last night...each one meaning just as much as the one before.

Here are some of the ones that touched me the most.

coming home

I'm coming home

There you'll be

So lets just be real here...at this time of year...I just can not express my gratitude for all of the people who make it their job to keep me safe...a stranger...and of course I am grateful for people like my husband who does his duty for everyone, but also for me and his own family.  We believe that this service deserves the highest honor!

Here are that shots that were taken  when I saw my husband for the first time after his tour Iraq...I have never shown these to anyone.

(ok...let me explain...all I have are these printed out copies that the friend who took them, gave me...that is it...but, seeing how much I love my husband, how happy I am , how relieved that he is safe...mmm...that is why I know how it important it is to keep our life experiences recorded.  I know what I look like, I see myself in the mirror everyday, but these photos show a girl...a girl who is grateful...excited...passionate...thankful... relieved...and proud.  Thank goodness that this moment will now last because of these photos...

oh, Ryan was on some sort of small specialized team, so they all traveled in civilian clothes instead of military attire.)

 

 

  

 

"freedom...don't come free" -Toby Keith

Auction for Micah...get in on the action!

Hey check this out!

Stephanie from Homegrown Hospitality has created a totally wonderful art piece to auction off to raise money for Micah's Miracle!!!! AHHHH!!! I just love you!

ok, so if you want to get in on the action...you need to go to her blog...NOW! Homegrown Hospitality. FOR REAL!  The bidding ends tomorrow morning...I love this idea...I think I will try the same thing. (any requests?)

...and...while you are sitting at you computer, frantically, in a aggressive bidding war, you can check out this video of Micah.  MICAH'S MIRACLE...get the tissue, this will move you!

Thanks again Steph!

a suprise crop...for micah...a must read!

I truly believe that someone from above puts things into our paths for a reason!  Listen to this...

As you have read Ryan just got hired on with the Gig Harbor fire department.  Yesterday we needed to go and drive around the city to check out the roads because he really needs to get to know the area...So; we packed a lunch, and loaded up for our all day adventure in the car. (ok, so Gig Harbor is only like 20 minutes from our house, it just on the other side of the point, but...with two wild girls, everything is an adventure...)  We were driving all around learning the roads, and we came to this really great garden shop Peninsula Gardens...it was fabulous!  We asked the lady there if there was anything really cool we should go do, she suggested to head down to the farmers market.  I love farmers markets with how into being organic I am...so we decided to go.  On our way we passed this scrapbooking store called Toadally Scrappin.  I was so excited, so I went in and introduced myself to the owner Carole, who was so sweet! 

She then let me now that here was a crop going on across the street at the hotel, and it would be awesome if I could stop by...so of course I said YES!!! (even though I was totally embarrassed because I was in my car clothes.)  I quickly bought some stuff to take with me as a giveaway.  Remember…I just happened to be in the area…but like I said I think things happen for a reason.  When I got there I did not really realize what I was in store for!

Meet Micah...

This is a picture of him with his amazing mom Janelle.  After being there for just a few minutes I soon realized that this crop was a fundraiser to help find a cure for Duchenne a form of Muscular Dystrophy.

Micah has been diagnosed with this disease.  After meeting Janelle, and her friends, I have come to realize that one of her main goals at this point in her life so to find a cure for her son.

My quick 'stop-in-and-say-hi'...turned into a quick 'how-can-I-raise-some-money-really-fast' visit!

So...instead of doing a giveaway we auctioned off the product (the highlight was when I threw in my husband to get the bid to go higher!)

While I was there for just that short time, we were able to raise $350.  So, why am I telling you that...it is not enough, this family needs more help!  I have committed to raise at least another $500 for this sweet boy!  To start off, I have decided to participate in  the Seattle marathon...YIKES!!!  (The last time I did a half marathon, I couldn't walk for 2 weeks...literally..I will have to tell you the story sometime) anyway...I need sponsors, and Micah and his family could also use your support.  If not a monetary donation, please send your love, thoughts, and encouragement. (If you respond through my site I will forward it to Janelle and Micah.)

 

It was awesome to be a part of this event, and I did not even expect it…just happened to be in the right place at the right time.  We chatted with the ladies, and with Micah and Janelle…It was really cool.  I love this industry!  There are crops going on just like that all over the country, women just being together to have fun…or maybe show support, or to just be with good friends.

I talked some more with Janelle today...she is truly an amazing women...she told me some of the other struggles that her and her family have faced over the years, and then sadly said that this was by far the worst one yet...I do believe that I have met Janelle and Micah for a reason, and hope I can help.  Janelle is a valiant example of a loving, brave, dedicated, and passionate mother.

 Our adventure quickly turned into a great life experience...my sweet family got the chance to meet lots of really cool ladies, and of course Janelle, Micah, and their friends.  A family that will hold a special place in my heart now!

 If you are interested in donating to help find a cure for Micah please visit

 http://www.parentprojectmd.org/site/TR?px=1130361&fr_id=1130&pg=personal&JServSessionIdr009=6k49ydp9h4.app6b

if you have other questions just let me know...I will be sure to respond.

Oh, and if you want to run a marathon with me to bring hope for Micah’s miracle...LET'S DO IT! Email me and we will do it together!...I am totally serious!!!!

 

With that…our great day came to an end...

congratulations to my ryan!

ok...first things first...Reagan, Ireland and myself have gotten some sort of a stomach virus...I will spare us all the details, but let's just say it has been a rough last few days, and after going to the doctor on Saturday, she said that we are contagious, and it will probably take 2-3 weeks to go away.  We have been cooped up in the house trying to get over it...ick!  well...at the risk of getting worse or contaminating others...I still found it would be best to go to Ryan's big day!  How could I possibly miss it!

RYAN GRADUATED!!! YIPPEE!  It has been a really...I mean REALLY hard last few months.  I saw that some of the comments were from other wives of firefighters...so you may know what I mean.  SO, anyway after a very difficult time we have finally made it through!  We are so excited. 

I am totally proud of Ryan, he has worked so hard!  I am a bit nervous now because after this next training he will start is normal shift.  He will be doing 24 hour shifts which totally freaks me out..SO..PLEASE...any others who have a spouse as a firefighter if you have advice for me please share! I can not stand to be home alone!  I am not really at all nervous about the danger part of it.  It is kinda the same feelings I got when he served in Iraq.  Ryan is really clever when it comes to danger stuff.  People would always ask me if I was scared while he was over there, I never was. I just missed him so much. People are already asking me now if I am scared about him doing dangerous things as a firefighter, and I am totally not.  He is just too smart that way...if he ever got in some sort of scary predicament, I am 100% confident he would figure out some way to get out of it safe. Ultimately, I will rely on my faith to keep our little family safe, it seems to have worked so far.  But, I will just put it out there...if you get a chance, once-in-awhile keep him and all the other men and women who help protect our communities, and their families, in your own personal thoughts and prayers.

So with that..it is on to the next step.  He is working for a department that is very close to our home, so we are SO totally thrilled.  Everyone we have met so far is so great!  They have welcomed us into their firefighter family.

Here are the new recruits on Ryan's department.

...not too shabby...

I definitely have the best pick!

We could not be happier for our daddy!

  

ok...i just figured out how to add graphics to the posts...cool!...only one more thing to go!  i will finish the layouts i have been working on this weekend and then get them uploaded!