Aaron and I celebrated our 10th anniversary this weekend. His parents came up to watch the girls (first time leaving Paige overnight – she did very well). Our plan was to go to St. Augustine and Aaron was surprising me with the location. He had to work in the morning, but our goal was to leave by noon. He was running late, so when he showed up I was ready to go. I walked outside and saw that he had rented a convertible for us. (we used to have a miata when we first got married that we always reminisce about “before children”). How fun! Then he asked me to put something in the glove box and there was an amazing pair of earrings.

We then headed to Ponte Vedra Beach for our reservations at the “spa” (Aaron had his first pedicure). Then off to the surprise location. Thanks to our YL St. Aug friends for arranging an amazing condo for us to stay at. It was right on the beach! We walked in the door and there were lit candles and rose petals everywhere, all my favorite foods – the place was amazing (thank you so much Brittany and gang for amazing decorating). It was such a beautiful surprise.

We spent the weekend sleeping in, touring the historic district, eating at amazing restaurants, laying on the beach and most importantly spending time together. I look forward to the two of us getting away more frequently.

Thank you to our special friends (and Aaron) for making this amazing weekend happen.

I received a call today from, Allison, the founder of the amazing Flashes of Hope. She informed me that they added a new video on their site with Parker on it. Check out www.parkerspals.org and under latest news click Flashes of Hope. It brought tears and smiles to my eyes – of course Parker is at the end and keep your eye out for Payton (wearing my glasses in one shot and getting lip gloss on in another)

At church this morning the choir was singing a song about being set free, rivers, etc…everyone was so moved. The choir was crying, the congregation was clapping, crying, amening. I felt nothing. I didn’t understand why everyone was so moved by the song. I felt almost cold just standing there. Then I looked at a girl in the choir and she looked just like nurse Sarah. I started tearing up then! Every time I looked at her I felt a lump in my throat. I actually wanted to go up and hug her and the more I thought about it the worse it was. I miss Sarah…and all the nurses. I honestly can say that some of them have become my friends. When I think about sending out invites to Paige’s 1st birthday party – they are at the top of the list.
I thank all of you for your love, support, caring for Parker and my entire family, loving on Payton, rocking Paige to sleep and befriending me during the most difficult time in my life.

When I got home from church (the girls didn’t go because Paige is sick) my mom told me a part of a conversation that Payton had with her. She was playing with a toy that reminded her of Parker. Asked why was Parker born if God was going to take him to heaven so soon. Also said that maybe the doctors didn’t want Parker to live. Please, keep Payton in your prayers. I am so thankful that she is communicating and expressing her thoughts and feelings with us. I do pray that we all of the right words, at the right time. I pray for her understanding (and ours too).