Mason Gregory Garka

This past Monday we headed to children’s for Mason’s normal heart check up. Cant lie… My anxiety and blood pressure rises as these appointments near. Mason is thriving but I am constantly waiting for the other “shoe to fall”, waiting for the bad news, and waiting for the BUT towards the end of the sentence. I try to take comfort in and rest in HIS presence but some days it is harder than others. The verdict from his appointments – His heart and its function looks “beautiful”. These words as I hear them and even write this bring tears to my eyes. We got the best case scenario.  He is living an amazing life with ½ of a heart. We try to do a good job informing him of what will happen at his doctor’s appointments but even with our best efforts he totally melts down at some point during every visit and as his Mom, helping him through his melt down never gets easier. I know his cries are because he is scared. Heck I am almost 30 years older than him and I am scared. When ...

For the last few weeks I have been on a spring cleaning rampage - cleaning out my closet, cleaning out my office, just cleaning out my house! If it is not being used or will not be used in the future - out it goes! This has also given me the opportunity to read notes I have taken over the years and articles I have saved. Today I came across this gem and wanted to file it away in my virtual space and share.... Principles of Life Winning isn't everything but wanting to win is.  You would achieve more, if you don't mind who gets the credit When everything else is lost, the FUTURE still remains.  If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for everything.   If you do little things well, you will do big things better .  Only thing that comes to you without effort is old age.  You won't get a second change to make a first impression.   Only those who do nothing do not make mistakes.  If you...

Good Friday - Kendall turned ONE - EASTER! Our weekend was loaded with grace, appreciation, sacrifice, love and celebration! Good Friday: HE DIED FOR ME " But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed ." Isaiah 53:5 Good Friday, is the day we commemorated Jesus' death on the cross. This year to teach Mason that Easter / Good Friday is not about the bunny but IS about the sacrifice on the cross my children and I put a visual reminder on our palms for the day. Jesus died for us and YOU! . KENDALL GRACE IS ONE!!!! I am kind of at a loss for words... How did a year go by already? How can it be that this sweet little thing below is now a ONE YEAR OLD? It feels like yesterday that we were taking her home from the hospital... Fast forward a year and Kendall is into EVERYTHING! She walks, talks, has a STRON...

I am starting this blog post different than the rest. Today I am going to share with you my thoughts… which later become a blog post, it is how I begin to write.   I have shared this before but I write daily. It is becoming almost as natural as breathing. Some days a beautiful blog post is created, some days I have just a few words, other days I am moved by quotes… It is different day to day. Some days I am compelled to share others I keep close. Today my mind drifted to the following: Be strong in the lord – never give up hope. Gods got his hand on you.  He has his hand on everything. Don’t live your life in fear! Forgive and forget. Take time to pray – he wants a relationship with you. (ALL OF YOU). My help – comes from the LORD; the maker of heaven and earth Every tear I cry – he holds in his hands; he has never left my side Mercy saved me – Mercy made me whole. As your mercy falls; I praise the God who gives and takes away....

JOY Noun 1: a feeling of great pleasure or happiness that come from success, good fortune, or a sense of well-being: Gladness (Cupcake making) 2. something that gives joy   Making our Valentine's Day Decorations! Flowers for ALL! Our MASTER piece! Much love to you and yours on this very special valentines day! Greg, Kelsey, Mason and Kendall!

When you lose someone you love you are left with memories and memento's. One year ago today we lost a light in our life. My Grandmother passed away. She was no doubt my most loyal blog reader and encouraged me to write at every opportunity. The weekend we celebrated her life was also the weekend we celebrated the upcoming birth of my daughter.It was truly a  full circle  weekend. Before my Grandmother passed away she started reflecting on her life and started writing. I wish she would have had the opportunity to finish the story but she didn't so we are left cherishing these words from her... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Today we went to a funeral honoring Pastor Lou Gabrielson and it occurred to me that I really needed to reflect some memories that happened to me in my lifetime. Thanks to Ester and Gary Sandberg they gifted me with a laptop computer and I have no excuse now...

I am a HEART MOM Tough Blessed 1 in 100 Inspiring Pushed to the limit Prepared Knowledgeable Compassionate Brave Special Tired Grateful On an Amazing Journey Germaphobic Fiercely  Determined Selfless Aware of what REALLY matter Amazing Hopeful Strong Beyond Measure Courageous Seeking Miracles Sleep Deprived An Ordinary Woman Caring for an EXTRAORDINARY CHILD Living for the moment Taking nothing for Granted Doing what I think is Best for MY child Loving Willing to do whats required of me a cheerleader a Warrior Worried An Example An advocate in survival mode  a student Lucky Pleading Following my Instincts Nervous Stressed STRONGER THAN I KNOW THANK YOU  KATIE  FOR THE AMAZING COOKIES! I have spent what feels like a lifetime getting to know other heart mothers "virtually". I do not always get the opportunity to meet them face to face but when I do it feels like we have been...