Mason Gregory Garka

When exposed to (emotional or physical) trauma the body deploys its own defense system. From the FIRST second the brain receives the signal that a catastrophe has occurred. The blood rushes to the organ that needs help the most. Blood flows to the muscles. To the organs. To the brain. The brain then makes a decision for the rest of the body. Either face the danger or run away. It is a mechanism designed to protect the body from harm. We call it shock. I think I am coming to the realization that I live my life in a constant state of shock. Everyday I choose to stay and face the danger. The memories. The flash backs. The constant fear. It never goes away. I even think the older Mason gets the more terrifying losing him is. I honestly am so exhausted from the sheer thought. I don't know how I could live in this world should one of my children leave it. Y’all are too gracious with me. (YES I said Y'all. I am trying to keep it light. For me...

Mason - Zipper free

Okay. You have probably noticed from my social media posts that we have been experiencing with sugar free recipes so I thought before I shared some of our favorite sugar free or limited sugar recipes (including the MOST amazing almost-sugar free ice-cream recipe) I would explain why since this is usually the first question anyone asks… My Daughter Kendall has been throwing the most horrific tantrums. Not normal, out of body tantrums. They seriously make me feel like we are failing as her parents.  I know tantrums are normal in young kids but I would venture to bet Kendall’s are on the worse side of the spectrum. Of course these tantrums don’t get blasted all over social media so when you see her in photos you see a spirited beautiful little girl which she OF COURSE IS but when she is in the middle of her tantrum there is NO reasoning with her and it is almost impossible to help her calm down.  That beautiful sweet little girl disappears and it breaks my heart. ...

It has been a great year… Thanks for being apart of it. Sound familiar? It is the newest thing that Facebook creates to showcase a few of your photos through out the year. I of course created one but once it was completed I realized that showing myself and my FB Friends a total of 12 pictures was not enough to show just how amazing, tragic, heartbreaking and beautiful 2014 was…. January I think I start each New Year reading this  quote  by George Carlin.  It is just too true and it reminds me to DO MORE and spend LESS time wasting the present on things that don't matter! February  "Happy Heart Month - a full month to be mindful and raise awareness for Congenital Heart Defects. With awareness comes funding.   With funding comes research.   With research comes hope. With hope comes LIFE." A couple of my favorite heart moms! February is NOT on only Heart Month it is also the month that Mason was diagnosed with HLHS so...