Just please take a moment...
to enjoy your kids.
to be a kid yourself.
to think of Donnann, Dan and Madison while they miss Danny tonight.
Enjoy what you have and take lots of pictures.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Friday Fill Ins
1. My favorite food seasoning is Fresh ground pepper.
2. Laughter is music to my ears.
3. Lucky is being in the right place at the right time. But we are know that is not luck ;).
4. Love is something I take very seriously.
5. Many people give up before they get to the end of the trial.
6. Red Velvet cake was the last thing I bought at the store.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to a halloween party. Tomorrow my plans include getting an extra hour of sleep and Sunday, I want to go to church and have a nice meal!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Choices
I was having a great chat with a friend today and we were talking about things all over the board. It just got me thinking.
I think everyone needs a friends that can hit them over the head with a 2x4 when needed. Sometimes you just need people to be honest and and frank (who is Frank anyway?) with you.
You stuck making a decision, the friend (we will call him frank) can point out that you have two choices, stay paralyzed in fear to do anything or DO SOMETHING. Most of the time DO SOMETHING is the answer. Also releasing the chains that bind us in fear can be loosened. Just put your faith in God and unbind yourself.
I have had to do that several times in my time, by the 2x4 and take out the 2x4 and whack someone over the head. Neither one is fun but if you are the one being hit, it is so eye opening. When hitting someone else with the 2x4 it is wonderful to see the person being hit open their eyes. It is all an enlightening process.
Now I am not saying it is all fun and game. It really hurts. But with your eyes open, it is for the better.
Now if I could just remember the great line I came up with when chatting with my friend. But I guess I need a 2x4.
I think everyone needs a friends that can hit them over the head with a 2x4 when needed. Sometimes you just need people to be honest and and frank (who is Frank anyway?) with you.
You stuck making a decision, the friend (we will call him frank) can point out that you have two choices, stay paralyzed in fear to do anything or DO SOMETHING. Most of the time DO SOMETHING is the answer. Also releasing the chains that bind us in fear can be loosened. Just put your faith in God and unbind yourself.
I have had to do that several times in my time, by the 2x4 and take out the 2x4 and whack someone over the head. Neither one is fun but if you are the one being hit, it is so eye opening. When hitting someone else with the 2x4 it is wonderful to see the person being hit open their eyes. It is all an enlightening process.
Now I am not saying it is all fun and game. It really hurts. But with your eyes open, it is for the better.
Now if I could just remember the great line I came up with when chatting with my friend. But I guess I need a 2x4.
It was partying weekend. WOO HOO
Well I will have to admit I got to skip the party on Saturday and it was DH's turn to deal with the party. I was at the Scrapbook Expo working with Pam again. Love it. I love working the expo's because of all the different people that you get to meet. The common love is scrapbooking. Well that and lots of paper. I love to sniff the different paper. So, I purchased a tree for a project that I am working on. Well I was helping the local economy. Sounds great right?
Before all of that it was soccer time. Early morning game. Augh, have I told you I am not an early morning person? Well neither is Princess Girly Girl. But she survived. The team played dirty. Who teaches little soccer girls to elbow then fake being stepped on and tripped? We have about 3 of those type of teams in PGG's age group. They usually have oh so fun team coaches to go with them. I think sometime parents forget it is suppose to be fun. FUN people. Not go hurt someone. But that is another soapbox.
Sunday was Aleksei's brithday party. First can I just say, I needed a littel boy hug so bad and Aleksei was happy to comply. When I was walking up the the car to get something Aleksei and his mom has just pulled up. I told him, I needed a hug and I got the longest hug. It was wonderful. Heartbreaking and wonderful all at the same time. Does that make any sense??
I also brought the camera and mamged to get 470 pictures along with Princess Seriously and DH. 470 pictures of a THREE years party. But you know in this last two weeks I have learned that you can NEVER have enough pictures. NEVER. So keep clicking ok. Speaking of.. I have pictures...
Want to go on a slide and have fun like this, don't you.
You want to be 3 again right?
Have people cheer for you!
The eat your cupcake with reckless abandoment..
Give your complete attention to a three year old darling boy...
This picture, it was just a great picture taken by her big sister...
Hope your weeknd was as great as mine.
Before all of that it was soccer time. Early morning game. Augh, have I told you I am not an early morning person? Well neither is Princess Girly Girl. But she survived. The team played dirty. Who teaches little soccer girls to elbow then fake being stepped on and tripped? We have about 3 of those type of teams in PGG's age group. They usually have oh so fun team coaches to go with them. I think sometime parents forget it is suppose to be fun. FUN people. Not go hurt someone. But that is another soapbox.
Sunday was Aleksei's brithday party. First can I just say, I needed a littel boy hug so bad and Aleksei was happy to comply. When I was walking up the the car to get something Aleksei and his mom has just pulled up. I told him, I needed a hug and I got the longest hug. It was wonderful. Heartbreaking and wonderful all at the same time. Does that make any sense??
I also brought the camera and mamged to get 470 pictures along with Princess Seriously and DH. 470 pictures of a THREE years party. But you know in this last two weeks I have learned that you can NEVER have enough pictures. NEVER. So keep clicking ok. Speaking of.. I have pictures...
Want to go on a slide and have fun like this, don't you.
You want to be 3 again right?
Have people cheer for you!
The eat your cupcake with reckless abandoment..
Give your complete attention to a three year old darling boy...
This picture, it was just a great picture taken by her big sister...
Hope your weeknd was as great as mine.
Monday, October 27, 2008
6 Random Things.
The Rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you (Stacy tagged me).
2. Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading).
3. Write 6 random things about yourself (see below).
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.
Ok. Now that we have THAT out of the way...
The Random:
1. I vacuum more then I would like to admit. I am mad, the vacuum come out. I need to just think, the vacuum comes out. I hate sweeping but will vacuum anytime. I own two dysons to help me do this.
2. In high school I took three years of Russian as my language. I do not remember much of it now but I loved it and wanted to go to Russian for the longest time.
3. I love peanut buttter. My favorite candy is Reese Peanut Butter Cups. I love a spoon of peanut butter. I love a brand new jar of peanut butter. Creamy is my favorite.
4. I am not a morning person, but if I have a few moments to get up in the morning and just sit outside I will. It starts my day off great and I feel so peaceful. It is even better if it is slightly cold and I can take a blanket and bundle up.
5. I love to find random blogs to read. I have all different sorts of blogs on my blog list, none of which make sense. Anything from sports blogs to mom blogs I am all over the board.
6. I swore I would NEVER ever scrapbook. I swore I would not be one of those women. 8 years laters I can not imgaine life without it. The friends I have made, the scrapbooks I have made, the fun I have had. I just can not imagine life without it at all.
Now I tag Amber, Sherry, Vivian, Char, Sarah, Melanie, get going ladies :)
1. Link to the person who tagged you (Stacy tagged me).
2. Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading).
3. Write 6 random things about yourself (see below).
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.
Ok. Now that we have THAT out of the way...
The Random:
1. I vacuum more then I would like to admit. I am mad, the vacuum come out. I need to just think, the vacuum comes out. I hate sweeping but will vacuum anytime. I own two dysons to help me do this.
2. In high school I took three years of Russian as my language. I do not remember much of it now but I loved it and wanted to go to Russian for the longest time.
3. I love peanut buttter. My favorite candy is Reese Peanut Butter Cups. I love a spoon of peanut butter. I love a brand new jar of peanut butter. Creamy is my favorite.
4. I am not a morning person, but if I have a few moments to get up in the morning and just sit outside I will. It starts my day off great and I feel so peaceful. It is even better if it is slightly cold and I can take a blanket and bundle up.
5. I love to find random blogs to read. I have all different sorts of blogs on my blog list, none of which make sense. Anything from sports blogs to mom blogs I am all over the board.
6. I swore I would NEVER ever scrapbook. I swore I would not be one of those women. 8 years laters I can not imgaine life without it. The friends I have made, the scrapbooks I have made, the fun I have had. I just can not imagine life without it at all.
Now I tag Amber, Sherry, Vivian, Char, Sarah, Melanie, get going ladies :)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Weekend doings
First I have a project I am working on. Donnann sent the video from the service and I am trying to figure out how to upload it to the blog. Got any insight? Let me know. It is simply beautiful and captures Danny's life in a perfect way.
Friday night we headed out to dinner for our anniversary. The babysitter has to cancel at the last minute so Princess Girly Girl came with us. Princess Seriously went for movie night at a friends home so the three of us headed up. Normally this would have bugged me, this year not so much. We had fun :) No worried we are set for a weekend away coming up soon. We scheduled to go out of town a few months ago and figured that would be a great weekend for just the two of us.
Saturday was filled with the usual soccer games, birthday parties and I went an worked another expo. I did come home with some goodies that made it all worth while. I had a blast and love working with Pam. She is a riot and we just have a blast.
Today we are off to Aleksei's birthday party. He is THREE today. I will have to post pictures later because most of my reader know who he is a prayed for him three years ago.
SO wait for the pictures and have a great day!!!
Friday night we headed out to dinner for our anniversary. The babysitter has to cancel at the last minute so Princess Girly Girl came with us. Princess Seriously went for movie night at a friends home so the three of us headed up. Normally this would have bugged me, this year not so much. We had fun :) No worried we are set for a weekend away coming up soon. We scheduled to go out of town a few months ago and figured that would be a great weekend for just the two of us.
Saturday was filled with the usual soccer games, birthday parties and I went an worked another expo. I did come home with some goodies that made it all worth while. I had a blast and love working with Pam. She is a riot and we just have a blast.
Today we are off to Aleksei's birthday party. He is THREE today. I will have to post pictures later because most of my reader know who he is a prayed for him three years ago.
SO wait for the pictures and have a great day!!!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Donnann's Story - Be prepared for tears.
Everything started last Tuesday morning. We were taking DD to school and Danny began to vomit in the car. (Danny had been sick before but we had gone about 2 weeks without any vomiting and seemed to be getting better). I babysit on Tuesdays so we headed over there. Danny was tired and not feeling so well so he laid down on the couch. He would wake up and vomit a little more. Then around 10 he tried to get up and walk to the bathroom. He was disoriented and couldn't walk straight, he kept falling and walking into the walls. He was also screaming in pain (Danny was not a complainer so this was very unusual). I called my DH to come home from work and take us to the hospital and called Jennifer (the lady I babysit for) to come home from work. They pulled into the driveway at the same time. We packed Danny into the car and left. He vomited again in the car.
At the hospital they took us straight to triage and made us put on masks thinking it might be viral menningitis (sp?). We were taken straight to a bed.
They started blood work. Then sent Danny for a CT Scan just to be safe. My DH stayed with Danny since only 1 could stay. He said he knew something was wrong because 4 techs came in right away during the scan and they were on the phone with the dr immediately but of course they couldn't tell us anything. They brought him back to the room, DH went outside to call family. I stayed with Danny. He started getting a rash all over his neck, face and chest. Then he started having labored breathing. I grabbed a nurse right away. Suddenly Danny stopped breathing and they took me out and put Danny on a ventilator and got him stable. The hospital we were at doesn't have a neurosurgeon or pediatric ICU. We were told about the tumor and that they would be medi vacing Danny to Rockford Memorial Hospital where a neurosurgeon was standing by. They put Danny on the helicopter and Dan and I rushed to the other hospital.
We arrived at the hospital to find them prepping Danny for emergency surgery. The neurosurgeon was waiting for us in the hall. She said that Danny had a lot of fluid on his brain and that it needed to be drained right away. Then she said "If he wakes up". This is the first time we really were beginning to understand how serious the situation was.
The surgery seemed to take forever. The dr told us the next 24-48 hours were critical. They needed to see some kind of response from Danny. At this point he was on a ventilator unable to breathe on his own, he was in a coma and his pupils were fixed and dialated-non responsive. The vigil began.
Family started arriving and long journeys from other states began. My mom, dad and 2 sisters drove 1800 miles straight through only stopping to potty. Dan's cousins got on the stand by list at the airport just waiting for any available flight. His Aunt and Uncle also got in the car to drive.
Dan and I took turns that night sitting vigil for our son. I went to sleep for about an hour in the waiting room in a sleeping chair. During my sleep I had a dream about Danny and in the dream God was preparing me for what was to come. Wed. came with no changes. We knew that we had decisions that needed to be made.
Our first decision was to have Danny baptized. My DH is catholic and I grew up in the Church of Christ. We had decided when our kids were little that it would be a decision we would allow them to make, but at the hospital we knew Danny would never be able to make that decision on his own. We had him baptized there in the hospital.
The Child Life Specialist there (who is simply amazing) worked with Madison during this time. We felt at this time that Madison needed to see here brother. She came into the room and amazed us all. She started screaming at the Dr and nurses to fix her brother. She screamed at Danny to come back to her, that she didn't want to be alone. She said do another test, give him a shot, just fix him.
At this point they moved around the tubes and wires to allow us to get into bed with Danny. Danny was a cuddler, my favorite times spent with him were curled up together in bed snuggling and watching cartoons together.
The Child Life Specialist came and took photos of us snuggling with Danny. It was so good to lay next to him and feel him against us. I fell asleep laying next to him. Again I dreamed of Danny and God came to tell me that Danny would be leaving me but it would be ok.
Night came and my DH and I had decided that he would spend the night with Danny and I would spend the night with Madison in the nurses dorm. We felt one of us really needed to be with Madison at that point and she needed to be in a regular bed. The nurses dorm was an attatched adjoining building.
At 4 am the phone rang for me to come upstairs right away. Madisons cousin stayed in the room with her and I sprinted up to the 3rd floor. Danny's blood pressure was sky rocketing. The pink rash was back as well. The dr came in and was able to get it back down. A new CT scan showed that all the fluid had drained but that his brain was swollen to the point there was no room for fluid. The brain had started to herniate down his spinal colum. The eeg showed no brain function. An apnea test came next. They declared him dead at 10 am on Thursday morning. They put him back on the ventilator to start the organ donation process. My parents, sisters and Dan's cousins all made it to the hospital and were able to spend some time with Danny. The child life specialist took a mold of Danny's hand for us. She took hand prints.
Through out the night we waited for results from the type matching, etc. We stayed with him the whole time. They took him at 8 am Friday morning for the surgery to take his organs. They were able to find a recepient for his heart, liver, pancreas and 2 kidneys. We came home to rest.
I have spent a lot of time in hospitals and I have never received the kind of caring and compassion and just simply amazing treatment that we received at this hospital. The staff there was so incredible. The nurses checked my sugar and gave me my insulin shots. They made sure I ate. They were always looking out for our needs as well as our sons. they broke the rules for us, allowing us to sleep in the room and have as many visitors in the room at a time as we wanted. They allowed Danny's friends to come in the room to see him at the hospital (even though you were supposed to be 12 or older). The dr and nurses came in on their time off to be with us. I can't say enough about them.
Our friends and family have been amazing. People came and let our dogs in and out. They cleaned our house, did our laundry, stocked our fridge. Ran errands for us. Prayers were said world wide and we felt them all. I can't even begin to tell you how much you all mean to me. You all are amazing women (and men).
Thank you everyone. I really felt like I needed to share this today. I am feeling all your love and it helps comfort me. I too am awed by God right now. I have never felt his presence as strong as I have over the last 2 weeks.
At the hospital they took us straight to triage and made us put on masks thinking it might be viral menningitis (sp?). We were taken straight to a bed.
They started blood work. Then sent Danny for a CT Scan just to be safe. My DH stayed with Danny since only 1 could stay. He said he knew something was wrong because 4 techs came in right away during the scan and they were on the phone with the dr immediately but of course they couldn't tell us anything. They brought him back to the room, DH went outside to call family. I stayed with Danny. He started getting a rash all over his neck, face and chest. Then he started having labored breathing. I grabbed a nurse right away. Suddenly Danny stopped breathing and they took me out and put Danny on a ventilator and got him stable. The hospital we were at doesn't have a neurosurgeon or pediatric ICU. We were told about the tumor and that they would be medi vacing Danny to Rockford Memorial Hospital where a neurosurgeon was standing by. They put Danny on the helicopter and Dan and I rushed to the other hospital.
We arrived at the hospital to find them prepping Danny for emergency surgery. The neurosurgeon was waiting for us in the hall. She said that Danny had a lot of fluid on his brain and that it needed to be drained right away. Then she said "If he wakes up". This is the first time we really were beginning to understand how serious the situation was.
The surgery seemed to take forever. The dr told us the next 24-48 hours were critical. They needed to see some kind of response from Danny. At this point he was on a ventilator unable to breathe on his own, he was in a coma and his pupils were fixed and dialated-non responsive. The vigil began.
Family started arriving and long journeys from other states began. My mom, dad and 2 sisters drove 1800 miles straight through only stopping to potty. Dan's cousins got on the stand by list at the airport just waiting for any available flight. His Aunt and Uncle also got in the car to drive.
Dan and I took turns that night sitting vigil for our son. I went to sleep for about an hour in the waiting room in a sleeping chair. During my sleep I had a dream about Danny and in the dream God was preparing me for what was to come. Wed. came with no changes. We knew that we had decisions that needed to be made.
Our first decision was to have Danny baptized. My DH is catholic and I grew up in the Church of Christ. We had decided when our kids were little that it would be a decision we would allow them to make, but at the hospital we knew Danny would never be able to make that decision on his own. We had him baptized there in the hospital.
The Child Life Specialist there (who is simply amazing) worked with Madison during this time. We felt at this time that Madison needed to see here brother. She came into the room and amazed us all. She started screaming at the Dr and nurses to fix her brother. She screamed at Danny to come back to her, that she didn't want to be alone. She said do another test, give him a shot, just fix him.
At this point they moved around the tubes and wires to allow us to get into bed with Danny. Danny was a cuddler, my favorite times spent with him were curled up together in bed snuggling and watching cartoons together.
The Child Life Specialist came and took photos of us snuggling with Danny. It was so good to lay next to him and feel him against us. I fell asleep laying next to him. Again I dreamed of Danny and God came to tell me that Danny would be leaving me but it would be ok.
Night came and my DH and I had decided that he would spend the night with Danny and I would spend the night with Madison in the nurses dorm. We felt one of us really needed to be with Madison at that point and she needed to be in a regular bed. The nurses dorm was an attatched adjoining building.
At 4 am the phone rang for me to come upstairs right away. Madisons cousin stayed in the room with her and I sprinted up to the 3rd floor. Danny's blood pressure was sky rocketing. The pink rash was back as well. The dr came in and was able to get it back down. A new CT scan showed that all the fluid had drained but that his brain was swollen to the point there was no room for fluid. The brain had started to herniate down his spinal colum. The eeg showed no brain function. An apnea test came next. They declared him dead at 10 am on Thursday morning. They put him back on the ventilator to start the organ donation process. My parents, sisters and Dan's cousins all made it to the hospital and were able to spend some time with Danny. The child life specialist took a mold of Danny's hand for us. She took hand prints.
Through out the night we waited for results from the type matching, etc. We stayed with him the whole time. They took him at 8 am Friday morning for the surgery to take his organs. They were able to find a recepient for his heart, liver, pancreas and 2 kidneys. We came home to rest.
I have spent a lot of time in hospitals and I have never received the kind of caring and compassion and just simply amazing treatment that we received at this hospital. The staff there was so incredible. The nurses checked my sugar and gave me my insulin shots. They made sure I ate. They were always looking out for our needs as well as our sons. they broke the rules for us, allowing us to sleep in the room and have as many visitors in the room at a time as we wanted. They allowed Danny's friends to come in the room to see him at the hospital (even though you were supposed to be 12 or older). The dr and nurses came in on their time off to be with us. I can't say enough about them.
Our friends and family have been amazing. People came and let our dogs in and out. They cleaned our house, did our laundry, stocked our fridge. Ran errands for us. Prayers were said world wide and we felt them all. I can't even begin to tell you how much you all mean to me. You all are amazing women (and men).
Thank you everyone. I really felt like I needed to share this today. I am feeling all your love and it helps comfort me. I too am awed by God right now. I have never felt his presence as strong as I have over the last 2 weeks.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
So today was my day
Hello everyone, I am just so full of thoughts, they are bursting out and I am not sure what to do with all of them. So here we go. Life changed for many of us last week. Life will never be the time. I know that I am looking at life in a different way.
Donnann and I became friends through a scrapbooking board about 4 years ago and we have stuck together since then. I offered up a crop at my home in order to get to know people in my area. Donnann was one of those people that responded and helped me get everything organized. I knew it was good to go from there on out. After that crop I went to her house and we went back and forth until it was time for her to move. I helped her pack up and our home was one of the stops on her adventure on the way out. Soon after that we met up on a retreat in New England and then Wisconsin. So we have stayed in touch even after the move. She is a cherished friend and I adore her and her family. My heart aches for her and her family. Life is changed.
In the middle of all this, another dear friend reached out to me. Her son is very dear to me. Tyler. I have never had a little boy of my own, Tyler and Aleksei, who I will talk about in a moment are my adopted boys. They hold my heart. Tyler's mom was feeling my loss of little Danny and the pain for Donnann.
Today the call came from Aleksei's mom about his party this coming Sunday. I completely lost it. Three years we were fighting for Aleksei as he was born too soon, but he made it through, with flying colors. I just could not get the tears to stop flowing after that. I can not wait to hug Aleksei this weekend.
Which reminds me that I need to go and hug Tyler too.
Remember friends, life here on earth is short. Hugs your children often, laugh off the goofy things, have fun with your family and remember that the house does not always have to be clean. Just live and have a great life.
Little Danny was so loved. His family loved him, he loved them. His life was perfect. It was about joy and love, trucks, trains and dirt. It was everything a boys life should be. It was perfect.
Remember your friends and carry whatever piece of their burden that you can. Love them and cherish them.
Just live.
Donnann and I became friends through a scrapbooking board about 4 years ago and we have stuck together since then. I offered up a crop at my home in order to get to know people in my area. Donnann was one of those people that responded and helped me get everything organized. I knew it was good to go from there on out. After that crop I went to her house and we went back and forth until it was time for her to move. I helped her pack up and our home was one of the stops on her adventure on the way out. Soon after that we met up on a retreat in New England and then Wisconsin. So we have stayed in touch even after the move. She is a cherished friend and I adore her and her family. My heart aches for her and her family. Life is changed.
In the middle of all this, another dear friend reached out to me. Her son is very dear to me. Tyler. I have never had a little boy of my own, Tyler and Aleksei, who I will talk about in a moment are my adopted boys. They hold my heart. Tyler's mom was feeling my loss of little Danny and the pain for Donnann.
Today the call came from Aleksei's mom about his party this coming Sunday. I completely lost it. Three years we were fighting for Aleksei as he was born too soon, but he made it through, with flying colors. I just could not get the tears to stop flowing after that. I can not wait to hug Aleksei this weekend.
Which reminds me that I need to go and hug Tyler too.
Remember friends, life here on earth is short. Hugs your children often, laugh off the goofy things, have fun with your family and remember that the house does not always have to be clean. Just live and have a great life.
Little Danny was so loved. His family loved him, he loved them. His life was perfect. It was about joy and love, trucks, trains and dirt. It was everything a boys life should be. It was perfect.
Remember your friends and carry whatever piece of their burden that you can. Love them and cherish them.
Just live.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Songs at the service
First song: Beautiful Boy by John Lennon
Entrance Song: Amazing Grace
Responsorial Song : Shelter Me O God
Song at the preparation of the gifts: Little One Born to Bring Us Such Love
Communion Song: On Eagle's Wings
After Dan's Eulogy: Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton
Farewell song: Piano instrumental version of "Oh Danny Boy"
Recessional Song: How Great Thou Art
Entrance Song: Amazing Grace
Responsorial Song : Shelter Me O God
Song at the preparation of the gifts: Little One Born to Bring Us Such Love
Communion Song: On Eagle's Wings
After Dan's Eulogy: Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton
Farewell song: Piano instrumental version of "Oh Danny Boy"
Recessional Song: How Great Thou Art
Donnann's Words
I just wanted to thank everyone for all their thoughts and prayers for our family. The out pouring of love and generosity has been amazing. We are all mentally and physically exhausted but are glad to be home finally. We miss our little "Dude" so much!!
The red balloon avatars are so nice and I love them. It is so nice to see them and know you all are thinking of us at this time and that you have been touched by Danny. He was an amazing gift to us and will forever remain our " Beautiful Boy"
Donnann
Donnann's Favorite picture of Dan and Danny on his 2nd birthday
Danny and Madison with a sock money (there is a story behind this, will post later)
Danny with a friend at the park a few weeks ago with a friend
Family picture before they left California
Danny at the park with the perfect sky behind him.
The red balloon avatars are so nice and I love them. It is so nice to see them and know you all are thinking of us at this time and that you have been touched by Danny. He was an amazing gift to us and will forever remain our " Beautiful Boy"
Donnann
Donnann's Favorite picture of Dan and Danny on his 2nd birthday
Danny and Madison with a sock money (there is a story behind this, will post later)
Danny with a friend at the park a few weeks ago with a friend
Family picture before they left California
Danny at the park with the perfect sky behind him.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Comment worth sharing
My name is Sherry. I am Dan's sister. I would like to thank everyone for your tremendous support. My beautiful nephew is now in his final resting place (right next to my aunt who died at age 7 of leukemia). Our family has been showered with flowers, phone calls and prayers. We truely appreciate it all!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Creating an album
In order for Donnann, Dan and Madison to see the overwhelming support from all over an album will be made for the family. If you have released balloons, sent hot wheels, wore red shirts or anything to remember Danny, please send a pictures. You can also make an 8x8 scrapbook page and that will be included in the album. If you can't make a page then forward pictures and a page will be made for you.
Everyone has been so wonderful and supportive. Words can not express the gratitude.
Everyone has been so wonderful and supportive. Words can not express the gratitude.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Red Balloons & Shirts
Tomorrow, in memory of our dear Danny many people from all over the world will be wearing red & releasing balloons in Danny's honor.
The sevices start at 11:30 am IL/WI time tomorrow, Monday. We would love for you to join us.
Some people may be at work or the kids at school, so what ever time it go for you please join in. Take some pictures of your event & e-mail them to Desiree for her to put together a post.
Please pass this along.
Why red? Because Danny love the movie cars and Lightening McQueen.
The sevices start at 11:30 am IL/WI time tomorrow, Monday. We would love for you to join us.
Some people may be at work or the kids at school, so what ever time it go for you please join in. Take some pictures of your event & e-mail them to Desiree for her to put together a post.
Please pass this along.
Why red? Because Danny love the movie cars and Lightening McQueen.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Feeling the love
When Donnann was leaving the funeral home today, they gave her the stack of on-line condolences printed out. The person working there said they have never received so many. Donnann & Dan are over whelmed. She wanted me to tell everyone thank you for your support & she will post when she is ready. Thank you again.
Tracie
www.prokofuneralhome.com
Card info cme2scrap@sbcglobal.net
Tracie
www.prokofuneralhome.com
Card info cme2scrap@sbcglobal.net
Friday, October 17, 2008
Gift of Life
Danny has been matched to at least 4 recipients. They will receive his gift of his heart, kidneys, liver, & pancreas. He will live on through them.
Danny's preschool class (in true Danny style) has donated 5 boxes of Hot Wheel Cars to given out to the services. Straight from ScrapShare’s member’s support of the Red Balloon, a truck load of red balloons will be released in his honor at the services also.
View the Obituary for Daniel Tritten at www.prokofuneralhome.com
You can also send on-line Condolences & get more information about the services at the website.
Mass will be held on Monday, October 20th, at St. Mary Catholic Church at 11:30 a.m. Interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass.
Viewing & Services at St. Mary Catholic Church
Monday, Oct 20, 2008 9:30 to 11:30am
Address: 7307-40th Avenue Kenosha, Wi 53142
www.stmarycatholic.org
Final resting place at All Saints Cemetery
3300 Springbrook Road, Pleasant Prairie, Wi
Thank you again for all you prayers & support. I will continue to give infomation on sending cards & donations at my e-mail cme2scrap@sbcglobal.net.
With heavy heart, Tracie >mkmommyof2<
Danny's preschool class (in true Danny style) has donated 5 boxes of Hot Wheel Cars to given out to the services. Straight from ScrapShare’s member’s support of the Red Balloon, a truck load of red balloons will be released in his honor at the services also.
View the Obituary for Daniel Tritten at www.prokofuneralhome.com
You can also send on-line Condolences & get more information about the services at the website.
Mass will be held on Monday, October 20th, at St. Mary Catholic Church at 11:30 a.m. Interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass.
Viewing & Services at St. Mary Catholic Church
Monday, Oct 20, 2008 9:30 to 11:30am
Address: 7307-40th Avenue Kenosha, Wi 53142
www.stmarycatholic.org
Final resting place at All Saints Cemetery
3300 Springbrook Road, Pleasant Prairie, Wi
Thank you again for all you prayers & support. I will continue to give infomation on sending cards & donations at my e-mail cme2scrap@sbcglobal.net.
With heavy heart, Tracie >mkmommyof2<
journey home
Donnann & Dan have left the hospital to go home. Danny gave the precious gift of life to others by giving them 3 healthy organs. Continue to keep the family in your prayer and the recipients of his gifts.
Tracie >mkmommyof2<
Tracie >mkmommyof2<
Thursday, October 16, 2008
40 minute phone call
Hello this is Menjiness friend Tracie. I am also a very close friend to Donnann & her family. I posted this on SS but wanted to post it here too. If you read it on SS the end is a little different.
Today I talked to one of Donnann's close friends that lives by her. I was so relieved to be able to talk to someone that could give me more information. Even though I've wanted to call Donnann every hour I wanted her to not worry about updating everyone, but I just want her to know I'm thinking about them all the time.
Her friend, named Tracy too, told me the hospital staff has been so gracious & going the extra step for the family. Donnann has another friend that works at the hospital, so she made sure that they were taking care of. Dan's family was able to sleep in the nurses quarters & so on. And plus they are at the best children's hospital in the area.
Tracy said the Donnann & Dan have been very strong. They have cared for each other & supported one another. They made sure that one took a break while the other stayed with Danny. She said there love & strength really shows. And yes Donnann is being her normal loving self making sure everyone around her is okay. She's a very special person. Also they live in a great community that has really supported them.
Danny was pronounced early this afternoon & the doctors are searching for the donors. She said it can take from 6 - 24/48 hours. Dan & Donnann will stay with him throughout the process. Tracy went to see him last night... He looked very peaceful...
Madison is being very brave. And doing as good as she could be. The Child Life Specialist spent sometime with her & played games.
Tracy will e-mail me with the information about the services. It will be in Dan's hometown Kenosha, Wisconsin. They want to have them as soon as possible but it depends on the organ donation. It may be this weekend. I'm glad that some of you are close enough to be able to go to the services. I wish I could be there too....
I have a little information from her friend Tracy on how we can help & she will let me know about the Danny's Gift fundraiser. You can always e-mail me at cme2scrap@sbcglobal.net.
Asked Tracy what was in there area, some people have been asking about sending Honey Baked Hams, etc. It sounds like the local communtiy is helping on providing home made meals. If we send gift cards to the local stores or resturants they can help on making the meals or getting deli trays ect. Plus after all the family has left it would be nice for them just to go the a resturant or pick up something the the WalMart Supercenter, plus I don't know how long Dan will be out of work. So the places in there area is Kroger, Target, Wal-Mart Supercenter, Dollar Genaral, Wal Greens (Donnann gets her RX's there), Red Lobster, & Olive Garden.
Today I talked to one of Donnann's close friends that lives by her. I was so relieved to be able to talk to someone that could give me more information. Even though I've wanted to call Donnann every hour I wanted her to not worry about updating everyone, but I just want her to know I'm thinking about them all the time.
Her friend, named Tracy too, told me the hospital staff has been so gracious & going the extra step for the family. Donnann has another friend that works at the hospital, so she made sure that they were taking care of. Dan's family was able to sleep in the nurses quarters & so on. And plus they are at the best children's hospital in the area.
Tracy said the Donnann & Dan have been very strong. They have cared for each other & supported one another. They made sure that one took a break while the other stayed with Danny. She said there love & strength really shows. And yes Donnann is being her normal loving self making sure everyone around her is okay. She's a very special person. Also they live in a great community that has really supported them.
Danny was pronounced early this afternoon & the doctors are searching for the donors. She said it can take from 6 - 24/48 hours. Dan & Donnann will stay with him throughout the process. Tracy went to see him last night... He looked very peaceful...
Madison is being very brave. And doing as good as she could be. The Child Life Specialist spent sometime with her & played games.
Tracy will e-mail me with the information about the services. It will be in Dan's hometown Kenosha, Wisconsin. They want to have them as soon as possible but it depends on the organ donation. It may be this weekend. I'm glad that some of you are close enough to be able to go to the services. I wish I could be there too....
I have a little information from her friend Tracy on how we can help & she will let me know about the Danny's Gift fundraiser. You can always e-mail me at cme2scrap@sbcglobal.net.
Asked Tracy what was in there area, some people have been asking about sending Honey Baked Hams, etc. It sounds like the local communtiy is helping on providing home made meals. If we send gift cards to the local stores or resturants they can help on making the meals or getting deli trays ect. Plus after all the family has left it would be nice for them just to go the a resturant or pick up something the the WalMart Supercenter, plus I don't know how long Dan will be out of work. So the places in there area is Kroger, Target, Wal-Mart Supercenter, Dollar Genaral, Wal Greens (Donnann gets her RX's there), Red Lobster, & Olive Garden.
Strength
I spoke with Donnann this afternoon. Strength is the only word that I came up with. She is a rock.
Sweet Danny's final gift will be the gift of life for others. I can not begin to describe how fitting this is. Donnann is staying until everything is complete.
They have a wonderful child life specialist with them. They were able to give them some really special time with Danny last night. I just so grateful to them for making sure they had the special time they had. They were able to do molds and other things to ensure that keepsakes are preserved.
Once everything is done then the final arrangements can be made.
Sweet Danny's final gift will be the gift of life for others. I can not begin to describe how fitting this is. Donnann is staying until everything is complete.
They have a wonderful child life specialist with them. They were able to give them some really special time with Danny last night. I just so grateful to them for making sure they had the special time they had. They were able to do molds and other things to ensure that keepsakes are preserved.
Once everything is done then the final arrangements can be made.
4:45 am phone call
The phone rang at 4:45 this morning. It was Donnann with an update for me. Actually in moment it was all too much and she handed the phone to Jennifer, a dear friend who was able to give me more information. I am SO grateful to Jennifer for being there.
They are beginning the process to officially declare Danny brain dead. There is one final test that will be performed today. They will be doing organ donation and that is going to take a day or two to get everything organized. Her dear mom is still on the road to get out there. Please pray for her continued safe travels. As of 4 am she is in Colorado.
A child life specialist is with the family. Knowing a CLS personally, I can not tell you how much comfort this brings me. They are making molds of his hands and doing other things so there are keepsakes for the family.
Madison, dear sweet Madison, is angry. She just want them to wake Danny up. Please keep her and Dan (Danny's dear Dad) in your prayers.
There will be fund raising going on. I will have details of that very soon. The fund will be called Danny's Gift.
Please pray for them, for Donnann, Dan, Madison, their families and their dear freinds taht are there with them.
They are beginning the process to officially declare Danny brain dead. There is one final test that will be performed today. They will be doing organ donation and that is going to take a day or two to get everything organized. Her dear mom is still on the road to get out there. Please pray for her continued safe travels. As of 4 am she is in Colorado.
A child life specialist is with the family. Knowing a CLS personally, I can not tell you how much comfort this brings me. They are making molds of his hands and doing other things so there are keepsakes for the family.
Madison, dear sweet Madison, is angry. She just want them to wake Danny up. Please keep her and Dan (Danny's dear Dad) in your prayers.
There will be fund raising going on. I will have details of that very soon. The fund will be called Danny's Gift.
Please pray for them, for Donnann, Dan, Madison, their families and their dear freinds taht are there with them.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
A special request, please
Once arrangements are made, I would love to see this happen with everyone here. I am feeling helpless and just at a loss. I am sure that others of you are.
My request is that once we have dates and time that you join me in letting a RED balloon go at the start of his services. I would also like you to take a picture of you letting the balloon go and email it to me and I will start a post with all these pictures. Please pass this along.
Why red? Because Danny love the movie cars and Lightening McQueen.
Once I have more details, I will post.
Thank you.
Danny.
I just got a phone call from Donnann.
They have not declared him brain dead, but they are keeping him alive until her mom gets there. So she can spend some time with Danny.
He is gone.
Donnann is in shock.
I have no words.
They have not declared him brain dead, but they are keeping him alive until her mom gets there. So she can spend some time with Danny.
He is gone.
Donnann is in shock.
I have no words.
Small update on Danny
Hello everyone. This morning we passed the 12 hour mark and there has been no change. This afternoon they were testing for brain activity again. When I hear how that goes, I will post and let you know.
Donnann has family driving out to her as we speak. She has a dear friend with her and there are others driving out to her tomorrow morning.
My request at this posting is that you keep Madison, Danny's big sister in your prayers and that she is comforted at this time. Please keep their loved one as they drive to them safe.
Please pray for a miracle. Please just pray.
Questions have been asked about where they are, please email me or leave a comment and I will pass along that information to you. Cards, the same.
Thank you everyone, thank you.
Please pray.
Donnann has family driving out to her as we speak. She has a dear friend with her and there are others driving out to her tomorrow morning.
My request at this posting is that you keep Madison, Danny's big sister in your prayers and that she is comforted at this time. Please keep their loved one as they drive to them safe.
Please pray for a miracle. Please just pray.
Questions have been asked about where they are, please email me or leave a comment and I will pass along that information to you. Cards, the same.
Thank you everyone, thank you.
Please pray.
Not wordless Wednesday, please pray
Friends,
I come to you with a prayer need. My dear friend Donnann, her 5 yo son Danny is in the hospital fighting for his life. Yesterday morning, Danny woke up throwing up, unable to walk or stand up, very disoriented and screaming in pain. Donnann took him to urgent care as any of us would. They then did blood work and decided to medivac him to the hospital. A CT scan was performed and a 4 cm tumor was found on his brain stem. They rushed him into emergency surgery and placed a stun to relived the pressure of fluid on his brain.
Danny made it out of surgery but he is unresponsive. He is on a vent and in a coma. They can not wake him up. Donnann and her dear husband were told to prepare for the worst. They were given 48 hours to see progress or they will need to declare him brain dead. We have passed the 12 hour mark with no change.
I have no words to express the heartache. I have no words to express the despair. I just have no words.
I NEED, I beg you all to pray. Pray for a miracle, pray for peace for Donnann, Dan and Madison. Pray for little Danny. This is her baby, her joy, he is a ray of sunshine. He is adorable. Please.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Is it October...
Oh let me take a moment to whine. It is cold. Brrrr. I am going to have to take a moment to take apart the heaters, vacuum it out, get a new filter and then lament that I dusted the entire house really good this weekend. Why is that a big deal, cause when I turn the heater on for the first time this fall, that dusting will be time that was wasted.
We are under Red Fire warning, let me check, yes it is October, wind fire, low humidity and it drops to really cold temperatures at night. But in all seriousness, please keep Southern California in you prayers as we enter fire season.
So in the great big picture of life, re dusting the entire house is not that big of a deal.
Amber just reminded me of another bonus! Yes the electric bill dropped by a $100 dollars already from the cooler night we have been having. That is a bonus!!!
We are under Red Fire warning, let me check, yes it is October, wind fire, low humidity and it drops to really cold temperatures at night. But in all seriousness, please keep Southern California in you prayers as we enter fire season.
So in the great big picture of life, re dusting the entire house is not that big of a deal.
Amber just reminded me of another bonus! Yes the electric bill dropped by a $100 dollars already from the cooler night we have been having. That is a bonus!!!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
What brings you joy? - GIVEAWAY
***** We have a winner! Congratulations XINA! Card will be in the mail on Tuesday morning! Thanks for playing everyone!!!*****
I have a blog post floating around in my head but before I do that I want to know what brings you joy.
Yep, the mushy gushy stuff. The make me tear up and sniff as a read them type things. I am also looking for the simple things in life. Just what brings you joy?
Leave me a comment with your thoughts and I will select at random 2 people to receive hand made cards made my me. I am working on a ton of cards next weekend of all different sorts.
This giveaway ends on Sunday at 7 pm (PST). Good luck!!!
I have a blog post floating around in my head but before I do that I want to know what brings you joy.
Yep, the mushy gushy stuff. The make me tear up and sniff as a read them type things. I am also looking for the simple things in life. Just what brings you joy?
Leave me a comment with your thoughts and I will select at random 2 people to receive hand made cards made my me. I am working on a ton of cards next weekend of all different sorts.
This giveaway ends on Sunday at 7 pm (PST). Good luck!!!
Just a lazy day
It is a cold day outside. Ok, maybe because anything below 80 feels so cold because it is normally so warm here. So it is cold. We had a early morning soccer game and then headed to a local market that we love.
Dh was off for a golf game so the girls and I headed in a local mall and exchanged stuff that needed to me exchanged and then headed home. Once we got home we changed into warm clothes and just vegged. We don;t ofter get to have down time and I am loving that is is cold and we want to be at home.
I love days like these and can't now wait to have more.
Dh was off for a golf game so the girls and I headed in a local mall and exchanged stuff that needed to me exchanged and then headed home. Once we got home we changed into warm clothes and just vegged. We don;t ofter get to have down time and I am loving that is is cold and we want to be at home.
I love days like these and can't now wait to have more.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Something that is very important to me
Ok blogging friends, this is a delicate subject, very much so. But I am really going talk about it.
I have many friends that are gay and lesbians, I love them dearly, I would not change a thing about them. Please know and understand that. I really support Prop 8 here in California. Why? Because I believe in the word marriage. Marriage is defined as Man and Women. I believe that with all my heart. That is not to say that same sex couple should not have rights. But it should not be defined as marriage. You can define it as something else, just not marriage.
There are some many things that could happen if you do not vote yes on prop 8. To quote my friend Katherine (because she said it just perfect)... "Some people think if it fails the only consequence is that same sex marriages will continue to happen, but there is much more that will change. Churches will be sued if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings that are open to the public. Religious adoption agencies who will not place kids with same-sex couples will be forced to comply or shut down. My 5 year old son will be taught in school that it is okay for him to marry a man or a woman. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages will be sued for hate speech. And it will cost you money for all the legal changes that will need to be made. "
Help me by supporting Prop 8 and please vote yes on Prop 8.
I have many friends that are gay and lesbians, I love them dearly, I would not change a thing about them. Please know and understand that. I really support Prop 8 here in California. Why? Because I believe in the word marriage. Marriage is defined as Man and Women. I believe that with all my heart. That is not to say that same sex couple should not have rights. But it should not be defined as marriage. You can define it as something else, just not marriage.
There are some many things that could happen if you do not vote yes on prop 8. To quote my friend Katherine (because she said it just perfect)... "Some people think if it fails the only consequence is that same sex marriages will continue to happen, but there is much more that will change. Churches will be sued if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings that are open to the public. Religious adoption agencies who will not place kids with same-sex couples will be forced to comply or shut down. My 5 year old son will be taught in school that it is okay for him to marry a man or a woman. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages will be sued for hate speech. And it will cost you money for all the legal changes that will need to be made. "
Help me by supporting Prop 8 and please vote yes on Prop 8.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Monday, October 06, 2008
Sometimes
There are always decisions to make in life. Sometimes the decisions are big and sometimes the decisions are small. Sometimes they are life altering and sometimes they are not. Whenever it seems life is going just fine, it never fails, decision making time.
What I think is interesting is to see your children go through this same things. Their decisions are the different all just as important at that moment.
I have made some major decisions in my life. There are very few that I regret. There might even be one or two things, I would do differently. But overall the decisions would be the same.
I am very blessed to me married to a wonderful DH. He is my rock. He is my world. I love that he makes me laugh, lets me wipe my snot on him when I cry. I love that he is willing to stand up for what he believes in, he works hard to get where he needs to be and that he loves and adores me and his girls. (That would included the animals too). He makes things happen and supports me in all that I do. He is my biggest fan, as I am his.
I have wonderful kids. They do drive me nuts and sometimes I want to go insane if I need to drive them to another place or shell out more money for something, but they are my world and I want them to have it all. They are great girls.
I would not trade all the decision making for anything. As long as we have each other, it is all good.
What I think is interesting is to see your children go through this same things. Their decisions are the different all just as important at that moment.
I have made some major decisions in my life. There are very few that I regret. There might even be one or two things, I would do differently. But overall the decisions would be the same.
I am very blessed to me married to a wonderful DH. He is my rock. He is my world. I love that he makes me laugh, lets me wipe my snot on him when I cry. I love that he is willing to stand up for what he believes in, he works hard to get where he needs to be and that he loves and adores me and his girls. (That would included the animals too). He makes things happen and supports me in all that I do. He is my biggest fan, as I am his.
I have wonderful kids. They do drive me nuts and sometimes I want to go insane if I need to drive them to another place or shell out more money for something, but they are my world and I want them to have it all. They are great girls.
I would not trade all the decision making for anything. As long as we have each other, it is all good.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Questions answered
Am I doing photography now? Yes is the short answer. I love it and love that I am doing great things with it. I really am loving the newborn shoots. The sport shoots are so fun, when I am not getting hit by a ball, which has happened a few dozen times now.
What are your prices? I had to think long and hard about this one. So here is what I came up with.
30 minute session is $35 (this is for up to 4 people)
Includes an 1-8x10, 2-5x7, 8 wallets printed.
For an additional $50 I will include the CD of our session with the edited photos, about 20 edited photos in the colors that you desire, ie, vintage, black and white, color.
How do I see the proofs? Probably via a website that I will give you access to. I can also post on the blog but those pictures are watermarked and not printable, unless you want my name all over them.
Will you travel? Locally yes. You want to pay my way to Hawaii, I am really open to that too.
Do you do Park settings? Yep :)
Urban settings? Yes
Are you willing to do a trash the dress session? OH HECK YEAH!!!!
So there you have it. Let me know if there are more questions to be answered.
What are your prices? I had to think long and hard about this one. So here is what I came up with.
30 minute session is $35 (this is for up to 4 people)
Includes an 1-8x10, 2-5x7, 8 wallets printed.
For an additional $50 I will include the CD of our session with the edited photos, about 20 edited photos in the colors that you desire, ie, vintage, black and white, color.
How do I see the proofs? Probably via a website that I will give you access to. I can also post on the blog but those pictures are watermarked and not printable, unless you want my name all over them.
Will you travel? Locally yes. You want to pay my way to Hawaii, I am really open to that too.
Do you do Park settings? Yep :)
Urban settings? Yes
Are you willing to do a trash the dress session? OH HECK YEAH!!!!
So there you have it. Let me know if there are more questions to be answered.
I get to meet the nicest people
Really, I do! This adorable one is only ONE DAY old. He is almost 10 pounds.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
I am a taxi...
Yep, I cart kids from one place to another place. I have no time to post. sad eh? I will be blogging Thursday to catch you up on life.
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