Giving back.

This holiday I got to thinking... what am I doing to give back? Grant and I do our usually charities, and ones that come along the way.... but, what are we doing for families in need right now? What am I being called to do for other families in need?

The other day I was driving, and I came to a light and gave a man money. He said God bless you to me as I gave him money. His sign said, "hungry, please help". I know that there are LOTS of people out there that have signs and reasons, but I felt for this person. I got tears in my eyes. I have lots of food, a nice car, a warm home, people I love, and that love me, etc. I always have a home to go to. Then I started thinking... what are the families that are having a hard time getting by going to do for food this holiday season? I began to sob. My heart breaks for the people that are working so very hard in this world and still not making ends meet. I knew I needed to do something.

I called my church on Wednesday. How can I help? Can I help at the pantry give away? Can I donate a meal to a family... But, I was too late. The meals were already collected and passed out. This was NOT good enough for me. I called another church. A church closer to my home and asked how I could help. Same answer. No one was present, and the food was already donated.

I began to think. Then it dawned on me. Rescue Missions! Women's shelters! I called the Long Beach Rescue Mission. They said that they were serving dinner the night before Thanksgiving, and serving a breakfast on Thanksgiving. The dinner would be served at 3pm. I didn't have enough time to get a whole dinner to the mission in time so I decided to supply a breakfast.

I went to my local grocery store where I bought my makings for our Thanksgiving dinner and picked up breakfast makings. This was the least I could do!

I donated 5 dozen eggs, 4 boxes of pancake mix, milk, and orange juice. I know it can't feed an entire city... but, I know this will help many families! I also dropped off clothes, a baby bath, baby blankets, and much more to the Lydia house. The women's shelter.

As I pulled up there was a line around the corner. People waiting in line for there Thanksgiving meal. I began to cry. I began to thank God for all that I have. I'm so lucky. I made a vow to myself right then and there. I told myself that EVERY holiday I would do for either my church or mission. I have donated food, school supplies, clothes, etc... but, never have I gone to a home and dropped it off. Jake was with me. He of course had no idea what was going on... but, I will make sure my boys go with me. They will see how to help others and to be thankful. The people thanked me. It took everything in me to not cry in front of them. They kept saying, "God bless you", but I said it right back. I will be praying for those people.

This Christmas I will be in Boise. I am calling our pastor to see how I can help there. Whether I work at a shelter, or supply food. I will be doing something.

I pray that other's donate time or food if possible. I encourage you to do more.

This year, Grant ran the Turkey Trot here in Long Beach (Jake and I went along for support... and of course Grant ran is pretty darn quick without even training), went to a local restaurant for breakfast, and then I made our Thanksgiving fest while Grant played with Jake. It was relaxing, and one of the most fun holidays! I love my little family! Later my brother and his wife came over and we had dessert. Lots of pies, cookies, and ice cream. It was very nice to see them. Ashley is due with their first baby girl this December. Madison will be the first girl grandchild, and my grandma's first great granddaughter! So cool, right?

Tonight we are having a friends dinner. I'm so thankful for the people that surround us!

Here is my little man on Thanksgiving (It's so hard to get a picture of him nowadays):

Month of Thanks... week 4

This Thanksgiving I'm feeling so thankful! I'm thankful for everything in my life. My growing family, my parents, my husbands family, and our friends. We have a wonderful circle of people that surround us. 

This week I'm thankful for the 2 1/2 men in my life! Grant, Jake, baby boy #2! They're what makes my heart beat. They make me so happy! 

I'm glad I chose Grant to spend the rest of my life with, and that he chose me. He understands me. He knows how to make me happy, even when I'm sad. And loves me unconditionally. It's so nice to have someone that is caring and thoughtful in your life. I love that no matter how stressful his day is he walks in, kisses and hugs me, and grabs our son. I love that he kisses me and hugs me like we are still dating. I love the moments we spend as a family, and our date nights. He is my best friend. I'm a lucky lady! 

God has blessed me with 2 little boys. My little monkey that is 14 months old, and my unborn lil monkey that is only 23 1/2 weeks along. Watching Jake grow from a newborn, to an infant, into a toddler is amazing. They grow so fast. Seeing how they discover new things, and learn is so cool. I love that he kisses and hugs me during the day. I love that he is the sweetest little boys I know. 

And lastly, I'm thankful for those little kicks. Even the kicks in the middle of the night. The kind of kicks that startle you because there so strong. I'm thankful for those. A little reminder that life is growing! I pray for his health and happiness. I pray that I'm the best mommy to these boys. I will do everything in my power to make sure they are happy and successful. That is my purpose.

I hope everyone is thankful for all they have. Happy Thanksgiving friends and family! :)

Month of thanks... week 2

Today I'm thankful for my grandmother. A woman that has been another mother to me. If you know me... you know that I talk to my grandmother about 10 times a day. I have since I was a little girl. I can always count on her at any time of the day to pick up and talk to me. She is an amazing woman. I love her so much.

My grandmother has always believed in me. She's always in my corner. She was one of my biggest supporters for my figure skating career as well. Going to the ice rink at 5am and then taking me right to school... for so many years. 

 

Growing up my grandma was always over. A few times a week. For sure every weekend. I looked forward to seeing them, and when I was really young I would cry when they left. I was so lucky to have grandparents that were so much a part of my life. 

I remember so many days in college, that my friends were going out and I decided to go over to my grandparents house to spend the night. My grandpa would make my favorite meal (meatloaf and a baked potato), and we would all chat for hours. Watch a little TV, and pass out. It was the best. I miss it. I miss my grandfather. I miss their house. But, at least I know we're only a phone call away. :)

My grandma doesn't go online so she wont read this blog post. However, that is why I'm writing her a letter thanking her for my 31 years of love and support. I love her so much and am so fortunate to have her in my life... and my children's lives. 

I thank God that I have grandmother that is healthy, and very active. She came out to help me when Jake was 8 weeks old. Grant was away traveling, and I'll never forget Jake started crying like crazy. I was doing everything I could, and he wouldn't stop. I was exhausted from many sleepless nights. My grandma took Jake from me, sat in my rocking chair and rocked and sang to him. He fell asleep immediately. I was shocked. I was so happy that she was there. She slept in the room with Jake and I while Grant was away. We had such a fun time together. Going to lunch/dinner, hanging out at our house, and watching movies.

I'll be seeing her this Christmas, and I can't wait for her to see how much Jake has grown since she's seen him last. My mom and grandma came out for Jake's first birthday in September. Jake is 14 months, running around, and such a big boy! I have to send a picture of Jake to my family every day... If I forget to send one, they ask!

I'm sending my grandma's card out tomorrow morning. She isn't expecting it, and I know it'll make her smile. I'm so lucky to have her in my life, and I love her very much. 

Month of Thanks... week 1

Last year I did a month of thanks every Thursday before Thanksgiving (I know it's Sunday... but, I moved and just got the Internet hooked up today). This year not only will I blog about my week of thanks, but I will send a Thank you note for each blog post. Who doesn't like getting personal mail? I think it's even more sincere then text messages, facebook messages, and emails. This is a nice way of showing my appreciation.

Grant and I have had another great year. We have a lot to be thankful for. Not only did we celebrate our son's first birthday, but we found out that we were expecting again!

The person that I'm sending a card to this week is a very special person to Grant and I. I am going to send a thank you card to our pastor in Boise, Idaho. When Grant and I go to Boise we attend my parents church and make time to see their pastor. Pastor Tom is very special to Grant and I. He married us in 2009, prayed for us and even counseled us before we got married, dedicated our son Jake, and continues to pray for my family. He is a Godly man. A wonderful father, and a dedicated Boise State fan. ;) Pastor Tom is someone I can talk to and ask his advice. He is knowledgeable and dedicated to Christ. I look up to him and his devotion to our Lord. 

Our wedding - April 18, 2009

Shortly after Grant and I got married, I was told I might not be able have children. I was told by a doctor that I had been seeing for over 10 years. I was devastated. After finding out I had poly cystic ovary I saw Pastor Tom. I told him what the doctor had told me and I asked him to pray for Grant and I. I started seeing another Gynecologist (one that is also a friend) and I started taking Glucophage. A diabetic drug. Once I started taking that along with my thyroid medicine (my new doctor had also discovered that I had hypothyroid) I found that my body made it's way back on track. I was pregnant a week after I saw our Pastor and after taking the medicine properly. 

I called Pastor Tom immediately! Tears of joy. We prayed. I prayed. He continued to pray for us. After I had Jake and we came back to visit my parents I brought Jake into meet our Pastor. 

Over the 4th of July I knew we were taking a trip to visit my family and this trip Grant was coming with me. Grant and I talked over and over about who and where we would have Jake dedicated and the only thing that made sense is that Pastor Tom should do it. The man that married us, prays for us, and knows us personally. I called Tom 2 weeks before our trip and he said he'd love to dedicate our little man. WE WERE THRILLED! 

Later that trip we found out that we were expecting baby #2! What a miracle. Children are God's gift to us. Pastor Tom was alerted of baby #2 as well! 

We will be making our way to Boise for Christmas and I can't wait to attend Church on Christmas Eve. I've been going to Christmas there almost every year for that past 6 years. Cloverdale Church of God is a wonderful place that I can call home when I'm in Boise. I just wish we could go there every Sunday! 

Thank you Pastor Tom for guiding us in the right direction. For restoring our faith in times of weakness and being there for all the blessings that come along the way. I'm truly grateful for what you do and how you touched my family. You are a wonderful person and I can't wait for you to dedicate our other son in 2012!

Appreciation and many thanks!

Month of Thanks... week 1

I usually blog about why I'm thankful on a weekly basis... It's usually coupled with baby postings. I wanted to do something a little different this month mainly because we are approaching the Thanksgiving holiday. I want to blog once a week (day will be based on when I have time with a newborn in tow) to say thank you to those special people or things in my life.

Week 1.

I would like to express my thankfulness for my hubby. My husband has been very supportive of me and my needs throughout my pregnancy and postpartum journey. No matter how busy or tired he is he makes sure I get time out with the girls or that he takes Jake so I can sleep extra hours here and there. In September my husband threw me a surprise 30th birthday party, sent me out shopping, and helped with the baby while I recovered from my c-section. This continued into October with shopping sprees with my best friend, lunches, dinners, and an occasional happy hour with my sorority sisters. November just arrived and I already have a spa day/wine tasting set up, walks with my loves (hubs and baby on Saturday mornings), and sleep days already lined up!

I'm blogging to say thank you to my wonderful husband Grant. Thank you for all you do without me asking. I'm so very grateful to have you come home when you are tired from your busy work/travel schedule and do things that I need help with. I love being a SAHM (stay at home mom) and I especially love being Jake's mom and YOUR wife. You make me happy and I'm so thankful for you. I look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you and our family we are creating together.

I appreciate all you do and it doesn't go unnoticed.

Love your wife,
Brooke