A CRAZY Week!

I have said that in our family the week of Halloween is way crazier than Thanksgiving or Christmas! This week proved that to be the case. A Halloween Birthday is no joke.

Before I get into ALL the pictures...I need to say something. Thank you to our village for loving us well. Thank you for showing my children (especially Alex) that he can make a difference. For years, Alex asked me if God doesn't make mistakes then why does he have so much "wrong" with him. My answer was always that God doesn't make mistakes and that his purpose was to show people that you can still have a happy life and inspire others no matter what your circumstances. That sweet boy of mine has taken that message to heart and has found purpose through sharing his story.  He is committed to making our hospital, CMNH, and this world a better place. Helping him reach his goals whether through prayers, encouragement, or donations has strengthened his resolve and motivated him to push harder. So thank you for all you do.

Now for a picture documentary of the week:

Mad had her birthday party at Texas Ballet Theater with a surprise visit from Rapunzel!

After the party we headed to church for Trunk or Treat

Tuesday was a Costume Parade and Party at school

Tuesday night was TCU Boo with the TCU Dance Marathon Kids

Wednesday we took our traditional pumpkin pictures before school!

On top of all of that, Alex was the Tour Guide at the Annual Haunted House at the Hospital on Monday and Tuesday!

It was a week full of celebration and joy! We are tired, but our hearts are full. Please say some prayers for me this week as my surgery is on Tuesday. I have more pictures and an update on Alex and Zoey (his service dog) that I will share later in the week!

Ali

Happy 5th Birthday, Madelyn Paige!

 Oh my precious Maddy Moo, my Smoosh, my Firecrack-

 What joy you bring to our family. You are so smart and so funny. You have such big feelings packaged in that little body. Whether you are mad, sad, happy, you own it fully. You love with your whole heart and let everyone around you know. You make friends easily and are kind to all. You tell us we are your favorite and the best always. Your love for your brother is amazing. You are the most determined person I have ever met. You don't know how to quit. You push yourself to do what doesn't seem possible and that perseverance will take you far. When you were a baby and toddler all physical skills were so hard, but with relentless work you achieved every milestone we set before you. In those days when we just hoped you would be able to walk, I never dreamed you would aspire to be a ballerina and go after that goal too. You, my girl, are strong enough to do whatever you want. I hope you always want to be my little cuddle bug, my helper, my best friend. I pray you never lose your sassiness, your spunk, your drive.  You my Smoosh are so special and I love you so much. I thank God every day that he made you "so cute" and that he made you mine!
Love,
Mommy

Year Five Stats:

Weight 39 lbs
Height 3' 7"
Favorite color: Purple and Blue
Favorite Animal: Elephants and horses
Favorite Book: All Better
Favorite Movie: Tangled
Favorite Princess: Rapunzel
Favorite Food: French Fries, Yogurt, Ice Cream with Whipped Cream
Best Friend: Alex, Brookie, Audrey
Favorite things to do: Ballet, Read, Play dolls
What do you want to be when you grow up: Prima Ballerina

A Happy Week

This has been a great week. We have had lots of fun and not a lot of medical! We started with the "big kids" helping the younger kids in Sunday School on Sunday. Maddy and Alex asked to be together which always warms my heart. Alex has also been working on getting Zoey back into "service dog" mode.

Tuesday Maddy made it back to ballet after missing the last few weeks when she wasn't feeling well. She loves her class and is learning so much.

Wednesday our sweet Erin had baby Greyson. We were ecstatic to go visit on Thursday and meet the little guy we have waited and prayed for for so many months. I am not sure who was more excited to hold him...me, Alex or Maddy. Of course we were also happy to see Erin and Evan and meet their parents.

Thursday we also had Maddy's Fall Festival at school. It was so much fun and maddy loved playing with her friends and having Mommy at school.

Yesterday, Maddy and I went with some friends to Boo at the Zoo. It was a beautiful day and Mad loved having a day with new friends.

It was so nice to have a week full of joy and good times. We are gearing up for one of the busiest weeks of our year. We have Mad's birthday and Halloween as well as Extra Life.

Thank you for everyone who has prayed and continues to pray for us.

Ali