Merry Christmas

Wow...is it already December 21st? Where did 2010 go? I rarely have time to update our blog these days. I'm hoping to do better in 2011! For now, we wish everyone a safe and joyful Christmas! As we reflect on the year and craziness of our life, we realize how blessed we are IN the craziness. Our God is amazing and powerful and he GAVE his only Son for us. What a reason to celebrate! Happy Birthday, Jesus! Thank you for loving us.



so blessed,
d

Best Buddies Tennessee Champion of the Year

a Paul for Silas
Best Buddies TN Champion of the Year 2010 Campaign

Since our sweet Silas came along, Jeff and I have been trying to navigate the Down syndrome world in the midst of just getting through this year of having 3 children under the age of three. We hoped to identify an organization very much plugged-in to the mainstream but also meeting specific needs of people like Silas. There are some great organizations that specialize in medical needs, research, or even political advocacy.

We heard of Best Buddies soon after Silas and Stewart were born and found ourselves drawn to the organization because their focus is primarily on relationships. Jeff teaches public school in a county that prioritizes a mainstreamed education for students with disabilities. Thus, he teaches students with disabilities and his largest concern for them is loneliness. We are thankful that our Silas has Stewart and Anna, but we pray that he will also learn independence and build friendships of his own one day.

Anthony Kennedy Shriver founded Best Buddies to foster one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual disabilities at all stages of life. Best Buddies is based on a chapter or club system in schools and communities and facilitates this based on simple things like shared interests. The Tennessee office was opened in January 2010 and has opened six new chapters this year including two high school chapters. We want to see TN continue to grow and we need your help!

I’m excited to be participating in a fundraising campaign called the Best Buddies Champion of the Year 2010 and Jeff is my campaign manager. Twelve volunteers are attempting to raise as much money as possible in an 8-week period starting September 17, 2010. In addition to this letter, we are hoping to host a few fundraising events in the Nashville area. We are also tasked with identifying sponsors and auction donations for the culminating event of the campaign on November 12th where the Champion will be named. If you know of a business that would like to partner with us, please let me know!

On to the good part…how can you help? GIVE!!! Our campaign goal is $10,000! I know! The goal is overwhelming but I decided, if I’m going to compete, I’m going to go big. And more importantly, if you help me meet my goal, lives will be changed! Here’s how to donate…

1. ONLINE! Go to the website at www.bestbuddiestennessee.org/champion and click on our campaign link to donate. (Debra Myrick is at the bottom of the candidate listing.)

OR

2. US Mail. Send your check to me (email me if you need my address) made out to Best Buddies Tennessee with "Debra Myrick" in the memo line (don't forget this part!).

Please donate by October 15th. I thank you for your gift and one day Silas will thank you for your gift.

Also...please feel free to share this info with all your friends! If you host a blog, please consider adding a link to our page and asking your readers to contribute to our campaign!

we are so blessed,

debra

Yes...we are still here...

I apologize to those who actually check our blog for updates! I'm so behind!!!! Life is just crazy and I have a zillion things on my to do lists and rarely does even one get crossed off. Needless to say, the kids keep me busy.

We are surviving. The last year has been eye opening for me and Jeff and very challenging. I guess you could say we are surviving...barely. Having three little ones is very demanding BUT they are huge blessings. I feel like God is teaching me lesson after lesson every single day (and I confess I don't always like the lesson).

So...I hope to get some new pictures up of the family. The boys are 1! We can't believe it. They are thriving and have rocked Anna's world. She is a great big sister.

Jeff and I are also participating in a very exciting fundraising campaign beginning Sept 17th for eight weeks to benefit Best Buddies Tennessee. More to come closer to the 17th!

We have so much to be thankful for.

So blessed.
d

The Flood and a chance to help

Wow what a week. Saturday morning it started to rain and there was talk of tornado warnings and then our beloved city was flooding. What? No one had any idea so much rain would fall in such a short period of time. So families lost homes and earthly possessions and cars and buildings floated down the interstate. Crazy! If you haven't seen photos and video, just go online and search for the Nashville Flood 2010.

So...what is next? Giving. The people here need help. One family is the Birckheads.


I met Hollie at an adoption fundraiser yard sale when I was pregnant with the boys. She had this fancy triple stroller (which we later bought from her) and sold me on the fact that I needed one. Hollie and Nathan's house flooded on Saturday. They have 2 year old triplets and a sweet 5 month old baby. God has provided a dwelling place for them as they pick up the pieces and clean up their home. And you can help by sending gift cards. Go here

Login ID 39149
Code: 5983
Click on "live out of town" for info on gift cards and mailing address.

Please pray for the people of Nashville. God is present and hears the cries of his children.

Thanks, friends!
so blessed
d

Nine Months

These sweet ones will be nine months old on the 1st. Unbelievable! While they keep me very, very busy, I can't imagine life without them.

Stats

Silas
Weight ~ 15 lbs 2 oz
Height ~ 26 inches

Stewart
Weight ~ 17 lbs 4 oz
Height ~ 26 inches

Yes, they are the same height!
More to come on what they are doing.

so blessed
d

Happy Birthday, Anna!

Our sweet baby girl turned 2 in February. We absolutely adore her. More to come on her...

Forgiveness...

I'm so behind on our blog. I barely have time to turn around these days. When I do get a few minutes on the computer, I like to catch up on some of my favorite blogs.

Today, this post encouraged me. And I love the video she linked to of Take My Life. See below and be blessed.

I struggle alot with being home everyday with my kids. I love them and would give my life for them and I know God has me here to refine my soul for His Glory. I'm very stubborn. I never saw myself as a stay at home mom, only a part time stay at home mom. But God has me here and I'm thankful to see my children learn in front of my eyes. I will never have these days back with them. BUT...it is hard. It is the most diffcult part of my journey so far in life. It is so hard to not compare myself to other moms that seem to have it all together most days. Then my God reminds me that I am to define myself through Him and no one or nothing else.



I have a lot of catching up to do...more updates to follow...hopefully.

so blessed
d

Video shorts

Here are some little clips from just before, during and after the holidays. Hope you enjoy.

Prayers

Update: The surgery went great! So great that they let us come home at noon. We checked in and he was in surgery at 9:15. Thanks for the prayers. Now...let it snow!

Stewart is having hernia surgery tomorrow at 11 a.m. If you think of us, please pray for him. We will be at the hospital for 23 hours for observation. It is a standard procedure but of course, mama is nervous. Also, pray for snow. Even though he just had a two week break, Daddy wants a snow day on Thursday. :)

thanks, friends!

d