I haven’t posted here in a while. Many of you know that we have had a lot on our mind the past week or so. Aiden has been tentatively diagnosed with a rare bone disorder — to go with the rare kidney disorder. Oh joy! Seriously, can my baby catch a break? If the diagnosis is confirmed, chances are he will need surgery on both legs before he can have his kidney transplant.

To be honest, I wanted to throw my hands in the air and scream at anyone who would listen, God included. But the very same day that we got this “tentative” diagnosis Aiden , once again, taught ME something.

After the long car ride to and from Dallas, he was exhausted and had spent most of the ride there and back crying because his legs hurt after long periods of time in his car seat ( the pain is apparently a side-effect of the bone disorder). He was talking on the phone to my grandmother after we finally made it back home and one of the first things he asked her was, “Is PawPaw doing okay?” Nevermind his pain, nevermind 2 rare diagnoses and surgeries and trials to come…he was concerned about the well-being of those he loves. My heart swelled. Surely God has given me a rare gem of a child. I am blessed.

Later that night, after hooking up to his dialysis machine we said our prayers. “Now I lay me down to sleep…” After the “Amen” at the end, Aiden added “Praise you Jesus.” Again, my heart was full. Full of love for this little blessing that teaches me so much. Instead of dwelling on the difficulties, he opts to Praise You, Jesus. And so….I will too.

I honestly think that my son teaches me more than any adult ever has. I pray that I am teaching him invaluable lessons along the way too.

Pray for Aiden.

Most days I’m happy, optimistic, full of hope and Faith.

Most days I’m confident that my little man will be just fine. No matter the diagnosis or the trials that are ahead for him.

Most days I am thankful that the ones I love don’t have to know what it’s like to live with fear and doubt whispering in their ear.

Most days…

But, today, I am haunted by what-ifs.

Today, my confidence waivers, if only for a moment or two.

Today, I let fear get the best of me and I am scared.

I guess it’s always there, but today it is louder than my optimism. Bigger than me. Bigger than what I think I can handle.

Today, I must dwell on what I know is true.

It may be bigger than me, but it’s never bigger than God. He holds my precious little man in the palm of his hand. He has the cure. He is my hope, my faith. He whispers to my heart. “Don’t be afraid.”

Today He reminds me, that it’s not my job to fix it. He reminds me that He is in control, not just most days. But every day.

Hey friends!

It has been over a week since I updated Tales of the Toot and for that, I’m sorry! We have had a very, very busy week here and are all exhausted. But, it’s a good kind of exhausted, so we’ll take it!

This week, Aiden’s wish was granted by the Make A Wish organization. Aiden wished for his very, own playground and was super excited when the playground was unveiled on Friday! He has spent all weekend playing and keeps telling us how much he loves it. Thanks so much to our Wish team for making the experience so much fun!

In case you missed it, here is the link to the story as covered by our local KLTV News:

KLTV7 Coverage

And, the link to photos takes by Longview News Journal (typo in their story they state Aiden has a rare liver disease, but AHUS is a rare order that effects the kidneys):

Longview News Journal Coverage

And a few pics from Aiden’s “Wish Party” at Chuck-E-Cheese and the playground he wished for:

Thanks so much to all of our friends and family who came out for the celebration–we loved sharing our Toot’s special day with you!

…We now resume our regular blogging schedule…

I love Spring. Sunny skies, warm temps, flowers in bloom….rebirth…change.

Change is definitely in the air here in Texas and at our home too.

After 2 years, yours truly is putting her nursing cap back on. Yep, I’m going back to work. Excited. Nervous. Happy. A little bit sad.

I’ve spent the past couple of years at home taking care of my little Toot and watching him grow and bloom into a handsome, smart and charming little man. My awesome husband has taken such wonderful care of us. I am blessed.

But, sometimes I miss being a grown-up, contributing and putting to use those skills I went to school for so long to master!

An awesome opportunity presented itself (via my very awesome friend, Beverly) and it just worked itself out. A job where I can spread my wings a little and work when I can. They know Toot’s story and they understand. My schedule is not a schedule at all. I work when I can–no pressure, no expectations. What more could I ask for?

So, say a little prayer for me as I step back into the work force and trade a few days of playgrounds and YoGabbaGabba for patients and care plans. Say a little prayer for David, too, as he settles in for a few days of playgrounds and YoGabbaGabba.

We are excited, nervous and above all–Blessed.

We had the best time traveling to my cousin’s wedding this weekend.

Toot was a ring bearer in her wedding and he was such the little entertainer. Not only did he look adorable in his tux, but he brought his guitar and played it for anyone who would pay attention at the reception. He also danced with anyone who would dance with him, or by himself if no one was willing. At one point he hit the dance floor and had all the ladies surrounding him in a circle as he danced. He was in heaven. I have no idea where he gets it.  But, because he actually has rhythm, I am taking credit for his dancing skills.

His only mishap?

Sticking his finger in the bottom tier of the wedding cake before the wedding even started! Yep! Take your eyes off him for a second and there’s a big ol’ fingerprint in the middle of the cake. He really wanted some of that “birthday” cake!

He’s lucky he’s so cute….

But now we’re back in town and back to life, enjoying the beautiful Texas weather as Spring finally shows it’s face. Be on the look out for the next couple of weeks as I have several more fun product reviews and GIVEAWAYS coming up!

Speaking of giveaways…if you haven’t entered the Bisquick Pancake Nation Giveaway, you should! It features some great cookware and it ends tonight at 10pm CST. Enter now!!!

We’ve had a busy but exciting week and have even more “busyness” coming in the following week!

The Make a Wish Foundation came out Friday to get Toot’s wish. His first pick?

“I want to go see Handy Manny and ride his motorcyle!”

We thought about this and discussed it with our wish granter. We agree that the Tootster is probably a little young for a week at Disney. I love Disney but would rather take him when he’s a little older so that he will appreciate the full experience and remember it!

So…. we went to other choices. Toot’s favorite place right now? The playground! Since Texas is finally seeing the signs of Spring, we have taken full advantage of the nice weather and visited several area parks. Not a day goes by that the Tootster doesn’t ask to go to the playground.

We think it would be awesome to have an outdoor area for the little man to enjoy–especially during those times when we are “quarantined” at home due to “sick season.”

Hopefully we can incorporate Handy Manny into the picture some how!

Coming up this weekend, the little man will be sporting his first tux as the ring bearer in our cousin’s wedding. Here he is (left) being fitted and he just had to try on the fedora or “Dora” hat, as he called it.

He is going to be so stinkin’ cute!

I say all of that to say this….if my posts are a bit “fluffy” for the next couple of days….this is why! We are busy, but I will be back into cranking out some quality posts after the weekend. Until then, enjoy the cute pics! haha!

The question is so simple, yet we make it so hard. The answer can be found in a million little things, or at least 3,650 little things. My new friend, Marie, over at Spreading Joy inspired me to think about these little things–not just today, but everyday. Marie’s post was inspired by the desk calendar: 3,650 Things to be Happy About by Barbara Ann Kipfer .

In the desk calendar (which I need to find during my next trip to the book store! I can’t resist!!) Ms. Kipfer has listed 10 things to be happy about for each day.

10 things.  Sound hard? It’s not, I promise!

Marie has challenged herself -and others- to try listing 10 things to be happy about for each day. You can list them in your journal, on your blog, on Marie’s blog, or even here in my comment section! Just do it. It will lift your heart and make you grateful for the little things that God has blessed us with — the things that so often go unnoticed in our day-to-day lives.

1. Spring
2. Wireless internet
3. Coffee
4. Hugs from my little man, and my big one
5. Hope
6. a sense of belonging
7. tulips
8. Guitar Hero
9. a true friend
10. salty McDonald’s french fries and, of course, Reese’s Cups! (but not together)

So, tell me, friends…What Makes YOU Happy?

I ran across a new blog that I really like this week, called The Girl Next Door Grows Up. When I saw that she had a fun link-up called “Feel Good Friday”, I decided to join in the fun. It’s just a little bit ironic (don’t you think) that I am participating in my very first “Feel Good Friday”  the day after having all 4 of my wisdom teeth cut out—so I don’t actually feel very good at all! LOL! Just goes to show you that I’m a fun gal—always up for something new–even if I’m not feeling 100%.

 Here are a few things that made me feel good this week:

1. My hubby taking off work to take care of me after my surgery.
2. My little man rubbing my face and telling Daddy, “I need some medicine, daddy! Mama’s got a headache!”
3.  Good friends and family checking on me.
4. Feeling loved.
5. Loving.
6. Lortab….haha, couldn’t resist throwing that one in there. Thank the Lord for modern medicine!

Have a great weekend-

Christy

Welcome to the new and improved home of Tales of the Toot!! Please bookmark our new web address: www.talesofthetoot.comand follow us on Google Friend Connect, Twitter and Facebook! If you are an old subscriber, I ask that you please subscribe to our new address so you can get all of the latest and greatest from Tales of the Toot! If you are a new friend, thanks so much for stopping by and please take a moment to connect and/or subscribe! I look forward to connecting with you all now that this move is complete!

Christy

Each year brings new lessons, new challenges and new victories…as we say good-bye to 2009 and look toward the new year, what are some things that you will do differently this year?

Here are a few of mine:

1 – Seek Him. There is nothing that changes your life more profoundly than consistently seeking God. This year I will be studying his Word more and devoting more time specifically to seeking Him.

2- Be Still. This is a biggie for me. It is so hard to take time to just “Be Still” — I truly believe it is in these quiet, still moments that God is able to speak volumes to us.

3- Serve. Giving myself. Actually using what God gave me! What a concept!

Your turn! ……