A Day of Counting Miracles

Nic's brother, Zac, turns the big 3-0 today! Happy birthday Zac! Zac is such an amazing guy. We love him so much! He's a great daddy to his four absolutely ADORABLE children and he takes such good care of his wife, Mandy. I have always admired Zac and Mandy. They are two of the most selfless and caring people I've ever met. I love that Zac supports Mandy in her desire to be a home mom. He works so hard to be the provider. He's up extra early and doesn't go to bed until very late. Zac truly is a good example of what a great husband should be like. Nic and Zac have a great relationship. I LOVE the way these two work when they're together. They are like two little boys! Seriously! They both had their remote-control cars (sorry, I know they have a much "cooler" name, but I'm not worried enough to call Nic and ask him what that name is) at the family reunion! It was fun to just watch them! Nic and Zac have a very deep trust in each other. We wish we lived closer! One of the many great things about Nic and Zac is they try to start each of their conversations with a line from "The Count of Monte Cristo". Yeah, pretty nerdy, but also pretty darn cute. We love you Zac and we hope your big 30th birthday is spectacular! :)

Not only is today Zac's birthday but.....

Mercydez is eight months old today!!!!! That is such a great miracle! Especially when hearing the prognosis we were given when being discharged from Primary Children's. It has been a blessing, and truly a miracle, to have our sweet Mercydez in our life. We couldn't be blessed with a more beautiful and sweet little girl. Our lives are consumed with her and our hearts beat for her.

Today marks another miracle... Mercydez has been home LONGER than she was in the hospital! Wow! It truly felt like an eternity being at Primary Childrens and it feels like the time has completely flown by with her being at home! We have done our best to allow her to truly live. We have done our best to make memories and do special things with our little princess. We have been so blessed in the fact that we have had these opportunities.

I was playing with little Mercy in her crib last night, as she was starting to doze, and I just had this overwhelming feeling of love for her. I am so grateful that I have the knowledge that families are eternal. I can't tell you how much I fear the future and the pain it will hold... but the peace of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is much stronger and it over-rides my fears. Sometimes I get stuck in those moments of fear and doubt though, and it's extremely difficult to crawl out of those deep, dark holes. I try to remember that I still have her. I do my best to enjoy NOW and leave tomorrow, well, to tomorrow. I have also gained strength from the heart group I belong to. There are several members who have lost their children, who have angels. I am so fearful for when I will be placed in their numbers. But, I look at them and I am in complete awe. Each one of these parents are amazing. They have a quiet strength about them and I can't help but observe them. My hope is that I can be like them.

My thoughts have been on Mercydez and her future. How I hope her future is bright and full of more good memories. I want her to look back on her life with pleasure, with happiness. I am truly doing everything I can to make that a reality.

We love you Sweet Pea. Congrats on making it this far! You are the strongest, sweetest, most beautiful little princess! Happy eight month birthday!