Helping Out

We have been so blessed with friends both near and far helping us out the last six months, especially all of the time we were in the hospital with the little one. I know until being on bed rest and being with our baby who has been hospitalized 20 days this year on four separate occasions, I never really knew what would be helpful for those with kids hospitalized (or who are hospitalized themselves) and for those on bed rest.

Several people have offered to help, but were unsure what to do. I know there are people out there who have spent much more times in hospitals than us, but I know from our experience what we needed and what helped most.

I just wanted to share some of the most helpful things others have done for us to help inspire those with friends/family in need with ideas of ways to help. All I can say is we sure have some creative friends and family.

On bedrest:

Two friends from across the country made a care package complete with snacks, chocolate, a good book, a fun movie and a crossword puzzle book. Not only was it a surprise, but it kept me busy for hours.

We got a gift card for a grocery store nearby so my husband could buy already made dinners from their dinner bar and bring them home on the way home from work. This was extremely helpful since I was not supposed to spend more than 5 minutes standing and it was difficult to make dinner sitting down or in 5 minutes.

My mom and sister-in-law sent me a box of crafts, which I love to do and a lot of books. It helped encourage me to spend the time resting I needed to and helped me not be so bored.

During hospitalizations:

Both of our parents flew up and spent time helping out with our older son.

Several new friends offered to help with everything from buying groceries to watching our older son to doing our laundry.

Two different families watched our older son including giving him baths, washing his clothes and feeding him.

One sent dinner to the hospital so we didn't have to eat cafeteria food or fast food again.

One of our friends called us the night we came home from one of our hospital stays and said she was bringing over dinner that evening. While I wouldn't have asked her to do it, it was so appreciated.

A friend a few hours away sent us dinner in a box. How could you get more creative?!?!? She sent it complete with cookies and found a dinner that needed minimal preparation.

We got many phone calls, emails and our son was added to many prayer lists. The support from near and far gave us the strength to keep doing what we needed to do for our son and the continued prayers have been imperative.

While spending days in the hospital with a little person who can't talk, I thought of a few things I would do when someone I know finds themselves in this situation.

If I am nearby, bring up toiletries, a change of clothes, or anything else.

Offer to sit with the person who is hospitalized so the caretaker can take a short break. Days inside one building is not healthy for anyone.

If I am far away, send things like the crystal light instant drink packs someone sent me on bedrest. Those rock and most hospitals have a lot of water and juice available to drink, but nothing more at least on the floors.

Thanks to all those who have offered spiritual support and support with the things we have needed to do. We cannot express how much we have relied on the support throughout the last many months.

We pray for all the families who are looking at much longer stays than we have had and pray they can get the support they need too.

Another Freebie

So I know it's late, but my aunt alerted me to the fact that Walgreens was giving away 15 free prints today only. You can order them online and pick them up whenever, but it's only good today.

The code is TAXDAY.

Also we got great news that a second brother and his wife are expecting their first child, right after another one and his wife have their second. I love being an aunt and excitedly waiting for babies I don't have to be sick before seeing them:).

A lot more to say, but we had a nice last minute visit with my dad who flew in today so it will have to wait for another day.

A Wedding Prayer

I decided to post my "speech" for my best friend's wedding last week after some encouragement from one of my sisters.

I had a difficult time thinking of what I wanted to say at the reception. We've been best friends for 25 years and we know how special our relationship is. Many people in life are not as blessed to have such a close friendship at not even 30 years old.

My goal was not to cry, but to share my hopes and desires for their marriage. I also wanted it to focus on them, not my friend and I, since it was their wedding.

Well, the not crying didn't happen, but I tried to be as composed as I could.

I think prayers for these gifts are the most important gifts a married couple can receive. I know those are what carry you through the rough patches.

Below is the prayer I prayed. I took out their names so it's more generic, but obviously had their names in it.

I would like to share my prayer for name and name with you as they begin this journey through life together.

Please bow your heads as we pray for name and name.

Lord, we thank you for name and name on their wedding day.

We thank you we are able to gather together to celebrate with them and we thank you for the love they share.

May they always bear with one another’s weaknesses and grow from each other’s strengths.

Help them to always forgive each other’s failings and help them place each other’s needs ahead of their own.

Please grant them patience, kindness and cheerfulness as they continue on their journey.

May their love grow and mature with each passing year and continue to bring them both closer to You.

Amen

Free Ink At Walgreens

So I guess Walgreens just started offering printer cartridge refills and want to promote it, but tomorrow (Wednesday, April 2) they are offering one free ink refill. You can get the coupon here. It can be color or black - normally $15 for color and $10 for black.

I know we go through so much ink and nothing gets me to try a product like when it is given away.

Apparently if you live in Hawaii this is good for April 7 instead. Don't ask me why Hawaii is so special they get their own day separate from the whole country, but they do.

Remember to bring your cartridge with you. The refills work best when it is a recently used cartridge, just an FYI. I've tried it with older ones and I have not had luck with it.

Looks like they are not accepting Canon and Epson cartridges - so that kinda stinks. Good thing we have an HP:).

Enjoy your free ink!