Christmas Cookie Party 2008 - Hosted by Ms. Deborah (Ms. Becca's Mom)

We have had an annual Christmas Cookie Party at either Ms. Becca's (my best friend of 15 years) or Ms. Deborah's every year. This year (on Sunday, December 14th) it was at Ms. Deborah's. There were many children and mommies in attendance and Ms. Deborah went all out. First of all, she made aprons for every child. How cute is that??!! Each child got to decorate a bunch of cookies (gingerbread and sugar) and then each child was matched with a few other children (their same age range) and they all decorated 4 tiny Christmas trees together. When we left, Ms. Deborah gave each family a platter full of cookies and pastries that she'd baked ahead of time. It was a wonderful day filled with laughter from all the children. Also, Ms. Deborah lives on a bunch of acres in the woods and all the kids played outside for some of the time.

As I alluded to in a previous post, we had moment during the party (or a few moments) when I (along with a grandmother there) were very worried for Caitlin and her granddaughter. They had gone off into the woods (without telling anyone and without permission - they were told to stay in the fenced area and to play at the playground there). They were not gone very long but it was long enough for me. I was very worried. Come to find out, neither girl thought they'd done anything wrong - they were out on a Dora the Explorer adventure! OMG - they half scared us to death - these were a 4.5 and 5 year old girls who do not live on the property...how could they have ever found their way back??!! Anyway, Ms. Becca and Mr. John went and found them.

There were so many kids, I'm not sure I can remember all their names, but here goes: Daniel, Katherine, Evelyn, Leah, Addy, Ryan, Jacob, Evan, Allison and Caitlin.

Anyway, we had a great time so here are the pics:

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Monday Prayer Requests (Dec. 22, 2008)

I hope ya'll had a great weekend. Merry Christmas (early) to you!

Today is the day that I'm updating the prayer request/praise list.

I hope you all will join me in remembering and praying for the following:

*Please pray for the continued healing of Baby Kayleigh.

*Keep Jennifer and her husband in your prayers - their first IUI in November was not successful.

*Please pray for my friend, Michelle, who's unfulfilled due date was yesterday (Dec. 21) with her precious boy, David.

*Please pray for the continued healing of Kahla's grandmother who had hand surgery last week.

*Please pray for some of our friends. They are having a difficult time financially right now.

*Please pray for David, the nephew of a couple in Rich and Hilary's adult bible study class. He just returned from Iraq because of a ruptured colon. He has been through multiple surgeries and lung failure among other things.

*Please keep my coworker, Daniel, in your prayers. He had emergency surgery a few weeks ago to have his appendix removed. Last week the results of the tests they did on the appendix showed that he may have colon cancer. Daniel is in his early forties. Please pray that further tests show no spreading and that they caught it in the early stages.

*Please keep Cate's family in your prayers. Her Uncle Thom died on December 18th of a stroke. He is survived by his wife and two young children.

*Please keep Jen's grandpa in your prayers. He was hospitalized last week and they found a spot on his lungs. Please pray that the spot is nothing serious. He will have further tests.

*Please keep Baby Ava in your prayers - she is having major trouble breathing and may be in the ER right now.

*Please pray for Chelle. She is having a very difficult time after the loss of her tiny angel baby on November 19th.

*Please pray for my friend, Cate. She lost her tiny angel baby on September 25, 2008. Please pray for her heart. It is broken in two right now and she is struggling to keep the faith. Please cover her in prayer.

*I found out about the following prayer request through my friend, Jocelyn's blog: Please pray for Melissa to be healed. She has been told that her lymphoma did not respond to chemo. Melissa is 31 years old, is married to Doug and has 3 children: Caleb (5 years) Lauren (3 years), and Audrey (1 year).

*I found out the following prayer request through my friend, Rachel's blog: Please pray for Brad to be healed. In 2007 Brad was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called chondrosarcoma. This past week, Brad found out how quickly his cancer is growing, after experiencing shortness of breath. Brad is married to Jenny and has 2 small children.

*Please pray for Angie's family. See here a recent post about some major prayer requests in her family at this time.

*Please pray for Dustin and Trish. Max went to Heaven on December 5th.

*Please pray for Ben and Heather. Please pray for Heather's healing and God's comfort right now. Heather has just been told that she is infertile.

*Please pray for Destiny and her husband. Their most recent IVF was not successful.

*Please pray for Stephanie. She's 24 weeks pregnant with Ava Page, but her sciatica is really causing great pain.

*Please see this blog that posts prayer requests and praises for children who are sick.

*Please pray for Ashly and her husband. They lost their baby Brooks at 39 weeks on September 17, 2008.

*I found out about the following two prayer requests through my friend, Debbi's blog: 1) Please pray for Anthony. He is living with CF. He was med-flighted to Texas (from FL) on December 2nd due the severity of his pneumonia. He had a double lung transplant in July 2008. 2) Please pray for Alan and his family. Alan was injured in July 2008 and is now paralyzed from the chest down with limited mobility of his arms. He is on a ventilator for breathing. Alan is married to his wife Jennifer and they have two children Skylar, 3 and Brandon, 2.

*Please pray for the family of Caitlin's friend, Ethan (who we came to know through Big Mamma and family). Ethan was 4 years old when he was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma, liver cancer. Ethan went to Heaven on Friday night (November 28th). Ethan has a younger brother and sister. You can view his CarePage here: http://www.carepages.com/carepages/WilliamEthanBrown. Ethan's memorial service was on Saturday, December 6th.

*Please pray for Caitlin's uncle Jared. He is in China and will not return until Christmas Eve. He is there for a business trip. If you're reading, Uncle Jared, Caitlin says "Hi!" Here are a few pics of you two playing together last month:













*Please pray for my friend. Her ex-husband was laid off the day before Thanksgiving. They have two children to support. Also, she had her biopsy last Thursday. Please pray for her while she awaits the results.

*Please pray for Adrienne and her family. The birth mother of the baby girl that they were going to adopt has decided to parent her instead of proceeding with the adoption plan.

*Rich still needs our prayers as they will continue to monitor his condition every other day at the hospital and he will get daily blood thinner shots.

*Please remember Greg and Nicol. As the holidays near, it is more difficult without their baby Luke.

*We all need to pray for our children. Angie Smith has laid out a clear plan on her blog to do so. Check it out here.

*Please pray for Becca and her husband (who I learned about through Jody's blog). Their two children had been in their home for nearly a year and were placed back with their biological mother.

*Tricia, Nate and Gweneth are remodeling their new home. Please keep them in your prayers. Please also remember that Tricia suffers from CF and has an infection in her chest.

*Pray for Stacy and Spencer as they continue to grieve the loss of their son Isaac.

*Please continue to pray for our nation, our new president-elect and our economy.

**Always remember those of us who have lost our babies. Some of my friends are having an especially hard time right now.

*Please pray for my friend as she continues an alcohol recovery program.

*Please pray for Fay and her family. They recently moved and now Fay's husband will be deployed soon.

*Please keep Jessica in your prayers as she is working with her sister in law, Meagan, to start up a non-profit organization called "Treyson's Purpose." This organization is being formed in memory of Treyson, Jessica's son who went to heaven on June 8, 2008. This organization is being formed to provide support, resources, and alternatives to pregnant women that are considering having an abortion.

*Please keep my friend in your prayers. She and her husband are trying to reconcile their marriage.

*Please remember Jen as she continues to grieve the loss of her husband and her baby.

*Pray for my friend Debbi as she has CF, her husband started a new job recently (that he keeps threatening to quit) and her meds are so expensive that she is unable to take them everyday (although she really needs to take them everyday). Please pray that she will be comforted and her depression will lessen and please pray that her husband would persevere even if the job is not something he likes to do (so that he can support his family).

*Please keep Caitlin's Grammy in your prayers. Due to the real estate market issues, she is having trouble selling homes. Please pray that she would close on a home very soon.

*Please keep Chase in your prayers. He is 3 1/2 and had his second ear tube surgery on November 26. Please also pray for Chase's mom, Kahla. She is getting ready to have IVF #5 in January.

*Please remember April Marie, a friend of mine from CafeMom. She gave birth to a baby girl, Ashlynn Elizabeth at 23 weeks 3 days on November 12, 2008. She weighed 1 pound 5 ounces. Ashlynn is currently in the NICU and is doing great. After the birth, April Marie's infection was so bad that they ended up doing an emergency surgery and had to take her uterus. She was told by the doctors that it is a miracle she survived. She and her husband believe that God gave her another chance at life so she can be here for her daughter. You can view her Caring Bridge page here: www.caringbridge.org/visit/ashlynnelizabeth.

*Please keep all of the children who have incarcerated parents in your prayers - especially as we approach the holidays. This year our two Angel Tree Children are: Edward who is 2 years old. His wish for Christmas is any toy. Marissa who is 11 years old. Her wish for Christmas is a silver necklace.

*Please pray for my friend, Melanie. Please pray that the Lord will open a door for a new job.

*Please pray for Baby David. His family has moved near the hospital that can help him. Please let Nikki know if you know any charities in the Kansas City area that may be able to help them out during this difficult time.

**If I've forgotten anyone, please know that God has not forgotten you. May you feel the loving, protecting and healing arms of the Lord wrapping around you each day.

Praise Him!

*Maria is pregnant! She got a BFP on her 26th birthday (on December 18th).

*Sara is 8 1/2 weeks pregnant!

*Lauren is 21 weeks pregnant with Evan James!

*Melanie has really been feeling the joy and peace that only the Lord can give for the first time since losing her tiny angel baby Nehemiah in March.

*Tricia appears to be cancer free!!

*Rich is at home with his family!

*Stephanie is 24 weeks pregnant with Ava Page!

*Rhonda is 26 weeks pregnant with her baby girl!

*Stellan is a healthy baby boy!!

Thank you.

Love,
Amanda

Our 2008 Christmas Card

Just wanted to post a pic of our Christmas card and the pictures I used for it...I have so many posts to catchup on. This is the first on my list :)


























































Hope you all are doing well. We just got back from our friend Missy's graduation from college and are about to go to her party. I hope to be able to catch-up on my blogging when we return tonight.

Many hugs and prayers go out to you, my friends.
Love,
Amanda

Just a quick contest!

I only have a minute, but I wanted to tell you guys about a contest my friend Michelle is having over at her blog.

She is such a sweet lady and just wants to give someone a little Christmas present (a book and some other goodies).

Please stop on over at When God is Silent and give Michelle a "hello" comment and you are entered! It's that easy :)

Have a great weekend. Now, I'm off to shop, lunch with friends, and to shop.

Love,
Amanda

P.S. She will draw the winner on Sunday (12/21/08).

Please pray for Kayleigh

Hi Ya'll

Thanks for your concern over where I've been.

Sorry I've been out of touch this week. I am so busy with everything going on around the holidays. Work parties, friend's parties and today is Caitlin's Christmas party at school. We've had doctors and dentist appointments. I'm trying to shop. We've had visitors to the house. I've got to plan Christmas day...the list goes on as I'm sure yours is doing too. I have been checking blogs randomly as I get a chance but sometimes I just can't finish everything in a day :)

I know I still need to upload our pics from the Christmas Cookie Party (and there's a little fun (not at the time) story about Cait getting "lost in the woods") that I need to post.

I also have so many tags that I need to post (like the husband one from Teresa, the for what I'm thankful for (using S) one from Melanie, and the picture tag from Lauren. I think I'm forgetting one or two but I have the list at home in front of that computer (I'm at work now) so I can't remember it all!!! :) LOL

I will post pics from Cait's Christmas party after today too. She has a major speaking part (she's the hostess) and I will be sure to videotape that! We just hope she does not get stage fright! She volunteered for the part so we're super proud of her.

Also, I just found out some awesome news from one of my blogger friends, Sara. She is expecting her Bundle of Joy #2 in July 2009. Please go over and wish her well and please keep her in your prayers.

Thanks and love,
Amanda

Monday Prayer Requests (Dec. 15, 2008)

I hope ya'll had a great weekend.

Today is the day that I'm updating the prayer request/praise list.

I hope you all will join me in remembering and praying for the following:

*Please pray for my friend, Cate. She lost her tiny angel baby on September 25, 2008. Please pray for her heart. It is broken in two right now and she is struggling to keep the faith. Please cover her in prayer.

*I found out about the following prayer request through my friend, Jocelyn's blog: Please pray for Melissa to be healed. She has been told that her lymphoma did not respond to chemo. Melissa is 31 years old, is married to Doug and has 3 children: Caleb (5 years) Lauren (3 years), and Audrey (1 year).

*I found out the following prayer request through my friend, Rachel's blog: Please pray for Brad to be healed. In 2007 Brad was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called chondrosarcoma. This past week, Brad found out how quickly his cancer is growing, after experiencing shortness of breath. Brad is married to Jenny and has 2 small children.

*Please pray for Angie's family. See here a recent post about some major prayer requests in her family at this time.

*Please pray for Dustin and Trish. Max went to Heaven on December 5th.

*Please pray for Ben and Heather. Please pray for Heather's healing and God's comfort right now. Heather has just been told that she is infertile.

*Please pray for Destiny and her husband. Their most recent IVF was not successful.

*Please pray for Stephanie. She's 23 weeks pregnant with Ava Page, but her sciatica is really causing great pain.

*Please see this blog that posts prayer requests and praises for children who are sick.

*Please pray for Ashly and her husband. They lost their baby Brooks at 39 weeks on September 17, 2008.

*I found out about the following two prayer requests through my friend, Debbi's blog: 1) Please pray for Anthony. He is living with CF. He was med-flighted to Texas (from FL) on December 2nd due the severity of his pneumonia. He had a double lung transplant in July 2008. 2) Please pray for Alan and his family. Alan was injured in July 2008 and is now paralyzed from the chest down with limited mobility of his arms. He is on a ventilator for breathing. Alan is married to his wife Jennifer and they have two children Skylar, 3 and Brandon, 2.

*Please pray for the family of Caitlin's friend, Ethan (who we came to know through Big Mamma and family). Ethan was 4 years old when he was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma, liver cancer. Ethan went to Heaven on Friday night (November 28th). Ethan has a younger brother and sister. You can view his CarePage here: http://www.carepages.com/carepages/WilliamEthanBrown. Ethan's memorial service was on Saturday, December 6th.

*Please pray for Caitlin's uncle Jared. He is in China and will not return until Christmas Eve. He is there for a business trip. If you're reading, Uncle Jared, Caitlin says "Hi!" Here are a few pics of you two playing together last month:













*Please pray for my friend. Her ex-husband was laid off the day before Thanksgiving. They have two children to support. Also, she will be having a biopsy this Thursday.

*Please pray for Adrienne and her family. The birth mother of the baby girl that they were going to adopt has decided to parent her instead of proceeding with the adoption plan.

*Rich still needs our prayers as they will continue to monitor his condition every other day at the hospital and he will get daily blood thinner shots.

*Please remember Greg and Nicol. As the holidays near, it is more difficult without their baby Luke.

*We all need to pray for our children. Angie Smith has laid out a clear plan on her blog to do so. Check it out here.

*Please pray for Becca and her husband (who I learned about through Jody's blog). Their two children had been in their home for nearly a year and were placed back with their biological mother.

*Tricia, Nate and Gweneth are remodeling their new home. Please keep them in your prayers. Please also remember that Tricia suffers from CF and has an infection in her chest.

*Pray for Stacy and Spencer as they continue to grieve the loss of their son Isaac.

*Please continue to pray for our nation, our new president-elect and our economy.

**Always remember those of us who have lost our babies. Some of my friends are having an especially hard time right now.

*Please pray for my friend as she continues an alcohol recovery program.

*Please pray for Fay and her family. They recently moved and now Fay's husband will be deployed soon.

*Keep Jennifer and her husband in your prayers - they had their first IUI on November 28th.

*Please keep Jessica in your prayers as she is working with her sister in law, Meagan, to start up a non-profit organization called "Treyson's Purpose." This organization is being formed in memory of Treyson, Jessica's son who went to heaven on June 8, 2008. This organization is being formed to provide support, resources, and alternatives to pregnant women that are considering having an abortion.

*Please keep my friend in your prayers. She and her husband are trying to reconcile their marriage.

*Please remember Jen as she continues to grieve the loss of her husband and her baby.

*Pray for my friend Debbi as she has CF, her husband started a new job recently (that he keeps threatening to quit) and her meds are so expensive that she is unable to take them everyday (although she really needs to take them everyday). Please pray that she will be comforted and her depression will lessen and please pray that her husband would persevere even if the job is not something he likes to do (so that he can support his family).

*Please keep Caitlin's Grammy in your prayers. Due to the real estate market issues, she is having trouble selling homes. Please pray that she would close on a home very soon.

*Please keep Chase in your prayers. He is 3 1/2 and had his second ear tube surgery on November 26. Please also pray for Chase's mom, Kahla. She is getting ready to have IVF #5 in January.

*Please keep Baby Ava in your prayers.

*Please remember April Marie, a friend of mine from CafeMom. She gave birth to a baby girl, Ashlynn Elizabeth at 23 weeks 3 days on November 12, 2008. She weighed 1 pound 5 ounces. Ashlynn is currently in the NICU and is doing great. After the birth, April Marie's infection was so bad that they ended up doing an emergency surgery and had to take her uterus. She was told by the doctors that it is a miracle she survived. She and her husband believe that God gave her another chance at life so she can be here for her daughter. You can view her Caring Bridge page here: www.caringbridge.org/visit/ashlynnelizabeth.

*Please keep all of the children who have incarcerated parents in your prayers - especially as we approach the holidays. This year our two Angel Tree Children are: Edward who is 2 years old. His wish for Christmas is any toy. Marissa who is 11 years old. Her wish for Christmas is a silver necklace.

*Please pray for my friend, Melanie. Please pray that the Lord will open a door for a new job.

*Please pray for Baby David. His family has moved near the hospital that can help him. Please let Nikki know if you know any charities in the Kansas City area that may be able to help them out during this difficult time.

**If I've forgotten anyone, please know that God has not forgotten you. May you feel the loving, protecting and healing arms of the Lord wrapping around you each day.

Praise Him!

*Lauren is 20 weeks pregnant with Evan James!

*Melanie has really been feeling the joy and peace that only the Lord can give for the first time since losing her tiny angel baby Nehemiah in March.

*Tricia appears to be cancer free!!

*Rich is at home with his family!

*Stephanie is 23 weeks pregnant with Ava Page!

*Rhonda is 25 weeks pregnant with her baby girl!

*Stellan is a healthy baby boy!!

Thank you.

Love,
Amanda

The Hoyt House is Finally Decorated for Christmas!

We finally went out and got our tree yesterday and got it all decorated. Here are some pictures from our day that brought us one step closer to getting into the Christmas spirit :)

MMmmmm, that pine scent sure is helping!

Today we are going over to my best friend's mom's house to decorate cookies with other moms and their kids. It's become a tradition to do a few weeks before Christmas. Should be fun. I heard Ms. Deborah made aprons for each child :) We're bringing cheese, crackers and summer sausage to snack on. That's my favorite part (the snacks!) LOL

I'll be sure to take some pics today too.

Have a great day.

Love,
Amanda

It did what, in this part of Texas?

Well, on December 10, 2008, we had something happen in our neck of the woods that very rarely happens...it, um, SNOWED!

I was born and raised here and this was only the 3rd time we had snow!!! The first time was in 1989 (I was 10 and remember making snowmen!) and the second time was on Christmas Eve 2004 (Caitlin's first Christmas).

On Wednesday, of course, we left early and we went out and took pics of Caitlin, Joy and Chris playing in the stuff. I had to take pics of things the snow was falling onto. I know, I know, for those of you who are from other parts of the world that get snow regularly, I seem like a crazie :) But, this is very rare here! :) LOL

Caitlin loved it and ran around the front yard like a banshee after she went around both of our cars and scraped the snow off the doors. Now we have "ring around the cars!" LOL

Here are our pictures. The camera did not capture exactly what we saw, but we have the memories at least :)





















Joy, Chris and Caitlin in the street watching the snow flakes





















after doing "ring around the cars"















our trampoline with snow on it















our grill (we never use) with snow on it





















looking out into the backyard





















My Man















Joy staying warm on the couch





















Cait and Joy (can you even see her?)















Cait trying to catch snow flakes on her tongue















Where I stayed most of the night





















getting bundled up














Snow gathering on the fence line

Have a great weekend!

Love,
Amanda

Wordless Wednesday

I found this picture while sorting through old ones last night...this is my mom and Cait four years ago.

Happy 17th Birthday, Danny!

My brother (and Caitlin's Uncle) Danny is 17 today!!!!

Happy Birthday, Danny!!

We love and miss you.

Do you remember...?




















Me and you the summer of maybe like 1992 (dad, do you remember?)




















Not sure of the year of this pic, but you are soo cute!














20 months - on a trip with you :)
















I think this was taken in 2000 when Chris and I visited you in WI. Look at how tiny Anya is too!!














2005 - visit to our house (first visit with Cait)




















You in 2007 - you are so handsome!

Love,
Chris, Amanda and Caitlin

Monday Prayer Requests (Dec. 8, 2008)

I hope ya'll had a great weekend.

Today is the day that I'm updating the prayer request/praise list.

I hope you all will join me in remembering and praying for the following:

*Please pray for Dustin and Trish. Max went to Heaven on December 5th.

*Please pray for Ben and Heather. They have a lot going on in their lives right now. Pleas pray for Heather's healing and God's comfort right now.

*Please pray for Destiny and her husband. Their most recent IVF was not successful.

*Please pray for Stephanie. She's 22 weeks pregnant with Ava Page, but her sciatica is really causing great pain. She goes in for physical therapy tomorrow.

*Please see this blog that posts prayer requests and praises for children who are sick.

*Please pray for Ashly and her husband. They lost their baby Brooks at 39 weeks on September 17, 2008.

*I found out about the following two prayer requests through my friend, Debbi's blog: 1) Please pray for Anthony. He is living with CF. He was med-flighted to Texas (from FL) on December 2nd due the severity of his pneumonia. He had a double lung transplant in July 2008. 2) Please pray for Alan and his family. Alan was injured in July 2008 and is now paralyzed from the chest down with limited mobility of his arms. He is on a ventilator for breathing. Alan is married to his wife Jennifer and they have two children Skylar, 3 and Brandon, 2.

*Please pray for the family of Caitlin's friend, Ethan (who we came to know through Big Mamma and family). Ethan was 4 years old when he was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma, liver cancer. Ethan went to Heaven on Friday night (November 28th). Ethan has a younger brother and sister. You can view his CarePage here: http://www.carepages.com/carepages/WilliamEthanBrown. Ethan's memorial service was on Saturday, December 6th.

*Please pray for Caitlin's uncle Jared. He is in China and will not return until Christmas Eve. He is there for a business trip. If you're reading, Uncle Jared, Caitlin says "Hi!" Here are a few pics of you two playing together last month:











*Please pray for my friend. Her ex-husband was laid off the day before Thanksgiving. They have two children to support. Also, she will be having a biopsy this month.

*Please pray for Adrienne and her family. The birth mother of the baby girl that they were going to adopt has decided to parent her instead of proceeding with the adoption plan.

*Rich still needs our prayers as they will continue to monitor his condition every other day at the hospital and he will get daily blood thinner shots.

*Please remember Greg and Nicol. As the holidays near, it is more difficult without their baby Luke.

*We all need to pray for our children. Angie Smith has laid out a clear plan on her blog to do so. Check it out here.

*Please pray for Becca and her husband (who I learned about through Jody's blog). Their two children had been in their home for nearly a year and were placed back with their biological mother.

*Tricia, Nate and Gweneth are remodeling their new home. Please keep them in your prayers. Please also remember that Tricia suffers from CF and has an infection in her chest.

*Pray for Stacy and Spencer as they continue to grieve the loss of their son Isaac.

*Please continue to pray for our nation, our new president-elect and our economy.

**Always remember those of us who have lost our babies. Some of my friends are having an especially hard time right now.

*Please pray for my friend as she continues an alcohol recovery program.

*Please pray for Fay and her family. They recently moved and now Fay's husband will be deployed soon.

*Keep Jennifer and her husband in your prayers - they had their first IUI on November 28th.

*Please pray for my friend Lauren. She is 19 weeks pregnant and her big ultrasounds is in 3 days! We hope to hear good news about Baby Evelyn Leigh or Baby Evan James very soon.

*Please keep Jessica in your prayers as she is working with her sister in law, Meagan, to start up a non-profit organization called "Treyson's Purpose." This organization is being formed in memory of Treyson, Jessica's son who went to heaven on June 8, 2008. This organization is being formed to provide support, resources, and alternatives to pregnant women that are considering having an abortion.

*Please keep my friend in your prayers. She and her husband are trying to reconcile their marriage.

*Please remember Jen as she continues to grieve the loss of her husband and her baby.

*Pray for my friend Debbi as she has CF, her husband started a new job recently (that he keeps threatening to quit) and her meds are so expensive that she is unable to take them everyday (although she really needs to take them everyday). Please pray that she will be comforted and her depression will lessen and please pray that her husband would persevere even if the job is not something he likes to do (so that he can support his family).

*Please keep Caitlin's Grammy in your prayers. Due to the real estate market issues, she is having trouble selling homes. Please pray that she would close on a home very soon.

*Please keep Chase in your prayers. He is 3 1/2 and had his second ear tube surgery on November 26. Please also pray for Chase's mom, Kahla. She is getting ready to have IVF #5 in January. Please pray for Kahla's friend Lisa's mom. She's very sick and will most likely have surgery today.

*Please keep Baby Ava in your prayers.

*Please remember April Marie, a friend of mine from CafeMom. She gave birth to a baby girl, Ashlynn Elizabeth at 23 weeks 3 days on November 12, 2008. She weighed 1 pound 5 ounces. Ashlynn is currently in the NICU and is doing great. After the birth, April Marie's infection was so bad that they ended up doing an emergency surgery and had to take her uterus. She was told by the doctors that it is a miracle she survived. She and her husband believe that God gave her another chance at life so she can be here for her daughter. You can view her Caring Bridge page here: www.caringbridge.org/visit/ashlynnelizabeth.

*Please keep all of the children who have incarcerated parents in your prayers - especially as we approach the holidays. This year our two Angel Tree Children are: Edward who is 2 years old. His wish for Christmas is any toy. Marissa who is 11 years old. Her wish for Christmas is a silver necklace.

*Please pray for my friend, Melanie. Please pray that the Lord will open a door for a new job & please pray that her walk with the Lord would gain strength.

*Please pray for Baby David. His family is in the process of moving near the hospital that can help him.

**If I've forgotten anyone, please know that God has not forgotten you. May you feel the loving, protecting and healing arms of the Lord wrapping around you each day.

Praise Him!

*Tricia appears to be cancer free!!

*Rich is at home with his family!

*Stephanie is 22 weeks pregnant with Ava Page!

*Rhonda is 24 weeks pregnant with her baby girl!

*Stellan is a healthy baby boy!!

Thank you.

Love,
Amanda

Another Award - Thank you, Jen!!!

Thank you to Jen Baker who has given me the "Lemon Award."











This award is given to bloggers who have an attitude of caring - of turning life’s lemons into lemonade.

You are too sweet, but I can only make it through this life one day at a time, with my God and my family and friends.

I'm praying that you and your husband are blessed very soon with a baby on this earth to love.

Now, I'm passing this award onto 3 (can it be more? I have others who deserve it!) of my blogging friends who have encouraged, uplifted and prayed for me:

1) Melanie
2) Michelle
3) Lauren.

May you all be blessed beyond measure.

Thank you and sleep well.
Love,
Amanda

Christmas Candlelight Ceremony - In Memory of Noah Joel

Last night I invited Chris and Caitlin to go with me to attend the 2008 Christmas Candlelight Ceremony that MEND put on to remember our baby.

The ceremony was held at our church and was very nice. We each got candles and sat at round tables with other families who have lost babies.

We sat at a table with Robyn and Kevin Andersen who lost their baby Caleb Eugene in 2006. They were very nice and brought their 4 kids.

We enjoyed the prayer, music, poetry, and inspirational message by Jaimie Crump, Director of MEND Houston, who lost her baby Abigail Grace in 2003.

Then, Brandy Wilson, Assistant Director of MEND Houston, who lost her baby Elaine Kelly in 2000, lit the MEND Candle. The MEND Candle has 4 wicks. Each wick represents the following:

1) babies lost through miscarriage
2) babies who were stillborn
3) babies lost soon after birth
and the one I did not expect and saddens me
4) babies who will be lost in 2009 and whose parents will need to join us for the Christmas Candlelight Ceremony in 2009.

After the MEND Candle was lit, we each got up as a family and headed to the front to light our candles for our babies. We each spoke into the microphone the name of our baby and their heaven date. This. was. hard. for. me. I do not do well speaking (if only 6 words: Noah Joel Hoyt; March 26, 2008) in front of large groups; and this was a hard thing to say. No matter the time that passes (it's been 255 days) since we lost our precious tiny angel baby, it will always be hard for me to vocalize and I'll always get a lump in my throat. There will always be someone missing in our family. Always and forever.

I'm glad we went. It was healing for me to be there with my family - my loving husband and my beautiful daughter.

In loving memory of Noah Joel.

Love,
Mommy, Daddy and Big Sister Caitlin Love