Our first bake sale/fundraiser will be on Dec 2nd at 4:15pm for Cooper Elementary Staff.
If you're interested in purchasing the baked items here is what will be served:
Cookies will be provided for by Not Ya Mama's Cookies http://www.nymcookies.com/
Cake Balls provided by Avery's Angels Bakery meghanhall07@gmail.com (recipe inspired by www.bakerella.com)
There will also be baked goods from other vendors/friends available for purchase on site.
You can find ordering information at both spots if you're not able to purchase at the event. It is important that you notate for vendors outside of Avery's Angels Bakery that this is for the Avery's Angels Fundraiser.
The event sampling is for Cooper Staff but anyone is able to order or contribute goodies for the fundraiser testing! Email me at meghanhall07@gmail.com
If you're interested in hosting an event, participating or putting on an event please email me!
Avery's Angels prefers to partner with local merchants and friends to support our friends during this recession while raising money for a very important cause. However our need is great and we won't turn down any opportunity to bring in funds. If you have any fundraising ideas or contributions please contact me!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Musing Part 5
I hope I explained myself clearly.
I shed my obsession when I realized that God lives in me and wants to work through me in all things. Somethings He gives to me and the ability He has blessed me with to take care of, like teaching, organizing the gastroschisis NPO, loving Jared, and worshipping. Somethings, like the aching and yearning, He puts in me to make me more reliant and receptive to Him and His plan. He does want us to have another baby. Many more, but that ache is to draw me closer to Him so He can love me and carry me through like only He can and only He wants to. It's like the song "How He loves" and the first Commandment reads- He is jealous for me. He wants me and my all.
So I have to quit the obsession and the me part of the ache and rest in Him. So He can act and do and be.
Through it all, He can bear His glory, but only if I put the me aside and show the Him. If I do as He compels without asking but answering. If I feel as He would feel and not as me bearing it for myself. He is achieving through me and I have to show that it is Him. Because, obviously, when I do it for me and myself I get lost and crazy.
And really tired.
So I'm leaving the sanctuary. And I'm starving and exhausted. Ready to rest, like Hannah, ready to eat, like Hannah. I can make my promise now because it's truly is for God's glory as He lives in me, and not as a means to an end.
A bubble bath my friends.
I love Avery, I love Jared, I love our family, our friends, our Church family, our work family, all the little things that go right that I forget to see. I love God. God if I haven't fully thanked you for all that you have provided for me and us for, search my soul and heart now for the gratitude that immerses my soul. You are Holy.
Love, Amen, Goodnight.
Meghan
I shed my obsession when I realized that God lives in me and wants to work through me in all things. Somethings He gives to me and the ability He has blessed me with to take care of, like teaching, organizing the gastroschisis NPO, loving Jared, and worshipping. Somethings, like the aching and yearning, He puts in me to make me more reliant and receptive to Him and His plan. He does want us to have another baby. Many more, but that ache is to draw me closer to Him so He can love me and carry me through like only He can and only He wants to. It's like the song "How He loves" and the first Commandment reads- He is jealous for me. He wants me and my all.
So I have to quit the obsession and the me part of the ache and rest in Him. So He can act and do and be.
Through it all, He can bear His glory, but only if I put the me aside and show the Him. If I do as He compels without asking but answering. If I feel as He would feel and not as me bearing it for myself. He is achieving through me and I have to show that it is Him. Because, obviously, when I do it for me and myself I get lost and crazy.
And really tired.
So I'm leaving the sanctuary. And I'm starving and exhausted. Ready to rest, like Hannah, ready to eat, like Hannah. I can make my promise now because it's truly is for God's glory as He lives in me, and not as a means to an end.
A bubble bath my friends.
I love Avery, I love Jared, I love our family, our friends, our Church family, our work family, all the little things that go right that I forget to see. I love God. God if I haven't fully thanked you for all that you have provided for me and us for, search my soul and heart now for the gratitude that immerses my soul. You are Holy.
Love, Amen, Goodnight.
Meghan
Musings Part 4
So I prayed the prayer, cried, screamed, searched and begged. But I hadn't come to the part in my "Hannah Story" where I left the temple with dry eyes and a new spirit.
Any man who puts a garden tub in the master bath and has a wife should get a million bucks. Jared's best gift to me in this house has been that spot. I was so drained today from forcing myself into worship (which I ended up delighting in) and working on my first Avery's Angel's bake sale, that my body was throbbing all over when I reached to do my last cake of the day. My heart said "O please, let's go soak in the tub" and I was to exhausted to fight the urge.
I drew the bath, I'm an expert now (after several rather comical attempts that literally had our entire bathroom looking like a cloud had gotten very lost,) for getting the perfect amount of bubble, warmth, jets and water. I put on my "cheesy" Darlene Zcheche (ahem, girls like those songs because their love songs and gentle and passionate in the female form and image of God, how our soul resonates as the Brides of Christ and mothers of His creations. Which is why it's important that our songs get sung I worship, so that our souls can magnify His glory fully in and with the essence in which our Creator made, deemed and intended them. Excluding them excludes our abilities and our part in worship, the one action God calls us to do, created us for, and that we are capable of doing for Him. Again, I digress.)
So bubbles, Darlene, some Chamomile tea and a good book called Crazy Love.
And yes the book definitely helped, but my exhaustion did more than anything. I had literally tired the "me" out.
And it came to me. The ache I have, as in His image, is God's ache. He knows, through my lost and as He lost His own son. My yearning for a baby, that's His yearning, He put it on my soul and my groaning in the Holy Spirit puts it on His heart. (Which is where I'm lucky because Hannah didn't have that.)
Most importantly, the anger I have towards these parents that don't love the children they're blessed with is His anger. He has sent me to do His work, to love these children, to provide refuge for these gastroschisis parents, to believe in Jared and love him, (Haha, and yes, even to nag my worship leaders to allow more female songs.)
We ask too often "Why doesn't God fix these things" when we see suffering and problems in the world. Well, He's trying to! In the very fact that we ask the question!
Do you see what I'm getting at?
Yes He's angry at the hurtful parents but He loves His children so He sends me. And if I set "me" aside, and quit asking the question and do the answer, I would see that He is fixing it.
Yes I hurt and ache for our Avery, but if I realized that my tears God's already cried, and that Avery's death will eventually bless me, the world and Him as it already has started to, then I can really cry, in Him, with Him, for Him.
Do you see? Where there is the "why not God" there is the you, me, us asking the question, and we are His answer.
How does this help my ache? Well, it doesn't, Heaven is ever more drawing my desires and dreams towards it, it's a hard place to be as aware of how amazing and wonderful Heaven will be as I am and Mommies and Daddies of angel babies are. When you count more true love in heaven than earth, well, I can't fully explain. So my ache still exist, but that's God in me longing for Himself to be united in heaven. More importantly, He wants me to help Him help the world. He puts in me the parts of His ability to help the ache of those around me.
Any man who puts a garden tub in the master bath and has a wife should get a million bucks. Jared's best gift to me in this house has been that spot. I was so drained today from forcing myself into worship (which I ended up delighting in) and working on my first Avery's Angel's bake sale, that my body was throbbing all over when I reached to do my last cake of the day. My heart said "O please, let's go soak in the tub" and I was to exhausted to fight the urge.
I drew the bath, I'm an expert now (after several rather comical attempts that literally had our entire bathroom looking like a cloud had gotten very lost,) for getting the perfect amount of bubble, warmth, jets and water. I put on my "cheesy" Darlene Zcheche (ahem, girls like those songs because their love songs and gentle and passionate in the female form and image of God, how our soul resonates as the Brides of Christ and mothers of His creations. Which is why it's important that our songs get sung I worship, so that our souls can magnify His glory fully in and with the essence in which our Creator made, deemed and intended them. Excluding them excludes our abilities and our part in worship, the one action God calls us to do, created us for, and that we are capable of doing for Him. Again, I digress.)
So bubbles, Darlene, some Chamomile tea and a good book called Crazy Love.
And yes the book definitely helped, but my exhaustion did more than anything. I had literally tired the "me" out.
And it came to me. The ache I have, as in His image, is God's ache. He knows, through my lost and as He lost His own son. My yearning for a baby, that's His yearning, He put it on my soul and my groaning in the Holy Spirit puts it on His heart. (Which is where I'm lucky because Hannah didn't have that.)
Most importantly, the anger I have towards these parents that don't love the children they're blessed with is His anger. He has sent me to do His work, to love these children, to provide refuge for these gastroschisis parents, to believe in Jared and love him, (Haha, and yes, even to nag my worship leaders to allow more female songs.)
We ask too often "Why doesn't God fix these things" when we see suffering and problems in the world. Well, He's trying to! In the very fact that we ask the question!
Do you see what I'm getting at?
Yes He's angry at the hurtful parents but He loves His children so He sends me. And if I set "me" aside, and quit asking the question and do the answer, I would see that He is fixing it.
Yes I hurt and ache for our Avery, but if I realized that my tears God's already cried, and that Avery's death will eventually bless me, the world and Him as it already has started to, then I can really cry, in Him, with Him, for Him.
Do you see? Where there is the "why not God" there is the you, me, us asking the question, and we are His answer.
How does this help my ache? Well, it doesn't, Heaven is ever more drawing my desires and dreams towards it, it's a hard place to be as aware of how amazing and wonderful Heaven will be as I am and Mommies and Daddies of angel babies are. When you count more true love in heaven than earth, well, I can't fully explain. So my ache still exist, but that's God in me longing for Himself to be united in heaven. More importantly, He wants me to help Him help the world. He puts in me the parts of His ability to help the ache of those around me.
Musings Part 3
Yes Hannah and I share a deep consuming desire. A plight, but more importantly, an obsession. And I can't count how many times I've begged God from rock bottom and made the promise to "do anything" but I haven't left the sanctuary yet, with dry eyes.
So here's where we get back to God.
I've been talking a lot about me, because I've been feeling a lot of me. Me hurts, me aches, me wants, me doesn't understand, me not patient, me worried, me stressed. Me me me me. God help me, God grant me, God please me me me me.
So what?
Freak out, yes, I just said "So what?"
So what? Really? After that list? Meghan, you've really lost your mind.
Well maybe I have and maybe I haven't.
You see Genesis 1:27 says that God created us man and woman in His image.
Maybe it's because I'm an artist or maybe because I refuse to see God in a literal human form; this passage has meant something special to me throughout the years and I'll explain why. (I am also thankful the Eldredges put this idea in their books, especially "Captivating," because it brought me a wee bit of justice.)
I firmly believe that this passage means that we carry the image of God in our emotions. In that which is unseen, we mirror our Creator, for as these emotions are unseen, it is like the very nature and essence of our Heavenly Father. Compelling, real and powerful, but not tangible or seen. The two parts, man and woman, counter and compliment each other, just as the nature and feelings of an all encompassing God. As women are empathetical and sensitive, as our God, and men are bold and assertive, as our God. The image we reflect in our feelings, passions and emotions is the image of God placed uniquely inside each of us.
Let's face it. Really? God's image is something that walks by tripping forward? That has only two eyes, 10 fingers and two legs? (However I should say here that God's creation is perfect and that He sees fit that we are more than capable to take care of His plan in and with the physical form He created for us.)
Again I digress.
Hannah, me, God, Holy Spirit, in His image.....
So here's where we get back to God.
I've been talking a lot about me, because I've been feeling a lot of me. Me hurts, me aches, me wants, me doesn't understand, me not patient, me worried, me stressed. Me me me me. God help me, God grant me, God please me me me me.
So what?
Freak out, yes, I just said "So what?"
So what? Really? After that list? Meghan, you've really lost your mind.
Well maybe I have and maybe I haven't.
You see Genesis 1:27 says that God created us man and woman in His image.
Maybe it's because I'm an artist or maybe because I refuse to see God in a literal human form; this passage has meant something special to me throughout the years and I'll explain why. (I am also thankful the Eldredges put this idea in their books, especially "Captivating," because it brought me a wee bit of justice.)
I firmly believe that this passage means that we carry the image of God in our emotions. In that which is unseen, we mirror our Creator, for as these emotions are unseen, it is like the very nature and essence of our Heavenly Father. Compelling, real and powerful, but not tangible or seen. The two parts, man and woman, counter and compliment each other, just as the nature and feelings of an all encompassing God. As women are empathetical and sensitive, as our God, and men are bold and assertive, as our God. The image we reflect in our feelings, passions and emotions is the image of God placed uniquely inside each of us.
Let's face it. Really? God's image is something that walks by tripping forward? That has only two eyes, 10 fingers and two legs? (However I should say here that God's creation is perfect and that He sees fit that we are more than capable to take care of His plan in and with the physical form He created for us.)
Again I digress.
Hannah, me, God, Holy Spirit, in His image.....
Musings Part 2
So I've been struggling and fighting myself for the past few days trying to get back "me". It feels much like it would if you were tossed overboard from a fishing vessel into stormy waters; the shock of the cold water, the floundering to keep your head above water while wave after wave comes slamming you down into the gray-black sea. You begin to breath and then your head is plunged back into the surf, salt fills your lungs and the cold grabs your breath. I'm walking the fine line between grieving, and self-pitying obsession.
Don't get me wrong, no matter how much "better" I can feel about the here and now this season grates on my heart; I am still a professional mother and teacher. Watching shoppers shop kids toys and clothes, writing up Christmas lists, preparing meals and watching the magic of the season ebb into our lives with out the wee body and eager eyes I planned on teaching it to and sharing it with shatters my defenses.
On top of it I love on children who's parents don't love them, consider their livelihood secondary to their own selfish needs, would sooner buy themselves the holiday magic than share it with their own flesh and blood.
When I started into the large cone part of my spiral decent, I began researching biblical scriptures on barrenness and prayers for conception. Somehow, by God's doing I'm sure, I ran across the story of Hannah from first Samuel.
Put the joy of those around me as the jealous jeering of the second wife and you have a very accurate depiction of my anguish. (I love this about God, for those of you who feel like the Bible is "out dated" or "not relative to the here and now" my experience has shown me when I search the word for a direct lesson and story on my plight I find an answer; from not feeling compelled like my fellow sisters to be quite and demure in the story of Deborah, to understanding how to love my in-laws in Ruth, to the desperation and suffering of Job. You're just not looking my friend, or, you just don't have the gall to actually read and apply what's said.) But I digress.
Hannah, me, surrendering my plight through the groaning of the Holy spirit, leaving the sanctuary with dry eyes and renewed appetite......
Don't get me wrong, no matter how much "better" I can feel about the here and now this season grates on my heart; I am still a professional mother and teacher. Watching shoppers shop kids toys and clothes, writing up Christmas lists, preparing meals and watching the magic of the season ebb into our lives with out the wee body and eager eyes I planned on teaching it to and sharing it with shatters my defenses.
On top of it I love on children who's parents don't love them, consider their livelihood secondary to their own selfish needs, would sooner buy themselves the holiday magic than share it with their own flesh and blood.
When I started into the large cone part of my spiral decent, I began researching biblical scriptures on barrenness and prayers for conception. Somehow, by God's doing I'm sure, I ran across the story of Hannah from first Samuel.
Put the joy of those around me as the jealous jeering of the second wife and you have a very accurate depiction of my anguish. (I love this about God, for those of you who feel like the Bible is "out dated" or "not relative to the here and now" my experience has shown me when I search the word for a direct lesson and story on my plight I find an answer; from not feeling compelled like my fellow sisters to be quite and demure in the story of Deborah, to understanding how to love my in-laws in Ruth, to the desperation and suffering of Job. You're just not looking my friend, or, you just don't have the gall to actually read and apply what's said.) But I digress.
Hannah, me, surrendering my plight through the groaning of the Holy spirit, leaving the sanctuary with dry eyes and renewed appetite......
Musings from a bubble bath Part 1
(Sent from my phone, so that's why there are so many parts!)
So a few of you know all too well how much I've been struggling with this holiday, and I mean, really struggling. Not sleeping, breaking down inconsolably at work, cranky at worship (sorry team!!) When I go to lay my head down to sleep my mind swirls like a bad Quinton Tarantino movie; sorted montages, dismembered voices, haunting memories. I have to pray for God to quiet my mind so I can sleep. I've been desperate enough to ask for a medication to help me sleep. To relax, to quit the obsessing.
I'd like to believe my angst is as deep as it is because all the turmoil has me wrapped up and flung far away from what and where I see myself; an encourager and a positive "Pollyanna". I'm downcast, always complaining, heaving my burdens on the ears of anyone who will listen. I feel selfish, guilty, foreign, lost and confused; like I woke up in someone else's life.
Bear with me, it is going to get better.
To add to myself, Jared and I are hoping for another baby. A baby to look forward to, to steep hope back into our lives, give us a positive to stress over, plan for, excite in. Essentially, to save our hope, to save our lives.
Don't get me wrong, Jared and I are doing so well right now. I lift that to God daily, I thank God for Jared daily, I praise Jared for himself daily.
There is much to be glad in, and I always thank Him for that. But my soul aches for a baby.
I've been twisted up in it all, every tweak of my body, every sign; Friends episodes that are of Monica and Chandler struggling for a baby freak me out. People tell me to relax, I don't know how. My thoughts are always on Avery, then to pull myself out of that I think on the hope of another baby, then I freak out about why it's not happening or when will it happen.
Feeling crazy yet? I did. I don't anymore....
So a few of you know all too well how much I've been struggling with this holiday, and I mean, really struggling. Not sleeping, breaking down inconsolably at work, cranky at worship (sorry team!!) When I go to lay my head down to sleep my mind swirls like a bad Quinton Tarantino movie; sorted montages, dismembered voices, haunting memories. I have to pray for God to quiet my mind so I can sleep. I've been desperate enough to ask for a medication to help me sleep. To relax, to quit the obsessing.
I'd like to believe my angst is as deep as it is because all the turmoil has me wrapped up and flung far away from what and where I see myself; an encourager and a positive "Pollyanna". I'm downcast, always complaining, heaving my burdens on the ears of anyone who will listen. I feel selfish, guilty, foreign, lost and confused; like I woke up in someone else's life.
Bear with me, it is going to get better.
To add to myself, Jared and I are hoping for another baby. A baby to look forward to, to steep hope back into our lives, give us a positive to stress over, plan for, excite in. Essentially, to save our hope, to save our lives.
Don't get me wrong, Jared and I are doing so well right now. I lift that to God daily, I thank God for Jared daily, I praise Jared for himself daily.
There is much to be glad in, and I always thank Him for that. But my soul aches for a baby.
I've been twisted up in it all, every tweak of my body, every sign; Friends episodes that are of Monica and Chandler struggling for a baby freak me out. People tell me to relax, I don't know how. My thoughts are always on Avery, then to pull myself out of that I think on the hope of another baby, then I freak out about why it's not happening or when will it happen.
Feeling crazy yet? I did. I don't anymore....
Monday, November 23, 2009
Bake Sales are Coming!
I'll be doing a bake sale at school on the 3rd and running until the 18th. The Smalls from my church Journey will be helping with their delecious cookies check them out http://nymcookies.com/default.aspx As a treat we're giving "samples" at the staff meeting and then people may purchase whatever they may choose. All the profits I recieve go 100% to the Non-profit (which right now is the fund!) as we get funds together to start up in Janurary! I'll also be making cake pops from www.bakerella.com with the spirit of Christmas. 100% of those proceeds go to the fund! I'm really excited but kind of overwhelmed! I'm hoping this goes well enough that other people decide they want to host and the deliciousness for a good cause spreads!!
Here's info on what we're going to be doing and why we're doing it:
Some of you know about our Angel Avery. He was born on April 14th and unexpectedly passed away on July 30th 2009. From conception Avery dealt with gastroschisis, a disease that affects one out of every 2000 babies born in North Carolina. During development, a fetus’s stomach forms outside of the body and then draws inside. With gastroschisis babies, the stomach doesn’t make it back into the body.
I’m not here to talk about myself and my baby. I’m here to tell you all about the need of hundreds and thousands of parents and babies in our State, our Nation and Globally. Currently there is no established center for research and care of these babies. Gastroschisis is diagnosed in the first 4-5 months of pregnancy. So parents are dealing with the stress of the unknown for 4-5 months after diagnosis and natalyl from anywhere for a month to 9 months while their babies are being operated on. Jared, my fiancé referred to this period as “they’re trying to fix his pluming. Getting Mr. Potato Head’s parts all together.” And the NICU environment is a very complicated place for parents to be parents.
Nothing is known about the causes of this disease. 10-20 years ago, only 10-5% of these babies survived. The success rate is definitely looking much better, but again, the causes of the disease remain a mystery and the numbers continue to increase. North Carolina heads what the medical community calls “the gastroschisis belt,” which consists of a number of south-eastern states that are experiencing a rise in the disease. UNC Chapel Hill treats 98% of all Gastroschisis cases born in North Carolina. It is our belief that there is no better medical facility to have the first Gastroschisis Center for Research and Care. We hope to provide for research into the causes and care for these babies. We also immediately can be providing care and support for thousands of babies and their families as they embark or go through this very scary journey.
On average in the NICU at UNC Chapel Hill there are 2 babies a month going through gastroschisis care and many other cases in-vitro with the high-risk pregnancy unit. I’m hoping this non-profit will be the corner stone in a national and global movement to provide care, support and research to all gastroschisis families and babies. We have to start somewhere, and with North Carolina being the state where one out of every 2000 babies born with the disease demands this be the starting point. The hope is that we will be able to spread with the gastroschisis national number being one out of every 5000 babies.
I’m hoping that this small non-profit will grow into a global community, similar to the breast cancer, cancer and other movements. We have to start somewhere, and I refuse to bury my son and my hope. Avery’s life will not be in vain; it is my daily motivation to have Avery be the life-line for millions of other babies.
We have much to accomplish. We need money for research, money for support, and money for families. During pre and neo natal care, these families incur commute expenses, medical, as well as everyday bills while they take time from work. There is also the need to help some of the more unfortunate families be able to afford funeral services, an expense that no family ever plans for.
Long term we plan to petition our State Government to build North Carolina’s first and only free-standing Children’s hospital. Currently the state does not have one, there are only wings and floors of hospitals, like Brenners, UNC and WakeMeds new facility. The care of children and babies is much different than those of a 40. 50 or 80 year old patient. It is very challenging to have this care successfully provided for by a hospital that provides care to the general public. Other states that have Free-Standing Children’s Hospitals have rooms that are big enough to accomotate the children’s parents, common areas for families and children to gather. And this is only a part of the need for our sick children and babies. I encourage everyone to research the Children’s hospital of Texas, Pittsburg and others. Again, an ICU unit in a general hospital provides the same care as an ICU unit for a 30-80 year old adult.
As you can see there is many different facets that this foundation will be involved in. The money raised by the bake sale and donated will help get this establishment running and provide a first step. The need is great.
We are 100% non-profit so all donations and funds are precious. Thank you for your time. The cookies are provided by Not Your Mama’s Cookies, and the portion that I receive, 100% goes to the non-profit. 100% of all the Cake Pop orders go to the foundation. If you have any further questions please email me at meghanhall07@gmail.com
Here's info on what we're going to be doing and why we're doing it:
Some of you know about our Angel Avery. He was born on April 14th and unexpectedly passed away on July 30th 2009. From conception Avery dealt with gastroschisis, a disease that affects one out of every 2000 babies born in North Carolina. During development, a fetus’s stomach forms outside of the body and then draws inside. With gastroschisis babies, the stomach doesn’t make it back into the body.
I’m not here to talk about myself and my baby. I’m here to tell you all about the need of hundreds and thousands of parents and babies in our State, our Nation and Globally. Currently there is no established center for research and care of these babies. Gastroschisis is diagnosed in the first 4-5 months of pregnancy. So parents are dealing with the stress of the unknown for 4-5 months after diagnosis and natalyl from anywhere for a month to 9 months while their babies are being operated on. Jared, my fiancé referred to this period as “they’re trying to fix his pluming. Getting Mr. Potato Head’s parts all together.” And the NICU environment is a very complicated place for parents to be parents.
Nothing is known about the causes of this disease. 10-20 years ago, only 10-5% of these babies survived. The success rate is definitely looking much better, but again, the causes of the disease remain a mystery and the numbers continue to increase. North Carolina heads what the medical community calls “the gastroschisis belt,” which consists of a number of south-eastern states that are experiencing a rise in the disease. UNC Chapel Hill treats 98% of all Gastroschisis cases born in North Carolina. It is our belief that there is no better medical facility to have the first Gastroschisis Center for Research and Care. We hope to provide for research into the causes and care for these babies. We also immediately can be providing care and support for thousands of babies and their families as they embark or go through this very scary journey.
On average in the NICU at UNC Chapel Hill there are 2 babies a month going through gastroschisis care and many other cases in-vitro with the high-risk pregnancy unit. I’m hoping this non-profit will be the corner stone in a national and global movement to provide care, support and research to all gastroschisis families and babies. We have to start somewhere, and with North Carolina being the state where one out of every 2000 babies born with the disease demands this be the starting point. The hope is that we will be able to spread with the gastroschisis national number being one out of every 5000 babies.
I’m hoping that this small non-profit will grow into a global community, similar to the breast cancer, cancer and other movements. We have to start somewhere, and I refuse to bury my son and my hope. Avery’s life will not be in vain; it is my daily motivation to have Avery be the life-line for millions of other babies.
We have much to accomplish. We need money for research, money for support, and money for families. During pre and neo natal care, these families incur commute expenses, medical, as well as everyday bills while they take time from work. There is also the need to help some of the more unfortunate families be able to afford funeral services, an expense that no family ever plans for.
Long term we plan to petition our State Government to build North Carolina’s first and only free-standing Children’s hospital. Currently the state does not have one, there are only wings and floors of hospitals, like Brenners, UNC and WakeMeds new facility. The care of children and babies is much different than those of a 40. 50 or 80 year old patient. It is very challenging to have this care successfully provided for by a hospital that provides care to the general public. Other states that have Free-Standing Children’s Hospitals have rooms that are big enough to accomotate the children’s parents, common areas for families and children to gather. And this is only a part of the need for our sick children and babies. I encourage everyone to research the Children’s hospital of Texas, Pittsburg and others. Again, an ICU unit in a general hospital provides the same care as an ICU unit for a 30-80 year old adult.
As you can see there is many different facets that this foundation will be involved in. The money raised by the bake sale and donated will help get this establishment running and provide a first step. The need is great.
We are 100% non-profit so all donations and funds are precious. Thank you for your time. The cookies are provided by Not Your Mama’s Cookies, and the portion that I receive, 100% goes to the non-profit. 100% of all the Cake Pop orders go to the foundation. If you have any further questions please email me at meghanhall07@gmail.com
Saturday, November 21, 2009
A Friendly Holiday Warning :-)
So we love everyone for their unwavering support and continued prayers. We're learning our lives without our little buddy, it doesn't get any easier, you just learn to live with it. We're doing much better, and learning to look for God and finding hope again too.
I just wanted to let our friends know, that although we are very excited for our friends with wee ones of their own running around healthy and wide-eyed with the holiday wonder, the holidays are going to be very difficult for us. Please refrain from flashing us your Santa pictures in your phone or in the mail. I know that sounds awful, but it makes it really hard for us to be happy for you. We had all of Avery's first Halloween costume, thanksgiving and Christmas outfits. So, I don't know. Please just keep that in mind before you send us your pictures. I know the Christmas card rush is coming. We love you.
I just wanted to let our friends know, that although we are very excited for our friends with wee ones of their own running around healthy and wide-eyed with the holiday wonder, the holidays are going to be very difficult for us. Please refrain from flashing us your Santa pictures in your phone or in the mail. I know that sounds awful, but it makes it really hard for us to be happy for you. We had all of Avery's first Halloween costume, thanksgiving and Christmas outfits. So, I don't know. Please just keep that in mind before you send us your pictures. I know the Christmas card rush is coming. We love you.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Hope hope and more hope
So I promise, I'm going to get things running soon. I feel that things maybe lulling down soon and there maybe a motivation from God for me to turn my focus on this more directly. I don't know so I'm praying on it more and more. We will see, I suppose. However, I do have another meeting at the hospital following some more appointments to meet with the Doctors and specialists to refine more of what I can do.
Please send out the word, I still want to get more connected with the community so that there's a base for what we're going to start.
I will post what's going on tomorrow after I chat with the Hospital.
Something to mull over for the time being is that NC does not have a free standing Children's Hospital. There are "wings" or "floors" like Brenners, a wing at WakeMed, the Floors at UNC and Duke, but there is no free standing Children's hospital designated to the specialized care of Children. It goes without saying that the care that a baby/child requires is much different than adult and elderly care. Most states have a "free standing" children's hospital, 100% designated to the care of children. The rooms can accommodate parents/families staying long term with their children/babies and the facilities themselves can accommodate and host children much better than a hospital that considers all patients. It's obvious that the needs of a child are much different than a 30/40/50/60/70 year old patient. There are different aspects to consider with minors/babies/children and the care of these patients cannot be adequately supplied at a general admittance hospital. This need was highlighted by the Doctors I met with last time, who dreamily described the amazing institutions that they came from before, explaining that many of the difficulties in care that they experience at hospitals here in NC (most all the surgeons and doctors at UNC cycle to all the local hospitals too) could be solved with having a free standing children's hospital. We can attest to this, in radiology, Avery's crib could be next to a 50 year old's wheelchair. Just a small example. It would also highlight how depressing the true nature of the Ronald McDonald house is. A parent should have immediate access to their children. In the case of UNC, the Ronald McDonald house is a 10 min bus ride from the hospital itself, and the total trip is 20 mins from the child's/babies bedside. And this would be a best case scenario, and common with all hospitals accommodating to all patients. The Ronald McDonald house supplies a very wonderful service, however, it doesn't help with the issue of access for parents/patients. Just as an example, Avery received a ton of care that we couldn't be present for, for proximity issues and I couldn't imagine what that would have been like if he was 5, 10 or even 12. Transfusions, IV placements, antibiotics, emergency x-rays and so on, even when he was "healthier." This is a very urgent need that our State needs. If you have the wild hair, please write the Governor, statesmen and representatives urging them to consider the urgent need of a freestanding children's hospital.
Please send out the word, I still want to get more connected with the community so that there's a base for what we're going to start.
I will post what's going on tomorrow after I chat with the Hospital.
Something to mull over for the time being is that NC does not have a free standing Children's Hospital. There are "wings" or "floors" like Brenners, a wing at WakeMed, the Floors at UNC and Duke, but there is no free standing Children's hospital designated to the specialized care of Children. It goes without saying that the care that a baby/child requires is much different than adult and elderly care. Most states have a "free standing" children's hospital, 100% designated to the care of children. The rooms can accommodate parents/families staying long term with their children/babies and the facilities themselves can accommodate and host children much better than a hospital that considers all patients. It's obvious that the needs of a child are much different than a 30/40/50/60/70 year old patient. There are different aspects to consider with minors/babies/children and the care of these patients cannot be adequately supplied at a general admittance hospital. This need was highlighted by the Doctors I met with last time, who dreamily described the amazing institutions that they came from before, explaining that many of the difficulties in care that they experience at hospitals here in NC (most all the surgeons and doctors at UNC cycle to all the local hospitals too) could be solved with having a free standing children's hospital. We can attest to this, in radiology, Avery's crib could be next to a 50 year old's wheelchair. Just a small example. It would also highlight how depressing the true nature of the Ronald McDonald house is. A parent should have immediate access to their children. In the case of UNC, the Ronald McDonald house is a 10 min bus ride from the hospital itself, and the total trip is 20 mins from the child's/babies bedside. And this would be a best case scenario, and common with all hospitals accommodating to all patients. The Ronald McDonald house supplies a very wonderful service, however, it doesn't help with the issue of access for parents/patients. Just as an example, Avery received a ton of care that we couldn't be present for, for proximity issues and I couldn't imagine what that would have been like if he was 5, 10 or even 12. Transfusions, IV placements, antibiotics, emergency x-rays and so on, even when he was "healthier." This is a very urgent need that our State needs. If you have the wild hair, please write the Governor, statesmen and representatives urging them to consider the urgent need of a freestanding children's hospital.
Friday, November 13, 2009
You deliever me and you deliever promise
Dear God-
We have a secret wish, Jared and I. And I'm praying that you, as only you can, see it through. As the nights grow longer and the days are shorter, I beg of you, fill our lives. Fill our lives again with that very specific hope. Fill our days with that need. Only you can deliever us, only you can make full your promise.
Grant us peace in our wish. Grant us the hope and the joy. I beg of you. Through tears, with a mighty yell, please God. Lay your hands on us and fill up this cup.
In your son's holy name
Very truly your daughter and bride in Christ,
Meghan
We have a secret wish, Jared and I. And I'm praying that you, as only you can, see it through. As the nights grow longer and the days are shorter, I beg of you, fill our lives. Fill our lives again with that very specific hope. Fill our days with that need. Only you can deliever us, only you can make full your promise.
Grant us peace in our wish. Grant us the hope and the joy. I beg of you. Through tears, with a mighty yell, please God. Lay your hands on us and fill up this cup.
In your son's holy name
Very truly your daughter and bride in Christ,
Meghan
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Sorry in the Delay
So I told myself when I started this that I wouldn't slack off about posting something at least once a week.
But I've gotten a little overwhelmed with life in general lately. Lots of pieces coming down all around like the season that we're in.
We had a fabulous concert for Christ on the 30th of October that I was in rehersals in all October for. It was an amazing night. I think hearts were really turned closer to Him and it gave me some real time to feel close to heaven and feel Avery smile. I almost cried several times but I kept hearing Avery say "Ah no Mommy! You're doing so well! Please don't cry!"
The holiday season is coming and it's so so so very bitter sweet. We heard the doorbell ring on Halloween and both of our hearts sank. We just looked at each other and I burst into tears. We had orginally thought that we were going to go get candy and pass it out. But reality hit me earlier that day, right when I went to get candy and I realized that I couldn't handle it. I had actually bought Avery a pumpkin hat earlier in the year in preparation. I am so ready to be a professional mommy. So that night instead, after Jared left for work, I traveresed to Michaels and made our wee angel a new fall flower arrangement. We went that Sunday and visited him and put it on his site.
There's nothing amazing, special or fun about that place. I hate it. I hate that we have to go there, I hate that any part of that is wrapped up in our lives. I love my little boy so much. It's not fair. Those moments, those are not fair. I can claim those selfishly, right?
I can feel it and I ache it so bad in every bone of my body. I've been taking bubble baths and listening to Darelene Zschech, praying and talking and reflecting with Christ. I know His timing is perfect, but I am really praying for a miracle to get through this season. I love Christmas and Thanksgiving so much. We had so much planned.
I've started doing the normal "new mommy/wifey" things of buying off season decoration. The little bit of fall decorations that I have are out, Jack our Scarecrow is next to the front door. Yesterday I needed a moment and left work early not feeling very well. When I came home he was sitting outside. Daddy (Jared,) said that it was because he was mis-behaving and needed some time to think about what he did.
Do you know how much I love that man? There is no one else in this world who knows the right words to say other than him. I praise God everyday for him.
I ached so bad for Avery lastnight I went into the nursery and put a diaper on a stuffed monkey. I just needed to go through the motions, not for another baby, just for me. How silly and weird is that? But I did. Popped a diaper on a stuffed monkey and cried.
I also found this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE33ejdgWIY&feature=youtube_gdata
The most interesting thing is that Desert Song was the Song I blared on the CD player to and from the hospitals all 107 days we had Avery. It has also been my ringtone for a while. I just found this video on Saturday. It's so beautiful how God alines all the wee details in our lives. I was just searching videos on female Worship leaders and it popped up.
I have another hospital appointment next week. I feel like time slips right through my fingers. I need to get onto gearing up to take the Praxis and apply for school in the Spring, I have to get running with the Non-profit so our Gastroschisis parents have shoulder and a place and I need to get on with preparing for the holiday season. So much so little time. And STILL no word from UNC or anyone to help for the parking situation.
I watched Avery's DVD that my "Pop's" aka Dave Bower made for us/the funeral last night. I'm sorry, our wee boy was such a beautiful boy. I really wish everyone could have met him. I never realized completely that he really didn't cry, he would just pucker his face and let out what can only be discribed as a "putter" but his face would be all "smoshed up" like his papa-bear put it. Thats how you knew, not from the noises, because he didn't make very many, but from his face. Right after he was born he just, cried a few times and fell right asleep, then looked around for his daddy's voice quietly. How amazing. And when we were trying to get him up to try eating, he just smoshed his face up and let out a few pathetic cries but nothing ever much. I would know, working child care for fooooorever. Not just as a mommy, and partial, but for the hoses, wires and his belly being what it was, and even still, he was so laid back. He belonged to the angels and just never really became ours I suppose. But I would give anything, anything if I could still have him.
I feel every now and again like Jared feels, like people around us have a time-block on me and I should be getting better with all this. But these past few weeks I've been feeling worse. I know it's the season, but it's hard.
Oooo friends. Pray for us and a miracle. A wee little miracle for Christmas. It will save our lives. And my sanity. I miss you Avery boy. I love you so.
But I've gotten a little overwhelmed with life in general lately. Lots of pieces coming down all around like the season that we're in.
We had a fabulous concert for Christ on the 30th of October that I was in rehersals in all October for. It was an amazing night. I think hearts were really turned closer to Him and it gave me some real time to feel close to heaven and feel Avery smile. I almost cried several times but I kept hearing Avery say "Ah no Mommy! You're doing so well! Please don't cry!"
The holiday season is coming and it's so so so very bitter sweet. We heard the doorbell ring on Halloween and both of our hearts sank. We just looked at each other and I burst into tears. We had orginally thought that we were going to go get candy and pass it out. But reality hit me earlier that day, right when I went to get candy and I realized that I couldn't handle it. I had actually bought Avery a pumpkin hat earlier in the year in preparation. I am so ready to be a professional mommy. So that night instead, after Jared left for work, I traveresed to Michaels and made our wee angel a new fall flower arrangement. We went that Sunday and visited him and put it on his site.
There's nothing amazing, special or fun about that place. I hate it. I hate that we have to go there, I hate that any part of that is wrapped up in our lives. I love my little boy so much. It's not fair. Those moments, those are not fair. I can claim those selfishly, right?
I can feel it and I ache it so bad in every bone of my body. I've been taking bubble baths and listening to Darelene Zschech, praying and talking and reflecting with Christ. I know His timing is perfect, but I am really praying for a miracle to get through this season. I love Christmas and Thanksgiving so much. We had so much planned.
I've started doing the normal "new mommy/wifey" things of buying off season decoration. The little bit of fall decorations that I have are out, Jack our Scarecrow is next to the front door. Yesterday I needed a moment and left work early not feeling very well. When I came home he was sitting outside. Daddy (Jared,) said that it was because he was mis-behaving and needed some time to think about what he did.
Do you know how much I love that man? There is no one else in this world who knows the right words to say other than him. I praise God everyday for him.
I ached so bad for Avery lastnight I went into the nursery and put a diaper on a stuffed monkey. I just needed to go through the motions, not for another baby, just for me. How silly and weird is that? But I did. Popped a diaper on a stuffed monkey and cried.
I also found this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE33ejdgWIY&feature=youtube_gdata
The most interesting thing is that Desert Song was the Song I blared on the CD player to and from the hospitals all 107 days we had Avery. It has also been my ringtone for a while. I just found this video on Saturday. It's so beautiful how God alines all the wee details in our lives. I was just searching videos on female Worship leaders and it popped up.
I have another hospital appointment next week. I feel like time slips right through my fingers. I need to get onto gearing up to take the Praxis and apply for school in the Spring, I have to get running with the Non-profit so our Gastroschisis parents have shoulder and a place and I need to get on with preparing for the holiday season. So much so little time. And STILL no word from UNC or anyone to help for the parking situation.
I watched Avery's DVD that my "Pop's" aka Dave Bower made for us/the funeral last night. I'm sorry, our wee boy was such a beautiful boy. I really wish everyone could have met him. I never realized completely that he really didn't cry, he would just pucker his face and let out what can only be discribed as a "putter" but his face would be all "smoshed up" like his papa-bear put it. Thats how you knew, not from the noises, because he didn't make very many, but from his face. Right after he was born he just, cried a few times and fell right asleep, then looked around for his daddy's voice quietly. How amazing. And when we were trying to get him up to try eating, he just smoshed his face up and let out a few pathetic cries but nothing ever much. I would know, working child care for fooooorever. Not just as a mommy, and partial, but for the hoses, wires and his belly being what it was, and even still, he was so laid back. He belonged to the angels and just never really became ours I suppose. But I would give anything, anything if I could still have him.
I feel every now and again like Jared feels, like people around us have a time-block on me and I should be getting better with all this. But these past few weeks I've been feeling worse. I know it's the season, but it's hard.
Oooo friends. Pray for us and a miracle. A wee little miracle for Christmas. It will save our lives. And my sanity. I miss you Avery boy. I love you so.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
