Update and Just Random Stuff

• Maddie's audition went well and she was selected to join Chorus. We're so proud of her, mostly because she's a determined girl and when she sets her mind to something, she goes after it full force. These are good qualities to have.

• School in general is going well for both Blake and Maddie. Moving into high school can be quite intimidating and overwhelming but Blake has done well with it and his grades are great at this point. He made an 94 on a math test he said was pretty hard, he was proud of himself and so were we. It's nice to see him be proud of his work. 

• I've been working on restoring an antique buffet that belonged to Bryan's mom. It was given to us back in the summer and I've done a lot of research on the best way to restore it. I'm in the final steps of the project and will blog about it when I get finished.

• Sadie is growing and becoming more active. She's 4 weeks old now and even though we've not picked her from the litter yet, I'm still excited to finally figure out which one she is and get to bring her home. Remind me of this statement later when my nerves are shot from having a puppy in the house. 
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• In October we will be attending the first annual Save a Life Golf Classic. This event raises awareness for organ donation. We are a donor family and encourage others to sign up to be a donor. It's a wonderfully selfless act of kindness to someone who is waiting on an organ.

~Tara

{ this moment }

Register with the National Marrow Donor Program at bethematch.org. You could be the cure for someone who so desperately needs it. It's a simple process and an awesome act of kindness.

 

 

 

 

~Tara

National Donate Life Month

April is National Donate Life Month. As I have blogged about before, our family is a donor family. When Bryan's mom died in 2013, her life saving organs were donated. A wonderful gentleman named Gary received her liver and it saved his life. He has since become an advocate for donor awareness. He is holding the First Annual Save A Life Golf Classic in Charlotte, NC. The goal is to raise awareness for organ donation and honor donors and their families also. It's in October and we are looking forward to being there for it.

It's a tragedy any time you lose a family member. An awesome gift of love and selflessness can come though when you donate your organs. We have gotten to witness someone have life and become part of our family. We also honor Peggy's memory and how much she loved all of us by allowing her organs to help someone else.

It's an honor to donate and if you have not chosen to be an organ donor, go do it today.

courtesy LifeShare of  The Carolinas

~Tara

One Year

Today marks one year since Nana passed away. It's been the fastest year really. We have managed to make it through all the "firsts" without her. First birthday celebrations, first holidays, and lots of regular days just waking up and remembering how she's not there to hug or talk to, which can send you right back to day one. I am so glad we know Nana is in heaven. I am happy that my kids understand that and follow after a Savior who loves them enough to provide a way for them to experience heaven with her one day. I am thankful that we can remember her and be happy about having the time we did have to spend together and for the kids to have loving memories of her. We never know what God has planned for our lives or how long he will give us to live them, but we can know that God works all things for good, he is always loving and will help us endure hurts and hard experiences when we allow him to. He has brought us through this year and has used it for His glory. I can't help but think about Gary and Lib and how happy this day was for them, even when it was our saddest. God used our family to help another family. What greater honor that to be of useful service to the King of the universe! I am amazed at what medical technology can do, but I am more amazed at what God's power can do.

~Tara

Weekend in Davidson

Long and Simmons Family 2013

The Donor Sabbath Service in Davidson was really nice. We had a great weekend with family and enjoyed lunch after church at Lib and Gary's house. The college town of Davidson was beautiful.

Davidson College campus

~Tara

Weekend Plans

This weekend we will travel to Davidson, NC to attend a Donor Sabbath Service at Davidson College Presbyterian Church. Earlier this year my mother in law passed away suddenly and quite unexpectedly. During this difficult time, her sons chose to donate her life giving organs. We had never discussed this topic as a family or with her, but were sure she would want to help someone else if she had an opportunity to. What was a very sad day for us was also the happiest for her liver recipient, Gary. We recently met Gary and his family and have enjoyed getting to know them better and sharing stories about Peggy with them. Gary and his family are devoted to raising awareness for organ donation, as one might imagine. He has a second chance at life because of it. We can watch Peggy's legacy of love and giving continue on and we can honor and remember her at the same time.