Here is the schedule for what we will be doing during the 2021 Noah's Kindness Project: We hope you will join us! Remember you are welcome to participate in NKP however you'd like, our goal of Noah's Kindness Project is simply to share kindness far and wide.
2021 Local Schedule:
8:30 am: Walk/Run for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep
If you would like to join us for the run/walk (approximately 3.2 miles or 2 miles) please arrive at our home by 8:15 am. We will plan to leave from our home at 8:30. Maps will be provided day of if you would like.
9:15-9:45 am: Cool down and breakfast
9:45-11:30 am Kindness Activities:
Prepare Homeless Care Kits,
NICU Family Care packages (*Thank you to American Business Solutions for this year's coolers)
NICU Baby Halloween Costumes
12-2 pm: Packing food boxes for St. Mary's Food Bank
If you'd like to join us please meet at
2831 N 31st Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009
Volunteers must be 12 years or older
2-4 pm On-going Kindness activities:
NICU Baby Halloween Costumes
NICU Scent Cloths
4 pm Delivery of NICU gifts
Please reach out to Angie or Jarrett to let us know if you plan to join us in person.
Well its been almost 4 months since I've been able to blog about anything and I'm especially feeling guilty that I haven't shared hardly anything about Finn.
Truth is, just haven't been able to make time. Maybe that's what happens when you're number 6. That being said, I want to stop tonight and give Finn a shout out for being the most incredible baby.... seriously!
I keep saying this to him but seriously God has spoiled us with having him be our last. Finn is the happiest, easiest-going, patient and wonderful baby ever. I know I'm biased and that all of our kiddos have been good, but seriously if I had to give a pie to the one who takes the cake, it would be him.
I've tried to figure out how he can be so relaxed when seriously most of my pregnancy and the first 4 months of his life have been some of the most stressful of our entire lives. But the truth is, I think he is God's living proof of peace, of joy and the reminder of good all around.
I'm planning to copy all of the updates related to Michael's events on here but just wanted to give Finn a little shout out for being the best little brother ever in the hospital. I think he loved it. Quiet, peaceful (for the most part) and he didn't have Jennings screaming or trying to poke him in the eyes. He was jsut able to eat, sleep, poop and only had to share mom with Michael. It seemed to be a good deal for all.
A year ago right about now I would soon learn we were expecting Finn and while he was our little surprise, I said back then, God must have sent him to us. And boy am I glad God did, because he is wonderful in so so so many ways, and I feel so blessed to be his mom, especially when he looks at me with that gummy smile and those chubby cheeks. He's just the best and we love him so.
Thanks Finn for making our lives so happy. You're such a great addition to the family. We love you!
Just a couple of weeks ago the girls went back to school. They were the first in the family to return for the fall and they are well into their routine now.
Madelyn started Kindergarten (can't believe it) and Isabelle started 4th grade (can't believe it either).
Madelyn so far is loving Kindergarten, her teacher and all that she is learning.
Isabelle, now a few more years into school, isn't as excited, especially since she has 40 kids in her class (way too many in my opinion) and is starting to realize that each year brings a bit more work and less fun time and more homework.
So far they are each doing well and we are getting used to the routine, although I kind of feel like we are all asking ourselves... where did summer go?
I can't believe that you will be starting high school tomorrow. How can it be?
Wasn't it just yesterday that Dad and I met you and Gabriel for the first time? I'll never forget that first time you reached up and grabbed my hand with your small paddy that still had baby fat in it and you told me how you liked Spiderman and McDonalds. I can't believe you've grown so quickly and into the wonderful young man you are in record time it seems.
Michael in looking back at these pictures I relive the moments over and over in my head and there are so many things that stand out.
Your laugh... genuine and true. You're funny, with a quick response and an ability to take teasing as easily as you give it.
I don't remember what you were up to here, but I can tell from the smile on your face, you were giving us a run for our money for sure.
You loved carrots in your Easter eggs right? ;-)
You're creativity, incredible mind and your ability to build, fix and create: Is remarkable.... You have a talent Michael many people would love to have and please know this is just one of the many reasons why you are incredible.
You can look at something, brainstorm in your mind how to fix or improve it and then use the supplies we have around to fix it. Seriously, this is a true skill.
Remember this science fair that you received an award for?
Just look at you tonight.... your wheelchair doesn't seem to be assembled correctly, so instead of waiting for us to contact the company, you pulled out the tools and fixed it yourself. Your initiative to take on challenges and fix things will take you very far.... Just look at what you've been able to do the past few weeks.
I'm pretty sure not too many incoming high school students would take on this task if put in the same situation.
Your care and compassion... are truly beyond that of someone who is 14. You care, think of and love unconditionally. I know you told me one time you tell us that you love us too much and the truth is, you don't at all. I love how you wear your feelings on your sleeve and that you share how much you love openly. That will take you very far in life. Michael as often as you share it, I hope you know that you are loved more than you will ever be able to truly be told in this lifetime. I am ever so thankful you are our son and that God brought us (our family) together. Dad and I love you always and forever.
Thank you also for your very kind gift to Dad and me on our anniversary. Your thoughtfulness is remarkable. Your note means even more...
I am so proud of the way you care for your younger siblings, how you take on the role of the big brother and do so without complaints but with pride, care and concern for them.
Just look at this video and see how much they all love you too...
Who else would let their little brother sit on their footrest of their wheelchair... yes I did capture that picture today in church...
Your family and extended family love you as well and have enjoyed watching you grow into the wonderful young man you are.
This is one of my favorite photos (below) Michael of when you met Noah and how proud you were.
You are such a wonderful brother and friend to your siblings.
Michael, as I look back on these pictures tonight I can't believe how quickly you've grown up. How proud I am of you. I love how goal driven you are, how you take initiative and work very hard to accomplish your dreams. How you don't take no or let set backs hold you back. How you try daily to make yourself better by learning more, by pushing yourself to be better and by trying to reach the next level of success.
I know the past 6 weeks have been less than ideal and definitely not how you planned to start your high school career. And as much Michael as I'd do anything to trade places with you and take away your injury, I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you about the good that has and will continue to come from this.
You have learned how to overcome adversity. What you faced in the hospital, just think of all the firsts you had to do and how you had to do them with pain. From transferring to a bed to be taken to surgery, to having another "clot shot", or getting out of bed that first time, to staying in bed for 5 days, to thrashing in pain when it was completely unbearable. And I could go on. You went through a lot and you faced each challenge with courage, with determination and a fight that will help you in every other challenge life brings.
You now know about the delicacy and fragility of life. Most teenagers feel invincible and that nothing can harm them. You now know how quickly life can change and in the blink of an eye you can be fine and the next not. I'll never forget how scared I was to walk in and see you on a ventilator. My heart dropped and I was so worried. I will never forget how many times you told me just how grateful you were to be alive in those first few days and I see it now when we drive and how you tell me to slow down, to watch for the cars driving erratically. While I wish this accident never happened, perhaps your new perspective on life will save you from another accident in the future. And it will remind you how fragile life is and that sometimes being slow and safe is worth its weight in gold.
You've learned the importance of perseverance. I know you want to close this chapter and put this all behind you but I see you learning the value in putting in the work day after day to get the reward in the end. I've learned in life, the reward often doesn't come until the work is put in day after day after day. And your determination, patience and perseverance to keep the faith while not being able to see the final reward is something you will need and use over and over in life. Another good lesson learned.
And another good... (at least in my mind)
I know mom is about the last on the list of cool people to hang out with at your age, but I have enjoyed so much getting to spend time with you, cleaning your wounds, holding your hand as you get ready for another surgery, talking about life's hurts and challenges we've faced in the last year or so, and watching you pick yourself up from some of the hardest moments you'll hopefully ever have to face in life and pushing ahead. Michael when I saw all that you went through in that hospital and the pain you endured and yet found a way to be kind and polite to those causing the pain to help you get better, I knew you will come out of this challenge just fine. Mom has loved getting to sleep on that cot next to you in the hospital. I've cherished all of our deep life conversations and I've found my love for you grow even more (which I didn't honestly think was possible).
Regarding starting high school with a leg injury...Yes it is going to be hard, and tomorrow might be another day filled with anxiety and hardness, but just you remember you can and will get through this. There have been many harder days you've gotten through just fine.
Michael, I know you are concerned about what others will think, say or do with you being in a wheelchair, but I want you to remember these words...
Be YOURSELF, Be proud of YOU, and don't you dare put your head down
Michael you are incredible both inside and out. Just be you and don't be afraid to let your classmates see you for who you are. People will like you for who you are, not who you might think you need to be. And if they aren't kind, well then find those who are.... because I promise you they are there, and probably feeling the same thing as you... just wanting to be accepted for who they are and worried they can't let their real self be seen.
Michael, these next four years are going to fly by, and I hope for my selfish sake they don't go too fast, but I know they will.
I promise you that Dad and I will be here for you every step of the way. We will cheer you on, help you anyway we can and be there for when the days are hard and you need someone to remind you of just how amazing you are.
Michael, thank you for being you....we love you so much. We love you so much. We love you so much.
Can't wait to hear how your first day goes. I'll be thinking of you all day.
This week has been Vacation Bible School at our church for the girls and they have LOVED it. I think we've all come to appreciate and relish in the times we get to spend with others and have glimpses to what our life was like pre-covid.
Each morning this week the girls have gone to VBS where they've learned about God, sang songs, done crafts, played games, had snacks and had fun. It's been so good for them.
Tonight we got to go for a recap of the week where they gave us a glimpse into what their mornings had looked like, and we got to hear the music, walk through the stations they participated in each day and well, have more fun.
It was magical getting to see how excited the girls were and how their eyes lit up. We weren't the only ones to notice, Jennings immediately sensed their excitement and joined in. This was also the boy who sat as quiet and still as a church mouse last Sunday in church, when we went back in person for the first time since February 2020 (minus the one private ceremony we got to attend for the boy's confirmation in September of 2020).
This time, Jennings in church was a bit different as you can see from the video. It was such a fun evening.
Here are a few pictures too. My heart swells with how watchful Madelyn is over Jennings. Don't get me wrong, she can tease and make him mad faster than anyone else, and she does it regularly, but to see her love on him and be so proud of him (she kept telling everyone that he was her baby brother Jennings), it makes me smile.
Here we are outside (yes in the 118 degree heat), learning about the mountain and valley game they played. Jennings wanted to play too, but was unsure at first what to do.
Soon Madelyn realized he was unsure and went right up to him to reassure him and share love. (Melt my heart)
Look at his face, he's so happy.
Meanwhile Isabelle (in the pink shorts and blue/purple shirt) is ready to tackle anyone going after her mountain. :-)
Then the leader of the games told the kids to raise their hands. Again Madelyn was being so reassuring for Jennings.
He again felt confident enough to join in too!
Soon all the kids left the field so the leader could explain another game, Jennings was still facing her so he didn't see the other kids leave. Madelyn had left too, but then realizing her brother was still out there, went back out to get him...
And together they walked back off. Look at how embarrassed Jennings was, but he was still smiling.
Got this makes my heart so happy. I hope they remain the closest of friends as they get older and that they continue to have each other's backs.
So grateful for a safe and fun VBS this year. Looking forward to more activities like this!
Until next time,
Angie
Saturday, June 12, 2021
Dear Noah,
Happy early birthday buddy. I can't believe in just a few hours you will be turning 6. In some ways when I think back to those moments we spent together it doesn't seem that long ago, and yet I look at life today and can't believe how much has happened and how much has changed.
Six years ago tonight, I remember laying in that hospital bed knowing somethings were changing, even before Kristal, our nurse mentioned she was concerned about you and thought it was time you came. I remember being really warm that day and that I felt you very low. I also remember feeling the contractions more consistently than what had been happening the days prior. I think maybe I was in denial and tried to push it out of my mind. I wanted you to stay inside for as long as we could. But you were destined to come and on the early morning hours of June 13th you made your arrival. Boy did you make me happy to know you survived labor and while it was so scary to see how tiny you were and how they rushed you off to the NICU, I was proud from the very first moment... that I was your momma.
Noah, I'll never understand in my lifetime why your story went the way it did. I long to know you and to watch you grow up, but as the years pass by I find myself more at peace knowing you are okay, waiting for us and watching over. I so appreciate the signs you still send on extra stressful days (you and God know there has been plenty of them this past year) and just like this past Wednesday when life presented us with another stressor, I turned on my computer to join a meeting and there you were... a rainbow on the screen, a reminder to let go and let God guide us through each moment.
In the past six years I've wondered so much what your daily activities are like. Do you play with the other babies and children that have to leave their parents too early too? Do you spend time with our grandparents? I sure hope you tell them hi for me. Do you bounce along the clouds, laughing and smiling? I wonder what it's like.
Noah, I'm so grateful for the time we got, although selfishly I wanted more, I'm thankful I got them in the first place. Tonight at the dinner table we talk about that tomorrow is your birthday and that you would be 6. Isabelle said, "Mom, I wish Noah was here." and I said, you know Isabelle we all wish Noah would have lived but that wasn't the way it was supposed to go and Madelyn is here, and we are so thankful she is here. To which Madelyn busted out the song, "Heaven is a place on Earth" and we all laughed. She always makes us laugh and really was a true rainbow baby in the sense she restored our hope and faith that after losing you we could still have better days.
And here we go to sleep tonight with two more little guys in addition that bring us so much joy, love and happiness. Thank you and God for sending them to be in our family too.
Noah, tomorrow we are going back to the place where you spent your earthly time, Banner Desert hospital and we will gift items in your memory. We hope the families who are given the gifts find moments of hope, of happiness and that they pass along the kindness, just like we were given so much when you were born. Noah, although the time passes and life goes on, you will always be a part of our lives and we celebrate you.
Although I don't get to hug or kiss you or help you blow out your birthday candles, I will always do my best to honor you and your life. I hope tomorrow in Heaven is an extra special day for you. Maybe you'll go fishing with Grandpa Ray or be swooned upon by your grandma's. What ever the case, I wish you a very happy birthday, little buddy. I'll send my love to you in the morning as I look up into the sky and search for the rainbows you send us.
This week the school year wrapped up and we celebrated both Michael and Madelyn's milestones of finishing middle school and preschool.
Michael went to school virtually all year and he thrived. This was probably his best year yet. We are so proud as he finished his middle school career with a 4.0 and no missing assignments. Michael is a bright kid and has always gotten decent grades but the missing assignment piece is a super big improvement. He seemed to really like the online environment and I'm not going to lie, it was really nice to have him around the house. We shared many lunch 1/2 hours together this past year.
Michael's 8th grade promotion was virtual as well so I only have the one picture submitted to celebrate his achievement. Michael is passionate these days about making money and is motivated to achieve many things in his future. This summer he is back in Iowa working with family at the business, learning the ropes and the value of hard work. While we miss seeing him, we are excited he is getting this opportunity as well.
The other graduate in the house is Madelyn who completed pre-school. She started in October as the pandemic was raging in our state and as nervous as we were about her being in person and contracting the Corona Virus, she was a trooper and did everything she could to keep her and our family safe. She diligently wore a mask all day from 8 am-2:30 pm and she would shower the moment she got home. At school she'd wash her hands many times a day and keep her 6 feet away. As new as this way of living was for us, she adapted better than any of us, and it was just the way things were at her new school.
She had incredible teachers, loving and so encouraging and Madelyn learned a lot. She is ready for kindergarten and as her teachers said, "She is a true gift."
Madelyn's ceremony was also virtual which we recorded but then on the final day of pick up, the families were invited to come take a picture and so we did.
In one of the many mom fails I have, I was carrying multiple things up with me to the place where we picked her up, and with it being summer time here, the temperatures are HOT. In my attempt to carry multiple things I tucked my cell phone into my armpit. When we got home and I looked at my pictures I realized that my sweaty armpit made the camera lens dirty so all the pictures we have of her special moment appear as if we are in a sweaty sauna... nope just the remnants of my sweaty armpit. Sorry Madelyn, another reminder your momma isn't perfect but I try. :-)
Either way, we are so proud of you too Madelyn. We are excited to see what next year brings.
Even big sister was able to celebrate and come out of school to take a picture with us.
Promise we weren't in a sauna from our necks up... just a mom who didn't think to wipe the camera clean.
Maybe this filter will help? Not really.
Congrats Maddie
Dad and I are so proud of you.
Madelyn with her teacher Ms. Emily.
As we jump into summer, and start trying to make the most of the 6 plus weeks the kids have off before they go back to school, we are thankful for making it through this year. Earlier this week I panicked as I didn't have our full summer schedule and the kids' summer school work planned out. Then I thought about what we've all been through this past year and thought... you know for 6 weeks, we will do what we can but this should be a summer of fun.
So that's what we are going to try to do. Each day we will try something new, different and fun... if it's as simple as introducing the kids to Disney short films, trying new ice cream treats, teaching them how to make cream cheese mints (yum) and going for daily walks.
This has been a year we've all done our best to just "survive", so a little work mixed in with a lot of fun, is just what the doctor or "tired mom" ordered.
Congrats to all the kids on getting through another year. We are proud of you all. And to Michael and Madelyn kudos on another milestone checked off. We love you all.
