Meet Jayden!

So this is a picture of my 2 year old niece, Jayden. I think she is one of the best people in the whole wide world. She loves to give hugs, hunt for "popcorns" (acorns), chase rabbits in MeeMa's yard, help you go night-night, watch Dora over and over again, draw, find chocolate, put on band-aids, and she is always the first to say "Bless you Su-Su". I think kids are the best. I have loved getting to live close to my sister and her family. I have also loved getting to visit often with my friends and their little ones. I only wished we all lived closer together! I'm so looking forward to Christmas with Jayden. She really gets it this year and is excited about Ho-Ho-Ho coming. (thats what she calls Santa Claus)

Not really a lot else to post about. Had an exciting day at work. The Cowboys were at the hospital to visit. So glad they won on Sunday. It is so fun to see these little bitty kids with these great big football players. I secretly think that the players have more fun than the patients! This time of year at the hospital is a great time. All of December is filled with special events and getting gifts ready for Chirstmas day for the kiddos. It definitely helps me be thankful for all that I have!

Busy times

Only my second post and already I'm way behind! Wow, when the holidays come things sure do get busy! I'll attempt in these next few paragraphs to catch up on the highlights of the last few weeks.

I guess I'll start with the weekend of the 19th. Amanda (roommate from ACU) married Geof Vickers in Tyler. It was a great day. All the girls from 1402 Washington were reunited once again to watch a fabulous wedding. It was so good to get to catch up on everyones lives. Heather flew in from Memphis and Allie and Leah came from there Dallas area homes. Amanda was a beautiful bride and the wedding was just perfect! I am so lucky to have gotten to see all four of these wonderful ladies wed the loves of their lives! (We can for sure say now that I am next!)

So, the weekend after was Thanksgiving. I spent Thursday-Sunday in Sherman. Had dinner with the fam. Put up Christmas decorations. Got to spend some time with my good friend Katie Russell Cassady and attend another wedding at home. It is always good to have time to spend with those you love. I also got some good quality time with my precious niece who I just adore!

This past weekend I got to do something fun related to work. Every year Children's helps sponsor the Neiman Marcus Adolphos Christmas Parade in downtown Dallas. Former patients at Children's are selected to be in the parade and child life staff are paired with the kids to walk with them and spend the day. I was able to be with one of the sweetest patients ever. We had lots of fun and got to be in the parade with Chris Young, pitcher for the Rangers. It was one of those days that makes my job seem like the best in the world. It was an early morning but well worth it! And, we were on TV! If anyone in the Dallas area is interested in doing this next year let me know!

So, in between all this fun, I have managed to decorate my apartment for Christmas and get a little bit of shopping done. I love this season and I love that it is so cold today! The hospital even sent some of us home early because of the weather!

My family had a pretty special event occur today. I have a cousin who has been trying for years to have a baby. She and her husband adopted four great boys (all brothers) a few years ago and are great parents. Today she had a baby girl! Everyone is so excited and all are doing well. What a blessing and what a miracle!

Must go for now, time to finish putting bows on presents! I'll try to be more timely in my posts!

This is a first!

So add this to the list of things I never thought I'd do! I will have to give a great big thank you to my friend Allie for introducing me to blogging! I've really enjoyed reading blogs of so many people I haven't seen in a really long time. What a great way to keep up with each other! I guess I should give a little update on what I am up to for those of you who may stumble across this and think..."Hey I used to know that girl!"

Well, I am living in the Big-D and am working at Children's Medical Center of Dallas. I am a child life specialist and my main population is trauma patients. I love my job. I'm going to warn you that this next sentence may be a bit corny. I love that I get up everyday (okay some days are better than others) and go to work at a place who's mission is simply to make life better for children. I have been working at good old CMC for about a year and feel right at home. There is something very humbling about working with hospitalized children and their families. Before moving back to the Dallas area, I was in Corpus Christi for 2 years also doing child life but working in a pediatric ER. Yes I am officially a safety freak! I think kids need helmets just walking around!

Since my big move north lots has been happening in the Lakey household. My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer right after Christmas last year and has been putting up a tremendous fight. What a strong and amazing woman! She is currently undergoing chemo once a week and is doing well. God's timing amazes me and His plans are always perfect. I am so glad that I am just an hour away from my family and am getting to spend so much time with my mom.

Apparently I have much more to say than I expected. This blog seems to be getting a little on the lengthy side so I should probably call it good. I am anxious to see where this blog might lead!