reflections

What a week this has been! A week ago I received the early morning call from my friend Debbie telling me her son Dillon passed away. What heart ache! Dillon had a mitochondrial disease that took him away little by little. The doctors said there was nothing else they could do for him. It hit too close to home for us. We miss Dillon & hurt for his mom Debbie & his brother Corbin. Monday was visitation & Tuesday was the funeral. They need our prayers now more than ever.

 

Monday my sweet friend Carman took her week old baby in for her check up. They found a hole in her heart. She spent several nights at Egleston. She will be having open heart surgery when she is 6 months old.

 

On Wednesday one of Michala's Aicardi sisters passed away. She was 11 months old. Her mother & I had recently met online. It was so very hard to accept this for all of us. On Thursday another one of Michala's Aicardi sisters passed away. Again our extended Aicardi family was hit hard. Please remember these two families in your prayers.

 

Michala's Aicardi sister Kaia in Norway is not doing well. This has been hard on us to be so far away. We have reached out with our prayers & support. Please keep she & her family in your prayers.

 

I realize tragedy, sickness & sadness hits all around the world every day, every minute, even second. It's hard sometimes because our lives have been affected with Mitochondrial, Panhypopituatarism, Aicardi, Epilepsy, Cancer, Austism, Clubfeet, Infantile Spasms & so many more medical things that our circle of friends & extended family is large. We are so thankful for that but when it hits it hits hard & sometimes so often. I have to say it does make it nice to have someone awake on the other side of the world to reach out to for answers at 3:00 AM.

 

Earlier in the week we found a place, a spot, a knot on Michala's stomach. We thought constipation & began aggressively treating that. No big changes. Every "c" mom has this wonder & doubt tucked into the back of their mind whenever something new, questionable & different arises in their child. Friday morning Mike said you really need to take her to the doctor. All week I tried my hardest to push the possible of "c" to the back of my mind & say it was constipation. Friday I took her to the doctor. We were told it was a mass, possibly a benign tumor. The unsaid stuff is what got us. The possibly part of it. They were going to schedule an ultrasound & KUB at Egleston.

 

I had posted a message on FB & asked for prayer for Michala. I wanted everyone to specifically pray she was constipated & she would poop. LOVE FB! Love getting responses back from all over the world knowing she was being lifted up right then.

 

Friday night I don't know if I ever closed my eyes until Mike woke up & said please go to bed, I will stay up. God bless him! He does that quite often & seems to know just when I need it. I was woke up to Michala laughing hysterically.

 

I jumped up & ran to her knowing it was a bad seizure. When I got to her I said Michala. She looked at me & smiled her funny grin. Then she laughed. No seizure so I started checking her tummy. NOTHING! No mass. Yesterday I couldn't even say or type the word mass. Last night this huge thing was sticking out of her stomach. This morning it was gone. No poop - nothing but it was GONE!

 

Yesterday I asked for prayer for poop. This morning I was reminded just how very big my God is. He took it completely! No questions asked. He is so much bigger than I realize sometimes. As the rains came & the seizures increased I was able to have the reminder that our God is big enough to carry us all through this journey.

 

Have a peaceful & rainy Saturday. Well if it is raining in your part of the world. If not enjoy the sunshine! Whatever you do be blessed & thankful!

 

With a thankful heart!

Kelli

Fairy House tour

Come to Chimney Park for the second annual tour of enchanting fairy houses. May 1, 2020, 2-5 PM - free event. Experience the magic as you wander through the park enjoying music, storytelling, crafts, and exhibits. Gather 'round the maypole. Bring your own natural materials to build a fairy village.

Enter to win raffles, and participate in a silent auction of area artists' work—on display in the library meeting room beginning April 19.

Chimney Park is just behind the Newton County Library

Please pass information on. Also I have attached the flyer for anyone that would like to print it to hand out or display.

Thank you!!!

Stella & Dot reminder

Just a reminder about my Stella & Dot catalog show. It is soon to close. If you would like to order please go to http://www.stelladot.com/sites/sjs and click find your hostess. Type in my name & order. Thanks so much!

 

Kelli

Sunday at the Masters 2010

WOW!!! I am so exhausted. It's that wonderful exhaustion when everything is right with the world.

 

A few weeks ago Mike asked me to go to the Masters with him on Sunday, April 11th. There are some discrepancies there because Marlee Anne said I invited myself. She really wanted to go with him. However I was the one going.

 

I emailed Mo right away to see if you she could come keep the children on that date. She emailed me right back and said she had a conference then and couldn't. I sent Mike a text and said it's a no go Mo can't come. Right after that Scheree called & said what are you doing. I told her & she said I will keep them. No hesitation whatsoever just that she would do it. I told her it would be a very long day. She didn't care.

 

I wanted to have a nurse on call just in case. So my prayer warrior Bonnie said she & her husband David would be on call for us. They came over & got their orders & were ready to go. Thankfully there was no need for them to be called.

 

My only other hesitation was not having contact because I couldn't take my cell phone in. My friend Paige whose husband works at the Masters took care of that part for us. That eased some of my anxiety.

 

We left at 7:00 in the morning. The drive down with just the two of us was so very nice. We got there and had breakfast. I had a egg salad sandwich & sweet tea. We did some shopping & then walked the entire breath taking course. When we got Magnolia Lane they were taking pictures. There was a two hour wait. The lady told us to come back around 2 & we wouldn't have to wait as long. We stopped by to see the 3D TV which is way too COOL!!!

 

One thing that was very nice is that several places they had phones for you to use. I called twice to check on them & once for Scheree to text Mark to see where we were supposed to meet them cause we couldn't find them.

 

We got to the 16 tee & met them there. Mike & I decided to go back & get our picture made before we sat down with them. We walked back up to the Club House for our picture. The nice Italian father & son in line behind us checked to see how long the wait was & told us half hour. It was exciting to get our picture made together. I have attached it for ya'll to see.

 

When we got back to 16 we got some lunch before sitting down. Mike had some BBQ & I had a pimento cheese sandwich.

 

It was so exciting & so much fun to sit with Paige & discuss all the players as they went by. Mike was enjoying his time with his friend Clay. Mark was busy making new friends & taking pictures. Since they got there before us they had chairs sitting right at the ropes for us. I loved seeing all the players going by. They were close enough for us to reach out & touch them.

 

I wore my flip flops. Well my Yellow Boxes to be exact because they are the best & oh so comfortable. I slipped my feet out & in just a few minutes someone from The Masters came over & got on to me. He said I hate to do this but if you are not going to wear your shoes you have to keep your feet down. He said in a little bit the leaders are going to be coming through & you are going to be on TV. If your bare feet are on TV I will get in trouble. I apologized & told him I was putting them back on right then. I just knew if I didn't I would get excited & cross my legs or something & my feet would show. I didn't want to get that sweet man in trouble. Well in just a few minutes he comes back. He asked us all to put our cups & water bottles behind our chairs so they wouldn't show up on TV. They even said something to the camera a little while later.

 

When it was time for the leaders to start coming through a camera man came right beside us. He was really nice to keep me updated on Phil's progress. I have gone the entire week not mentioning to anyone who I was pulling for or who I was sure I would be watching get the green jacket this year. Each year I jinx him. I know that Mike knew but he was very good not to discuss it. I have to say I was very proud when he walked past us.

 

After he & Lee finished the 16th hole we said our goodbyes to our friends & headed to the front of Eisenhower Cabin where the green jacket ceremony would be held. We got a great place to view it & waited for Phil to finish up. It was really incredible to watch all the golf dignitaries from all over the world come in for the ceremony. After that Phil's family came in & were seated. Seeing Phil receive his 3rd green jacket is something I will remember forever. It was an awesome experience.

 

If you have never been to Augusta Nationals then think of what you have Heaven pictured as or an impeccable manicured lawn that you can't even describe. There were green rolling hills with any color of azalea you could think of. The trees were so majestic. As Mike & I walked back to the back gate where we parked there were probably 20-30 people spread out over the course that we could see. It was so quiet & so peaceful. I felt honored to be walking hand in hand with my husband at such an beautiful place.

 

Our drive home was nice too.I was so ready to get back to see my babies. That was such a long time to be away from them. However I did good. Scheree & I were discussing that when we got back home. Thanks to the prayers of everyone I was very calm & had a wonderful time. One brief time I got a little anxious. Because of prayers all our babies did great. Scheree never got nervous & did an amazing job. I am still overwhelmed that she offered & wanted to stay that long in our home with our precious children. How blessed are we!

 

It hit me last night how calm & peaceful I felt. I thought back over the day. I realized Mike & I are still here together. We still fit. We still work. Not once did we talk about doctors, hospitals, appts, medications or seizures. There was no stress. I sometimes wonder if the couple that fell in love with each other almost 25 years ago are still there as a couple without all the other things holding us together. Well low & behold we are there - stronger & closer than ever!  I realized yesterday just how very much I am blessed & how very much in love with my husband I am. I mean everyday I know I am blessed. I know that I love Mike also. Even though neither of us like to leave our children & we work so well as a family unit, the hours with just Mike meant the world to me. I don't think words can convey that to anyone, not even him.

 

I am more thankful today to God for bringing this amazing man in my life and giving us 4 beautiful children. I am so thankful to the wonderful friends in our life that made this day happen & gave me a peace.

 

With an overflowing grateful heart!!!

Kelli

 

Sunday at the Masters 2010

WOW!!! I am so exhausted. It's that wonderful exhaustion when everything is right with the world.

 

A few weeks ago Mike asked me to go to the Masters with him on Sunday, April 11th. There are some discrepancies there because Marlee Anne said I invited myself. She really wanted to go with him. However I was the one going.

 

I emailed Mo right away to see if you she could come keep the children on that date. She emailed me right back and said she had a conference then and couldn't. I sent Mike a text and said it's a no go Mo can't come. Right after that Scheree called & said what are you doing. I told her & she said I will keep them. No hesitation whatsoever just that she would do it. I told her it would be a very long day. She didn't care.

 

I wanted to have a nurse on call just in case. So my prayer warrior Bonnie said she & her husband David would be on call for us. They came over & got their orders & were ready to go. Thankfully there was no need for them to be called.

 

My only other hesitation was not having contact because I couldn't take my cell phone in. My friend Paige whose husband works at the Masters took care of that part for us. That eased some of my anxiety.

 

We left at 7:00 in the morning. The drive down with just the two of us was so very nice. We got there and had breakfast. I had a egg salad sandwich & sweet tea. We did some shopping & then walked the entire breath taking course. When we got Magnolia Lane they were taking pictures. There was a two hour wait. The lady told us to come back around 2 & we wouldn't have to wait as long. We stopped by to see the 3D TV which is way too COOL!!!

 

One thing that was very nice is that several places they had phones for you to use. I called twice to check on them & once for Scheree to text Mark to see where we were supposed to meet them cause we couldn't find them.

 

We got to the 16 tee & met them there. Mike & I decided to go back & get our picture made before we sat down with them. We walked back up to the Club House for our picture. The nice Italian father & son in line behind us checked to see how long the wait was & told us half hour. It was exciting to get our picture made together. I have attached it for ya'll to see.

 

When we got back to 16 we got some lunch before sitting down. Mike had some BBQ & I had a pimento cheese sandwich.

 

It was so exciting & so much fun to sit with Paige & discuss all the players as they went by. Mike was enjoying his time with his friend Clay. Mark was busy making new friends & taking pictures. Since they got there before us they had chairs sitting right at the ropes for us. I loved seeing all the players going by. They were close enough for us to reach out & touch them.

 

I wore my flip flops. Well my Yellow Boxes to be exact because they are the best & oh so comfortable. I slipped my feet out & in just a few minutes someone from The Masters came over & got on to me. He said I hate to do this but if you are not going to wear your shoes you have to keep your feet down. He said in a little bit the leaders are going to be coming through & you are going to be on TV. If your bare feet are on TV I will get in trouble. I apologized & told him I was putting them back on right then. I just knew if I didn't I would get excited & cross my legs or something & my feet would show. I didn't want to get that sweet man in trouble. Well in just a few minutes he comes back. He asked us all to put our cups & water bottles behind our chairs so they wouldn't show up on TV. They even said something to the camera a little while later.

 

When it was time for the leaders to start coming through a camera man came right beside us. He was really nice to keep me updated on Phil's progress. I have gone the entire week not mentioning to anyone who I was pulling for or who I was sure I would be watching get the green jacket this year. Each year I jinx him. I know that Mike knew but he was very good not to discuss it. I have to say I was very proud when he walked past us.

 

After he & Lee finished the 16th hole we said our goodbyes to our friends & headed to the front of Eisenhower Cabin where the green jacket ceremony would be held. We got a great place to view it & waited for Phil to finish up. It was really incredible to watch all the golf dignitaries from all over the world come in for the ceremony. After that Phil's family came in & were seated. Seeing Phil receive his 3rd green jacket is something I will remember forever. It was an awesome experience.

 

If you have never been to Augusta Nationals then think of what you have Heaven pictured as or an impeccable manicured lawn that you can't even describe. There were green rolling hills with any color of azalea you could think of. The trees were so majestic. As Mike & I walked back to the back gate where we parked there were probably 20-30 people spread out over the course that we could see. It was so quiet & so peaceful. I felt honored to be walking hand in hand with my husband at such an beautiful place.

 

Our drive home was nice too.I was so ready to get back to see my babies. That was such a long time to be away from them. However I did good. Scheree & I were discussing that when we got back home. Thanks to the prayers of everyone I was very calm & had a wonderful time. One brief time I got a little anxious. Because of prayers all our babies did great. Scheree never got nervous & did an amazing job. I am still overwhelmed that she offered & wanted to stay that long in our home with our precious children. How blessed are we!

 

It hit me last night how calm & peaceful I felt. I thought back over the day. I realized Mike & I are still here together. We still fit. We still work. Not once did we talk about doctors, hospitals, appts, medications or seizures. There was no stress. I sometimes wonder if the couple that fell in love with each other almost 25 years ago are still there as a couple without all the other things holding us together. Well low & behold we are there - stronger & closer than ever!  I realized yesterday just how very much I am blessed & how very much in love with my husband I am. I mean everyday I know I am blessed. I know that I love Mike also. Even though neither of us like to leave our children & we work so well as a family unit, the hours with just Mike meant the world to me. I don't think words can convey that to anyone, not even him.

 

I am more thankful today to God for bringing this amazing man in my life and giving us 4 beautiful children. I am so thankful to the wonderful friends in our life that made this day happen & gave me a peace.

 

With an overflowing grateful heart!!!

Kelli

 

You're invited to Kelli Hopkins' Online Stella & Dot Shopping Event

 

	Party Info Ordering deadline: Sunday, April 18, 2010 11:59 PM Hosted by: Kelli Hopkins 770-786-0479 mommie2angels@bellsouth.net E-boutique Address: Shop the E-Boutique You're Invited! Hi Friends & Family, You're invited to an Exclusive Online Stella & Dot Jewelry Shopping Event hosted by Kelli Hopkins Have a little fun and splurge on amazing collections like the semi precious and sterling silver heirloom pieces and the editor adored and celebrity coveted signature styles. You may have seen it featured in Lucky Magazine, Redbook, InStyle and Good Housekeeping or on celebs like Debra Messing and Paris Hilton, just to namedrop a few. This irresistible line, not available in stores, is such an affordable way to indulge in these tough economic times. Women can?t get enough of the Stella & Dot! Join the online party, shop fabulous styles and enjoy the party perks especially for you. And remember, good friends share their best style secrets with friends, so forward this along! My niece Staci has started her business with Stella & Dot. Originally I decided to host a catalog show to help Staci get her business going. After looking at the jewelry I saw some that I would love to have. By taking the time to look at the website and placing an order you will help Staci get her business going and help me get some wonderful jewelry. Thanks so much for your time! Please RSVP by clicking below: Count Me In   Kelli Hopkins Independent Stella & Dot Stylist Staci Satterfield Independent Stella & Dot Stylist 678-725-3572 Discover what all the buzz is about at my Stella &Dot web site: http://www.stelladot.com/sites/sjs stacisatterfield@yahoo.com

Mary Elizabeth's 17th birthday

Every time I type or say Mary Elizabeth's 17th birthday I have to stop a minute. It's hard to believe. How very wonderful! We are so very blessed. She has surpassed her life expectancy by 14 years. A great reminder that God is in control.

 

Yesterday was her 17th birthday & what a beautiful day it was. I have learned more from Mary Elizabeth in the past 17 years than I could ever learn from anyone else. She has taught me what is important in life. She is the most understanding, compassionate & forgiving soul I have ever met. She has taught me about unconditional love, faith & trust.

 

I would not have chosen this life for myself. In my dreams this is not the "perfect" life I created. I am so thankful for unanswered prayers. I would have missed out on so much in life without this precious angel.

 

My prayer is that she has also blessed your life as richly as she has blessed mine. Thank you for sharing the past 17 years with us.

 

Love ya'll!!!

Kelli

 

Mary Elizabeth's 17th birthday

Every time I type or say Mary Elizabeth's 17th birthday I have to stop a minute. It's hard to believe. How very wonderful! We are so very blessed. She has surpassed her life expectancy by 14 years. A great reminder that God is in control.

 

Yesterday was her 17th birthday & what a beautiful day it was. I have learned more from Mary Elizabeth in the past 17 years than I could ever learn from anyone else. She has taught me what is important in life. She is the most understanding, compassionate & forgiving soul I have ever met. She has taught me about unconditional love, faith & trust.

 

I would not have chosen this life for myself. In my dreams this is not the "perfect" life I created. I am so thankful for unanswered prayers. I would have missed out on so much in life without this precious angel.

 

My prayer is that she has also blessed your life as richly as she has blessed mine. Thank you for sharing the past 17 years with us.

 

Love ya'll!!!

Kelli