Austin Was Amazing

I am home from Austin and wanted to share some photos from my VERY FUN trip!! Austin is an amazing place! I want to move there. :) I always thought New Orleans was my favorite place but Austin is now on top of my "Favorite Places" List. We did stop in New Orleans on our way to Texas, though. I forgot how completely insane Bourbon Street gets at night. (Just in case you were wondering!)

We had dinner in New Orleans at Emeril's restaurant. It was so good. Kim and her roommate Jimmy. Jimmy is a traveling genius. I want him to plan all my vacations...he planned us a great trip. Please note this is the only photo of the 3 of us! :( I always had Jimmy take our photos and never got one with him. I am such a nerd!

 My best friend Kim.

Beautiful view of Austin nature. 

Some very yummy food trucks on South Congress Street. We had cupcakes! They were delicious! 

This photo was taken with my iphone so its color is a little off. We were at a restaurant called Shady Grove. I had the most amazing sandwich in the history of the world! It was called the "hippie chick". Grilled veggies and chicken on some very good bread!  

That amazing "hippie chick". Seriously, doesn't that look great?!

Our itinerary for our final day. I rested the first half of the day so I really did start out until number 6! :) But I still count it as a very successful day!

Our last night in the great city of Austin. I was pretty excited about this photo!

Thank you so much to everyone who sent me well wishes for this trip and prayed for me while I was gone. I am so happy I was able to go! I am so very thankful! 

One of those days.

So, today has been one of those kind of days....

Yeah, I know, it sure isn't pretty!

I have fainted two days in a row (after going weeks and weeks with no fainting!). After I faint, I usually get a pretty tough migraine and today and yesterday was no exception. My nausea has been quite terrible for several weeks now and my Zofran usually takes care of that problem but I seem to be having to take alot more Zofran than I normally do.

I wanted my day to look like this! But I actually had to turn my beautiful Christmas tree lights off because everything seemed to be irritating my body. So, needless to say, a few tears have been shed today.



But, the 22nd of December just seems to be a day that God likes to remind me that there are truly angels among us. Last year, He reminded me in a grand way. And just when I go forgetting the power of prayer and love and friends, I am reminded again in an equally grand way!

A box came today.

You can bet, the rice wrap and heating pad came off to check out this surprise! ha! The box was just from Amazon. There wasn't a return address from someone that I knew. I was a little perplexed. I wasn't expecting anything.

I opened it and here this was.

A beautiful gift from my beautiful friend Yasmin. I was not expecting such a kind and thoughtful gift from such a wonderful friend. This book was on my Amazon wish list! She caught me completely by surprise!!

I love Nancy Guthrie. There is something about the way she writes that I connect with. She uses her own personal struggles and tragedies to remind others of God's presence.

I highly recommend her books.

Thank you so much Yasmin. Your friendship and constant encouragement means more to me than words can ever say. Thank you for being a beacon of God's unfailing love in my life.

Merry Christmas!

A full heart.

I come to you today, my friends, not with a heavy heart but a heart full of love, peace and gratitude. So many people have reached out to me over the last few days. This blog has been such a blessing. Anytime that my heart is heavy with grief and sadness, wonderful souls reach out to me and you each speak to me in my time of sorrow. Thank you so much. I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am for each email, comment and message that I have received from you all. Please know that your kind words have comforted me greatly.

I also want to thank those who have been kind enough to share you stories of pain and lose with me. I am touched that you feel comfortable sharing your heart with me. Please know that your courage strengthens me and I know that I am not alone in this battle. And I hope each of you know that you are not alone in your battles.

Last Week in Pictures

Last week was a really good week. I felt better than I have in months and I was able to do a few things and see a couple of friends. I was a bad blogger last week! haha!

Monday

My lovely package wrapping goodies arrive from The Gilded Bee. You should visit her blog too. She has such pretty things!

Tuesday

Holly got a haircut and posed for pictures. She is so photogenic. I can't get over how totally cute this little puppy is. I am so in love with her.

Wednesday

 

My friend Jerica came over and visited for a little bit. She brought me some wonderful organic bath goodies! I was quite envious of her necklace! ;)

 

 

Thursday

 

Another visit with a friend! (See, I told you it was a great week!) My best friend Becca came by with her son, Jay. Isn't he a doll?! Laterwe went to dinner and had sushi.

 

 

Friday
Friday was puppy class but I was exhausted and didn't go. Mom took Holly to class for me and I stayed home and slept almost all day. Later that night I did make Martha Stewart tissue paper flowers. I found a kit at TJ-Maxx for $4!! Can't beat that!

Saturday was the day of my birthday party and it was so fun and so beautiful! I can't wait to post about it tomorrow.

I can't wait to catch up on everyone's blogs!

Merry Christmas!

Hello and Merry Christmas lovely friends! Can you believe Christmas is only 2 days away? Where has this year gone? I have been getting several cards in the mail over the last couple of days! Thank you so much! I love them all!

I wanted to share a little Christmas surprise that came a little early this year...

Her name is Holly. She is an 8 week old, Maltese. She is only 1.5 pounds. She is so tiny and so precious. I see this as the beginning of a wonderful relationship! ha! Thank you all for your advice!

There are a couple of other Christmas surprises that I want to share with you all. The past few days have been a little difficult and despite the cheer in the air and in my heart, I have been crying at the drop of a hat; we are talking about some serious meltdowns.

 I was in the middle of another meltdown earlier tonight, when my Dad came home with mail. He had two boxes, one of which was from Anthropologie and it was addressed to me. I asked Mom if she had ordered anything because I hadn't and I didn't want to ruin any surprises. She said that she didn't. I was so confused. I opened the box and I began sobbing. Inside was the beautiful sweater that I had said I wanted in this post. It was from the wondeful staff at Polyvore! (Merry Christmas, Polyvore!) Not only did they send the beautiful sweater but a mug and a gift card that has one my sets on the it! I was so overwhelmed. I just didn't know what to with myself.

And while I am trying to process this beautiful gift of kindness and support from such wonderful people, my Dad then tells me that a young man he used to work with years ago, called him this morning. He told my Dad that we were on his mind and he remembers that I am sick and he wanted to invite our family to his church so that they could pray for me.

Despite my heavy failures, my Father never fails me nor forgets me. I am so loved.

Merry Christmas! I hope you all feel love, warmth and HOPE this Christmas!

Friends are delightful.

My friend, Jerica stopped by my house today. I didn’t take any pictures because I wasn’t feeling well, I was in my pajamas and I looked pretty rough! I did take a picture of what she brought me.

This is a unique take on "re-gifting"! I gave this to Jerica when we were 11. I am not sure what the occasion was but I know I gave it to her only a few months after the car accident and Jerica was the greatest friend there ever could be to me during that time. I can say, without a doubt that God used her greatly in my life. I wrote the little poem on the poster. It says:

"My Best Friend is wild and crazy

Well spoken and never lazy.

She’s to the rescue when I call.

She makes sure I never fall.

She's there through good and bad,

thick and thin.

And we will always be best friends."

Jerica has held on to this after all these years. She said that it always makes her smile when she looks at it and hoped that it would make me smile during this tough time.

Jerica is just one of those friends that no matter how long we have not seen one another, we just pick right up where we left off. (We haven’t seen each other since August of 2008!)

I have known Jerica since I was 4. She really is a great friend and a great person. She is a true woman of God and I admire her greatly.

Here are a few photos of the two of us during happier times!

New Orleans 2006

 

August 2007

A little impromptu dancing in the Cheesecake Factory parking lot...always memorable.

Summer 2006

Jerica’s Wedding Day! Since we were 4 years old we planned on putting flowers in one another’s hair on our big day. The flowers were quite as elaborate as our 4 year-old selves had planned but this was a 20-year moment in the making. I will cherish this memory forever.

The Beautiful Bride. My Beautiful Friend.

Thanks for coming by Jerica. I am glad that we both know that we are praying for one another! And thank you for my trip down memory lane! love ya!

Are you blessed to have a friend like Jerica? I hope so!

Love. Heather

Remember everyone! I want your address so that I can send you a Christmas card! For more information, read this post!

I love a good party! What about you?

How about a fun, light-hearted post, huh? Yeah, I think so too. :)

I love a good party! My Mom and I love to throw them! I love planning the menu and the theme. I love getting out our crystal plates and punch bowl. I LOVE that all the people I love are gathered together in one room. The only thing that I don’t love about parties is the after party clean up job. That part isn’t much fun!

My Mom has always thrown big birthday parties for me and my sister, Haley. I love looking through photos and seeing the themes that she came up with each year. She is a pretty spectacular and creative person. So, my love for parties started pretty early. I guess my love of parties was revitalized when I was a Senior in high school and I threw a friend a surprise party. Over the last few years, we have had wedding showers and lingerie showers at our home as well as several over the top Christmas parties for my friends as well as my sister’s.

But no party even comes close to the last one we had in October of 2007. It was an amazing party for a pretty amazing feat! Okay, so I am going to try and explain this amazing party as lady-like as possible because I know that a couple of gentlemen read this and well…it is the Internet! Two years ago, after years and years of being completely frustrated, embarrassed and uncomfortable I decided to finally have a breast reduction. It was by far, one of the BEST decisions that I have ever made. Because I was now ridden of these “burdens” I decided to have a party and celebrate the magnificent milestone. So, I had a “Burn the Bra Party”. And I have to say, it was pretty fantastic!

My friends, family, family friends…everyone came! It was very much, “out with big, old grannies and in with the new, pretty and feminine!” ha!

Here are some photos from the party.

The table with all the goodies! We love good party food!

How lucky am I? Look at those girls! I am so blessed to have so many people love me!

Grammy, Aunt Ginger, Mom, Cindy, Leslie, & Gwen

See, I told you! Here is the burning of the old, ugly & granny and in with the new pretty and feminine! Great memories!

What about you guys? Are there any parties that stand out in your memory as being really spectacular?

-Temporary-

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

I enjoy this verse. I know I say that about most all of the verses I share, though. This one is the first one in my journal with verses. It reminds me to be patient (which I am not very good at) and to trust God (which I don't always do) However, I love this verse because it sums up God's promise to us once we accept salvation. It is a reminder of that big, GOLD medal at the end of the race, even if during that race I face hardship and heartbreak...these things are just seconds really, when compared to the world and glory God has prepared for me that will last forever and ever and ever.
But a particular part of this verse also resonates with me on another level. "So we fix our eyes no on what is seen but what is unseen". When people see me out, they see a happy, smiling girl with make-up on and my hair fixed. What is unseen is that my mother had to wash and dry my hair. My sister rolled my hair and put on my make-up. I meet for dinner and everyone sees me laughing and shaking my head as they tell me about their lives. What they don't see is my shame and embarrassment. I feel like an outsider. They don't see me trying to grasp for any part of their conversation to join. I feel like I am immature and I can't relate. When I say goodbye to my friends after leaving a small party or dinner, they don't see me sneak a pill for a headache or for nausea because I have been sitting up too long. They don't see my tears in the car as I leave because at 26, I still just want to be like "everyone else." People see my cute clothes that I have on while I am out but what is unseen is my Dad waiting on me when I get home. He meets me at the car and gets my purse. He has my pajamas laying on my bed. My Mom helps me undress and my Dad gathers up my clothes and puts them away.

People don't believe that I am sick because they see me happy and laughing, dressed, hair and make-up done. What is unseen is the effort to get me that way and the price that is paid for enjoying those few hours out of bed....but then I remember that...

"Though outwardly I am wasting away, yet inwardly I am being renewed inwardly day by day. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal!"

So, this post is meant to say two things. One is that if you are suffering a hardship or heartache of any kind, remember that pain is only temporary! The gift of the Cross is that one day we will be taken to Heaven and there will be no pain or grief. Secondly, remember as Kelly said, looks can be deceiving. We don't always know a person's whole story and we mustn't jump to conclusions! (I'm speaking to myself here, too!)

My sister, Haley, Me & our hostess, Darrah.
Haley, Beth, Me & Darrah

PS: Speaking of friends, here are some photos from an evening with GREAT friends on Friday.

Hello. Will be back soon.

Hello Friends.

I know that I have a lot of blogs to check, emails & Facebook messages to return and a few phone calls to make. I appreciate your love and prayers and your emails of encouragement so much! Every email you send to me, I save in a folder called "Pick Me Ups". I go back and read them when I am feeling blue. I haven't felt very good this week. (But no fainting!) Last night my sister and I went over to a friends house to have dinner and play games. It was fun but so exhausting. I have been in bed all day today and plan on being here a few more days but my time with the girls was wonderful and I don't mind that I feel bad because of the fun that I had.

I have some photos and other things to share but I am just too tired right now. So thank you for being patient. Hopefully, I will get back here in a couple days.



Wanted to share this photo. My sweet Mama decorated my room for Christmas earlier this week. This is my view from my bed. And since this is where I am I these days, I just don't think my view could get any better! Do you? I think it is gorgeous! (I know that I am a little biased!)

A Face in the Crowd.

This is my first post in what I hope will become a series regular on my blog, A Face in the Crowd. A Face in the Crowd will highlight an individual who is facing a struggle of their own and facing it with hope, strength & determination. As I have said so many times, our struggles are unique but our feelings and emotions are universal. A Face in the Crowd is meant to make us all think about the stranger in line at the market or the person across from us at the movie theater. We really never know what they are going through.

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it."

-Helen Keller

My first interview is with my very dear friend Kelly. Kelly and I met 5 years ago in Arizona at a camp for young adults with chronic or fatal illnesses. Kelly is one of the most beautiful people you will ever meet. She is compassionate and genuine. We have been fortunate enough to visit one another since our time in Arizona and I do hope we will see one another again very soon. Until that time, I am honored that she allowed me to interview her and share her sweetness and hopefulness with you!

Kelly would you tell the readers where you are from and how old you are. Kelly, 22, PA

What is the name of your illness(es)? Alagille Syndrome (AGS) - a very rare (only 1 in 100,000 live births) genetic disease that affects my liver, heart, bones, eyes, blood vessels, skin, facial features, and growth. I also have Chiari I Malformation, Hypothyroidism, Anxiety, and Mild Depression.

When were you diagnosed? I was diagnosed with AGS at 3 months old after my first surgery, a liver biopsy. I was diagnosed with Chiari at age 10 after a routine MRI. I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism at 20 after way too many months of testing and doctors that wouldn’t listen. And just a few months ago I was officially diagnosed with Anxiety and Mild Depression.

What adjustments have you had to make in your life because of your illness(es)? I really haven’t made too many adjustments since, for the mot part, I was born like this and it’s all I’ve ever known. I have had to make some adjustments to my activity level and amount of standing/walking I do in the past few years due to heart and Chiari problems.

Do ever feel mis-understood (at any level or with any situation) because of your illness(es)? Sometimes it’s hard to deal with people thinking that either nothing is wrong with me - I'm just small and short or (if they do know) that I never deal with anything unless I'm in the hospital – neither of which is true.

Have you ever had a distinct moment, where you felt God’s hand in the journey of dealing with your illness(es)? I have always known that God is with me, especially before and after surgeries. I have a new thing (my last three or so surgeries) that I have fallen asleep on the operating table praying. It’s just a way that I have found to calm myself down and give me extra comfort in the last moments before surgery. Also, during my last inpatient stay, which was completely out of the blue and resulted in emergency surgery, I really felt God’s presence. When I was admitted I was in the most pain I had ever been in and then did not have the smoothest of stays. The timing was awful! I had less than two weeks left in college and had a ton of stress with that and other things on my mind. But, the timing was also perfect, because it was God’s plan. My favorite surgeon and the only one I will let touch me just happened to be on (not – God’s timing)! He is on maybe one weekend a month and he was there and did my surgery that Saturday afternoon. In the end, school, stress, surgery, and everything else worked out. Always try your very best to have faith and patience! Timing is everything and everything happens for a reason!

Is there a factor (i.e., faith, family love, hope, etc.) that helps you cope with the struggles of being chronically ill? I get most of my support from God, I always try to keep the faith and have patience. I know this is God’s plan for my life and He created me this way for a reason. My friends and family are also there for me.

What are your dreams? My ultimate dream (career-wise) is to work at the hospital that I grew up going to. It’s kind of like a second home and I can’t imagine working anywhere else! I also want to get married and adopt at least one child from a foreign country.

Is there a quote or scripture that you turn to when you are feeling down? "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13"We can not change our circumstances but we can ask God to change our attitude toward them. When we cast our cares into His sea of love, He changes not our situation but the way it affects us." ~author unknown

Are there any final thoughts you would like to share? Just a few things that having a chronic illness has taught me: I know its cliche, but don't judge a book by its cover! You never know what people may have going on with them by just looking! For example, some people are unable to walk long distances and have to use a wheelchair at times because of it - if you were to see a person in that situation, you would probably say/think "he/she is young and healthy – he/she shouldn't be in a wheelchair – he/she is just being lazy!" Please, think before you speak!

Do you have a website that you would like to share with the readers for more information about you and your journey? Sure, if you’d like to get more background and detail about me and/or follow my progress you can visit my medical website: www.caringbridge.org/visit/kelly1 If you choose to leave a message in my Guestbook, please let me know you found me from Heather’s blog : )

Kelly, thank you so much. I love you and admire you so much. Thank you for being my first, Face in the Crowd!

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

Here is a list of dreamy items from Etsy that I would love to have! Please feel free to purchase any or all of the above in time for Christmas!

Love, Heather

1. The most precious bags with hand stamped cameras...so cute! These are from my blogger friend, Alli's Etsy Shop, Hooray Design. I love her store!

2. A beautiful bangle created by Magnolija Dress. Her creations are so dream-like! I love this beautiful bangle. It is called the Snow with Cream Bangle...how cute?!

3. This beautifully silver plated bowl that has been painted and turned into a chalkboard! So Cute! This extraordinary little beauty can be found in a shop on Etsy that is based in my hometown of Birmingham, AL, The French Flea Shop.

4. These beautiful tags are from the Etsy shop, Seasonal Delights. I placed an order at her shop a couple of weeks ago and received my beautiful Christmas tags and hand stamped ribbon. She is an artist! Her work is so nostalgic and sweet! Love her work!

5. Okay, this necklace just blows my socks off! I think if wouldn't brighten any one's day, don't you? I think I might have to break down and buy this for myself before Christmas! What a beauty! The necklace and other beautiful pieces can be found here, Miss Bee Designs.

6. Last but not least, is this precious, old typewriter. I have always wanted one and I think this one is so darling. The typewriter isn't the only vintage piece, Lovely Vintage, etc. has. This Etsy store is heavenly if you love old and beautiful things!

In other news, I will be putting up my Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations in my room this week! I am so excited. My family started decorating for Christmas in early November about 10 years ago. I cheered in high school and my sister twirled, so once the holidays started Mom and Dad ran out of time to decorate, because my sister and I kept them so busy! So, we started doing it on Halloween. It has become a Thomas Family tradition. It is a little strange to have our tree up this early but we do enjoy it. And besides, my Mom takes down our Christmas decorations down on the 25th after all of our family leaves so it sort of balances out, I suppose. Weird family, I know! ha!

Just a quick hello from bed.

I couldn't stay away for long. I can't sleep. So I thought I would drop by my blog and wish the world a hello! Have a wonderful week! Check this out!


I just love this necklace. It can be found at the lovely little shop of the website, (In)Courage. I really want it! I love jewelry, especially necklaces. It is designed by Lisa Leonard and she was inspired by a piece of scripture that I love!

"Be strong and take courage, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

Happy Post

My new blogger friend (and real life friend) Rachel has made my day! :)

Rachel is probably my oldest friend, ever. We were the only two children at Second Baptist Church for years! We were surrounded by adults who loved, pampered and spoiled us to pieces. We both eventually found new church families and lost touch over the years as so many friends do. In February we ran in to each other in Target and we have since tried to keep in touch through Facebook.

Rachel is a wonderful, Godly woman and I am so honored to call her a friend. She has a great blog, The Pilston Papers. You must visit her.

She blogged about my bedroom, which made me very happy because my bedroom is very special to me. Here is the original post and photos that Rachel blogged about. Enjoy!

sweet simple things.

My photo has nothing really to do with my post. I just love that Anthropologie teacup and I was so excited that it was cool enough to drink some hot Tazo tea! Yes, hot tea makes my weekend complete. What can I say? I am simple girl.

In far more exciting news, I was able to see my two best friends last night! (I am so tired and very sick today but I don't mind; last night was well worth it!) Kim moved to Maryland two years ago to teach high school math because she just rocks! My friend Becca and I cheered together in high school and I haven't seen her since February. And my dear blogger friends that is just a crime! So, I rested up all day on Thursday and Friday. My sweet Mom carried me to Tuscaloosa amidst the Homecoming traffic and I had dinner with Kim at place called, Tokyo. I had Sushi and and I loved it! I also had Edamame (steamed soybeans with course sea salt) for the first time. They were actually good! My Mom is used to driving me places and waiting in the car for me. (She is so good to me.) After dinner, Mom carried me over to the University of Alabama campus where Becca's in-law's were tail-gating in their motor home. And to top all the excitement, Becca's sweet baby Jay was there! He has gotten so big! He will be 1 on December 10. I got to feed him and we played "This Little Piggy".

I haven't seen any people besides family and doctors in months. Last night was like Disneyland for me! I cried after I got home and got in the bed. I was so happy.

Although fatigue has set in and a monster of a migraine is knocking on my door, the euphoria from last night has not worn off. Best friends. Babies. Cold Weather. Hot Tea. God is so good!

"Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and all comfort." - 2 Corinthians 1:3