Tyson Hugh Hooper

Tyson Hugh Hooper
Our son, Tyson Hugh Hooper, was born with coarctation of the aorta, hypoplastic arch, and a transitional avsd. His first open heart surgery reconstructed his aorta and was on day 9 of life. His second open heart repair was not anticipated to be needed until two or three years of age. Ty had other plans. We spent the vast majority of his first 3 months of life at Vanderbilt as he went into heart failure and was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. As a result, the medical team concluded that he needed the repair much sooner than usually recommended, and at just shy of 3 months old Ty underwent his second life saving open heart surgery. God has already worked so many miracles in Ty's life and the life of our family and we know he is using our story. Because of this, we are grateful for Ty's special heart and feel beyond blessed that God chose us to travel this road. We ask for prayers as Ty continues to heal. We are praying for a full recovery and life without restrictions for Ty. We are praying for God to use our family and Ty for His glory.

Thank you to each and every person who supports us through prayer, giving, or just by loving on our family! We are humbled and blessed by all of the ways the Lord is providing for us and know that he is using Ty and his story to do great things!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Made to be a home maker...

The story of my day with some random pictures thrown in for fun...




Today was a wonderfully simplistic day. I took Chris to Web's mom's house to help her with some construction clean up. I had lunch (although I couldn't actually eat) with Julie and some other friends. I went with Chris to pick Lily up from his parents house and visited for a bit. Afterwards, we headed to Chris' where he snuck and afternoon nap while Lily and I ran to my house to gather some yard sale items. We returned to unload, play Simon Says with ALL of Lily's gazillion stuffed animals, straighten up... then I cooked dinner with my favorite little Chef (she calls it "Chef-ing"), played in the back yard while dinner was on, visited with Rob and Crystal (who came for dinner), and then relaxed in the living room as the evening wound down.


Sounds like a very simple day, but I was struck by how much I enjoy making a house a home! Lily and I found some pumpkins and such at my house while gathering yard sale items and brought them over to "Fall up" Chris and Lily's house a little.

While Lily played in her room, I rearranged her closet and categorized some of her toys to make them easier to get to and play with (aka: a tub full of nothing but kitchen stuff and a drawer of all the dress-up goodies)!



As I cooked dinner (Baked pork chops, fried apples, and sweet potatoes) Lily was by my side every step of the way helping and asking questions! I love that she loves to help in the kitchen because (as you know) cooking is one of my very-most-favorite things to do in all of the world! Lily is such a good helper in the kitchen and pretty much everywhere! Today, she darted back and forth between helping me in the kitchen and helping her Daddy do some other things around the house!




While dinner was on we played a quick game of Boccee Ball in the back yard and then Chris and Lily practiced hitting golf balls while I sat at the patio table sipping wine, meal planning and making a grocery list.





I know it might sound strange, but I am such a list person. If I don't write it down, I forget it. Maybe it's because I rely on lists so heavily or just because... whatever the reason I love making lists! Especially meal planning and grocery lists. For the past 2 or 3 months I have been able to plan an entire months worth of meals and groceries and only go once. I love it!


Crystal and Rob came for dinner and we all played and talked for a little while and then Chris put Lily to bed and then the boys watched a silly guy movie while Crystal relaxed and texted and I continued my list making and planning....





...another favorite of mine... Christmas lists! I always do a spread sheet with everyone I have to buy for, ideas, prices, places, etc. So I started that tonight and thoroughly enjoyed every moment!

So, in short, today was nothing spectacular. No major events, no big goings-on, just life. Life that is pure, simple, and fills my heart to overflowing. And as I lived that simple life, it occurred to me that I was (among other things) definitely made to be a home-maker. Caring for, nurturing, and providing for those I love in my own special way is what brings joy to my heart and peace to my soul. Thank you Lord for the life that you have provided for me. It is good.


6 comments:

Allyson said...

We are so much alike my old friend! I love love love staying home and being able to do all those things. And I am such a list maker too! In fact if I do something that's not on the list, I write it down so I can check it off. Haha. And we have the exact same spreadsheet for Christmas! Hilarious!

Leigh Ann said...

I love this post, Meag! You deserve all this happiness you are experiencing. I know those around you are equally blessed by the thoughtful things you are doing.

Betsy said...

I feel the very same way, Meagan!! I love being a nurterer too and making my home cozy and comfortable! :)

Lindsay said...

Lists ROCK. And so does staying at home. From one home-body to another - have another wonderful week!!

Megan L Hutchings said...

And I know you are the Best of the Best! This has been something God has been leading to you forever :)!

You KNOW how I love a good list :)!

Lauren said...

Could you and Lily be any more beautiful??