Grateful for Your love

Yesterday we got almost a foot of snow. Today it was 45 degrees (beach weather!) so this happened...

The first time it snowed this year, I was laying in a hospital bed unable to move. I could barely see the snow from my position in bed, and I remember crying thinking that all I wanted was to play with my son and watch him discover the beauty of winter; a season I cherished when I was young.  It has snowed a few times since that day, but I was still not strong enough to bundle us up and head outside.  Each time I wondered if that was the last snow of the season, if I had missed my chance to make memories with my boy.  But God is so faithful, and hears our cries, no matter how small.  He blessed us with this beautiful day, warm enough that we didn't need hats, but cold enough for a big blanket of soft white snow.

Today, I was strong enough.  It was warm enough.  We are all healthy enough.  Memories were made.

Thank you, God, for the gift of today.

My body is tired, but my heart is so full.

Today…I cried tears of joy.  May God be praised.

"You chase us into the dark and Lord we're grateful, oh we're grateful
You captured our hearts with Your love, oh Lord You're faithful, you are faithful
We're grateful for Your love" - Ellie Holcomb

Remembering the beauty and stillness of yesterday’s snowfall. “You are good to me”. #theeverydayproject #choosejoy #latergram

Day 15/365 - today we are celebrating another small victory! Eli and I managed to go on a ten minute walk outside all by ourselves!! It does t seem like much, but after being unable to even roll over in bed, I realize I have come a long way. Today and every day, may God be praised. #choosejoy #CIDP #chronicillness #theeverydayproject #365daysoflight #mrbigcheeks

Day 11/365 - My arms are barely strong enough to hold you, but I’m in mama heaven. #theeverydayproject #365daysoflight #mrbigcheeks #CIDP #choosejoy

One of the frightening things about CIDP is not knowing how I will feel on any given day. Some mornings, I wake up and wonder if I will have the energy to care for myself or Eli. But then I remind myself that God is in control, that I can do all things with Him, and that he’s told me time and time again not to worry. So today, I will drink my tea, meditate on His truth, and carry on. #CIDP #chronicillness #choosejoy #365daysoflight #theeverydayproject

Oh. My. Gosh.

Vera Bradley makes BABY CLOTHES (in amazingly cute packaging)!! I also have the BEST roommate from rehab (@hallie4rose) EVER!! God knew exactly what He was doing when he put us in the same hospital room. This little girl already has nicer clothes than I do! #boltonsbecomefour #theeverydayproject

My “thank you for being patient with me” flowers! I got a keeper. 😊❤️ Gentlemen, take note; find out what makes your lady feel loved and do that! #marriedlove #theeverydayproject #thrivewhereistand

Day 7/365. Mommy was super tired from our adventures in the snow yesterday. I think you knew, because you have been so sweet all day, snuggling and playing independently. How did I get so blessed to have such a sweet little boy? #mrbigcheeks #choosejoy #CIDP #spoonie #theeverydayproject #365daysoflight

Last year you were too young to care about the snow, but this year I was ready. We’ve been waiting all winter for snow to play in, and today it finally happened. I bundled you up in so many layers you look twice your size and could hardly walk, but I know you were warm. Watching you discover snow made my heart soar. You are my greatest adventure, little boy. I used most of my spoons to take us outside to play, but I’m so glad we have new memories together. #theeverydayproject #mrbigcheeks #spoonie #chronicillness #choosejoy #CIDP

There have not been nearly enough baby bump pictures this time. Sweet girl, you and I have already had such an incredible journey together. I’m so glad you were there with me through all the scary hospital procedures and unknowns. You and Jesus make me brave. 19 weeks and the smallest bump. #theeverydayproject #boltonsbecomefour

Words cannot adequately express how very humbled and grateful we are for the generosity of our friends today. You are truly the hands and feet of Christ and Thomas, Eli, and I are blessed to know you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your amazing hard work; our house is finally a home (and we can finally see the floor)!! I will now return to the pregnant tradition of crying happy tears in awe of the amazing people in my life. Thank you all!!! #humbled #choosejoy #CIDP #chronicillness #theeverydayproject

Today was our first day on our own since Mommy came back from the hospital. We’ve been having a great day! I missed doing all these little things with you. My favorite part of being home with you now is watching all that you’re learning; you are so smart, sweet boy!! It’s Christmas Eve and I can’t wait to watch you tonight at mass…this is one of the most beautiful and joyous of the year! #theeverydayproject #thrivewhereistand #choosejoy #invisibleillness

We moved in the middle of my hospitalization (don’t ever do that if you can help it), so our house is still in boxes, but I knew if I made it home for Christmas that we would be putting up our tree. We were only able to take it out and “fluff” it before we were too tired to continue, but I’m thrilled either way. Maybe it will have lights by Christmas Day! #mrbigcheeks #theeverydayproject #latergram #choosejoy #CIDP

Being hospitalized for over a month results in great joy from small events. One of my biggest goals while in the rehabilitation hospital was regaining enough strength to hold my son. I can’t hold him for very long, but it feels so good to have him in my arms again…my heart is full! #mrbigcheeks #theeverydayproject #CIDP #chronicillness #invisibleillness #choosejoy

I’m about to blow up your news feed with events since I’ve been home…sorry about that. 😊

I have always wanted to try one of these things, and now I finally have a reason! Choosing joy with my zippy cart at the grocery store. #CIDP #chronicillness #choosejoy #theeverydayproject #latergram #mrbigcheeks

First full day and my biggest lesson is pacing myself. I am still having a pretty difficult time accepting that I can’t do anything the way I used to. My mind is so willing, but my body is so weak. I know it will get better, and I will wait with joyful hope. Time for a good nights rest and a fresh start tomorrow! #warrior #CIDP #chronicillness #theeverydayproject

Reunited and it feels so good!!! 💕💕😃😃 #mrbigcheeks #mywholeheart #theeverydayproject #CIDP #warrior

My nails are ready for Christmas!! I can’t wait to see my boys tomorrow morning!!! 💕💕🎄😄 #theeverydayproject #CIDP #youcantstopme #warrior #glitter #nails #choosejoy

I am going to miss this girl SO much after she goes home tomorrow!! We are convinced someone cheated when they put us together; we have so much in common it’s scary. Roomies and new amazing friends; so blessed to know you @hallie4rose!! #warriors #theeverydayproject

Visits are my favorite! My heart jumps every time you come through that hospital door, little boy. You and your daddy are my entire world. #mywholeheart #mrbigcheeks #theeverydayproject #happymama #CIDP #chronicillness #warrior