Goodbye 2012/Hello 2013

Today is the last day of 2012.  What a year.  This was the year we:

* moved south

*announced our pregnancy

*went to Florida

*found out Ella had Trisomy 13

*moved back north

*gave birth to Ella, said hello and goodbye 6 weeks early

*celebrated Grace turning 4 and Graham turning 2

*went to Disney World

I want to be careful to remember that in spite of our sadness, some great things happened this year.  We had some great memories.  We went camping, to Florida (twice!), had lots of family time, visited with many friends, and laughed many times at our crazy kids.

This year we were surrounded by the love of our family and friends when we found out we weren't going to be able to keep Ella.  More meals were made for us than I can count. Cards and texts and phone calls were made to let us know we were being thought of and prayed for.   Friends kept our kids for us many times. Flowers were delivered that were gorgeous. Our house was cleaned, laundry done, I have some beautiful necklaces to remember my little girl.   The family of God showed up in a way that brought Him honor and praise.

I know that I am a better person because of Ella.  (because of ALL 3 of my kids). I've said before that I don't understand why this had to happen, but I am so glad that she was here.  I'm so glad to have three beautiful children, a fantastic husband, and loving family and friends.  I'm glad 2013 is starting.  A new year.  My prayer is that God will continue to grow me to be what he needs me to be for His glory.  

Happy New Year friends,

Love,

The Hartmans

Post Christmas

 Christmas has come and gone.  Almost.  My family is here visiting and we're celebrating Christmas together.

 This is our tree from down south.   Since we put our tree up at our house here we needed something to put up for the Hartman Christmas.  Grandma Shirley saved the day.  She even decorated it for us!  

 Can you see his face?  Priceless.  I don't know know what he was crying about but it was funny.

 Opening his gift from Uncle Shawn and Nicki.  He loved the "big truck"!

 We made button ornaments.  Styrofoam balls, buttons, straight pins with the little balls on top and some ribbon.  Easy and fun!

 And then at our house.  My two big kids.

 We got Graham a balance bike.  Have you ever heard of one?  It doesn't have pedals and he will learn how to balance himself on it and then go straight to a big boy bike. No training wheels.  I'll report back and let you know how it goes!

 Christmas morning.  Grace had a plan for us.  "I will get up first and you stay in bed. Ok?  Then when I go out and see if there are presents there, I'll come and get you up. Ok?"   Got it Sis. :)

 They had so much fun with their gifts.  It was fun to watch their excitment.

It has been fun.  I have to say that I'm breathing a sigh of relief that it's over though.  Not because it's all been bad but just hard.  In fact, I will say that Shane did everything he absolutely could to make it the best ever.   And it was a good day.  I can't say it was the best ever but it was good.  I am so glad that God sent Jesus to be our Savior.  Knowing that He came to earth for me and endured so much more than I'll ever know for me is the best gift I could ever receive.

Remembering

*written on Dec. 22nd
I got up early today to walk at the community center before Shane had to leave to get some work done.  The community center has Christmas trees lining its halls to raise money for Riley Hospital.  They are cute. Lots of work went into them.  I was admiring them when I remembered that a friend had told me that she had seen one by a funeral home with names of loved ones who had passed away this past year.  I wasn't sure if it was the funeral home that handled Ella's cremation but I thought I'd look for it.

As soon as I saw it I began to read the names.  Without looking at the name of the tree sponsor, I knew it was the same funeral home.  A few weeks ago Shane and I attended a remembrance service at the funeral home.  It was a beautiful service.  We were given an ornament to honor and remember Ella and all the names of the people they had served that had passed away in the last year were read.  Each one was read individually.  If it was a baby it was read like this:

"We remember infant Gabriella Hartman"

There were six infant names read.  I remember them all.

The first name I saw on the tree was one of those sweet little names read at the funeral home that day.   I began to look for Ella's name.  It didn't take me long to find it.  It was a hard walk this morning.  I was glad that I was the only one there because my tears wouldn't stop.  I even sat down by the tree for a while and talked to God.

(blurry pic, taken from my camera phone)

Wow, sometimes I'm floored at how hard celebrating this year has been.   I am grateful for my two oldest kids who get me going every day.  Who need to celebrate Christmas and have books read to them and make cut out cookies, and countdown to Christmas.  I'm thankful for my husband who asks me what my plans are for each day because he knows that all I really want to do is curl up on the couch and let the day pass by.  But I can't.  So I make plans and memories with Gracie and Graham.  And I miss Ella.

Today the grief is raw and open.  I've been able to keep it pushed down by plans and lists and baking and going, going, going.  But today I saw my daughter's name on a tree because she died this year.

It's probably weird to say, but I love that funeral home.  Ok, that's definitely weird!  Maybe I should say I love the people who run it.  The director is a kind hearted soul who remembers names and faces and acts with such grace and gentleness.  We made our plans for Ella before she was born so we knew who would be coming to get her from the hospital.  The night we had her, Shane called him and we began our goodbyes.  When the director  came in the first thing he did was compliment us.  "Congratulations, she's beautiful." Those words were the perfect thing to say to this proud mama.  She was beautiful.  Then he prayed with us before he left with her.  I could not imagine giving my daughter to anyone, ever.  But the way that this was handled and the peace we had, made it ok.  It was a clear sign that God was with us that night.

The day of the remembrance service I had such a hard time holding it together.  It was a great service, but that was wasn't why.   The songs were touching, but that wasn't why.  I saw this man who owns this funeral home and all I could think about was "He held my baby.  He was the last person on this earth to hold my daughter.   He was with us.  He knows."  I felt connected to him in a way that is like no other.  I cannot imagine the job that a funeral home director does day in and day out, and I don't know if all places are like this one, but I do believe that some people have a true gift from the Lord to be able to take such awful circumstances and serve with grace and love.

If I would have seen a tree like the one in our community center before I had a daughter that died, I may have felt a little awkward.  Like a whole tree of dead people's names?  That's not a very Christmas-y thought.  But when I saw the tree and found "Gabriella Hartman" this morning, I was so thankful that she was remembered.  That's what that tree is for.  Not for those of us who haven't suffered loss but for those who have.  A kind and gentle reminder that those names are important.

If you know someone who has had a loved one pass away this year, acknowledge it.  Slip a note into your Christmas card to them, send them an email, a text.  Let them know that you remember.  It will mean a lot to them I promise.

After Christmas

This. This is how I feel:  She is talking about how we don't show the hard parts in our Christmas cards.

"We all have hurts, disappointments, frustrations, confusion and seemingly unanswered prayers. They just don’t look as pretty on the yearly Christmas card."

"I’m going to venture a guess, that behind the camera there is probably an “undecorated” and slightly-undone-less-than-festive scene just out of view of the lens.

Because, you know, that’s life. It unravels.

The good with the bad, the messy with the beautiful. Filtered light permeating dark shadows.

Both sides of the camera tell the true story of the life we lead. Tears mixed with joy. Messes behind the camera. Seeking beauty in front of us while wanting desperately to turn our backs and run away from the sadness and pain around us. {yes!}

God knew. He knew. He had a plan.

He sent His Son, a perfect gift for us that we might find joy and everlasting life.

No more pain. No more sorrow.

Joy without tears. Life where there was death. Peace where there was pain. Light in the dark."

* This post is from (in)courage . It's a great site.  Bookmark it.  Put it in your google reader.  Whatever.  Just read it.  It will most definitely incourage you.

Merry Christmas from the Hartmans

Merry Christmas!  We are having a few low key days and it's perfect.  We'll be home celebrating with just our little family.   

I used this picture for a Christmas card this year.  I didn't get many of them out.  If you didn't receive one , please look at this picture and know that we are wishing you a very merry time with your family.

Some people who lose a baby add them to their Christmas card but that didn't feel right to me.   I wanted to share her with you anyway.  My beautiful girl.  I'm missing her oh so much today.  It just doesn't feel right to not have her here.  Shane took the kids out this morning for me to finish wrapping gifts and have some quiet time.  I've been thinking of Ella and missing her.  I'm thankful for the alone time because when my oldest two walk in, I want to be ready to make happy memories with them.  

I am thankful for the birth of our Savior, who knows all our joys and sorrows.  I am thankful for great memories and for all three of my babies.  

Merry Christmas to you and yours. :)

Love,

The Hartmans

Book Review: I am Second

I haven't read many books this past year.  I have one that's been sitting on my desk for a long time and I finally finished it!  I Am Second by Doug Bender and Dave Sterrett is a collection of stories about men and women who have found their lives changed by Jesus Christ.  Some of these people are famous professionals, some are pastors, and some are just every day moms and dads but they all share the same common theme.  They were brought to the lowest of lows and when they were at bottom they realized that Jesus had more for them.  They began to live for Him and make Him first and themselves second.

This book was an easy read.  Each story is divided into it's own so you can read it individually.  There is a bit for everyone.  Some of the stories were not ones I could relate to because I have not experienced the same thing.  I found other stories to be more relatable for me.  What I liked about it is that it's honest and real. It shows how everyone, famous or not, in the public eye or not, struggles is not perfect yet through the grace and love of Christ we all can be forgiven.

This book would be a great way to introduce a relationship with Jesus with a non Christian. It would be particularly good for me as it's not frilly and girly per say, and also good for those "tough guys" out there.  It is a good tool to show that we all need Jesus to be first in our lives.

Let me know if you've read I Am Second and what you thought!

* I was provided this book to review by Thomas Nelson publishing

Phone Dump

It's been a busy time around here.  We were all sick for at least a week! (boo) and then we packed up and went south for the Hartman family Christmas.  We had a great time!  I've been so up and down this season I was a bit worried of how I'd feel but I really enjoyed my time with our family.

So to catch you all up, here are some dump pics from my phone!

 Shane built this deck at Camp Moneto.  Isn't it beautiful!  It's so spacious!  He actually gave us a play area up by the house now!

 Life at camp.  Kids playing on logs and having a blast.

 My friend Jodi made this.  LOVE IT.  I want to make one next year.  So if anyone has any nice big frames they don't want.... :)

 The best part about our little camp house is the fireplace.  Add Christmas lights to it and it is just about perfect.

 Got my girls matching ornaments for Christmas.

 Thing #1- sick

 And here is Thing #2

 He was so sad when he was sick.  Lots of juice and cuddle time happened.

 hartman family sequence!

 We made button ball ornaments. They turned out really cute!

 Graham had croup for a few days and then his 2 year molars and eye teeth decided to come in.  At the same time.  He was not a happy camper.

And it's just about a given:  Two sick kids will equal one sick mama.  I was thankful for PBS and for big beds!