The {Best} Of 2016

Best of 2016

I know that I post a lot of favorites blogs. But I find them excellent because they ensure that I am blogging at least once a month. I also find that Favorites videos are my favorites to watch on YouTube. They seem to have the best information in them. Most everyone on YouTube is posting Best of 2016 videos right now, so I though. Why Not? :)

Here are my favorites from 2016. Enjoy.

Best Eye Shadow Pallet of 2016
I would have to say that the Eye Shadow Pallet that I grabbed for the most in 2016 is definitely the Morphe 35O. There are so many looks that you can do with the pallet. I tend to do a cooler toned look with this pallet, but I also love all of the warm oranges. For a while this pallet was really hard to get your hands on, but I'm pretty sure most people have it by now, so if you don't, it isn't hard to find.

You can find this pallet here. It retails for $22.99, which is a steal considering that you get 35 colors! But a lot of YouTubers are affiliates of Morphe and have a 10% discount code. It may not seem like much, but that brings this pallet down to nearly $20. They are creamy and pigmented and definitely necessary for your make-up collection if you like to wear eye shadow. And you can definitely find lots of tutorials for eye looks as well. :) Win, win, win.

Best Lipstick of 2016
When it came to me picking my favorites for make-up, I tried to think of the thing that I wore the most and didn't have to think when  I picked it. For lipstick, I definitely first thought of Serenity by Gerard Cosmetics! I love this color because it is the perfect nude for my skin tone. The matte of the color also doesn't completely dry out my lips. Also, it was a collaboration with Manny MUA, so I obviously and going to love it. :)

It retails for $20, which isn't cheap by any means, but I think that it is worth having. You can find Serenity here. Because it is a collaboration with Manny, there is a discount code "Mannymua" which works for the whole website including this liquid lipstick and it saves you 30%, which bring the price down to $14. Which is pretty average for a liquid lip. It is nothing too flashy, but it is just enough to finalize any look you are going for and I LOVE it! :)

Best Perfume of 2016
I honestly didn't really get into perfume until the later end of 2016. I had a few roller balls the I used, but as a reward to myself for losing 20 lbs, I decided to splurge on my first full size perfume. I'm not huge into musky scents, and Escada Turquoise Summer is the perfect sweet scent for me! 

Turquoise Summer is sweet and fruity, but is still adult enough that you still feel grounded while wearing it. The 3 oz bottle retails for $79, and you can find Turquoise Summer here. I'm sure that it is sold other places than Sephora, but who doesn't wan to go to Sephora anyway? :)

Best Shirt of 2016
As far as picking a favorite shirt, I actually found that really hard. Do you pick a shirt that you wear the most? Or a shirt that you loved the moment you put it on? I mean, if we are honestly picking a shirt that we wear the most, it would honestly be an over-sized A Christmas Story t-shirt that used to be my dad's. But, I decided that the shirt I talked about the most when I was wearing it would have to be my "No Worries" T-shirt from American Eagle.

I found this shirt on a whim. You know how email used to be a great way of communicating with others? And now all of the sudden it seems that email is more of being overwhelmed with ads from local stores. I understand that this is ultimately my fault, but why wouldn't you want to save 5% for giving them your email? Anyway, their clearance t-shirts were like 75% off and I went and looked through them. I bought this one and a Grand Canyon shirt. Total including shipping it was like $10. So unfortunately that means I can't give you a link to find it, because it is long from existing. It was the perfect shirt to wear when I was taking my CSW exam for the second time!

Best Pants of 2016
I know that this year is all about snake skin. ;) Just kidding, but these pants have been in my possession for a long time. But all of the sudden I am OBSESSED! I can wear solid prints, stripes, pretty much everything I want and it always looks great! 

Again, these pants are old enough that I don't think they exist anymore. But If you want to check out the Old Navy Rock Star skinny jeans, do it! Today!

Best Shoes of 2016
If you know me well, then you know that I base my happiness off of my feet. This obviously includes if they are tired or sore. But, the temperature of my feet affects my whole body! I work at a skilled nursing facility and with my business casual attire, I have had a hard time finding something that will withstand my constant walking as well as keep my feet at the appropriate temperature. 

These flexible ballet flats from PayLess are Legend-I hope you aren't lactose intolerant, because the next word is- Dairy! These DexFlex Comfort shoes keep my feet comfortable for all of my needs! I must admit, that they don't work as well in the winter. But if I wear boots anywhere expect for inside of my building they make my feet just as happy! I bought this exact style a long time ago, so sorry if you can't find them. But I kind of love how many different options they have all of the time.

Best Accessory of 2016
Am I allowed to have multiple favorite accessories? (Of course I am, I am in charge of the rules here.) :)  The first is a Leukemia awareness band from Choose Hope. It is $8 and it is the perfect thing to represent my love for Graham. If any of you want to buy one, we would love it! We don't make a profit off of them or anything, but It makes me smile to see that others are thinking of him. 
The other Orange bracelet also is for Graham, but this one isn't online anywhere. My dad made them and I'm sure he would make you one if you want it!

The other would have to be my Arvo Watch that my sister Kadee got me for Christmas. Now, before you get your panties in a wad, I've had it since November. So, Yes, I have had it long enough to know that I love it! It isn't anything too fancy, but I looks nice with everything. Which, I think makes for the perfect accessory.

Best Song of 2016
Did y'all expect me to pick a different song?! I would OBVIOUSLY pick one of the Andrew McMahon songs. He has released a total of 4 before his release of the album, but I find to hear this one the most. 

That potentially could be because it is my alarm to wake up in the morning. But, the fact that is makes me wake up and I still love it should mean it's pretty amazing! His album comes out on February 10th and it's no secret that I say you need it. Now!

Best Movie of 2016
Believe it or not, I have not see that many movies this year. I am kind of ashamed of it. But this was definitely the funniest movie I saw all year. It was kind of nice to have a movie that didn't require too much attention in a year that was sort of crazy. 

This is where I announce I'm sponsored by Target. ;) Here is the link if you want to buy it for $14.99. The nice thing about Target is that their movies go on sale A LOT! It wouldn't surprise me if this went as low as $9 in the near future.

Best TV show of 2016
Stranger things.

I don't know that I can express how much I loved this series. It was so Stephen King like and was filmed so much like a movie that I couldn't get enough of it! If you haven't watched it, you should. It's on Netflix and the next season comes out in October. :)

Best Netflix Binge-watch of 2016
If you thought it was impossible to watch 11 seasons of a TV show in less than two months. I definitely proved you wrong with this one. :)

I was medically inclined once and these type of shows are my forte. Ya know, except for the piano, I guess that is technically my forte. But I laughed, sat on the edge of my seat, and cried watching this. Part of me wants to buy all of the seasons. But for now, I suppose I will just bask in the fact that I have seen them all. :)

Best Book of 2016
I read 15 books in 2016 of which I gave 5 stars to Flowers in the Attic, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Illustrated Edition, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Siddhartha, and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.

This book was so heart-wrenching and beautifully written that I couldn't put it down! It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much! It's only $7.99 at Barnes and Noble (who should also be sponsoring me!) So go over and get it!

Best Activity of 2016
Going to the Grand Canyon was angelic. There is no other way to describe it. It was a really long drive and I could have spent 12 more days there. But even just a couple of hours was the highlight of 2016.

Best Purchase of 2016
The local Baseball team in Utah are the Bees. They had a special Jazz night and were selling the game worn jerseys. It is pretty awesome to know that I am one of 30 people that have one. Which is why it is my favorite. :)

Best Picture of 2016
One of me, and one of Lilo. Need I say more?

Sorry that this is posted late. But here are my favorites of 2016! Here's to an excellent 2017!
Until Next Time.
Peace & Blessings!

{2017 Reading Challenge}

It is that time of year again, folks. That's right. The time where I plan out what books I'm going to read, when we all know the likelihood of me not changing my book plans are pretty slim. :) 

My sister and a friend of hers came up with this 2017 book challenge. A lot of them were taken from another list, but that list was like 60 books long. Can anyone really read more than a book a week, on average? I definitely can't. But I think that the Challenge turned out great!

Here is a picture in case you want to steal it. :)

Basically, there are categories that prompt you to find a book you would like to read. There are 12 categories, which is averaging a book a month. Which is very doable! 

I am so excited for my book choices, and I have included a short synopsis of the book in case some of you want to steal my ideas. :) Enjoy!

A Murder Mystery

I mean. Who wouldn't want to read a book that is by JK Rowling, but for some reason is calling herself Robert Galbraith because she thinks she isn't the queen of all reading and people won't take her seriously?? 

I know, I know. I'm behind on the band wagon for this one. But, what can I say. I have an entire bookshelf of books that I haven't read. And then on top of that, I have a nook that has hidden gems, such as this one, in it, that I forget I have. 

Anyway. The Cukoo's Calling is a murder mystery where an investigator that lost his leg in Afghanistan is determining is a supermodel, "Cukoo" really committed suicide, or if it was murder. *insert ominous music*

A Book With A Blue Cover

I got addicted to "BookTube" this last year. And it is a dangerous place for booklovers to be. There are so many books out there that I didn't know even existed! This book happened to be one of them. It is about a blind girl that is living in Paris during it's invasion in WWII. I love historical fictuion and I was so happy that this book fit into one of the categories! :)

A Book About A Road Trip

I'm beginning to wonder if all of John Green's books have to do with road trips? I guess that this is a bit of an exaggeration, but I feel like the road trip saga is really in style lately. 

An Abundance of Katherines is a story about a boy on a road trip searching for a girl named Katherine that he can be in love with that won't end up dumping him in the end. 

I am excited for this one. I think that it will be super funny and be a light read. :)

A Book That's Becoming A Movie This Year

When I was thinking about this years book challenge, I knew that I had to include a Stephen King book. I wouldn't be Heidee if I didn't. 

I have heard amazing things about this book, but I have been worried about it's thick size. With a whopping 1,138 pages, it is kind of an intimidating read. But I think that I will really enjoy this story, and probably a lot more than the movie. (Which I happen to really enjoy as it is) 

For those of you that have lived under a rocks, It is about a group of children (The Losers Club) who see the deepest, darkest fear of each individual. "It" returns as they continue to grow older and they do everything they can to stop It. 

I decided that I would throw a second one of this category for a couple of reasons. Number one, could there ever be too many books? No.  Secondly, because It is forever long, I wanted to make sure that I had an option of a book in this category to fix. 

Coin Heist is raved as "The New Breakfast Club." An unlikely group of kids come together to steal money from the Pennsylvania Mint. It sounds like an excellent thriller and who doesn't love a good Heist story?

A Book Written By A Celebrity

I have heard so many good things about this book. I have read a lot of more "serious" books lately and I thin that a funny one would be right up my alley this year. Don't get me wrong, I definitely want to read some of those more serious books as well. But sometimes, something easy and funny is a nice change. 

This book mostly contains funny stories and some advise for when humor is apporpriate. I don't know anyone that could use that kind of advice. Do you? (Imagine me currently looking at the ceiling)

A Book Written 100 Years Before You Were Born

This category was actually kind of hard for me. Hahah. Mostly because I had my heart set on reading Dracula, but guess what? It is only 96 years older than I am. :( But, I did actually find  one book that was published in 1892, and that happened to be Wuthering Heights. It's funny, because I really wanted to read this book because Bella read it in Twilight when I was in Jr High. :) haha. 

Anyway, From what I understand, it's like many other classics, it's a tragic love story. :) 

A Book With A Cat on the Cover

Those of you that know me, know that I wouldn't buy a book with a cat on the cover on purpose. What is the point of cats anyway? But, I did happen to notice this lion on the cover of Zoo. That counts, right? I think it does. 

This book is about numerous, tragic deaths in major cities that appear to be related to lions. I think I am most intrigued by this book because part of me feels that this could really happen. Mankind has totally taken over the world, it is only a matter of time before all of the animals just, snap!

The First Book You See in A Bookstore

My Fascination with serial killers is nothing new. And when I saw this book in the bookstore, I knew that I needed to have it. It happened to be on one of the main displays, probably because it's a debut novel and it is sponsored by James Patterson. 

This book is about a girl who is leading a perfect, tea drinking life, but is also practicing forensics on murders. She comes a little to close to Jack the Ripper and maybe even falls in love with him. 

It's pretty much everything I want in a book and more. 

A Book with One of the Four Seasons in the Title

Finding a book in the category proved to be harder than I thought it would be. Mostly because I am not a huge fan of major romance novels. And my research has shown that most novels with seasons in the titles have something to do with major romance. I was a little discouraged and thought, "Maybe I'll just read A Mid-Summer Nights Dream" or something like that. And then I found this book. 

An old house with a mysterious death? Sure, why don't we just go and live in there.. I'm sure nothing weird will happen. Except, maybe history will repeat itself.  But not if the daughter can stop it first. :)

(Do you feel chills yet? I think this book will be amazing. I hope it doesn't ruin my dreams and expectations of how good I think it will be.)

A Book About Food

I definitely have a relationship with food. I just love it so much. And I also love Jim Gaffigan, so.... when this was one of the categories, I knew that this would be the perfect book. I would be a synopsis, but I think the concept of the book is obvious. haha :)

A Book that is a 2016 Bestseller

If you have been following my blog for a long time, you will know that one of the items on my bucket list is to read every book written by Mitch Albom. I just love his style of writing and his stories are always so inspirational! 

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is the story of a boy who is given magical strings for his guitar that rapidly change his life. As he grows older, he realizes that his talent and music can impact the lives of other people. 

A Book Recommended by An Author You Love

Ray Bradbury recommends John Carter to others. He actually says that it is his most influential book for him. It is definitely a kids book.. but I am really excited to read it. :)

Happy Reading everyone!

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings! :)

{It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year}

December Favorites
Here we are with another favorites post. It seems like the months get faster and faster. Which, I am told is common as you get older. So I suppose that I should just get used to it, huh? I found quite a few gems this month. And most of them happened later in the month. Sooooo here you go!

Favorite Eye Shadow Pallet
It should come as no surprise that the Too Faced Sweet Peach Pallet would make it to my favorites video eventually. I'm not going to lie, I've been trying to avoid this bandwagon for a while now. Part of me say "I NEED ALL THE MAKE UP" and then another part of me says "Heidee.. you don't need another eye-shadow pallet." Honestly, the colors in this pallet don't scream unique to me and I was skeptical that I wouldn't love it as much as everyone was yelling at me that I would.

well.. I bought it. And I do love it as much as everyone says. It is the strongest smelling of all Too Faced products (which I think is a plus). But even with that, the color payoff is amazing and the colors are really fun to work with.  I kinda still think that the colors aren't super unique, but because I am a makeup hoarder, I can easily convince myself that they are. It's nice to buy this pallet at this time because it isn't sold out everywhere anymore. 

Favorite Lip Stick
Apparently I was able to grab all of the "coveted" make up products that have been sold out since they were released and now all of the sudden are easily available everywhere.

Kat Von D Lolita everyone. You need this in your life. For me, personally, it is the perfect nude and is almost a my color but better. I love that even when the color begins to wear off that It isn't completely obvious on my lips. LOVE

Favorite Shirt
We had an ugly Christmas sweater at my work, and when I saw this I target I instantly said "GETTING IT!" It's probably the opposite of ugly. But I love it. Nuff said.

Favorite Pants
These pixie pants from Old Navy are a favorite of mine every December. I probably shouldn't hang on to them because I rarely wear them. But their color scheme is so Christmas appropriate that I can't make myself get rid of them. So another December rolled around and here I am, with these pants that I continue to love in December.

Favorite Shoes
For me, the season of boots is winter and not Fall. Fall in my neck of the woods is too unpredictable with the temperature. And my happiness relies so much on my temperature of my feet that I can't risk it very often.

I bought these boots at Target last year and I love them. They aren't grey or green or brown or any real color, so they match everything. Right?

Favorite Accessory
Santa Claus spoiled me with Diamond Earring this year and I am in love. What can I say? Diamonds are a girl's best friend.

Favorite Movie
Christmas Vacation. Need I say more? I think not.

Christmas Eve Miller family tradition. 

Netflix Binge-watch
Does a movie count as a binge-watch? Every time I turned on Netflix during December, I found myself watching the Santa Clause. What can I say? I LOVE CHRISTMAS. And Tim Allen. but that is a different story for a different day. :)

Favorite Extra Purchase
But, can you see how adorable this coloring book is? I LOVED Little House on the Prairie when I was a kid.

Don't get me wrong, I need another Adult Coloring book like I need a bullet in the head, but this was a must have in my opinion. :) (P.S. Let me know if you want me to do a blog post about my adult coloring books!)

Favorite Activity
If you know me, you know I am usually defiant with most activities that Mormons are "supposed to love." I categorize the Lights at Temple Square as one of these activities. But, I went this year with the siblings and I enjoyed it. I like I liked Amelia's reaction to the lights the best! :)

Also, Amelia in this picture! *Insert Heart Eyes*

Favorite Picture
Randomly during a lengthy work meeting, my boss had a stop and watch the room dance as elves in Santa's workshop. This pic is definitely my favorite this month! :)

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings!

2016 Book Challenge: {A Book Chosen For You}

The Assassin Game

By Kirsty McKay

This book was chosen for me by the amazing Sandee. :) I have this strange obsession with serial killers, mass murders, and anything creepy. I know, it's weird. But I have survived in life so far. :)

Anyway, so the synopsis of this story has my name written all over it. 

Without giving up too many spoilers, at first I thought that it was a "gimmick" and that it was going to be like a fraternity hazing. But, then things got real! 

Overall, I gave this book 3.5 stars. I would have liked the story line to work through a little quicker than it did. I begged for more of the intense story and less of the drama that surrounds high school. I imagine that is to be expected with a Young Adult book, but I think that the book would have improved immensely if it moved a little faster than it did. 

But, overall, I liked it. :)

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings. :)

2016 Book Challenge {A Book You Should Have Read In School}

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 

By Mark Twain. 

This was one of my first ever audiobooks. I can only think of one more book that I ever listened to instead of physically reading it. Anyway, I was supposed to read this book when I was in High School, I believe 11th grade. I remember having a hard time reading it, In hindsight, this writing in this book is amazing! How did Sir Mark Twain known how to write so that you would read it in a southern drawl?

Anyway, all that being said, I felt pretty confused through most of the story. I wonder if I would have considered it less confusing if I had read Tom Sawyer first. Overall I gave this book 3 stars. 

Until Next Time...

Peace & Blessings! :)

{Favorites}

November Favorites

I am extremely late with this post, and I realize it. Unfortunately, November is a really hard month for most of us to do anything that is considered "extra." Blogging is definitely a hobby for me, but I am so glad that I have a place that serves as an outlet for me. 

With that blurb being said, let us begin, yet another Favorites Post. :)

Favorite Eye Shadow Pallet
This month it was easy for me to pick my favorite eye shadow pallet. But really, this Kathleen Lights collaboration with Morphe Brushes is everything! The colors are so pigmented and the metalics shine with ease. I could use this everyday, (hint, sometimes I do.) :)

Favorite Lip Stick
Can you believe it? The Heidee, not having a lip stick favorite? :) Haha. I was fighting a cold sore all month and I tend to not use lip products for that reason. You have all learned something new about me through this. :) Haha

Favorite Shirt
I am a frequent shopper at DownEast. It may not be the cheapest place to shop, but I am addicted to their undershirts, so I go whenever the ones that I currently own wear out. They also sell other brands and things other than undershirt. They have these scoop tees that are very cute and so extremely comfortable. This is the only picture that I could find that shows the recent purchase. But I love the colors and, in all honesty, everything about it! :)

Favorite Pants
Just a good ol' pair of Jeans. These Denizen jeans from target are my new addiction. (Thanks Sara). I recently have been even more obsessed because I am able to fit into a smaller size!!! :) {Insert happy dance}
So, Yeah.


Favorite Shoes
I go through phases where I want professional looking shoes that are cute, or professional looking shoes that are comfortable. Don't get me wrong, they don't necessarily have to be one or the other, but in my case and with my pocketbook, it normally works out that way. So in the month of November I have been looking towards the cute pairs. This one. The nice thing about these is that they literally match everything. Having a combination of Black and Tan is everything nowadays. :)


Favorite Accessory
Anything that helps me show support for my little Graham, is everything to me. Simple. And yet amazing. :)


Favorite Book 
Another shocker. Can you believe that I didn't read one book in the month of November? To be fair, I was really close to finishing one, but again, I blame the month of November for being so hard to complete practically anything. :)

Favorite Movie
Sometimes, Netflix knows exactly what I need and when I need it. In the month of November, I'm pretty certain that I watched Bring It On at least 3 times. It is a super easy, mindless, and hilarious movie. :) It makes me want to watch it right now. :) haha


Netflix Binge Watch
I feel as if this is going to be my Netflix Binge Watch frequently. I definitely own all of these on DVD, but it is so much easier for Netflix to just continue on the episodes so I can really watch them hours on end. Did you all know that this is my Favorite TV show of all time? It is the only series I have watched more than 3 times all the way through. My whole childhood I wanted to be Prue, but as I get older, I value Piper's drive and morals. Anyway, This is what I have been spending most of the month watching. :)



Favorite Extra Purchase
I mean. It's November, and it's black Friday. And literally every movie goes on sale at this time. So, can you expect anything else to be my favorite purchase? Oh! And there is also a few books. :)


Favorite Activity
Going to Seattle is probably my favorite activity of the year. It definitely didn't feel like a vacation or a getaway. But I think it is what everyone needed. And being able to be with the Morrison's and lend any hand that I could helped me in enormous ways. :)


Favorite Picture
There were a lot of pictures from the Month of November that I really liked, but I guess that I should pick a picture that I took. So I chose this one. Sometimes the view from my work is spectacular, and the first snowfall of the season didn't disappoint at all. :)


Well, that is it for my favorites in November, I will try and be more timely with my December Favorites.

Until Next Time...
Peace & Blessings! :)

{Mac and Cheese}

You may be thinking to yourself "Why on earth is Heidee writing a post about Macaroni and Cheese?"

Well, I have grown to be extremely grateful for Mac and Cheese and everything that it has done for my family. 

I know that it may seem like I am an open book with everything on this blog, but there is actually a lot of things that I leave out. I felt that it was time for me to share what has been going on in my family and what I have learned from the whole experience. 

Many of you know that I have such amazing and adorable nephews! I love everything about them and wish that I could see them more. Unfortunately as long as Blake, Graham, and Ian have lived, they have lived in a different state than me. So at most I am able to see them twice a year. But those times that I do see them I grow to love them more and more and so unconditionally. 

A few weeks ago me and my family received some devastating news. It was the day after election day and I was returning home from work. My dad was already home and I asked him what was up. His response was "Nothing Good." 

Assuming that he was talking about the election, like everyone on social media (Remember, I'm a social worker, so I have hundreds of liberals on my social feed that had a lot to say about the president elect) I said "I know, the country is ending."

That is when I found out. That is when my whole life turned upside down. That is when I found out that my 2 year old nephew, Graham, had been diagnosed with Leukemia and was in the hospital. 

I mean. Just look at this face.. Can you even imagine something this wholesome and pure being given such a heavy burden and trial to try and sustain at such a young age?

I was devastated that Graham had to go through this. And I was so heartbroken for my sister, Kadee. 

I cannot even imagine how she feels everyday and if I could take this away from both of them, I would do it in an instant. 

Without divulging on too much information, Graham spent a significant amount of time in and out of the hospital. He was found to have a mass of cells that were occupying nearly 80% of Graham's lungs. He was immediately started on Chemotherapy and steroids.

After about a week He was able to go home for a few days before he got a fever and needed to go back to the hospital.
It was during this second trip to the hospital that Graham began to crave.. You guessed it.... Mac and Cheese.

For over a week Graham ate Mac and Cheese for every meal and every snack. The doctors say that he is going to crave certain things and that it is likely that he won't like these things for the rest of his life. I guess that there are worse things that he could hate, but for now I am really grateful that he is interested in eating at all.

Me and my family were able to go to Seattle to see them at Thanksgiving. It was a really full house between my family and my two aunts that came as well. But it was really nice for all of us to be together to support one another. Graham even felt up to eating at the dinner table with all of us. He even ate.. Mac & Cheese :)

It shouldn't come as a surprise to any of you, but I am surrounded by amazingly wise, caring, and loving family. I am ever impressed every day and hope that I can grow up to be as Christ-like as all of my family members.
My brother-in-law, Jim, Is really cheesy when it comes to family gatherings. He always likes to have everyone share what they are grateful for, or what they appreciate in the other family members.  This is one of the many things that I love about Jim, he is so simple in his conversations but they always turn so deep that you grow so much from any interaction!

So, of course, Thanksgiving is the best time and place for another one of these moments. And it is one of the interactions that I am never going to forget. Jim actually was the one that said it perfectly. "I'm grateful for mac and cheese.. and for the little victories.."

I think that we all are too quick to rush through this life that we are given. We don't stop to smell the roses. We push through one day just so that we can get to the next.

But, with this happening to Graham, I find that I embrace those little victories more and more every day.

Because Graham is on steroids, he isn't himself and isn't in much of the mood to talk to anyone or every play with his own brothers. But that made the small smiles of "Look! Matter is driving backwards!" all the more enjoyable.

It is such a shame that something so horrible had to happen to Graham before I would realize how sweet the little things of life are. But I am so grateful for how sweet this little boy is and for everything that he teaches me. I am grateful for his parents that were so in tune with the needs of their little boy!

For now, he is fighting this battle and I pray everyday that he will succeed, and so far he is making such tremendous progress that it even makes his oncology doctors emotional!

And knowing his spirit and that he has a Heavenly Father that is on his side, I await everyday to see more of the little victories and I think that they will happen everyday. 

This whole topic that Jim brought up on that lovely Thanksgiving day reminded me of this song by one of my Favorite Singers, Matt Nathanson.

Today, Graham is still at home and is doing as well as he can. He did finally get a shave to help prevent his hair from falling in his food. But he is still the cutest Three year old that I ever did see! 

I pray everyday for Graham and I hope that any of you that feel that you might want to as well will. This little boy could use all the help he can get. He is a fighter and will fight every step of the way. His resilience will bless him in the long run!

Until Next Time..

Learn to Get By on the Little Victories. 

Peace & Blessings! :)

#prayersforgrahamboy