Birthday Week

Our sweet baby girl is turning 3 on Friday. It's a birthday week! More to come...

Send Some Rain

Just wanted to post the lyrics to the song from the video on the previous post...

2011 anthem/prayer

Gratitude (Nichole Nordeman)

Send some rain, would You send some rain?
'Cause the earth is dry and needs to drink again
And the sun is high and we are sinking in the shade
Would You send a cloud, thunder long and loud?
Let the sky grow black and send some mercy down
Surely You can see that we are thirsty and afraid
But maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case . . .

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
For lessons learned in how to thirst for You
How to bless the very sun that warms our face
If You never send us rain

Daily bread, give us daily bread
Bless our bodies, keep our children fed
Fill our cups, then fill them up again tonight
Wrap us up and warm us through
Tucked away beneath our sturdy roofs
Let us slumber safe from danger's view this time
Or maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case . . .

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
A lesson learned to hunger after You
That a starry sky offers a better view if no roof is overhead

And if we never taste that bread

Oh, the differences that often are between

Everything we want and what we really need

So grant us peace, Jesus, grant us peace
Move our hearts to hear a single beat
Between alibis and enemies tonight
Or maybe not, not today
Peace might be another world away
And if that's the case . . .

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
For lessons learned in how to trust in You
That we are blessed beyond what we could ever dream
In abundance or in need
And if You never grant us peace

But Jesus, would You please . . .

so blessed

d

Gratitude

I'm forty and I feel three some days when I think about life and how much more I have to learn. A new year has brought reflection. Tragic news from friends toward the end of 2010 has had me grieving for those who are experiencing hurt and loss. And what I learned in 2010 is this....this life is hard. Even in the best of circumstances, life is hard and if you don't think so, you are in denial. Because our God did not create us to be comfortable in this world because this world is not our home. As Michael Easley at Fellowship this weekend reminded us this past Sunday, this life/world is just a clean bus stop.

What has brought about this perspective on life...
*reading Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman. Lives changed in an instant and nevermore to be the same.
*a wife learns that her husband and father of her children has cancer. Lives changed in the moment the Dr. gave the news.
*a mom and dad learn their youngest, at age 5, has cancer and has a 75% chance of survival. All that mom can see is the 24% that doesn't survive.
*my dad's cousin and his wife bury their adult son after a fatal car crash. One moment he is eating dinner with them, the next their life on earth changed.

We aren't truly home yet and until we are home with our saviour, we will have disappoint and pain and loneliness.

Edie at Life In Grace and her family lost all their worldly possessions the Tuesday before Christmas when their house burned to the ground. At that moment, God began a new chapter in their lives. He has put them on a new journey. Life will never be the same for them. Not because they lost stuff, but because God rescued all six of them from a burning house and everyday they will be Grateful for His great promise of shelter and safety. Another blogger put together this video using pictures from Edie's blog. I had not heard this song but I plan to make it my anthem for 2011. (Nichole Nordeman "Gratitude")



Be grateful in plenty or in want. God keeps his promises. His plans are not our plans but they are the BEST plans for us because in those plans, we are being made to look like him. There is JOY in being grateful for what God gives and what he takes away.

so blessed
d
What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? Mary Oliver

Merry Christmas

Wow...is it already December 21st? Where did 2010 go? I rarely have time to update our blog these days. I'm hoping to do better in 2011! For now, we wish everyone a safe and joyful Christmas! As we reflect on the year and craziness of our life, we realize how blessed we are IN the craziness. Our God is amazing and powerful and he GAVE his only Son for us. What a reason to celebrate! Happy Birthday, Jesus! Thank you for loving us.



so blessed,
d

Best Buddies Tennessee Champion of the Year

a Paul for Silas
Best Buddies TN Champion of the Year 2010 Campaign

Since our sweet Silas came along, Jeff and I have been trying to navigate the Down syndrome world in the midst of just getting through this year of having 3 children under the age of three. We hoped to identify an organization very much plugged-in to the mainstream but also meeting specific needs of people like Silas. There are some great organizations that specialize in medical needs, research, or even political advocacy.

We heard of Best Buddies soon after Silas and Stewart were born and found ourselves drawn to the organization because their focus is primarily on relationships. Jeff teaches public school in a county that prioritizes a mainstreamed education for students with disabilities. Thus, he teaches students with disabilities and his largest concern for them is loneliness. We are thankful that our Silas has Stewart and Anna, but we pray that he will also learn independence and build friendships of his own one day.

Anthony Kennedy Shriver founded Best Buddies to foster one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual disabilities at all stages of life. Best Buddies is based on a chapter or club system in schools and communities and facilitates this based on simple things like shared interests. The Tennessee office was opened in January 2010 and has opened six new chapters this year including two high school chapters. We want to see TN continue to grow and we need your help!

I’m excited to be participating in a fundraising campaign called the Best Buddies Champion of the Year 2010 and Jeff is my campaign manager. Twelve volunteers are attempting to raise as much money as possible in an 8-week period starting September 17, 2010. In addition to this letter, we are hoping to host a few fundraising events in the Nashville area. We are also tasked with identifying sponsors and auction donations for the culminating event of the campaign on November 12th where the Champion will be named. If you know of a business that would like to partner with us, please let me know!

On to the good part…how can you help? GIVE!!! Our campaign goal is $10,000! I know! The goal is overwhelming but I decided, if I’m going to compete, I’m going to go big. And more importantly, if you help me meet my goal, lives will be changed! Here’s how to donate…

1. ONLINE! Go to the website at www.bestbuddiestennessee.org/champion and click on our campaign link to donate. (Debra Myrick is at the bottom of the candidate listing.)

OR

2. US Mail. Send your check to me (email me if you need my address) made out to Best Buddies Tennessee with "Debra Myrick" in the memo line (don't forget this part!).

Please donate by October 15th. I thank you for your gift and one day Silas will thank you for your gift.

Also...please feel free to share this info with all your friends! If you host a blog, please consider adding a link to our page and asking your readers to contribute to our campaign!

we are so blessed,

debra

Yes...we are still here...

I apologize to those who actually check our blog for updates! I'm so behind!!!! Life is just crazy and I have a zillion things on my to do lists and rarely does even one get crossed off. Needless to say, the kids keep me busy.

We are surviving. The last year has been eye opening for me and Jeff and very challenging. I guess you could say we are surviving...barely. Having three little ones is very demanding BUT they are huge blessings. I feel like God is teaching me lesson after lesson every single day (and I confess I don't always like the lesson).

So...I hope to get some new pictures up of the family. The boys are 1! We can't believe it. They are thriving and have rocked Anna's world. She is a great big sister.

Jeff and I are also participating in a very exciting fundraising campaign beginning Sept 17th for eight weeks to benefit Best Buddies Tennessee. More to come closer to the 17th!

We have so much to be thankful for.

So blessed.
d

The Flood and a chance to help

Wow what a week. Saturday morning it started to rain and there was talk of tornado warnings and then our beloved city was flooding. What? No one had any idea so much rain would fall in such a short period of time. So families lost homes and earthly possessions and cars and buildings floated down the interstate. Crazy! If you haven't seen photos and video, just go online and search for the Nashville Flood 2010.

So...what is next? Giving. The people here need help. One family is the Birckheads.


I met Hollie at an adoption fundraiser yard sale when I was pregnant with the boys. She had this fancy triple stroller (which we later bought from her) and sold me on the fact that I needed one. Hollie and Nathan's house flooded on Saturday. They have 2 year old triplets and a sweet 5 month old baby. God has provided a dwelling place for them as they pick up the pieces and clean up their home. And you can help by sending gift cards. Go here

Login ID 39149
Code: 5983
Click on "live out of town" for info on gift cards and mailing address.

Please pray for the people of Nashville. God is present and hears the cries of his children.

Thanks, friends!
so blessed
d

Nine Months

These sweet ones will be nine months old on the 1st. Unbelievable! While they keep me very, very busy, I can't imagine life without them.

Stats

Silas
Weight ~ 15 lbs 2 oz
Height ~ 26 inches

Stewart
Weight ~ 17 lbs 4 oz
Height ~ 26 inches

Yes, they are the same height!
More to come on what they are doing.

so blessed
d

Happy Birthday, Anna!

Our sweet baby girl turned 2 in February. We absolutely adore her. More to come on her...

Forgiveness...

I'm so behind on our blog. I barely have time to turn around these days. When I do get a few minutes on the computer, I like to catch up on some of my favorite blogs.

Today, this post encouraged me. And I love the video she linked to of Take My Life. See below and be blessed.

I struggle alot with being home everyday with my kids. I love them and would give my life for them and I know God has me here to refine my soul for His Glory. I'm very stubborn. I never saw myself as a stay at home mom, only a part time stay at home mom. But God has me here and I'm thankful to see my children learn in front of my eyes. I will never have these days back with them. BUT...it is hard. It is the most diffcult part of my journey so far in life. It is so hard to not compare myself to other moms that seem to have it all together most days. Then my God reminds me that I am to define myself through Him and no one or nothing else.



I have a lot of catching up to do...more updates to follow...hopefully.

so blessed
d

Video shorts

Here are some little clips from just before, during and after the holidays. Hope you enjoy.

Prayers

Update: The surgery went great! So great that they let us come home at noon. We checked in and he was in surgery at 9:15. Thanks for the prayers. Now...let it snow!

Stewart is having hernia surgery tomorrow at 11 a.m. If you think of us, please pray for him. We will be at the hospital for 23 hours for observation. It is a standard procedure but of course, mama is nervous. Also, pray for snow. Even though he just had a two week break, Daddy wants a snow day on Thursday. :)

thanks, friends!

d

Merry & Bright

Christmas 2009

"Be near me, Lord Jesus,

I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever

And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children

In Thy tender care

And take us to heaven

To live with Thee there."

so blessed

d

Stewart

Stewart! What do I say? He is joy in our home. This little guy has the same personality he had the day he was born. It is hilarious. He is hilarious. He still makes the funniest faces. He still can be smiling one minute and screaming the next. Oh but when he smiles, he melts our hearts...it is huge! And we love him to pieces.

Things he is doing...

• rolling from back to front
• holding his hands at midline
• reaches for toys
• puts everything in his mouth
• smiling at mommy, daddy and sister
• cooing and laughing out loud
• sitting in the bumbo seat for about 10 minutes at a time
• trying to roll from front to back (he makes it to the side but just can't get all the way yet)
• recognizes his bottle and holds it (sometimes)
• sleeps through the night

we are so blessed.

d

Prayer

I was reminded this morning just how much I love this song. To listen, go here.

*Breath of *Heaven

I have traveled
Many moonless night
Cold and Weary
With a babe inside
And I wonder What I've done
Holy FatherYou have come
Chosen me now
To carry your son

I am waiting
in a silent prayer
I am frightened
by the load i bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone
Be with me now
Be with me now

chorus:
-----------------------------------
Breath of Heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me, your holyness
For your holy Breath of Heaven
-----------------------------------
Do you wonder
As you watch my face
If a wiser one, should of had my place
But I offer-all I am
For the mercy-of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me

chorus

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have always loved this song but this morning it overwhelmed me and blessed me. Why? Since having Stewart and Silas and finding out that Silas has Ds, many people have told me how blessed we are; how Jeff and I are the perfect parents to have a child with Ds; how blessed our family is and will be by having Silas. With all this, the past few weeks I have been humbled by being given such a huge blessing. Why us? Overwhelmed by the love of our God that He loves us so much to bless us in such a huge way. We sing Jesus Loves You to our children every night and I believe it. But I guess I never realized just how much He loves me. That realization has overtaken me this Christmas season. I'm so thankful He loves me, that Jesus was born and that he gave himself for me...for grace.

So this morning I found myself praying the words above because I feel so inadequate in my calling.

I am waiting
in a silent prayer
I am frightened
by the load i bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone
Be with me now
Be with me now

Do you wonder
As you watch my face
If a wiser one, should of had my place
But I offer-all I am
For the mercy-of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me

Should a wiser one have my place? And His answer is...NO!

My God is perfect.

He makes no mistakes!

d

Silas

Silas and Stewart are 5 months old! CRAZY!!!!! We love these little guys so much.

This is all about Silas. I hope to get pictures of Stewart later today.

Silas is amazing. He is a true source of peace in our house. Just look at his sweet face! He has the cutest dimple on the left side just under the corner of his lip. Too cute!

Things he is doing...

• rolling from back to front
• holding his hands at midline (bottom picture)
• smiling at mommy, daddy and sister
• cooing and laughing
• sitting in the bumbo seat for about 5 minutes at a time
• has great head control when being held upright
• trying to roll from front to back (he makes it to the side but just can't get all the way yet)
• recognizes his bottle (opens his mouth as soon as he sees it) and holds it or my finger while eating
• sleeps through the night
• is an automatic sprinkler...he gets me at least twice a day. :)

We are so blessed to have this little guy in our family!

d

Missing Thanksgiving

We were unable to go to Jeff's family's annual Thanksgiving event this year so he put this video together for them to catch up on our year. We decided some of you may be interested too, so here it is.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be thankful for this year!

God our Father, our source of joy, wisdom and strength

Our marriage and the ups and downs

Anna, Stewart and Silas and the joy they bring us

Our health

Family who understand why we aren't traveling this year for the holidays

Friends who love and support us

The reminder that God does answer prayers

Surprises...not our plan but His

Hard times that draw us closer to our God and make us less and Him more

Our country, our military and their families who sacrifice

May your day be filled with joy!

Happy Thanksgiving

The Myricks

Sunday Afternoon

The weather was beautiful and we were all feeling better (for the moment) so we headed to the park. Anna loves the park as much as her daddy. She loves the swing and slide. We had a fun family day.

Anna later ran a fever and we learned on Monday that her right ear is infected. Joy. But she is already sleeping better and feeling better.

For those that do not know, we were all sick about two weeks ago. Not fun when the family of 5 keep passing around stuff. Thankfully we are all feeling better. I pray we all stay healthly the rest of the season and through winter.

d

New Do

So this really does not look like Miss Anna but it was the best picture I got of her in pigtails. She was too cute this day and she left them in all day so that she could show daddy when he got home.

Cuteness

Silas is starting smile and "talk" to us. You can not help but fall in love with this little guy. Who can resist this smile...

He really is too cute.

so blessed

d

Happy *Halloween*

Our Three Punkins

Our little lady bug
Our sweet boys

Oh the joy of trying to photograph three children under the age of 2.

Good Times.

so blessed

d

Franklin PumpkinFest

Happy Fall!

A Big Weekend

I took the three kiddos to my parents in East TN this past weekend. S&S's first visit to nana and papa's house! All my aunts and uncles got to meet the boys. I wish I would have thought to take a picture of all the stuff packed in the back of the sequoia*. I think we packed half the house. :)

Hannah and Anna painted pumpkins.

We celebrated Hannah's 10th birthday a little early!

A bike from Aunt Donna and Uncle Wayne!

It was a good weekend with family. Lots of kisses from uncle wayne.

And my cousin got married.

so blessed

d

Just Life

Just some random pictures from September and October. Life is busy in the Myrick home. We know our children are huge blessings; but they are a lot of work right now. God is so good to us and He continues to provide for our needs.

"Hello!" She doesn't care that I'm trying to take her picture.

So Precious

Anna loves to wear sunglasses now and she loves for her baby to wear them too.
Just chillin' with Stewart. She is so cute with them.
Not wanting to have her picture made but she looked so cute in her footed PJs. We are loving the fall weather!

“All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children” (Isa. 54:13)

so blessed
d

All Dressed Up

My parents are crazy! What is up with this outfit?

Seriously? I love this outfit!

This is their "3 Month" Picture minus an animal. I AM crazy!

Our friend, Suzie, made these onesies for them. They are so cute! Jeff and I can't stop laughing at their expressions in these pictures.

so blessed

d