Sunday, December 7, 2008

Weekend fun!

Josh and I had a super fun week/weekend so I thought I would share it with everyone after posting about my challenging week. :)

My family and I went to temple square to look at the lights on Tuesday and road the trax down. It was super fun and Alex thought that when I was taking pictures of the temple that I was actually taking them of Santa (I guess because I was pointing my camera up) so that made it a little adventure for the two of us. :) Josh had school and Kierra had to work- we missed you guys!

On Friday my Sister-In-Law, Bethany, invited me to have a girls night with her. I didn't get any pictures but we went out to the movies and then to dinner together. It was just what I needed... I've been so down lately and it was awesome of her to think of me and take me out for a fun time. Bethany and I have gone through a lot together- the good and the bad, but she has always been the greatest example to me and I look up to her like a sister. She was a huge help to me with Mac and has been one of my best friends. I think that she was inspired on Friday because she really said some things that touched me and I needed to hear them. She probably doesn't realize but she answered some of my major questions that I've been praying so hard to understand.
Then on Saturday we got to go to Festival of Trees to see my cousin dance. (She is the one in the very middle of the group). You did awesome Abs! I was so impressed to see her up there in front of everyone and she did a great job performing.


Josh and I have decided to do a tree next year in memory of Mac as his Christmas present for that year so we went to the Festival with that in mind. We got a lot of ideas and my whole family came along with Ike and Bethany. The boys got bored really fast, of course, but us girls went up and down every row- taking pictures and getting ideas. Thank you all for the fun time!


Right after the Festival we went up to Mac's grave to take down the Thanksgiving decorations and put some up for Christmas!!



This is my family, Kierra and Colby, Dad and Mom, Alex, Mac and I- Josh is behind the camera.

That night we got the oppurtunity to attend a candle light vigil in memory of those who have lost children. We will for sure have to let everyone know about it ahead of time next year because it was a really awesome experience (sorry to all of those that I told too late, that was my bad and I promise to keep everyone updated further in the future from now on). My Mom, Grandma and Grandpa Maughan, Josh and I went up to it and I was amazed how many people attended. It was really important to me to see how many people are in the same boat as us and be able to hear the speakers talk about our losses.
I was really excited because we got to hear from Julie Williams. For those of you who don't know her- she's one of the people that I am the most grateful for in my life. She came to the hospital and donated her time and talents to take pictures of our family and McKallister. She did an amazing job and provided me with the most memorable and sacred pictures of my son. I will forever be thankful for her and absolutely adore her!!! She did a great job and it really made my night!




14 comments:

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Cali I'm so happy that you had such a good week, you deserve it. It sounds like you two are doing pretty good :). I read you're blog everyday and I can't even tell you how much I look up to you and Josh. We all need to hang out soon!!!

Scott and Amy said...

yeah cali i'm so happy you had a fun weekend!!! love you. your awesome!

The Brady Bunch said...

Josh and cali-
I am so glad that this week has gone good for your family. cali it touches my heart to hear that you are doing so much better. We love you guys and our prayers and thoughts are always with you guys.

Christine said...

I'm so glad to hear that you had such a good week. I loved this update and all your pics:)

Jessica said...

I love the festival of the trees. Macee performed up there this year and it was the first time I had gone. I actually was thinking about little Mac the entire time I was there. If you need any help next year I would love to help with your tree. Aren't some of them just AMAZING!!! I hope the next few weeks are good to you!!!

Ike and Bethany said...

Cali, You're the BEST! I was really glad that we went out on friday. All day at work I was thinking that I needed to take you out and how I am so glad that I did. That will not be the last Cali and Bet get together :D! I am so truely blessed to have gotten to know you when we worked together, it's crazy, but if you think about it we seriously clicked just like that and I am so happy that we did. I do consider you family but most of all my best friend. Thanks for the fun day on Saturday and I am so happy that you had a better week. Mac is so special and I love that boy so much. I love when people talk about him, because they always have a big smile on their faces. Talking on friday we both know that he will never be forgotten. I love you so much. You and Josh are great examples. Me and Ike look up to you guys so much. I am so happy that your prayers were answered and even though I am not sure how I helped or what I said to help you, I know there was a reason why we needed to get out and be with each other that night. I can't wait to hang out again. Love ya! If you and Josh ever need to get out, you know who to call!

The Pollards said...

Cali - I read your blog often as another mom of angel children. I too am blessed to know Julie Williams and her amazing photography skills and tender heart. She most recently photographed our twin baby girls who died only an hour after birth of prematurity. She is an angel sent for sure. However I really wanted to share one of the latest things that have eased my heart. It is a quote by elder Wirthlin from last confrence. I heard him give the talk, but until an awesome relief society lesson I didn't even catch it: "The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude." I hope that helps. My girls were born just this last September so it is really raw and my other angel, Adam died on December 18th so this time of year SUCKS big time. Wondering what kind of jammies they would get from grandma and grandpa, wondering if they would like the gifts purchased, etc. Keep visiting his grave if you need too and don't feel guilty if you don't. Sorry to "stalk" your blog, but I find that our paths may just cross some day (hope that isn't wierd).

Riley and Cassie said...

Cali,
This is Cassie! I started a blog and stole your blog address from Anne's blog-hope you don't mind!I know we haven't really kept in touch but I just wanted to say that I am touched by the honesty and warmth of your posts. I think you are an amazing girl with more strength than you realize. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

summergibbs said...

Cali,
You don't know me...I live in Idaho, but I have been following Baby Mac's blog and your blog. I just wanted to let you know what an example of strength and faith in the gospel you are. I cannot imagine what you have been through this year and yet you continue to go on and find the positive experiences in your life. I lost my mom when I was 11 so I know a little bit about grief...it won't always be this hard. Time does help to heal all wounds and eventually (as I'm sure you already have) you will actually start to see great blessings. I know the Mac looks over you and he is so proud to have you as his mom and he anxiously awaits the glorious reunion he will have with you and Josh. Hang in there and know that you are surrounded by lots of people who love you.

P.S. If you want to check out our blog so you can see we're not entirely weird it's www.breckkaygibbs@blogspot.com

Brittany Slesk said...

Cali, I love your new blog look! It is so cute. Thanks so much for coming over yesterday. We had SO much fun and it, like always, was really good to see you. Since I probably won't see you before, I hope you and Josh have a Merry Christmas. We love you guys!

Tyler and Laura said...

I am so glad things got better for you! You were in our prayers a few weeks ago. We miss you guys! Lets get together soon.

AnneMarie said...

I miss you crazy Maughans. Hooray for happy weekends!

Emily said...

I haven't made it to the lights yet. I need to get my kids out to see them. The picture of the temple & lights makes me want to just get up go right now:) It's just not Christmas if you don't make it to Temple Square...in my mind, at least:)