LOVE THE BOOK!!! It arrived today!! Perfect timing--it was just Griffin and me hanging out today, so it was really fun! The 2 of us getting the mail, finding this package, and being able to sit peacefully together and share this book. He LOVES it more than I could have even imagined! And I am so impressed with the quality of it! Thank you again, Michelle!! Hope you are having a great day!

It was true! the book from @memoirofme did arrive! It is AWESOME. I love, love, love it!! Every kid needs one of these books!!!

@memoirofme Thanks again for the Memoir of Me book! After I read it to my son, I got a great big hug. I think we'll be reading it a lot!

We received our book for Ian this past weekend and it is great!  It is very high quality and I think he will love it.  I can't wait to place an order for Ashley and Andrew!   

It’s been 33 days.  3 books a day.  For a total of 99.

As 99 in 33 comes to close, I reflect on the kids and parents and aunts and uncles and grandmas and grandpas.  The stories of triumph overcoming tragedy.  I think of Abby, who has battled cancer since age three, and Ian who’s birth mom did just die of an overdose, and Ceriah who struggles with diabetes and Hayley who lost her mom to cancer and the triplets Nicholas, Delaney and Alannah.  I think of the stories of quiet moments made meaningful with funny thoughts.  I think of Griffin who at age three does Sudoku and Ben in the bathtub and Charley and Josh and Seth.  And Grace who sings rock songs.  And Will who hacks into his dad’s iphone.  These stories -- like little seeds nestled in the fertile part of my heart.  These stories -- growing into the landscape of my story, too.

The last stories I’m sharing, Dads and Daughters!  The first is Matt and Maddy and Liz’s story.  Matt and Liz moved from Minnesota to Los Angeles.  Liz was pregnant and gave birth to Maddy.  Complication during birth took Liz from Matt and Maddy.   Matt has been raising and blogging about his experiences as a single dad here.  So when Matt came back with Maddy to visit everyone in Minnesota, we captured Maddy’s first sledding experience in a Memoir of Me book.  Thank you, Matt, Maddy and Liz!

The last goes to a little sweetie and her dad in St. Louis Park.  Skylar!  Below is a picture of her in pj’s, swim cap and goggles.  Skylar’s dad, Jared, just competed in the world Cycle cross Championships in Belgium January of 2010.   Looks like looks like Skylar maybe wanted to swim across the Atlantic to follow in Dad’s active footsteps.   An ordinary day for Skylar makes an extraordinary day for her Mom and Dad!  Excited to share Skylar’s memories in a Memoir of Me book! 

Dear Ben,

I am sitting in the bathroom with you while you take a bath. It is our daily ritual and one of the most peaceful moments of our day. You in the hot, soapy water, me listening to you sing and talk to your animals. And then the occasional conversation between us:

Me: What was that?
Ben: A bubble fart!
Me: Wow!
Ben: Now I'm going pee pee.

It's our one pause of the day, a rare moment when we have nowhere to go and we're not rushing to the next thing. When will I ever learn to stop rushing to the next thing?

Andrea, thank you making me laugh!  Love, Michelle

Day 31 of 99 in 33 goes to Autum and Morgan.  Jill writes a beautiful letter, “Dear Autum and Morgan, I’m sure neither of you can remember back to when I started taking care of you, but I remember it very clearly. It was late when I got to your house that first night, and your grandma came and helped me put the two of you to bed. Morgan, you were about seven weeks old. You were so tiny; you still are. You cried a lot those first few days, but it wasn’t long before you were smiling at me. Autum, you were a cute little two-year-old. I went into your room that first morning, thinking maybe you’d be scared; you didn’t know me well. You just smiled at me from your bed, and reached your little arms out towards me. When Dad came in the house, you pointed to me, like you were  showing him I was there. That first time I stayed for two weeks, but I was back before long. I loved taking care of you and watching you learn and grow over the years. I could never get enough of you. I can’t believe how old you both are now. I try to come and visit as much as I can, but I still miss you so much when I can’t be there. I will try to remember what you told me Morgan: “Don’t be too sad. It’s not like you’ll never see us again.” You two have wisdom beyond your years. I love you, Jill”  Sharing special memories for Jill in a Memoir of Me book.

The next goes to Perri who writes a lovely story about Eleni.  My daughter, Eleni, whose namesake means Bearer of Light, came into this world both wanted and made of Love. Learning that I was going to be a mother brought tears of joy to my eyes; I was thrilled to know I was going to have a greater part in the Big Scheme of Life. Eleni was born on her due date and I brought her home “healthy” to live with me, her father, and her “Abuelos” - her paternal grandparents, those first 10 months of life.

I took Eleni to her first well-baby check-up on a pleasant October day. The pediatrician, Dr. Takahashi, a cardiologist’s wife, detected a heart murmur. We learned that she had several heart anomalies, and it was likely too risky to operate.  In addition to Eleni’s story, her only sibling, Eric, was born 2 years after her, with a hole in his heart in need of closure. He had open heart surgery at 3 years old, and at 16 had foot surgery for a congenital variation. He has cared deeply for his sister, and has carried mixed hope and grief for her.  

 Somehow as overwhelming as it has been for Eleni, and her family, I have persevered and made everyday still count, as Living Life with Enthusiasm. Having a strong spiritual awareness and supportive family and friends has also been my saving grace. My daughter has taught me that with all her challenges and all her pain, fears and despair, that I, her mother, must always be truly present, and the ultimate keeper of faith. Perhaps her greatest gift to me has been to have chosen me to be her mother, and nurture her, believe in her, and love her just as she is. Eleni’s soul has carried the torch; she has been my Bearer of Light.”  Sincere gratitude for you, Perri and Eleni.

Two more days.  Six more books.  Love, Michelle

The first book for 99 in33 goes to Kelly from 29 gifts!  Kelly says, “I saw your post on 29 gifts and since I have three children I knew there had to be a story that stuck out. I was thinking throughout the day of which story I could post, and one happened to present itself at exactly when my daughter came home from school. She came in the door and ran straight upstairs and grabbed her allowance that she has been saving. I asked her what she wanted to buy, and she replied "it's for the people in Haiti".  Her school is collecting brand new sanitary items to make into packages and send to Haiti. I asked Kara how much she wanted to use of her allowance, and she said, "all of it". Her class was collecting wash cloths and her brother's class was collecting towels. Kara even bought a towel for Chris to bring into school. I have never been more proud of my little six year old than I was today.  What a special girl you are raising, Kelly!

The next one goes to Kerrymy BFF, who nominated her friend Janelle’s daughter Anna!  Kerry says, “Anna is VERY energetic, athletic, sweet. Reminds me a bit of Ava at that age. Lots of dimples and super long eyelashes. She's a little peanut but starting to catch up to her peers in size. She loves her family, cousin's especially, and all things/toys girly. Pink, red and blue are her favorite colors. Her birthday is January 23rd when she will turn 5. She goes to Fraser to school and takes swim lessons at Foss. She almost lost a front tooth last year due to a fall off the bed...5 stitches, but all is ok now.”  Anna sounds adorable and we will be so pleased to share your memories in a Memoir of Me book.

The last three of day 30 in 33 days goes to Michelle and Tyler’s son Josh.  Tyler writes “Josh is a great 3 year old boy who will be turning 4 in April. He is very smart and always looking for the reason something happens, or the name of that person. This past Christmas we went to see Santa at the 8^th floor in Macys and we made quite a big deal out of it. We arrived in downtown Minneapolis and he had fallen asleep on the car ride there. As we pulled into the parking ramp and started to get out of the car, we woke him up, and as he was realizing that we were going to see Santa, he asked “Mom, are we at the North Pole?” We both looked at each other and laughed, thinking “how cute is that.” We told him that we were not at the North Pole, but Santa had come from there to visit us and ask him what he wanted for Christmas.”  Can’t wait to share your special memories, Josh!

Josh and Santa!

Three more for 99 Memoir of Me in 33 days!  Michelle nominated her children and here is her story. “I LOVE the books that you create and think that they are an amazingly special keepsake for anyone!  I also think that what you are doing for the 99 in 33 is so neat.    I also wanted to share with you the story of my special little one.  I am married and the mother to 3 precious children.  My middle son, who would have been 3 this month, went to Heaven to be with Jesus in June of 2008 due to an accidental drowning.  Life has not been the same, and our family will never be complete again since we lost him.  Brayden was special in so many ways.  He touched the lives of many in his short little 17 months he shared with us and is missed terribly.  I would love to have a book in his memory to share with his older brother, who was 3 at the time of the accident, and his younger sister, who never has the chance to meet her big brother.  We try very hard to keep his memory alive and know that he will live on in our hearts forever.  There are so many things I wish I could say to him and this book/letter may be one way for us to express some of that. I would love to have one of these special books for my other children as well one day and will keep your site book marked for possible future gifts!  Thank you again for your heart of generosity!  We are very excited for you to get your Memoir of Me books and keep Brayden's story alive.

The next book goes to Colby.  Erin says, “I'd like to nominate my son Colby. He was two when he had a stroke from e.Coli poisoning. He is such a fighter and a trooper. He inspires me daily. He was healthy before the stroke but because of it he has lost all of his motor skills. He's basically a fully mentally functioning four year old trapped in a body that won’t cooperate. He's nonverbal and has a feeding tube but he is such an expressive boy with just his eyes. If you'd like to read more about Colby this is his two year survivor story blog post.  Thanks for listening to Colby's story.”  Erin, thank you.

This is the last week of 99 in 33.  I've connected with so many people and so many touching stories.  Love, Michelle

Today’s 99 books in 33 days goes to two more from the @MckMama community.  I so appreciate all of your support in sharing your stories with Memoir of Me.  Jeannine says, “I wanted to nominate my daughter Maddie. She is 9 months and received a life saving bone marrow transplant at 4 months old. Thank you.”  You bet, yay!  Maddie!  You are amazing!

The next nomination is from Josanna.  She says, “Although he is still quite young, he loves to cuddle and hear stories.  Currently, my husband is finishing his degree, so I am working full-time outside the home.  My job requires me to travel about 75% of the time.  This is what needs to happen for our family right now, but it is still hard.  It is hard for my husband because he knows how much I want to be home full time, and it is hard for me because I miss my family.  I’d love to have a book that tells the story of all the fun times we have together.  I love the personalized letters that you put at the end of each book.  What a special book for a child to have and definitely cherish! Plus, it is so hard to find books in the US that refer to the mom as Mum, so a personalized book would be fabulous.  If I won, here is my letter that I would love to have in the book.”

Dear Augustus,

You rocked my world the day you were born.  For the first 3 weeks, you lived in the NICU... You were so content to be held and rocked.  All of the nurses and doctors loved hanging out with you - “the picky eater” of the NICU.   We were with you as much as possible, constantly encouraging you to grow strong, sleep lots and learn to eat - we wanted you home as soon as possible!  Once you came home - the partying began! You and I had a wonderful summer traveling all over. You loved to sleep in the middle of hot, loud swim meets.  You loved watching the kids swim fast and you loved the loud noises.  It was so much fun to look down at you in the sling and see your happy, sweet face smiling back at me!  We went swimming in the lake, and tubing in the river.  You are a natural fish!  When your daddy was off work, he came to play with us as well.  In the fall, I had to go back to work. Sometimes, you and your daddy fly out to see me.  You are such a good flier!  On your first flight, the flight attendants gave you an award for being so good!  You didn’t even make a sound.  Which made your Daddy really happy, since you two were traveling alone!

Sometimes, when I am away for work, you go to Camp Mimi or Camp Jinon.  You are such a good sport!  I wish I could be with you all of the time, but my work has me travel a lot.  When I am away, your Daddy reminds you how much your Mummy loves you. Knowing you are at home waiting for me, helps my week go by so quickly.  You are the light of my every day!  I am so grateful that God placed you in my life! 

I love you past Pluto and back...

Mummy

Thank you Josanna.  Daddy can read your special book "Dear Augustus, Love, Mummy" while your away and share all your special memories.  Love, Michelle

We have three more books for 99 in 33 gift-giving frenzy!  This is for Heather, “I would like to nominate my cousin, Susie Lewis.  She is expecting her first child on June 17th.  On June 15th of 2009 Susie very suddenly lost her 27 year old brother, Ryan, to a clot in his lungs while he was playing on the floor with his nieces.  Ryan had just found a direction for his life and was going to graduate from college this fall.  Susie is going to name her baby (girl or boy) Ryan in honor of her brother.  Their entire family is really struggling to get through each day.  This will be a special baby that I pray brings healing to their family and something to shine about in the middle of this rain.  A book from you would be a very special and meaningful gift.  Thank you so much for what you are doing.”  Yay Susie, I think a Memoir of Me book will carry on the story of Ryan in your letter to your little girl or boy.

The next three books go to Shannon’s triplets!  Nicholas, Delaney and Alannah.  Shannon says, “My kids are 2 year old triplets, they were born 10 weeks premature and spent 3 months in the NICU...and always wanted a book or story to tell them when they are a bit older about the long and amazing story they went through to be here today. It’s not as medically shocking as some blogs I have read...but it is my miracle. 2 had heart operations at only a few weeks old...Nicholas was 2lb 15oz...Delaney was 1lb 15oz and Alannah was 2lb 9 oz.

I spent 3 months on bedrest...and I know there is so much more to write but I just want to make sure they knew they were amazing miracles who should always love each other because the only constant they will have in the far future is each other...even if they beat each other up now haha...no matter what people say about multiples...they do not do better at sharing!!  Thanks...even though it’s not very spectacular…they weren't planned...and very spontaneous...but no one could love them more than me. Shannon, I think triplets sound super spectacular! Thank you for sharing their story.  We will be so happy for each of them to have their very own Memoir of Me book.

Sincerely and Grateful to pass along these special stories!  Michelle

Today, we give away books to the niece and nephew of Cami – who inspired our 99 books in 33 days.  Here is her letter to them.  “Dear Taylor and Thomas, You are two very special kids and the best niece and nephew anyone could ask for. I hope you will always remember the trip we took with your mom to Disneyland. We all had such a blast on the rides and eating junk food. But Mickey Mouse evaded us all day. We were on a mission to get your photo taken with him, but he was just too busy elsewhere to grace us with his presence. And then, just as we were about to give up, there he was, standing about ten feet away and there was nobody in line to take pictures. We got that great shot of you guys and your mom wearing your new, personalized mouse ears. It was perfect. You are both growing up so fast and turning into smart and loving young people. Remember that I will always love you and be here for you both. Love, Aunt Cami

The next two books go to Cerriah and Alexis, two amazing and spirited girls.  Their mom Gina writes, “Hello! I read your post about the 99 books and I would love to nominate both my girls. Both of my girls were diagnosed with Type I diabetes at a very young age. My oldest, Cerriah was 3 and my middle child, Alexis, was 4 years old. In their lifetime they have endure 6 shots a day and 10 finger pricks a day. That may not seem bad, but when you do the math you see that they have had thousands of shots and finger pricks in their short lives. Cerriah has almost lost her battle numerous times. In 2008 we had the ambulance at our house every month. My neighbors already knew to come and take care of my other kids when they saw the flashing lights. Cerriah had strep on her blood stream and nearly passed away. Her temperature when we got to the hospital was 106.8 . That's not a typo.  Life is never dull in this household!   Both girls take their diabetes like champs. They never complain, take shots and blood draws better than most adults, and are always watching their carbohydrate intakes.  

Although life is tough for them, they never take life for granted. Both girls have over 900 hours of community service and have raised thousands of dollars for various charities. Alexis won a national award in 2008 for her community service and Cerriah won a national academic and volunteer award in 2009!  They have their own organization where they collect books and bears for hospitalized children. Being on the receiving end of books and bears has made their hospital stay a little brighter, so they wanted to make sure they extended that same experience to other kids.I thank you for the opportunity to share our stories. I am sure you have thousands of emails, but it felt good just getting this all off my chest. I have amazing girls that never let their "dis" ability affect their perception of this world.

Thank you Cami and Gina for your nominations for 99 in 33.  We are praying for little Cerriah and Alexis.  We hope your Memoir of Me books bring you special moments to share together.  Love, Michelle

I have two drawers that are of prime real estate in our kitchen.  The two drawers hold puzzles and games.  These items, I’ve played with both Tucker and Alyssa when they were five years and under.  Alyssa is now seven and half years old.  I’ve done the math.  That means this drawer is full of things we haven’t used in over two years.

I go to this drawer, every month or two, with the well-meaning intention of packing away these games and puzzles for my grandchildren.  I want to use the drawer for things we use on a daily basis.  I put my hand on the knob and pull with resolution.  I peer inside, standing over the drawer’s contents, and it happens every time.

The drawer’s slides apparently operate my heart, too.  My heart opens, wide and unprotected, and drops memories -- one by one -- into the drawer.  Alyssa’s chubby hand moving a unicorn in place on our Noah’s Ark.  Tucker smiling up at me as I dramatically swish my blue girl down the green chute and he moves his yellow boy up the biggest ladder.  The ABC dinosaur puzzle with the missing “F” piece we’ve never found.  The memories tumble out into the two drawers from my opened heart. 

I quickly close the drawer in effort to close my heart, too.   I close the drawer to prevent too much spillage of these moments passed.  I close the drawer to keep each memory next to my pulse, beating strong through my veins.  I close the drawer to keep it packed with things I don’t use, but things I really need.  

Some day, I suspect, my soul will have secured these moments into my energy field.   I quote my fav philosopher, “The soul generates and organizes energy of love, the energy of compassion, the awareness of truth, the awareness of creativity and intelligence.”  And some day, my soul will organize my two drawers.