A Little Bit About Us

So, everybody knows my main squeeze, James. This sexy man has been hinting (not so subtly) that our family needed a blog. I finally gave in and decided he was right- I check the blogs of my friends almost as much as I check email, therefore I figure it only fair to give each of you some insight as to what we're up to out here in Ohio. This picture is from about three years ago- our first Christmas about 9 months after we moved to Arizona. We had a new house, twin 18 month old boys (darling Luke & Logan), and no idea how many great friends and life altering experiences were coming our way. I don't know where I'd be without this man, and I thank God every day he asked (and took!) me to be his wife. He is an amazing Daddy, and he puts his wife & kiddies first. What more could a girl ask for? :-) (Back off, ladies- I've been working out and I am NOT afraid to use my moves.)

This handsome guy is Luke. 9 minutes older than his brother, he was his OWN man! :-) He loved running, Elmo, and matchbox cars- any truck, ambulance, police car, school bus, garbage truck, etc. He was loved trains as well. Whenever we hear a train whistle, we always think of Lukey. He rarely slept, loved Spaghettios and swimming, and absolutely worshiped his Daddy. He was usually first to the door to welcome him home. Most of you know that Luke passed away in February of 2006. We miss him terribly, but know he is serving our Father in Heaven, and is near us often. We know we will be a family forever, and this is the thought that allows us to survive this time we are apart. Our family has grown so much closer as we've dealt with this; I believe we've learned a lot. I think this is a testament that our trials are given to us to teach us something- we just have to learn the lessons. I hope James & I are doing that.

www.sads.org I'd not be doing my part if I didn't quickly put a plug in for Long QT- the heart condition that led to Luke's Sudden Arrhythmia Death. This is an electrical heart condition that typically shows up as fainting in boys around age 8 and girls around puberty. An EKG can show a prolonged QT wave. Oral medicine is 95% effective, but you have to know you need it! If you know anyone who has lost someone suddenly, or who is fainting for an unexplained reason, PLEASE share with them what you know about Long QT. It is hereditary- in fact, all my boys have it, as do I.

Who's this dashing young man? Why Logan (aka Superman, Spiderman, Flash, Batman) the ring-bearer of course! He did SUCH a great job- waited each time the flower girl stopped to drop petals, and then winked at her when they parted! (This was at my friend Jen's wedding- it was absolutely gorgeous, and she married a real sweetheart Kevin.)

Logan is a Superman-theme song singer, a rule-enforcer (and rule-follower, usually), who takes his job VERY seriously as big brother. He has been our family's strength this past couple of years- always bringing a smile, a joke (we understand most of them...), or a reminder that Luke is happy. What would I do without Logey-bear?! He loves to dance, loves his friends, and takes good care of Mommy and Tyler. Daddy's his buddy, and he loves doing most anything that he does (fishing, golf, soccer, and of course watching Superman are among his favorites.)


And this little cutie pie?! Tyler-Bug! :-) Always smiling, laughing, trying to jump, and as of late- singing! :-) He loves "Ring Around the Rosie" and "Wheels on the Bus" the most. He wants to be just like Logan- and tries to do everything Logan does. His favorite response is 'no', though he is beginning to figure out that that word won't bring him more juice or candy if it's offered... He loves to be outside, and has recently lost his freedom to the backyard somewhat since we took the doggie-door out when the weather got colder. (We sure miss AZ!!) It sure was cute to watch him crawl out through the doggie-door though!

Now that I have the family history info down, I suppose next time I'll have to write something interesting that we are doing. If nothing else, I guess this blog will make me DO something interesting so I have substance to write about!

One last pic of the boys at Halloween- Tyler LOVES suckers, & Spiderman is way cuter without the hood! Here's to wonderful family and friends willing to read an entire book about the Shields' fam! :-) Love you guys!