LHS Snowball 2015

It was a long, hard week.

Though I have written little about it, Sierra continues to struggle with shoulder issues.  She hurts much of the time.  She has a very limited ability to lift her right arm higher than shoulder level.  After months of PT, we decided it was time to see a surgeon.

Living in America, we expect answers, plans, results.  This week we really didn't get any.

Without going in to a bunch of details, the surgeon basically told us "It sucks to be you."  He recommends continuing with strengthening exercises indefinitely.  Surgery, he feels, would be unsuccessful.

This news was devastating for my girl.  She longed for a plan.  A timeline.  An end in sight.  She did not receive that.  She may never cheer again.  And she may.  We really do not know.

Not knowing. . . STINKS!

It just does.

While we know that many people live with much worse, we grieve this.  We threw a pity party, cried a bunch of tears, and asked a lot of "why's."

We don't have answers.  We remain sad and confused.  We also trust that in all things God has a plan.  It is a plan for our good and for His glory.  We may not understand, but we choose to trust all the same.

That is hard at 40. 

At 15, it is nearly impossible - but my Berra-girl is doing her best.  I am so very proud of my beautiful, courageous, and wise daughter.

After a whole lot of sad this week, we were very excited to have something fun today.  And what is more fun than dressing like a princess?

 Today was take 2 in formal wear for Sierra-girl.

Take 2 is almost always better than Take 1.  

 Krissy came home to help with hair and make-up again.
I love this photo of Mataya taking it all in.

When Sierra was fully dresses and sparkly, Mataya looked at her was awe and glee and proclaimed, "WOW!"  

 Final touches!

Last formal Sierra was barely ready in time.  This time she was ready a bit early so we had time to play a bit!

 This dress did not photograph the best in my dark house. (I think I need a photography class.  Night lighting in this home is a constant struggle in photos.)  It is a soft mint color that is beautiful with Sierra's eyes.

 Hunter (her date) had a hockey game this evening.  In fact, Sierra was so chill about this dance (in addition to having the whole day to prep) that we went to the first period of the game before coming home to finish her hair and make-up! He showered and got ready at the rink before racing up north to gulp down a bit of pizza, smile for a couple of pictures, and whisk away our girl.  She was so excited to get his "I'm on my way" text.

 She will not love this picture because her hands are not perfectly posed.  I, however, love it because it is so her.  She gives me this grin all the time.

She will always, always have him wrapped around her little finger.

 She makes my heart happy!

She also makes me look old and short. . . both new adjectives for me... ha!

Game over which means dancing begins.

After a long and difficult week a Saturday filled with simple beauty was a blessing.

And at this dance, there was no dress malfunction.  She came home glowing and giggling, just as a 15 year old princess should.