Lauren's Letters 2014

Thank you everyone who sent us a letter and did an act of kindness in memory of Lauren. It makes our Christmas so very special when we get to read these. Here are Lauren's Letters we received for her stocking!: 

Adrianna N: In honor of Lauren, I paid for the order of the lady behind me in line at Starbucks! Hope you and your family have a very merry Christmas! Love, Adrianna, Mommy to Avery

Meagan M: Hello Autry Family! Everyday on my drive to work I pass by a very large (and very sad looking) cemetery. I often times think of my friends who go visit their Angels in a cemetery and think about how they decorate, cry, talk to, and just be with their babies there. This year for my RAK I was inspired to go to the cemetery and leave a flower and a note on some of the headstones of babies. I hope this gesture in Lauren's memory will bring someone comfort and joy this holiday season. Thank you for inviting me to be apart of something so special! Thinking of you, Meagan M

The Mendez Family: For our Angel Lauren Isabelle, we honored her by selecting 2 Angels from the Angel tree. Our family selected a boy and a girl, to donate Christmas gifts, to hopefully make their holiday special as you are. We wish you a Merry Christmas, we love you Lauren! The Mendez Family

To my niece Lauren, 

This poem is for you: 

Somewhere across the winter world tonight
You will be hearing chimes that fill the air;
Christmas extends its all-enfolding light
Across the distance...something we can share.

You will be singing, just the same as I,
These familiar songs we know so well,
And you will see these same stars in your sky
And wish upon that brightest one that fell.

I shall remember you and trim my tree,
One shining star upon the topmost bough;
I will hang wreaths of faith that all may see --
Tonight I glimpse beyond the hear and now.

And all the time that we must be apart
I keep a candle in my heart.

(Written by Mary E. Linton)

I think of you everyday and carry you within my heart. Your Christmas present was a pretty ornament to hang on the tree each year. I especially like it because it has purple . I wish you a Merry Christmas Lauren, we love you! Aunt Christy 

The Rodriguez Family: Hello our sweet Lauren,

First off, We want to wish you a Merry Christmas!  I want to tell you how loved & missed you are from the Rodriguez Family.

We often talk about you & picture your beautiful face. You're one very special little girl, with all the lives you touch each year & especially the ones who got the honor of meeting & spending time with you. That is something your Uncle Joe & I cherish. I would have loved for your cousins to have met you.

They would smother you with love! Trust me, you'd be pushing them away! When I see Samson growing older it makes me miss you even more. I know you two would have been close.

Although you left us way to soon. You are in our lives always. Your mom & dad keep your spirt alive & it's a beautiful blessing to witness. Your big sister Halley also takes part in remembering you with lots of great art work. You will not ever be forgotten.

To me there's only one reason I can think god took you from us. It's that heaven needs babies too & we needed another angel to keep watch over us.

Sometimes the most tragic losses in our life, although very painful & sad. Can result in a family coming together. That's what happens each year for your birthday & Christmas. Our family as well as friends all come together to honor & remember your spirit with lots of love.

We love you Lauren, you're our niece & that's a fact that will not ever change. Until the day we shall we again, I will keep you in my heart.

Love the Rodriguez Family: Aunt Nicole, Uncle Joe, Joey, Iggie, Matthew, Noah, & Samson

The Garza Family: Christmas 2014:

So this year we wanted to do our letters to you a little different and decided to write it as a family.

It's always hard this time of year especially when we have to write you a letter, rather have you here with us instead of in heaven, but only God knows why. We didn't really get that much time spent with you but only a few minutes, but in that very little time you became a big part of us and loved you from the moment we laid eyes on you princess.

This year we had another baby, so now you have another cousin and his name is John ADAM! We had a scare after he was born, he had to be in the nicu for days. And we feel like he had you as his guardian angel in there watching over him every moment.

Good deeds that we've all done: 

Tia Amber: Dec.22, 2014

Today at Starbucks was CRAZY! But I really wanted and needed it that morning. When I got to the window to pay for my order the man at the window said the lady in front of you paid for your order. I just smiled and still handed him my card and said OK then I'll pay for the truck behind me. Their order was slightly more then what mine was but I still paid it forward.
#gooddeed #freecoffee #starbucks

We all four donated a couple toys to Toys For Tots!

Lauren even though you aren't physically here with us you are always with us and will ALWAYS be a part of our lives. We love and miss you mamas. And may we meet again one day, along with the many loved ones we have also lost.

Love you always and forever Lauren. Merry Christmas princess!

Xoxo xoxo The Garza Family!

Our 2014 ROAKs

Below will be the Random Acts of Kindness we completed in honor of Lauren during the month of December. 

1) We donated to Saint Jude's Hospital. 

2) We donated to a medical fund for past classmate of mine from high school who is going through treatments for cancer. 

3) We went around our entire community and left candy canes on our neighbors mailboxes. We hoped the little treat would make someone smile. 

Here are a few pictures! 

Lauren is ready for Christmas

Brandon, Halley, and I went to decorate for Lauren on Friday 12/12/14. Christmas is our favorite time of year so we always have to make sure Lauren is decked out! Some of the decorations are from previous years and we added a few new things this year as well. Halley even decorated Lauren's tree, which I didn't get a good picture of, but it definitely makes her entire area more festive. We also decorated her pink Christmas tree, that was gifted to her last year, added some of her stuffed animals from previous years, added the new "Santa stop here" sign and of course a new snow globe! If you know us well, you know we are big collectors for snow globes, so we always take her a new one. Brandon also made her a Christmas tree with red and silver garland and we added candy canes to that one and her other Christmas tree. We also left her  lights around her headstone this year, instead of on the tree, but decided to leave them on the entire time this year, so it can be festive 24/7 for her. I think we did a great job. :D <3

As a mini act of kindness, we added some of Lauren's flowers a man's vase that is buried close to Lauren. We do not know him, but sometimes see his family visiting him. Any time we go and his vase is empty, we add something in there for him. I know it must be hard on them without their husband/ father. They once did that for Lauren, added a flower in her vase, and we were so grateful and thought it was so kind, so we make sure to continue to do it for them. 

Lauren's Stocking Project 2014

Happy Holidays everyone! ♥ 

Every year my family creates Lauren's Stocking Project. We ask that you complete a random act of kindness in honor of our daughter, Lauren, who passed away in 2011. 

Because we do not have her here with us, we choose to do acts of kindness in remembrance of her every year. We invite all of you to join in this with us. It can be anything! Big or small! We do this because sometimes you have no idea what people are going through at Christmas time and sometimes other people need a little pick-me-up. Sometimes the smallest gesture can make the biggest impact.  

I ask that once you complete your act of kindness, you write it out, and email it to me. Please email it to mautry0508@gmail.com and please put in the subject: DO NOT OPEN - RAOK or something similar. I will print them all out and stuff them in Lauren's stocking. We will not read any of them until Christmas morning when we are all together. 

I cannot believe this will be our 4th year doing this! It is amazing every year to read everything that people have done in honor of Lauren. It is simply beautiful. You may not understand, but it is very comforting for my family to include Lauren in every holiday. She lived for 15 days but lives forever in our hearts. ♥

Here is Lauren's Story: 
http://autry-family.blogspot.com/2012/05/laurens-story.html

Our 2011 RAOK: 
http://autry-family.blogspot.com/2012/01/our-random-act-of-kindness-christmas.html

Our 2012 RAOK: 
http://autry-family.blogspot.com/2014/12/our-2012-raoks.html

Our 2013 RAOK: 
http://autry-family.blogspot.com/2014/12/our-2013-roaks.html

2011 Lauren's Letters: 
http://autry-family.blogspot.com/2012/01/christmas-day-with-letters-for-laurens_1189.html

2012 Lauren's Letters: 
http://autry-family.blogspot.com/2013/11/laurens-letters-from-2012-stocking.html

2013 Lauren's Letters: 
http://autry-family.blogspot.com/2014/12/laurens-letters-2013.html

Lauren's Letters 2013

I am finally getting to post these! I have been crazy busy with working and editing so I just haven't been able to sit down and type them all out.

As years before, I may only post little portion of a letter, depending on the letter, so that way some of them stay somewhat private. I will, however, give the details on each act of kindness that was done. :) So some of them may be a little bit longer than others. 

Here we go:

Meagan M: Purchased 10 fleece blankets to hand out to homeless people that sleep outside on the corner and in the park for when the temperatures drop in Denver. "I hope that you find joy in the acts of kindness people have done in memory of your sweet baby Lauren."

Amanda S: Participated in a Polar Plunge in Anchorage, Alaska that benefits the Special Olympics in Alaska. She raised $260.00 in the week leading up to the plunge. "I can definitely say, that in honor of Baby Lauren, I was freezin' for a reason!"

Adrianna N: Put together a bag of items that she is thankful for, a bag of small luxuries, for the homeless. This included: 2 bottles of water, a bag of wet wipes, a bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, a bottle of mouthwash, deodorant, "and a note telling the person gifted with this bag about your child and the impact their life had on the world. I gave these out over the month of December. I can't even really describe the look on these people's faces as I handed them these bags. It felt amazing. I'm so honored to pass these bags out in honor of your baby. I hope this note brings you joy on Christmas and I hope you know how many people the life of your child has affected. Many, many hugs o you and Merry Christmas." 

Stephanie D: Works at Origami Owl and her and her team found out that there are several families working at their home office that need a little help. In just over 2 days, they were able to "gather enough money donations to send 20 $300 Walmart gift cards for twenty needy families. Because we understood that much of that may need to go to groceries, etc but because we also wanted each child to have a gift, there are also 50 $25 ToysRUs gift cards on the way for each child in those families to pick out their own special toy this year. In a special business announcement Friday, we were told by the founder that they were so moved by what the designers had done for the Nest employees, they decided to match our gifts! What a blessing to know these families will be smiling from ear to ear this Christmas and an extra special blessing as I donated in Memory of Lauren that some other child will have a special gift under the tree from her." 

Camille L: Helped a homeless veteran who just got his first apartment after living on the streets for 9 years but had nothing for it. "When I heard this I knew that Lauren and I could help. I went home and gathered some towels and pots and pans and then went shopping for all those things we usually don't even think about. A laundry basket, shower curtain, detergent, utensils, etc. We delivered them to Tony with a Christmas card thanking him for his service and it was signed from Lauren." 

Morey Family: "This year me and my family decided to buy a whole family who had recently lost their jobs presents! We bought the parents gift yards to Walmart 50$ and we bought all the children presents! We left them on their door this morning with a note saying "From the sweetest angel in Heaven" We will carry on this tradition every year for you Lauren. With a new family every year. You have touched our hearts Lauren and we never even saw your beautiful face! Melissa, you truly amaze me every single day. You are such a strong beautiful wonderful mother and I look up to you. I love that you turn this sad time into something so positive. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers." 

Kawas Family: Donated clothes and toys to a needy family at a woman's shelter. "It was a bittersweet moment seeing a woman and her baby girl have nothing for Christmas then to see the moms face light ups with joy as she continued to pull out brand new baby girl clothes and toys out of the box, and Jonathan gave his toys to less fortunate little boys that appreciated them so much. It's all dedicated to baby Lauren, she is still a blessing and Halley is such a great big sister it brings tears even writing this and think about the emotions that go through your family's hearts. You family is so strong and I look up to you all as inspirations of strength and heart. Kepp holding your heads up and continue to be strong. Lauren is being taken care of by your mom Melissa so I know she is in great angel hands :) I love you guys Merry Christmas and thank you for including my family in this special tradition with your family." 

Tiffany E: Donated to CASA, advocates for abused and neglected children in foster care. " I hope you all have a great Christmas and enjoy time together. Can't wait to share the story of Lauren and her influence on the world again next year!" 

Ashley G: Bought dinner for 2 homeless people. :)

Mendez Family: "In honor of Lauren and the spirit of Christmas, our family had the pleasure of adopting 2 angels from the Angel Tree. We had a girl angel and a boy angel. We purchased gifts to donate to the Salvation Army to help bring a smile on Christmas Day to those in need. Lauren, we came to visit you today, Sunday before Christmas. We left you a hot pink Christmas tree with candy canes and silver little ornaments. Victoria picked out a cute little snowman with a pink scarf for you. It dances when you push the button and plays a cute Christmas son, she played it for you. We all miss you, I imagine your smile, your laugh, I know I will see those one day. For now, keep Grandma Vickie busy and take care of each other." 

Amber G: "I hope you like the small princess Christmas tree and ornament that said your name on it, that I got you for Christmas! :)"

Leslie G: Helped an elderly man in a wheelchair get items from a frozen food case and paid for a food order for the car behind her. "We have never met and I was invited to Lauren's Stocking Project by Amanda S. Thought we've never met and probably never will, I am honored to be invited and blessed to be able to do something in Lauren's memory. I wish your family a Merry Christmas and hope God's blessing upon you are overflowing." 

Rodriguez Family: "In honor of you this year, we did our RAOK for a 6mon old named, Zeayan. Zeayan is currently being fostered by a co worker of mine. His cousin has 6 kids & they were all taken away from their mom due to a battle of drug addiction. When my co worker explained to me that his family of five turned to a family of seven by taking in two of the children, I knew this is where our RAOK should take place. Zeayan does not have a lot of baby clothes or toys. We (Uncle Joe, Joey & I) went to the Carter’s store & picked out three outfits & bought him a baby toy to play with too.  I put everything in a bag & typed up a letter. I told them all about you, my heavenly niece. <3 I explained your Stocking Project & how you are still very much apart of our lives and that the RAOK are to remember you. You are always here with us, your spirit, memory & name will always live on in our family. I imagine when he opens the gift his excited will bring excitement to you. I wish I could see your face, hold you tight & kiss your cheeks. I love, miss, and think of you often."

Jacob G: "I know I didn't really get to see you as often as I would have liked but I do want you to know that I do love you more than you could ever imagine! I am sure the whole family is wishing you were her with us right now! I can just picture you now! Smart, beautiful, and crazy hair like you mama! You made my brother in law a daddy and my sister a mother of two! And you made the weeks that you were here so memorable for your family! I know grandma Vickie is holding you, rocking you and singing grandmas baby to you up there! Sometimes I think god may have taken you so early because you going to be such a wonderful person that God couldn't wait to have you with him! Lauren I love you and I ask of you one thing this Christmas. Show your presence over your parents and let them know you are with them always! These past couple of years have been hard on them and I know you are the only one who can brighten up there day besides your big sister Halley! By the way, Halley is so proud to be your big sister! She talks about you all the time! Lauren I love you and I wish you were here but I know you are in a better place! Autry family keep y'all's heads up and know she is with y'all! Love y'all! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

Sika D: "To Lauren, Though we have not met, Lauren, we share the same birthdays and today would be your third Christmas. You would be the same age as my niece and though by now you may not even understand the meaning of christmas yet other than being surrounded by family and tons of presents. I don't think you would know who's Santa Clause yet because my niece hasn't told us if she's excited for Santa to be coming by. Don't worry if he snuck into your house in the middle of the night last night, he's not a burglar and he wouldn't harm you or your family. He came by to bring a little joy to all the good boys and girls from all over the world. He enjoys milk and cookies even though his wife thinks he should be watching his weight. You know, I just realized you've never been given the chance to unwrap a gift before, but I bet your big sister Halley wouldn't mind to help you out. Big sisters will always look out for the little sister and I know your big sister loves you most of all. Though the time may have been hard without you here with us I want to believe that you're doing well wherever you may be right now. In your absence we have not forgotten about you and your presences still lives on in spirit in our hearts by love and memory. I'd like to think that when someone is gone, they are reborn again somewhere else so maybe we'll meet again in another life so I could be given the chance to meet you and say hi. Words cannot express how much joy and blessing you've given to the people you've touched and I don't think I can write anything that will do it justice. Lots of love and hugs. I wish you all great joy in the new year, Merry Christmas."

Shisler Family: Last Friday I went to the gas station to get Ken a snack and get gas before errands. It was about 5pm. It has a small deli in it. As I order Kens food, the lady beside me is homeless and digging thru her bag for chance. It is a reusable walmart bag attached to the front of her walker. I hear her order and lean into cashier to tell her I was buying her dinner. She tells me her name is Sara and asks me if she can tell her I paid. I said no please  just tell her that  an Angel named Lauren wanted her to have a warm dinner and a Merry Christmas with a smile. She than smiled and did as I requested. Sara was so excited she began to cry. I tried very hard to maintain my composure.And keep it a secret who did pay which I was able too. I paid wished everyone a Merry Christmas. The following Monday Brayden and I went into the same gas station for my morning coffee and his Monday donut. I get up to pay and was told someone already paid. I looked at a different cashier puzzled. She said to us a lady came in last week and started a chain of Angel Lauren Random acts of kindness. I thanked them went to my car and bawled knowing in such a small town in the deep south one ROAK can go so far. Brayden asked me why I was crying I explained he got teary eyed and we smiled and went to school. As we pull in he asks for a $1 for an ice cream at lunch.  I give it to him. Send him in with I love yous, I pick him up and he said a didn't buy an ice cream today I asked why he said I bought two packs of cookies one for me and one for John the mean boy in my class and told him Angel Lauren wants us to be friends so lets have cookies. At 8 years old I hope he realizes the impact he has just made on another child. As I am crying typing this. I know you are as you read all these. Have a wonderful Christmas and thank you for reminding me and my family the smallest gestures go a long distance. 

Autry Family: "This year we didn't just do random acts of kindness just at Christmas. No, this year we did things all year around." They did things such as purchasing groceries for someone in line behind them, paid for gas for someone, regularly took meals to their elderly neighbors and gave them perishable foods before their move across states, They also, most importantly, supported someone they knew when he was considering suicide. Lastly, their son went to a birthday party where another child arrived at the party so late, that there was no more game cards available to give him. Caleb had saved up money through-out the year and purchased an extra game card to be able to play extra games. When he found out the child was not able to play games, he told the child, who he did not know, to come play with him and he would share his game card with him. "So know we are passing on this way of life to another generation of the family! Thank you for continuing to inspire thoughtful behavior and kindness to others each year. Hopefully others will continue to do these types of things year round and spread the joy that it makes you feel when doing so." 

WOW 17 letters/acts of kindness for Lauren! We appreciate beyond words everyone that chose to participate in Lauren's Stocking project. It is the best gift for us to receive each year and love to see love pass from person to person. <3 

Our 2013 RAOKs

1. First, anytime anyone needed over in traffic, I would let them. I am a pretty aggressive driver, so it was nice to slow down and notice others. 

2. Then a couple of weeks ago there was a lady trying to cross the street but she was at a 4-way stop and no one would let her cross. It was cold out so I knew she was anxious to get where she was going, so I made sure to stop and start letting her cross traffic. 

3. Also, A week ago I bought one dozen cupcakes from someone throwing a fundraiser for a little girl who was diagnosed with cancer. I only spent $24 and did not need an entire dozen of cupcakes, but I know in situations like that, any amount helps. 

4. That same weekend my daughter had a cheer competition and they were hosting a toy drive. We donated 2 toys (one girl and one boy) which were going to the Scottish Rite Hospital. 

5. We also purchased 2 additional toys to put in a Toys for Tots fundraiser box my husband's work had. 

6. Lastly, We decided to purchase gifts for a 5 yr old little boy and a 3 yr old little girl. Their mother had absolutely no money to buy even a single gift for either of them. I did not want them to go without anything on Christmas, so we purchased a couple of gifts for the each of them. 

We try to do RAOKs through-out the entire year, but those were just the ones done in December 2013. As you can see, some of them cost absolutely no money at all. We just try to aim at spreading joy, love, and thoughtfulness at times that are usually purely chaotic. 

Again, sorry I have been MIA. But I promise, Lauren's letters will be posted soon! <3 <3

Lauren's Stocking Project 2013

As many of you know, we did this same event in 2011 and 2012, our first and second Christmas without Lauren. The amount of response we got each year was amazing! I hope this can be a yearly tradition for our family.

For those of you who may not know, Our second daughter was born on June 17, 2011 and she left us on July 2, 2011. This was the worst thing we could have ever possibly endured. The holidays are even more excruciating when you see every family around you with so much joy, and you feel as though you are the only one without that joy, because you are missing something..someone.

In 2011 we heard of something called a stocking project, Where people we knew could either simply write a letter to Lauren, or complete one random act of kindness in remembrance of her. These acts of kindness can be ANYTHING! They do not have to be something huge or something that costs money.

I will link the previous two years so you can get some ideas and see what other people have done for their random acts of kindness.

Once you chose what you feel comfortable doing, complete that act, and write a description in an email. (Remember you can also choose to write a letter to my family or Lauren and that will be just as nice.) Please email them to me at: m.autry0508@gmail.com.

In the subject line be sure to put: DO NOT OPEN, RAOK, or LAUREN'S STOCKING PROJECT. We will not read these ahead of time. I will print them out, stuff them in Lauren's stocking, and then on Christmas morning, we will open each one and read them together.

You will not believe how completing one act of kindness will make someone's day.

Like I said big or small, it does not matter. We are just asking that you remember Lauren while doing so.

I appreciate everyone taking the time to read this and considering making my family's holiday a little brighter. ♥

http://autry-family.blogspot.com/2012/01/christmas-day-with-letters-for-laurens_1189.html

http://autry-family.blogspot.com/2013/11/laurens-letters-from-2012-stocking.html

Thank You

A few nights ago, we read all the letters that were sent to us for Lauren's stocking! I was in tears. It may sound a little cheesy, but it was so great to read about the kind things everyone did and the sweet words they wrote to us. To each of you, I appreciate it more than you know. You are helping me keep my baby girl's memory alive and it's beautiful to see other people remember Lauren. I feel so amazing when I realize how much love and support we have. So again, thank you for taking the time to remember my daughter and giving my family comfort this holiday season. I am extremely grateful. <3 <3 This weekend I will make an entry giving some details on the letters we received. 

Lauren's Letters from 2012 Stocking Project

Oh My Goodness, I just realized I did not post letters from last year! I was thinking about when I am going to post about Lauren's Stocking Project for 2013 and was looking through my previous posts when I noticed. So I thought tonight would be a good night! Like 2011, I am going to only insert a few sentences or so from each letter. Also, here is the link to 2011 Letters to Lauren: http://autry-family.blogspot.com/2012/01/christmas-day-with-letters-for-laurens_1189.html 

Here we go:

Tiffany E. & Friends: Tiffany shared our family's story with some of her friends and they decided to do a group project! They ended up collection over 20 toys for Toy for Tots! "You have inspired so many people with your story of courage through such a hard time! Hope our small act of kindness brings some joy to your hearts!"

Nora A.: Nora donated 4 toys to Toys for Tots: 3 boy toys & 1 "very special little girl princess tea set". "Hope your holidays are filled with joy with everyone remembering your little girl. I'm glad I got a chance to celebrate her life with you."

Rori C.: "made a donation to a special fund for a family in need this holiday. I'm also making an extra donation to MEND in her memory."

David V.: Donated $20 to a homeless person

Nolvia V.: "Back in June, Jacob's Angelversary was the 27th. Friends and Family gathered that day and brought us stuffed animals, and I knew right away I wanted them in honor of my baby boy and all the other angels! Therefore when I take the stuffed animals, Lauren's name will be there along with Jacob's."

Katherine C. & Family: Donated to make a wish foundation, bought bears & donted the to the battered woman's shelter, & paid off someone's layaway!

Jessica O.: "I want to wish y'all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. I'm so proud of how strong y'all are..... Continue keeping your heads up high...."

Emily C. & Family: Donated to March of Dimes. "I hope your grief today is not too hard on you and you have a joyful stress free day."

Missy S.: "You, Landon, and all of these angel babies are not forgotten and are saving future children of the world with your story. Your little life has definitely made an impact on me and I can say it has helped me be a more compassionate and loving person."

Danielle N. & Family: "We prayed for someone we don't really like and don't get along with. This was a little harder then I thought it was going to be. It sounds all easy until you get to the doing part. It takes overcoming your issues. I think we were blessed by doing this. We did this in memory of Lauren."

Monica V.: She helped a young woman buy some clothing essentials .The woman was going through a difficult time and just made her journey to Texas from Central America. :She cried with emotion & I cried. She gave me lots of hugs. I don't think I have ever felt that much joy and sadness at the same time."

Adrianna N.: Let people in front of her in traffic and different lines, brought hot cocoa to the Salvation Army bell ringers, donated to an animal shelter, worked at the animal shelter and soup kitchen, and also donated decorations to a cemetery for the Baby Land area. :When I felt mad, sad, overwhelmed, or guilty I did something in honor of our babies. So thank you for helping me through this holiday season."

Esmeralda M.: "I just want to say you are such a strong person in having to go through this. Nobody should ever have to deal with it. I can't say I know what it's like, but I know it can change you forever. Hope you and your family enjoy the holidays."

Bianca G.: Passed by a Santa passing out candy but instead of taking candy, she gave the Santa a scratch off. "It's better to give then receive! I did this in memory of Baby Lauren who's celebrating with the angels. I'm sure she would of brought many smiles to all our faces."

Jenalea J.: Brought a Salvation Army bell ringer a Starbucks coupon for a free drink. "I think of you guys and sweet Lauren a lot since she died just a few days before Baby Marc. I hope you have a peaceful Christmas."

Delilah B.: Her and her fiancé helped deliver bikes to less fortunate kids. "May God give you peace and comfort."

Teena Z.: Teena & her family travelled to Atlanta where they encountered several homeless people. "We realized that as tourists we had so many snacks and waters we had accumulated and in fact did not need. It was then that we decided to package some sandwiches, yogurts, waters, and fruit to give to any homeless individual we came into contact with." They then encountered someone to give their package of goodies too, which was extremely grateful. "I felt inspired to share this story with you, because it simply goes to show that no matter how small the act of kindness, it truly does go a long way. WE have chosen to be a blessing to others just as your family has been as well."

Angie, Justin, & Caleb A.: They helped a family of 8 during a very difficult financial time. They helped pay off some bills, took them grocery shopping, helped with one of the child's birthday party, and also helped with their Christmas. " So, that is our act of kindness this year. To help a family that has also been through a loss of children and tried so hard to keep life happy for the other kids. ...  It's all about paying the good will forward. So, in honor of little Lauren and anyone that's ever been generous to others, known or random, know that we are doing our parts whenever we can, not just at Christmas. And, thanks to you all for reminding others to do so as well."

Jacob G.: "Lauren you are always going to have a special place in my heart. I hope that the time that we do get to meet again we will have the chance to get close and I will be able to show you the love and attention you deserve. I love you Lauren."

Yajaira F.: "When you're faced with a challenge you can either face it or take the easy way out. I never told your mom this but I thought her decision to give you life was crazy brave. Her love for you transcended all realms. ... The void left by your absence is felt everyday but I hope you can see that from Heaven."

Rodriguez Family: They bought 4 presents for a little 2 year old girl. "When I went to take her parents the gifts, I told them about Lauren & why we do the RAOK in honor of Lauren. They were very grateful, Lauren did not only touch my life, she has touched many loves in all the RAOK." ... "Being sisters is a beautiful blessing, you two will always be sisters here & in Heaven. I saw a picture your sister drew recently & you were exactly how I picture you, a beautiful angel with wings watching over them. Thank you for surrounding all of us with your love and memory."

Mendez Family: Made a monetary gift to The Salvation Army. "I am thankful for the time we all had with you, including your special family. Your family is one of the best. I love how they keep you alive within us and how much they speak of you. Halley is such a great big sis, your parents - Great ones! No matter what, they are always smiling. I wish our sweet angel a Merry Christmas, I bet it's beautiful there."

<3

Our 2012 RAOKs

This year we decided that we wanted to donate to a charity or organization. I was really hard to choose just 1! We went ahead and made a donation to the following:

MEND - I feel like it was only right to make this part of our donations this year. If not for mend, I would not have learned about your family or others that have provided my family with so much support. On days where things are really tough for me, I know there is also someone that I can talk to and someone that is apart of MEND will understand my pain.

COOKS - Cook Children's is the hospital Lauren was at for the majority of her short life. The care was astounding and even after Lauren passed away, they have reached out to my family and still provide support in so many ways. Cooks will forever be apart of my heart. I know many other moms that have had their children cared by the staff at Cooks and we really just wanted to give a little back.

STRANGER - I heard about a family that recently lost their home due to a fire from another blm, Priscilla. Priscilla wrote: " Imagine waking up this morning to find out that your home had completely burned down and everything is gone. Unfortunately, that's the type of loss a friend is currently dealing with. With the hustle and bustle of the "Giving Season," could you spare $10? I will be matching donations up to $100. This amazing courageous BLM has 5 children, the youngest is 6 months, and her and her husband run their business from their home, so that is also gone. Please comment or message me for the paypal address." I knew that in a hard time, I would be so grateful of anyone willing to help. This is the reason we made a donation to her and her family. I really wish that even though the times are tough, they are able to still have a Happy Holiday.

<3

Lauren's Xmas Decorations

A couple of weeks ago we went out and took Lauren her own Christmas tree, decorated it, and decorated all around her headstone, like we did last year. As strange as it may sound, we like decorating for her. It gives us that feeling like we are closer to her when we get to do things for her. Anyways, here are some of the pictures!

A while back, Halley bought a bunch of "little sister, big sister" jewlery. For Christmas, She left Lauren her little sister necklace. It is like a little message bottle with glitter inside. <3

We brought her tree w/ decorations, those little sticks that have trees or snowflakes on them, a stocking, Halley made her a picture, Arica gavce her a snow globe and that angel ornament inside her tree that Brandon made with Christmas garland.

That snowglobe is the one we brought her back from Disney World!

The Snowglobe from Arica.

I love Halley's drawings.

A couple of days ago, my sister and her family went to visit Lauren! They took her that christmas tree decoration you see, a tinkerbell stocking, a snowglobe, and put some other Christmas, festive decoartions for her. I love when I know other people go visit my baby girl. :)

Lauren's Stocking Project 2012

As many of you know, we did this same event last year, our first Christmas without Lauren. The amount of response we got was amazing! I remember feeling so overwhelmed with love and support opening all of our letters on Christmas morning around the Christmas Tree. I hoping this year we can keep this going and make it a tradition that our family can continue every year. For those of you who may not know, Our second daughter was born on June 17, 2011 and she left us on July 2, 2011. This was the worst thing we could have ever possibly endured. The holidays were even more excruciating when you see every family around you with so much joy, and you feel as though you are the only one without that joy. Last year we heard of something called a stocking project, Where people we knew could either simply write a letter to Lauren, or complete one random act of kindness in remembrance of her. These acts of kindness can be ANYTHING! They do not have to be something huge or something that costs money. Some of the things we got last year were buying candy canes for a child whose parent could not afford it, helping pay for another persons funeral, paying off someones layaway, giving out warm clothes to the homeless, helping someone with their groceries, or leaving change at a hospital vending machine. Once you chose what you feel comfortable doing, complete that act, and write a description in an email. (Remember you can also choose to write a letter to my family or Lauren and that will be just as nice.) Please email them to me at: m.autry0508@gmail.com. In the subject line be sure to put: DO NOT OPEN, RAOK, or LAUREN'S STOCKING PROJECT. We will not read these ahead of time. I will print them out, stuff them in Lauren's stocking, and then on Christmas morning, we will open each one and read them together. You will not believe how completing one act of kindess will make someone's day. Like I said big or small, it does not matter. We are just asking that you remember Lauren while doing so. I appreciate everyone taking the time to read this and considering making my family's holiday a little brighter. ♥

Christmas Day with Letters for Lauren's Stocking

Christmas was definitely difficult for us. This was our first Christmas since Lauren has entered our lives. Our hearts were hurting, but we chose to still keep with our regular Christmas traditions and in the end, it was a Christmas we will never forget.

The morning began as we woke up at 6:30AM so Halley got to see what Santa brought her and begin opening all of her presents under the tree. Excitement filled our living room with the amount of smiles that came from her that morning.

Before we started to get ready for the morning, it was time for us to read all the letters that were sent to us for Lauren's stocking project. We were amazed and touched by the amount of response we got for this. One by one we opened each letter or random act of kindness someone sent to us, and tears poured. Each one of us just couldn't believe how many people have been touched by Lauren's short time here. It was an amazing experience for us to have done this and I hope to carry this on every year that follows. I wanted to say Thank You to each and every person who took the time to think of us. I wanted to list them below with their RAOK and a small piece of their Letter. It is so hard to narrow it down to just one or two sentences from each letter, but I will try.:

Angie, Caleb, & Justin Autry: Thank you for your letter and Random Act of Kindness. They paid off someone's layaway so a little girl & boy will get to have a Merry Christmas. The end of their note says "Thank you for being such a wonderful inspiration to us all, Baby Lauren."

Mamaw Autry: She bought a child a bike for Christmas. In her letter to Lauren, she wrote "I never got to meet you in person, but in spirit and heart, I know I did. I will always love you."

Martha Madole (Autry): In Martha's letter to Lauren, she wrote "I prayed long and hard for your recovery, but God had other plans for you. You know the great secret that lies beyond this life, and I believe you are safe in God's hands."

Utah & Ruth Autry: In memory of Lauren, they donated $50.00 to St. Judes Children's Hospital. They wrote "Instead of us watching over you, you will be watching over us. Our hearts are healing knowing we will all be together one day."

Priscilla B. & Family: Priscilla noticed a struggling family in the store (A mother who was pregnant, and with her was a 2 yr old & another little girl who looked 7-8 yrs old). This little girl who was 7-8 yrs old, reminded Priscilla of Halley. This little girl wanted candy canes for Santa but her family was unable to buy them. She bought this little girl candy canes and said she "bought them by mistake, but thought maybe they could use them." In her letter, she said "This RAK, I did especially for you, in honor of sweet Lauren, and to bless a big sister like Halley.

Rori C.: Her RAOK was to send another mommy who lost her baby girl, an ornament the family could hang on her tree. She also sent us a star ornament, with the letter "L" and a little footprints charm attached.

Emily C.: She helped another mother with her child and "thought about all our baby angels and prayed that they are with each other, supporting one another like we are doing for each other."

Abigail C.: Abby helped a struggling mother in need of anything for her 2 week old baby. In her letter to Lauren she wrote "So, in honor of beautiful little Lauren, I have her clothes, blankets, diapers, and a bottle to see if they like this particular kind that I'm not using. I filled a big gift bad full of things."

Fuentes/Simpson Family: They wrote Lauren a nice little letter, in it they wrote, "You'll always be in our hearts and thoughts. We will always love you."

Arica G.: Arica also wrote Lauren a beautiful letter. In her letter she wrote "I'm not sure why special angel babies are meant to touch down here for a month or months, then be called back to Heaven, but I am sure of one thing. You will take care of Alfredo's and my angel babies in Heaven. Besties on Earth, and Baby Besties in Heaven. <3"

Feli G. & Family: The Garcia family wrote Lauren a letter too. They wrote "Lauren, you were taken from us too soon. You received your wings early. We ever long to hear your voice, feel your touch, see your face. Your mother keeps your memory alive in every way possible. Through your father, you will always be sought and wanted. Your sister, her days with you are memories that will last for miles and miles. But I know you will fly with them in life with the beauty of a dove."

Kyndle H.: Kyndle mentioned that she wanted to write me a hand written letter, but just recognizing my baby girl was enough. She wrote "I wanted to wish you, Brandon, Halley, and Lauren a very Merry Christmas. I don't know hard it is for all of you, but you and your family are in my thoughts on this holiday."

Alfredo H. & Family: Alfredo helped a family out with a tank of gas, a family that was struggling with money and had no gas, but wanted to take their child around to see Christmas lights. In their letter, Alfredo wrote "Well Lauren the holidays are here and I know your mommy, daddy, and big sister are missing you dearly, and wish that you were here so that they could shower you with gifts, hugs, but most importantly, lots of love! And like I mentioned before, there's so much I want to say, but more than anything, I ask you to keep healing your family's heart like you have been doing and keep my little man busy".

Gabby I.: She received one of the stockings from our RAOK and wrote "I really do appreciate the thought. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas."

Karla I.: Karla wrote a sweet letter to Lauren. In it, she wrote "You are and will always be a perfect angel. You were taken from us too soon, but one thing I truly believe in my heart is that we will get a second chance to meet and love on you in Heaven when we get there."

Jena J.: Jena did several random acts of kindness including: donating money to Red Cross, giving a homeless woman bus fare, donating to a war veterans fund, donating to a kids outreach program, helped someone with groceries, paid for someone's drink at Starbucks, but wanted to do something bigger in honor of many children who were gone too soon. She wanted to thank some doctors and nurses that worked at Cooks Children's Hospital NICU. This was especially amazing to me, since Lauren spent 12 days there. I have been wanting to do something for them for so long, but just have not had any strength to do so. Jena, her husband, and friend delivered coffee travelers, coffee, cookies in a jar mixes, and pastries to them, along with a handmade sign saying who she was donating all of that in Loving Memory of. Lauren's name was included, along with 13 other babies. She also wrote this quote on her sign "We have suffered, but we have survived; We are hurting, but we are enduring."

Kali K.: Kali selected several children off of her community's local Giving Tree to provide needed items for children in foster homes. She said she "purchased baby toys, baby dining ware, sippy cups, toddler learning games, paint and paint brushes. I remembered our babies while preforming this act of kindness."

Megan M.: In Megan's letter she wrote "As a mom to a baby in Heaven it absolutely broke my heart that I could not save or help my baby, so I have decided that in memory of all angel babies I donated blood, hoping to give the gift of life so no other parent has to go through our hurt and pain."

Mendez Family: Their RAOK was to make a donation to a memorial fund for Clarence Robinson, who "was 18 years old that had a heart fuill of kindness, especially for children. The day he was called to Heaven, he acted as a good samaritan, trying to save the lives of children."

Paco M.: In his letter to Lauren, he described himself, his family, our family, my mother, and what it was like while I was pregnant with her. He wrote" Not sure if you can see us from up there, but believe me when I tell you this, you're still in our hearts and your mom and dad still loves you very much, and still believes you are here with us. I know I will always continue to call you my niece and I will always have you in my heart."

Christy M.: "I am thankful for the time I was able to have with you. The visits when you looked at me, held my finger, were the happy moments I will keep in my heart and mind. Everytime I think of you, I smile; cry, and hope that you are enjoying your time in Heaven with Grandmas and watching us. I wish you were here with us not only for the holiday, but to see my niece grow. I love you very much and do miss you more than you will ever know. Merry Christmas to my baby angel Lauren."

Adrianna N.: Adrianna left change in the NICU waiting area at MCA. Lauren was delivered at MCA and also spent a few days in their NICU. I beleive MCA is also where Adrianna's son Avery was delivered as well. She wrote "I hope the thought of this change helping another family with a baby fighting for their life brings you warmth, hope, and healing this holiday without your beautiful daughter. Lauren, you will always be remembered and loved. I am sorry we never got to meet. Your mommy is an amazing woman who I hope to connect with M.E.N.D."

Rodriguez Family: For their RAOK, Halley and I were able to take part of and were happy to have seen it. They filled two bags with sweat pants, a sweater, hats, socks, drinks, snacks, and burgers. We drove downtown to a homeless area, and passed the bags out to people in need.

Nicole R.: She wrote a beautiful letter to Lauren, but also included a poem she wrote, and I wanted to share that:

Lauren our sweet baby girl
Angel in Heaven, smiling down
Up in the clouds, is where you are
Running, dancing, and prancing all around
Everyday until we see you again, we will cherish the times we spent
Nothing will replace our love for you, Lauren Isabelle Autry we all miss you

Tina R.: "I know this Christmas is not being spent the way you had dreamed it would be. I feel the same this year. While we ache for our babies, it has brought me some comfort to make sure that my daughter's memory lives and to honor her short life by blessing others." I feel the same way as Tina! This is what I have been focusing on. This was her RAOK: "Last week at work, I was talking to a coworker about some Christmas candy I had made the night before to give as a gift. My coworker (who happens to be named Melissa as well) said that her younger sister was talking about the same kind of candy a few days earlier. Sine that time, her sister had been craving that particular candy. Her sister's name is Lauren. I couldn't pass up the opportunity, so I went to my car, got the candy, and gave it to Melissa, asking her to pass it along to her sister Lauren in memory of your precious girl."

Nolvia V.: Nolvia wrote Lauren a letter and wrote "Although I wasn't around when you left, I know you're a very strong girl, and I can tell you were going to be very lucky...you have an amazing strong mommy, and I'm so sure youre daddy would have spoiled you so much, and not to mention the love your big sister already had for you. You have a great family, that you now get to take care of from Heaven. I truly wish your mom didn't have to go through this, but I know you're in a much better place, Too Beautiful For Earth."

Once we wiped the tears away, it was time to go spend the morning with the Autry family. We opened gifts and ate a ton of delicious Breakfast food.

Then, we came back home and I made a couple of dishes I was responsible for making for my family's Christmas lunch. We went over to my sister's and ate a yummy variety of food, and watched all the kids open more Christmas gifts.

After all of that, I came home and napped. I woke up and realized how much of a comfort the Letters for Lauren's Stocking was. I was sad, yes, but I made it through the day as I was recalling what each letter entailed. This was not my ideal Christmas, but it was still one I can remember as being surrounded by the love and care of my family and friends.

We had 26 letters to open on Christmas morning. We were overwhelmed with emotions. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you everyone who took the time to complete a random act of kindness, who wrote a letter to Lauren, or did both. I will cherish these for years to come. It really does comfort me seeing how much other people cared for my child, some who did not even get to meet her. Each of you hold a special place in my heart, and I will never forget what a wonderful gift you gave us on Christmas morning. <3

Our Random Act Of Kindness - Christmas 2011

So this year we participated and performed a couple of different random acts of kindness but as a family, Brandon, Halley, & I did one we were extremely happy that we were able to do.

This year, we decided we would let other families who lost a child, know that there is another family thinking of their child. I know how it feels to think you are alone. I wanted to make sure we were able to reach out to people.

We went to the store and bought 48 mini stockings, 48 small ornaments which were either 1) A pink teddy bear, 2) a blue teddy bear, or 3) a white snowman, and also bought little tags where we could incorporate a Merry Christmas note. We knew that we could not put enough out for every single baby that is buried at the cemetary where Lauren is at, as babyland is unfortunetely pretty big. We thought that this could just be a small gesture to these families, and I could imagine how I would react if I was the one receiving on the other end.

This picture is Halley organizing all the Stockings.

This is everything we bought & put together. (We mixed the red & green stockings for the boys and girls, we wanted a variety.)

Halley stuffing the stockings :)

I'm not sure why these pictures are turned, but these are the insides of the tags we put in the stockings as well. We wanted to wish the families a Merry Christmas, let them know this was coming from another family who lost a child too soon, and put my email, in case anyone wanted to talk. <3 We then we out to the cemetery and placed the stockings beside the babies.

Hopefully, the families who received our small gesture of kindness enjoyed it as much as we did completing this. I am going to include a few of the pictures we took of some of the stockings we placed, and I am hoping no one gets offended that I am posting these, but I feel as I should show our Random Act of Kindness completed.