The Blessing Counter

Coming home...

2012-02-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we received the sweetest donation in the mail. Oh, please know every single donation we have received toward our Argentina Mission 2012 has been amazing! We have pored over each note. We have laughed at messages, cried in humble gratitude and needed to hug some of the dearest givers ever.

But yesterday, we received an envelope with two donations. One a check from a friend and her husband. A generous gift that pushed us to 80 percent of our goal!! (Did you read that -- 80 percent of our goal! Wow!)

Along with the check, there was also a cash donation, straight from the piggy bank of our sweet little friend, Chelsea. Her donation however, came with a contingency: See, this dear girl loves my trio. With just the right age-difference, she thinks they are pretty special -- and for the record the entire Shrader family adores her! So when Chelsea reached into her piggy bank to give a gift from her heart, she had a stipulation:

Her money must be used.....to bring the triplets HOME from Argentina.

Dear Chelsea, you are a gift! And please rest assured, we are so grateful for your contribution that ensures we are heading to Argentina to do our best to make a difference in the lives of every one we meet. We are humbled by your gift and eager to partner with you and every single one of our donors in this mission. But let me assure you, sweet girl, we will return. Because it is friends like you that make returning to Arizona, coming home! We love you!

Happy Valentine's Day.

2012-02-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

As a little girl, I remember Valentine's Day so vividly -- decorating a shoebox to hold our cards at school, picking just the right Valentine for each friend in our class and uh, having Bronchitis several years in a row and missing the whole thing.

I remember one year where my sweet Mama had gotten me the cutest little heart-decorated blouse and matching skirt to wear and I could not wait! I was beside myself with plans of distributing my hand-selected Valentine cards to each member of my fourth-grade class in this cutest of ensembles! (Smile.) Only I ended up wearing it to the pediatrician's office instead.

I was clearly traumatized, right?

So honestly, it would make perfect sense if this was not a holiday I celebrated, right? With those traumatic memories. And yes, I understand that to many it is an overly-commercialized day intent on increasing floral and card sales. I once had a boss who refused to celebrate what he referred to as the forced-romanticism. Blah blah blah. I get it.

But here's my thing. It's a sweet day. There. I said it.

In a world where we spend a lot of time -- a LOT of time on fighting over everything from when life begins to when it should end and everything in between. In a world where we focus millions of dollars on establishing political DIFFERENCES and attacking each other. In a world where we draw lines in the sand based on our football team preferences....

Isn't it OK, to take a day and focus on LOVE?

Really, how long has it been since you decorated a shoebox so people could drop you a note to say they think you are sweeter than candy?

My little red has her box all ready. She actually even pulled out last year's box to use for the Valentine's she has made for her family (and we have been forbidden to look under her bed!).

Last night, we were flipping channels and Up was on. Oh my goodness, I have to tell you that I am not sure a more romantic movie has ever been made. When Carl flips through the book his dear Ellie has made celebrating their life together, I glanced at my Valentine as tears coursed down his cheeks. With our girls curled up beside him on the couch, I couldn't help but think that THIS is what we are celebrating this week -- this love.

So pull out your shoe boxes, my friends! Make heart-shaped pancakes for your kids. Buy a treat for a co-worker. Celebrate the love of life, the love of friends, the love of the adventure we are all on together!

My Valentine -- for more than 20 years!

Have a blessed Valentine's Day!

Friends.

2012-02-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

We have been in Phoenix for six years. We moved two years ago from one side of town to the other -- an hour from our first house. And so I have spent a lot of time in the last few years meeting people. A lot of time.

And if I am completely honest, I have also spent a lot of time whining about the challenge of making friends. A lot of time.

But recently, I did a brilliant thing. Brilliant. I started watching my six-year-old make friends. Honestly, her attitude is fabulous toward meeting new people: In the middle of the church gym, with hundreds of kids running around, she told me she was going to play. I asked her if she saw some of her friends. Her response: "Uh, no, Mommy, but that is ok, I can tell them my name!"

Oh.

Sweet soccer pals -- they made fast friends and squeal with delight every time they are together!

In my head, I can remember it being that easy. My dad always said I could talk to a tree -- and he was pretty accurate. Making new friends was a favorite past time.

But living in seven states in 21 years has....well...it has kind of tarnished my ability to meet strangers, introduce myself and attempt to make friends.

Sometimes, you just want to be where....oh good grief, it is quite a cliche...but sometimes you just want to be where everybody knows your name!

Best friends for more than two decades -- I have followed these two around Disneyland many many times! Their friendship is a gift.

But watching Cate has taught me much. I am re-learning how to share my name. How to reach out and be a friend. Because really, it is so much more than making friends....being a friend is the key. And frankly, that is more about carving out the time, putting in the work, managing to place importance on people that don't rely on me for clothing, food, etc.

My lifetime friend...so thankful for the connection that keeps me grounded, sane, and feeling not-alone no matter the miles!

Friends are important. Friends are God-ordained. Friends make life so much more fun.

Daughters of another long-time friend and my crew -- what a gift when God brings a long-time-long-distance friend near. Oh, what a gift.

Making friends doesn't have to be as complicated as we too often make it. Go play. Tell people your name. Put yourself out there.

That's my little redhead at the front of the train -- with two little girls she didn't know at all two minutes before this photo was taken. Ah.

Friends are a blessing. A gift. A support in time of trouble. I will make time this season to nurture and grow some new friendships and maintain and grow some old ones. Will you?

Overwhelmed.

2012-02-03T22:57:00.000-07:00

As a teenager, I went on mission trips with my beloved church in Mississippi to far away locations like Tennessee.

When I turned 15, my parents sent me home with my Aunt Nina and Uncle Wayne, missionaries in Mexico. I stayed for three life-changing weeks. I could not wait to return -- and still would love to go back.

As a college student, I worked at Camp Garaywa in Mississippi as a camp counselor. Garaywa is the camp for Girls in Action and Acteens -- BOTH organizations in the Baptist church that teach MISSIONS to girls. As such, each week the camp hosted a different missionary to speak and teach the campers. In my opinion, Garaywa is what heaven will be like. I. Am. Certain.

I purposefully home school with a curriculum that places heavy emphasis on biographies of missionaries.

I have been ready to GO for a very long time.

For this season at least, God has had other plans. Motherhood brought four beautiful children, two of whom have special needs. For this reason alone, I have felt sure God kept me ministering to my little corner of the world to keep my boys near the healthcare they so need.

But this year, my trio began the high school ministry at Scottsdale Bible Church. They came home from one of their first high school services talking all at once...they had learned about the emphasis the ministry places on missions and they were beaming. Then they were expressing concern. Then they were asking me a million questions, "Do you think we could go, Mom? Could we go?"

Ah. Could we go?

Was this something they could even do? Would any of the locations support a wheelchair? Crutches? Could I go in order to meet the day to day needs of Benjamin? My head was spinning.

But high school pastor, Jason Fischer's head did not spin. He said there were definitely possibilities that would work for the boys. He was realistic that some of the locales would not, but a couple at least would. Absolutely, I should go....but as a team member raising support just like the triplets. Deep swallow.

Ok. First hurdle cleared. I was immediately emotional about the possibility. Grateful for the yes.

Then I got a precious phone call from one of the team leaders -- Stephanie was already weighing options, looking at possibilities and had questions about specifics regarding the boys' needs.

Deep breath. This might happen.

The kids had their interviews with the mission team leaders and a couple of weeks later we received word -- the Shrader trio -- and Mom -- are headed to Buenos Aires, Argentina (with a team of 25 -- just one group from the more than 125 high schoolers going on mission this summer from our church)!!

We rode the elation for a few days before the fear began to creep in. Satan is just so good at hitting us right where we are weak. My first fears were about the physical needs of being in an unknown place without hubby to help me figure out how to overcome the obstacles. I really wanted to ruminate on that for a few days. But honestly, my heart is so mission-minded that I found it almost easy to give that one to God (ok, so I took it back again a few days later....I gave it back to Him. Whew. It is a process!)

But then the second fear hit: we have to raise a lot of money EACH for this trip. The first thing they instructed us to do was began writing support letters.

Whoa. I have never asked for money. What if we offend people? What if we can 't raise enough? What if....?

The "here-Lord-let-me-help-you" side of my personality kicked in. Maybe we should not ALL go. One child a year, wouldn't that be an easier way?

Wise hubby said, "Uh, no. They all go."

Wise children said, "Uh Mom, God can do this."

Wise Mommy...well, I just got out of the way (ok, I may have to continue getting out of the way when fear creeps in....just so you know.)

This is what we have been seeing for the last week when we visit the mailbox:

Returned envelopes with the promise of prayer support and financial support that makes me weep. Families without a job sending money to send three amazing kids (and their mom) to minister to the families in Argentina. Single moms sending money that no doubt is needed for so much else. Dear friends sending checks that shout, "we know you can do this!" Great aunts who send their check then call to ensure I know we are being covered in prayer -- and just to encourage -- oh how she encouraged with her "You are the most courageous little Mama I know!" High school friends of both Wade and I -- many who have never met our trio -- supporting this cause, this chance for my little corner of the world to impact ANOTHER corner of the world. And the list goes on. And on.

We are humbled. We are grateful. We are unworthy. But today, 3 months before our money is due, and less than two weeks since we sent our batch of letters, we are 1/3rd of the way there. One third!

Wow. What a blessing!!

Stay tuned for updates! Isn't God amazing?

Pleasant surprises...

2012-01-31T08:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, we can get so consumed with worrying about the stuff that we miss the blessings completely. I am so thankful that after my challenging week last week, I am reminded this week of so much joy...and so many gifts:

Like, the fact that yesterday's appointment for Botox injections for my boy went very smoothly. This procedure involves a lot of controversy in the world of Cerebral Palsy. Many parents -- and their physicians -- believe children should be sedated for this procedure. Hubby and I are under the impression that the less sedation the better -- especially with our once-premature babies who have to undergo way too much anesthesia for surgeries as it is. But I have to confess that I began to doubt my conviction as the hour drew near. Was my boy going to feel tortured? Was I a terrible mother?

Whew, I am so thankful to tell you that hubby and I are exactly correct -- for our kiddo anyway. He and his doctor were engaged in a wonderful conversation about Disney cruises and she injected the Botox without Benjamin even flinching -- or breaking conversation for that matter. Big blessing!!

Stay tuned for effects...

Benjamin and Mom....a traditional waiting-at-the-doctor shot!

There has also been some fretting over our new van -- from the selection process to now finding parking spaces that allow for the side-entry. I worried. I have obsessed. And I have worried some more, did I say that? But this:

Is how my little red rides almost everywhere! The windows on the new van lower on the side doors and she squeals with delight the entire time! Between that and the Sirius radio that has my kids singing all manner of fun music from the 40s to the 90s....and sometimes just Broadway hits.....and sometimes...well, suffice it to say we are enjoying the radio!

And as for the parking. It has not been a problem at all after the first day. I am learning. So our new van -- untold blessings!

Love big red barns...

And then...Mason has been talking about archery for a few years. I have to say, his interest kind of....well overwhelmed me. I know nothing about bows...and what did he want to shoot at anyway? Really? I was so not-interested.

But this boy was serious about the interest. He received a bow for Christmas, and is taking lessons from a great archery coach (With the big red barn in her backyard!)....and guess what, it is fascinating to watch! I love taking him to lessons. The increased arm strength he is gaining is a therapeutic dream --which is so cool to his Mom but probably not what motivates him. (smile) He just loves it. Loves it. And seeing my kiddo smile is well...you know...quite a blessing.

Mason at Archery lessons...

Most of the time, my friends, the blessings are staring us in the face. We wake up in the morning and get to choose, do we look for blessings today? Or do we look for reasons to whine? Last week, I chose the latter. It didn't bring anything but grief. This week, I choose joy. I choose gratitude. I choose to see the blessings.

Won't you join me?

Trying to stop the train...

2012-01-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

If you have spent any time here at all...you will know that I do not like for my children to have surgery. At all. You will also know that the Cerebral Palsy track that we travel has required my boys to have a few. You can read about them here or even here...or any of the posts under the surgery subheading at the side. The list is long.

Benjamin is having some wrist issues due to the combination of spasticity and growth. Surgery is a possibility down the road but we are going to try other options first -- read: I want to de-rail the surgery train if at all possible.

We have been bracing him at night for a while -- splinting his hands and wrists to attempt to stretch the tendons and prevent further contractures. While the results have been hopeful, the resistance in his wrists is causing some pressure sores and requiring us to wear the braces less.

So, tomorrow we move on to plan b.

Botulism Toxin.

My Benjamin on one of our favorite rides -- The Jungle Cruise! We love the cheese factor!!

Our doctor will insert a needle of Botox into Benjamin's wrists to paralyze those muscles and counteract the contractures. We will then brace aggressively to hopefully stretch the tendons and give him increased range of motion in his wrists.

It will not be a painless procedure for him. It will not be a permanent fix. And it will not be risk-free. Benjamin needs to use his right hand to drive his wheelchair. It is his means of independence.

Please pray mightily that our doctor will have keen discernment in administering the shots; pray that B will tolerate the procedure with his usual grace; and pray that the results will astonish us. Please.

As always, your willingness to pray is a blessing.

Taking the good with the bad...

2012-01-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

The kids and I spent all day last Saturday working on mission support letters while Dad and Uncle Len were out of town. I had helped them compile a list, the trio worked together to write their letter. I had photos printed and they made labels for them. We had an assembly line going as we printed letters, folded, stuffed and sealed the envelopes. Little bit was amazing on stamp duty. We worked for more than seven hours straight -- and celebrated with Chick-Fil-A!

It was a good day.

But often the best days....well, they can be followed by some hard days...it is a law or something.

And so if you were in the vicinity of my neighborhood this week, you probably heard me yell. Good grief. I think I raised my voice enough this week to last a lifetime. "Focus on your Algebra." "Make the beds." "Don't practice piano right now." (Who even says that?) I felt like a mom of out-of-control teenagers. Goodness, my rage must be justified, right? Except, I don't have out-of-control teenagers.

I have amazing teenagers. Oh, they are 14-year-olds and could definitely spend more time on algebra, or biology or maybe history...depending on which of the three we are discussing. But really. They are amazing.

As I processed that I might be the one who needed to control her emotions, I began looking for ways to breathe deep...blog reading didn't help. Honestly, last week at least, everyone seemed to be homeschooling peacefully with brilliant Latin-learning perfect children while Mom also took time to write books and travel the country for speaking engagements. Yea, that wasn't helping me much.

Finally, I did a couple of things right. I made a phone call. Goodness, a friend with a 25-year history who knows me was just the right thing to do. Thank you, CH.

Then, I did what any self-respecting daughter of a beautician does when the going gets tough....I went in for a haircut. Deep sigh. It really does cure what ails you.

And finally, I remembered that January in the desert is pretty amazing. The kids and I moved out to the perch on Thursday and oh, it did not disappoint.

I don't have it all together. I mess up a lot. We don't eat gourmet meals over here -- rather cereal nights are a personal favorite. And though I dream about it, I am not writing any books today.

But the perfect kid thing. Well, I think I have that one covered.

And yea, they are a blessing.

Rolling with change...

2012-01-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

Change is hard for me. I would never have thought that about myself. But becoming mommy to triplets uh, changed me. Ironic, huh?

With three babies needing me for all their needs, I became very regimented. I'd like to say organized but regimented fits so much better. I kept charts at the end of their little beds. Color-coded charts that allowed me to see who ate what and lots of other information that I am fairly certain my now-teen-aged-triplets would prefer me NOT to blog about. The hardest days were when we changed feeding schedules, or horror of horrors, needed to add stuff like cereal or fruits and veggies! My entire flow would be destroyed and I would have to re-regiment.

Fourteen years and lots of changes later, I am still a creature who enjoys our routines. So when we are forced to change one of them, I get a bit antsy.

For the last six years, we have been driving a wonderful van converted to carry my Benjamin in his power chair. Benjamin entered through the back of the van while Cate sat on one side of him and Claire or Mason on the other side (whoever lost the fight to sit up front with Mom.). When Dad was with us a bench could fold down in the back, behind Benjamin, and one of the kiddos could ride there. It was great.

But alas, 120,000 miles later, the time has come to replace old blue.

As we began to shop for a conversion mini-van that would work -- we were dismayed to discover modifications to the Vision (our old blue) meant our entire family could no longer fit. We would have to shop elsewhere.

Braun makes a side-entry that will hold us all. And after much research, shopping, questioning, we opted for the Town & Country Braun side-entry conversion. It arrived this week.

So far, we have been out in public twice in the new van. It drives like a dream compared to old blue that rode high and a bit strangely due to the conversion. The Sirius radio complete with touch screen is making the kids quite happy!

And the side entry. Well, we are two for two in parking. The first time out we found a space with a loading zone on the passenger side. We unloaded just fine but when we returned a very unthoughtful person had parked IN the loading zone, preventing us from being able to lower the ramp. We had to pull out into traffic, lower the ramp, load Benjamin and then try and lower our blood pressure.

The second time, the only spot with a loading zone was taken (by a non-handicap licensed vehicle) so we had to park in a normal spot with an empty spot beside us (read: far from entrance so Mason had to hike to swim class) and pray no one would be parked beside us when we returned.

Did I mention I do not like change?

We will find our blessings -- oh, I am so grateful for a van that carries my boy and allows him the independence his power chair allows! I am so thankful for the ability to purchase a new van that keeps us safe and provides a means to travel as a family!

I am so grateful for the lessons in patience, I think we will all learn. OK, that one is a stretch, but I WANT to be thankful for the lessons. That counts, right?

And I would be especially thankful if you could educate everyone you know -- especially everyone in Phoenix -- about NOT abusing accessible parking spaces and the loading zones they offer. The yellow lines mean NO PARKING. And believe me, Benjamin and I will be super blessed if you would let everyone know!

Choosing the solid rock.

2012-01-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

I do not raise my hands when I sing in church.

There. I said it. I don't. I grew up in the Bible Belt in a sweet church that still feels like home when I walk in the doors but the most charismatic thing we did was to hold hands on Sunday night (every Sunday night) while we sang "Sweet Sweet Spirit." (I am smiling just thinking about it!)

But sometimes, I need you to know that I NEED to raise my hands. Worship music moves me in ways that I can not begin to understand or explain. God uses it to change my spirit more often that I care to admit my spirit NEEDS to be changed. And I firmly believe that sometimes, the truth just washes right over me through music allowing God to speak to my heart.

Oh, I love that.

Yesterday, I didn't think I had any big looming issues that God needed to confront. (Please smile. I always have issues.) My hubby was working, my oldest daughter was serving in the special ministries and my baby girl was in her Sunday School class, so it was just me and my boys.

The service was celebratory -- the 50th anniversary of Scottsdale Bible Church -- and the mood was jubilant throughout. My heart felt full as we sang the final song. But about half-way through, I almost choked up.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

The day before, I had just been questioning how a girl completely in love with the beach and the ocean could end up in the desert. I had just been voicing my dream of a beach house and wondering how that changed to a desert house. I had just been whining.

But the beach is not compatible with my boys. The wheelchair doesn't turn easily -- or at all -- on sand, so Benjamin is left on the edge of the action without a special beach chair that gets him to the water but doesn't allow him to be independent. Mason's power sticks sink in the sand making walking a challenge at best.

And so as we sang, I had the most beautiful mental image of what sinking in the sand looks like. How utterly incapacitating it can be. I was immediately grateful to God for knowing the needs of my family and placing us RIGHT where we need to be.

But it was more.

I was wanting to raise my hands. Wanting to scream to the rafters. That I have seen what it looks like to sink in sand, that I have experienced the inability to move an object through sand....I know how challenging any ground other than ROCK can be.

Please don't miss the mental image.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

No matter the landscape outside my window. No matter the storm of circumstances this life presents.

I wholly lean on Jesus' name.

Pedal Power

2012-01-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

I had forgotten. I had completely forgotten.

Once upon a time, I loved to ride my bike. I spent hours and hours riding around my neighborhood growing up. I rode on youth trips. I rode with my Dad on our beloved Natchez Trace. I have amazing memories on my bike.

And then I became a Mom. Of two boys who couldn't ride. So I stopped.

Almost three years ago, that changed a bit when Mason got his bike! But still, I thought my days of pedaling were behind me. I enjoyed watching my crew ride as I walked with Benjamin behind them.

But Christmas 2011 changed all that. Sweet Claire got a new bike. An adorable new bike. And that inspired little Cate to spend Christmas day learning to ride without her training wheels -- actually saying the "day" is an overstatement, she had it in less than two hours!

Watching my girls ride made we have the strangest itch in my legs. They were all but begging for a turn. And Claire obliged by letting me have a turn on her cute little pink beach cruiser.

Oh. My. Goodness.

By the 27th, the family had convinced me to go get a bike of my own. And...well....it is ok if the dishes sit while my crew and I ride the streets, right?

We are still giggling with delight every time we ride. When Mason is with us, and the four of us are enjoying our little neighborhood, I fear we look like the Von Trapp kids in their made-from-curtains-play-clothes as we laugh, yell back and forth and circle around and around each other!

So if you need us -- well, you know where to find us. We might not be setting speed records...but we'll be the ones having a ton of fun!!

Growing pains...

2012-01-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

When my sweet Benjamin was barely old enough to talk, he began to express gratitude for anything and everything anyone did for him. His amazing spirit understood being grateful as soon as his mouth could form the words, "Tank oo."

My creative kid as Snetsky in FOOLS -- a Neil Simon play.

Young Benjamin seemed to have an innate grasp of the limitations of his body due to the trauma his brain withstood as a baby born entirely too early. But it was more than that, young Benjamin seemed to have a God-given acceptance of his body's limitations. He was so at ease and comfortable with who God made him to be that he made everyone else feel that same ease.

Benjamin and one of his two top fans -- DAD!

I really should not speak in the past tense. This kid is so amazing and has an attitude that amazes me daily. BUT.

Ah. That is the little word that can be followed by so much. Right? But.

This incredible boy is not a little kid anymore. He is a handsome young man -- a high school freshman with dreams and goals and an amazing mind that can achieve them. And so the BUT...he amazes daily but, the fact of the matter is that he has days where he struggles. He struggles to accept the help required. He wants what most teenagers want -- independence. But my Benjamin is dependent on others for every part of his daily living from dressing to eating to having his iPad handed to him. Dependent.

With his number ONE fan -- Me!

Part of me knows I should take a deep breath and know this is typical teen stuff -- he wants independence and we will work through it. But I am one of THOSE moms...the kind that push and urge and push some more, hoping to "help" my kids through the hard lessons to get to the other side a bit faster. So this week as I, ahem, urged, my dear child to have a spirit of gratitude for us as we care for him, I was losing my patience. So desperate was I for him to "learn" that I almost missed the lesson myself.

"I just wish I could cure Cerebral Palsy, Mom. Then I could do everything for myself."

And that made me stop. Made me move him to his bed where we could sit side by side. I put my arm around him and just held him while we grieved for a moment the cure we do not have.

Then I reminded him that we have to make a choice. We have to choose gratitude even when we don't want the help. We have to choose gratitude for the many many many blessings we do have EVEN IF we have Cerebral Palsy also. We have to choose...

And you know what. I heard God whisper to my spirit. "You have to choose gratitude too."

Oh my goodness. I stopped cold. How often do I breeze by my blessings in order to whine about the insignificant annoyances of my day? How often do I obsess over the little pains and fail to give God thanksgiving for the abundance of health? How often...

There are blessings in the growing pains. Blessings in learning, growing and reaching new milestones. But listen, my friends, we have to slow down enough to see them. We have to stop our pushing, urging and trying to overachieve long enough to be still and hear. We have to give thanks. For all our blessings.

May 2012 be a year of doing just that.

Good-byes and resolutions.

2011-12-27T22:43:00.000-07:00

We lost a friend this holiday season.

A too-young husband, father, son, brother, neighbor and friend.

Kevin's memorial service was beautiful. His amazing daughters shared scripture that had helped them as a family during the year Kevin fought cancer.

Brother, friends and Starbuck's co-workers shared story after story of the kind, compassionate and funny guy Kevin was.

We haven't been Kevin's neighbors in almost two years. And still. I knew he was sick. I have followed his Caring Bridge site prayerfully. I have received updates from mutual friends still living on that side of town. And I have prayed and prayed.

And while I do not want in any way to say prayer is not a mighty thing to do for others -- oh it is -- I have to confess that I was convicted in my very core because I have not gotten in my car, driven across town and sat with my friend Shelly, Kevin or the girls.

For years, we would drive past Kevin and Shelly's home on our way to our's. More often than not, Kevin was outside working in the yard, the pool, or decorating for an upcoming holiday (his Halloween and Christmas decorations were the best!) and we would wave and honk. His return wave made my kids and I feel like we were in a smaller town -- not the big city -- that we KNEW neighbors and were known. It was big deal.

I never told him that.

Friday, I hugged my friend Shelly. She was so strong. After she had been hugged by all the Shraders she admonished us -- insisted -- that we go and enjoy our Christmas. Kevin would want that she said. Do not stay sad. Go. Enjoy.

And we have. But with Kevin, Shelly, Nicole and Kendahl on our hearts. And because of that -- we were a bit kinder with each other. We stopped before we raised our voices. We -- oh and this is hard -- cut off electronics and enjoyed face-to-face time with each other making memories. We brewed only Starbucks coffee...and yes, we hugged a little tighter.

My hope is that as we enter the new year, we'll remember Kevin's legacy and the lessons he taught us with his life and with his death. And I hope we will work to be more like him -- placing family first and making the most of each and every day with the ones we love.

Thank you, Kevin. Your life blessed us. We look forward to the day we see you again.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

We are doing what you are probably doing...

Baking. Unwrapping. Eating. Baking. Eating some more.

And in between I have a little girl who has learned to ride without training wheels this morning.

I have two boys playing video games and laughing loudly!!

I have a big girl with the cutest beach (in the desert) cruiser ever!

And I am savoring all these moments in my heart.

But we also have a savior born in a stable -- gone from GOD on high, to a tiny babe for me. And you.

Merry Christmas, with love and blessings!

The most wonderful time of the year...

2011-12-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

This season takes on a life of its own, doesn't it? We get busy buying, wrapping, baking, sending, opening, decorating...trying to make Christmas special. Trying to make memories with our kids. Trying to be sure they have THE BEST CHRISTMAS ever.

And you know what? Sometimes the best times, the best memories are UN-intentional...

Not sure what came in this box...but will always remember the fun this little girl had playing and playing and playing in the peanuts!

When I was little, my Mom's customers (My Mom is a beautician...in the South...yes, think Steel Magnolias!) would give her the sweetest gifts. I have the best memories of my Dad and I waiting expectantly for her to get home from work each night during this season to see what she had been given. We had so much fun.

And usually one of these dear ladies would give her a gift basket filled with yummy delicacies like cheese logs, summer sausage and gourmet crackers. I have to tell you that of all the amazing memories, gifts and events my parents planned for us at Christmas each year....one of my most favorite has to be sitting with my Dad enjoying the gift basket. Daddy would slice the sausage and I would pass the crackers and we would talk and talk.

I have no idea where everyone else was. I guess Mom was putting the boys to bed -- I am the oldest. All I know is I had my Dad's undivided attention and while the goodies we were devouring were yummy, I am certain that the reason this is such a special memory is more about the face-to-face attention than about the food.

So, I'm saying, get off the computer. Let go of your need to give your kids every thing you think they want. Go. Spend some time just being with them. Talk. Make plans. Discuss life.

Make some memories. I promise you will be blessed.

Merry Christmas.

Healing.

2011-12-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

For the 11th time in my 14 years of parenting, I watched as nurses wheeled one of my children back to an operating room.

For the 11th time, I left the pre-op area, chin quivering, trying to be strong and not fall apart in front of nurses and staff going about their routine day-to-day tasks.

For the 11th time, I waited anxiously; I watched the clock nervously; I occupied a waiting area and attempted to while away hours while I...waited.

And for the 11th time, I found that my prayers went something like this, "Please God. Please."

Because I have to tell you that practice does not make this particular thing perfect. At all. It does not get easier the more you experience it. It does not become routine, it does not become less frightening or more easy-to-handle.

When a child needs surgery it does not matter at all how strong he seems every other day of the year because laying on that gurney dressed in a hospital gown, eyes looking up at you for comfort, for assurance, for encouragement that this will be OK, he is vulnerable. He needs me. And letting him go is one of the single hardest things I have ever had to do. Eleven times.

We are home. And so now, for the 11th time, the healing begins. My guy will work his legs. He'll try to move past the pain caused by all the incisions. He will try to overcome his fears that getting back on his feet -- literally -- will be as hard as it was when he had the initial surgery in May 2010.

And I will keep praying. Thankful that when my heart is so overcome with concern for my boy; my mind is so exhausted from the round-the-clock care-giving; and words are not making sense at all -- Jesus will hear my prayers, my groanings -- my simplistic prayers -- and He will interpret them to the Father.

What a blessing.

A reminder.

2011-12-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

Ten hours into our recent cross-country trip to move my mother-in-law to Mississippi, the little car was getting a bit cramped and the setting sun was making us yawn just a wee bit. We needed to push through the next few miles -- since Dad and Mason in the U-Haul ahead of us showed no interest in slowing down.

So we did what any former camp-counselor-turned-Mommy-of-four does on a too-long road trip the week of Thanksgiving....we started singing Christmas Carols at the top of our lungs.

We crossed into Texas right in the middle of Away in the Manger. And as we took in a collective breath, we each stopped short and said "Oooh, what is that smell?" Benjamin was adamant that it was horses. Cate agreed. But Claire, ever the equestrian, shook her head. "No," she said. "That isn't horses. That smell is from cows."

Really.

How in the world could she tell a difference?

But just about then, the lights illuminated a cattle ranch on our right -- and hundreds of cows right at the edge of the road.

I was ready to uh, praise her skilled nasal passages when a much more awing thought occurred to me.

That's it. That's the smell that greeted our King.

We had JUST been singing Away in the Manger. But were we listening to our own voices. Had the words become JUST a song to while away the miles in the car?

That smell was the welcome the world gave our savior. Our Lord was born next to the cattle. Never before had the words come to life as they did that night in that little car, somewhere in Texas. We started singing again. We just couldn't stop -- so in awe were we of the gift God had just given us by reminding us of the greatest gift of all.

Jesus.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed.

The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky, looked down where he lay.

The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

There is no greater blessing.

18 years.

2011-12-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

As the fire takes the chill off my unusually cold desert home, I am sitting here reflecting on our recent time in Mississippi and the memories there -- some newly-made, some re-visited.

Our recent visits have been in Spring and late-summer...but this trip was our first in recent years that the leaves were off the trees and fluttering our path as we rounded the bend of Rogers Drive, the peaceful, lovely street that has housed my Mason memories since I was a little girl.

Perhaps, it was the leaves. Or perhaps the the time of year. Or maybe it is just the way I always feel when we turn that corner. At least the way I have felt for the last 18 years. But whatever the reason....

I missed my Daddy.

Visiting the cemetery on Thanksgiving Day.

Eighteen years ago, Wade and I were home on Rogers Drive for Thanksgiving. It was unusual for us to be home for this holiday. Working at the ABC-affiliate in Huntsville and as the co-chair of the Huntsville Christmas Parade meant I always worked the Friday after Thanksgiving. But this year, my dad's fight with cancer was nearing an obvious end and I feared this would be his last holiday. Wade and I wanted to be at home.

We had a peaceful Thanksgiving day gathered with Mom, Dad and my brothers. We spent the day after watching some of my Dad's favorite movies and though he was sick and weak, he found the strength to pat me occasionally and kept his arm near me on the couch. (He didn't eat when I tried to feed him though -- I just didn't do it like my Mom who was at work...he waited on her. Always. He wanted my Mom.)

The next day was the Egg Bowl. He wanted us to take my brothers -- he had taught Mississippi State's then-Quarterback Todd Jordan in Sunday School when Todd was nine and loved listening to Todd's games. We left him and Mom with the radio to follow the game.

In the days before cell phones, I went to a pay phone in the stadium several times that night -- always, Mama gave me a good report. Dad was enjoying the game. Go back and have fun, she would say.

After the game, I called from Oby's. He was delighted that Todd had won his final game at MSU and was resting. We should enjoy our meal and let the boys have fun. I told her we wouldn't call again she agreed that was best. They were resting.

When we took the exit ramp to turn onto Rogers Drive, my uncle, Ross, and his wife, Starr were waiting. They flagged Wade to a stop and climbed into our car. My Daddy had died after our last call home. Ross didn't want us to turn the bend onto Rogers Drive and see the cars lining both sides of the road all the way to the end where everyone had gathered to be with my Mom and wait on our return.

My memories are sketchy after that. I needed to get to my mother. I fell but wouldn't remember that until someone else reminded me later when I couldn't explain the bruises on my legs. There were people in the kitchen -- family, friends of my mom's, friends of Talley, people who came to offer not words that would make it better, but arms that would hold us until we could function.

We organized the funeral. We made decisions -- he wore his maroon sports coat because he always did after a Bulldog win. He wore Christmas socks for no other reason than we knew he loved them and it made us smile to know they were there, hidden from sight but known to us.

People brought food. Like good Southerners, we knew food cures all that hurts. But it didn't. We couldn't eat. We didn't want to be at the table. The dinner table was symbolic of our family -- Daddy traveled for his job but he always came home at night. He didn't like to spend even a night away. So we would wait to have dinner with him -- always. So we avoided the dinner table. In the weeks and months to follow, Mom served meals at the kitchen island.

Slowly, we rediscovered our joy...and chose to Praise God for the gift of this man, even if only for 49 years. Slowly, we were able to talk about our memories -- of the man who loved us unconditionally and showed it in everything he did. Slowly, we were able to laugh at the memory of him dressed in an apron being completely silly; or greeting my date at the door with a BB gun; or telling Wade I was just getting to be fun, when Wade asked his permission to propose marriage....slowly, we found our joy.

But even in the joy, even after 18 years, I miss him. I miss that my kids only know him through stories. I miss that when the cares of this world bear down, I can not climb in his lap and hear him tell me it will be alright.

At the Tupelo Veteran's Park.

I miss that he never knew me as a Mom. I miss that he never saw Len as a Man. I miss that he wasn't at Talley's wedding.

On the third anniversary of his death, exactly on the day, the doctor held up three fingers and told us we were expecting triplets. I have to smile. Knowing the man who tapped on Wade's window as we were leaving for our honeymoon to tell him he had nine months to give him grandchildren, had a hand in sending us THREE at one time (we had waited six years for goodness sakes!).

I see him in each of my kiddos and thank God for that joy. For that reminder. For that gift.

And so as I sit here, I know I could spend my morning reflecting on the 18 years of missing this wonderful wonderful man. But I far prefer to reflect on the blessing of a Godly-example set for me and lived before me for 25 years -- I am so grateful. Terry Mason, you were and continue to be, a blessing and I love you.

Now, I think I will go hug my kids. Savoring every single moment. For all our moments together are blessings. Never doubt that.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

I hope your day has been full of family, fun and laughter -- and that you have spent a bit of time counting your blessings!

Instant Friday.

2011-11-17T21:57:00.000-07:00

I am still getting the hang of this...and my bloggy friend, Jeanne, didn't post last week because she was in the midst of a really cool project...so I missed doing mine! (I know, sometimes, I just follow the leader...) But I love the idea so bear with me as I learn the ropes. Please.

Here we go....

My boys were guest lecturers at Arizona State University for the FOURTH time! (Yes, they are only 14!) In our tradition (we like traditions a lot.), we followed the lecture with a treat at the on-campus Jamba Juice.

Even Rapunzel enjoyed the treat!

Our desert temps have decided to get us ready for the holidays and took an unlikely plunge. As I am still getting used to the whole soccer mom role, I had to grab the closest sweatshirt I could find -- big sister's. It didn't seem to impede my little star at all!

The birthday surprise -- her very own swing set -- was such a huge hit that we have been spending most mornings right there. Gown and all.

Moms with hands on the steering wheel can not prevent teenage daughters from taking pictures with her phone. Just saying.

And when the Daddy is traveling, he always needs a quick shot of little red playing soccer! Always.

Reliving sweet moments of our week through my camera-phone is a blessing! Won't you join me?!

Gratitude.

2011-11-16T09:18:00.001-07:00

As we sail right into Thanksgiving -- and I feel like the days are moving at light speed -- every one I know is talking about being grateful.

And possibly -- OK, probably -- because I have been in a whiny, grumpy, I'm-not-getting-my-way mood, God has been bombarding me with friends willing to speak the truth to me. Friends -- some real-life, actual friends and some bloggy-friends -- who understand gratitude and are not afraid to educate, encourage, exhort those of us who need a swift knock on the head!

Yesterday, my virtual friend, Joni sent a devotion right to my inbox. Joni Eareckson Tada has been inspiring me for decades. I first heard her story -- she was paralyzed in an accident when she was 20ish -- when I was very young. I was moved by her love of the Lord and immediately read everything I could find about her and by her. Little did I know God was using her to prepare me for parenting my amazing crew at least a decade later.

So, when I read the devotion she sent yesterday, I knew God was speaking to my heart -- sometimes we do not get our way because His way is so much better. Oh, I needed to hear that.

Then last night, as I sat at my boys' theatrical dress rehearsal, a message popped up on my phone from a real-life friend. Robyn is reading a book by Donald Miller and wrote to share some wisdom she has gleaned. Oh, I love that she spoke truth right to my heart.

Her point was that often it is only those who have walked a challenging road that can effectively minister to others. But more pointedly, she quoted this book as saying that only when we are buttressed by a deep spiritual walk does this work.

Ah. My pain -- my challenges, struggles, weaknesses -- can help others IF and only IF I am allowing God to iron those struggles, mold them, stretch them in me so that others may see HIS glory. Then, and only then, can I be, to quote Robyn, a "wounded healer".

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4: 6-7 (emphasis mine)

Did you catch that? With thanksgiving. Right after saying not to be anxious. Grateful for whatever is causing our anxiety? Oh, that is a tough one, right?

"...Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19b-20 (again, emphasis mine)

Everything? Even when life isn't going the way we want? Even when times are tough and it hurts to say thank you? Even if...?

Yes, even then.

Because the bottom line is this: To live life fully -- we must be grateful. To live life filled with the peace that transcends understanding -- we must be grateful. To be used in a mighty way, we are going to have struggles so -- we must be grateful.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

We can trust Him, my friends. We can be grateful. For His plans will bless us beyond all measure.

Flex. Flex. Flex.

2011-11-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

My little family has a daunting task ahead of us. This time next week we will be driving cross-country to move a family member back to Mississippi.

As we prepare our hearts this week for such a task -- scoping out education rest-stops; searching out healthy road-snacks and praying for attitudes, endurance and grace -- I keep hearing the word "flexible" in my head. Be flexible.

Ah. Not my strongest personality trait perhaps. I like routine. I like our traditions. I like having a fairly good idea of what today -- and tomorrow look like.

Yes, yes, I know. You would think I would have laid all that down the day the doctor told us we were expecting triplets. But still. Some traits are hard to part with.

And because apples don't fall far from the trees -- my crew are equally um, stubborn in their routines. We are consistent creatures. Each day of our week has a certain "look". You can count on it. And if it differs, well, then you will find us ornery, restless, a bit out of sorts.

So having said that: Thanksgiving is our favorite family time. We love our very simple traditions of waking early to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade before we move to the kitchen to cook. We love to exclaim over every Broadway performance and discuss if we'll see that musical on our "one-day-we-are-all-going-to-New-York" trip! We like to sample the cornbread dressing. We like to cut pilgrim hats and Indian headbands out of construction paper and giggle when Dad puts them on. And yes, we like to have some football as the background music to the entire day.

Deep sigh.

So this week as we prepare for the daunting drive, we are also working pretty hard to lay down our not-wanting-to-give-up-our-holiday and embrace the idea that we will be with our beloved Grammie for Thanksgiving and we can make some new memories, enjoy her cooking and spend time with her!

I do have pilgrim hats and Indian headbands packed in my suitcase. Now, if we can just figure out how to move Gram's one and only television from her bedroom to the living room, we'll be golden!

The ability -- and willingness -- to flex is a huge blessing. Prayerfully, we'll embrace that blessing!

Postcards?

2011-11-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

It is true. I am more inclined to post when I know I have some cute photos to share. Photos like these from our trip to the Phoenix Children's Museum this week. We had a silly, delightful time exploring the noodle forest; driving through the "car" wash; and watching Cate play and make friends. We did.

But a friend recently referred to blog posts -- and Facebook statuses -- as mere postcards of real life. And I have not been able to get the image out of my mind.

Because I would be remiss if I let you think that these little postcards -- little glimpses into our days in museums, theme parks and on field trips -- was the sum total of our life.

And yet, sometimes, I struggle to find the balance between opening the window to some of our trials without presenting a whiny, whoa-is-me post. My purpose for blogging -- my heart in this -- is that possibly one Mom, one family would be encouraged through their own trials. Encouraged that finding the joy in whatever road you are walking is possible, do-able and so worth the effort. So worth it.

But never doubt that some days -- some moments -- require more energy to find joy. That some days it takes an all out effort to embrace the good and not get bogged down in the hard. An all out effort not to delete Facebook friends whose lives seem perfect from the snapshots; to quit reading blogs where little families with 2.2 healthy non-medically challenged children romp and play and share their monogrammed outfits, sweet smiles and seemingly-idyllic existence.

And that is when I remember....

My joy does not come from perfect days. Or perfect people.

My joy does not come from good health. Full nights of sleep (though, goodness that might be nice!). Or over-achieving children.

No. None of these. Rather, my joy, true joy, has only one source. Jesus.

The one who offers peace that passes understanding.

The one who heals wounds, mends broken hearts and makes today worth living.

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' love and righteousness...

I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name...

The one who is the most precious blessing of them all.

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let Down your Long Hair....

2011-11-06T20:15:00.000-07:00

And we will have a birthday party....

Rapunzel's hair draped throughout the house...

Cause this sweet sweet baby girl, is turning SIX this week!

So she invited her little friends to play...and we had a blast drinking Root Beer floats....

The Snuggly Duckling Pub....well, our version, anyway!

Eating cake....

The hair was sooo long, it went outside the house...

Just amazed...

Pinning the Frying Pan on Flynn Ryder...

Just plain giggling...

And finally, because Rapunzel had a dream to see the lanterns fly...we wrote our dreams on a piece of paper, attached them to balloons....

Went outside...

And released our dreams...

It was so beautiful -- my favorite thing about the day -- to see these sweet dreams that ranged from getting a kitty cat to growing up to be a Missionary to a dear Daddy coming home from his Army weekend training...

Soaring straight up...

Her Daddy says I prayed her here. Much like a dream tied to a balloon. I wished and prayed and prayed some more. And Six years ago, that little dream came true.

Happy Birthday, my precious Cate. You are a gift. A blessing to our family.

And I am forever grateful.

Happy Birthday, Uncky!!

2011-11-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, a little bitty boy was born....upsetting one 11-year-old girl immensely since she thought she and God had an agreement and that THIS time, her Mom would give her a sister.

The "upset" turned quickly to fear when the little bitty boy was very sick and had to be med-flighted to a bigger hospital. Oh, I felt remorse and oh, how I desperately wanted that little brother to come home safe and sound!!

And oh, we all loved him so. But I have to tell you that I had no idea how perfect God's plan was in giving me this wonderful blue-eyed-brother...

Len lives with us. He has for a few years while he is in school. He helps with my kiddos. He runs to the grocery store. He lifts my precious boy giving my back a rest.

But it is so much more. He loves my kids. He entertains my kids. He encourages them. He models Godly-behavior for them. He uh....dresses up like the wicked stepmother and dances in Cinderella for them!

There are not enough words to say thank you. Not enough ways to show our gratitude. But today....today, I have to say how thankful I am that GOD's plan was perfect on that November day in 1979 when my family received another little brother!!

Happy Birthday to my baby brother....known around here as Cate's Uncky and her favorite playmate!! Known around here as Uncle-Extraordinaire, and brother and brother-in-law of the decade!

We love you, Len! We count you among God's greatest blessings!! Happy Birthday!!

Instant Friday.

2011-11-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

Trying something new....the week in review via phone pictures! Ok...I am technically going back two weeks since I am new at this...

Getting a package from home....a window from my Grandmother's house in Mississippi...was so much fun!

Seeing hot air balloons never gets old...loved this one soaring in the desert sky on our way to an early morning orthodontic appointment.

As we continue to uncover the mystery that is our precious Mason...another shot from the waiting room...

Sunday lunch with little red....

Getting our boo on for a happy Halloween!

Posing with Rapunzel!

Waiting to Trick-or-Treat, little Rapunzel watched movies with her Daddy!

What have you been up to this week? Let me know -- it would be a blessing!

Making Memories.

2011-11-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, a little girl and her Daddy would take a pair of his jeans, one of his old shirts and a bunch of straw. We would stuff the pants and shirt with the straw and then add a head and wig from Mama's beauty shop under a crazy hat and set it on our front porch. We would walk around the front of the house a million times to admire our work. Grinning from ear to ear the entire time.

Today, I miss my dad and his crazy scarecrow-building fun. And though I haven't tried to build a scarecrow since I was a little girl, I have tried to create similar memories with my own kids.

We fully embrace this time of year -- we visit pumpkin patches, pick out costumes (agonizingly sometimes) and make apple cider. We buy candy (my picky kids insist we have some chocolate...) and candy corn. We decorate. We carve. We giggle.

And we watch scary movies -- the really scary ones, like "Mickey Mouse's House of Villains!" ha

Couldn't resist the screen shot of Huey, Duey and Louie...that's what we called the triplets when I was pregnant!

And we trick-or-treat with our best friends.

(Dad and the boys watched Twilight Zone while we went around the neighborhood!)

And we have some sweet family time. Making memories. Counting blessings. Having fun. Maybe next year, we'll build a scarecrow....

Just for fun.

2011-10-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

A table covered with paper.

Four pumpkins simply dying to be carved.

Four kiddos with creativity overflowing.

Slimy pumpkin-insides that felt oozy and gross and simply....well, Halloween-y!

Giggles galore.

So much fun.

Memories made.

Blessings counted.

Processing.

2011-10-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

This has been one of those weeks where it isn't safe for me to be out in public. Maybe you don't have those ~~days~~ weeks but oh goodness, I do. At any given moment this week, I could have a) burst into tears -- and not gentle-coursing-down-my-cheeks-daintily-tears but rather convulsing, sobbing, ugly tears; or b) started screaming at the nearest person for absolutely no fault of their own; or c) both within a few seconds of each other. It hasn't been pretty.

Waiting for appointments...

The explosion of emotions had been building since April. And this week I simply felt like a volcano that simply had to spew.

My boys have Cerebral Palsy. Yes. And man, we have some stuff that we face as a family because of that. But this, this, has been different. It wasn't the usual bone issues, spasticity issues, spine issues....it all started with a skin reaction and a visit to the dermatologist in April. The nurse mentioned that Mason's blood pressure was high. We went back for a follow-up derm visit in May and it was still high. We went straight to the pediatrician and all manner of chaos has ensued.

The reading in the dermatologist office was apparently accurate so we began some tests. The first -- a 24-hour blood pressure monitor -- showed that this kiddo has a strange pattern of high blood pressure and he would need to be medicated but also further tests were required.

More waiting...

The doctor scheduled an echo cardiogram to make sure no damage had been already done to his heart by this strange blood pressure issue. And the echo showed no damage -- Praise the Lord -- but DID reveal a small hole in his heart.

We were frozen. We called the cardiologist and began researching and tried desperately not to panic. For now, the cardiologist is not worried about the hole and we were able to proceed with the further tests about the blood pressure.

The next thing was a sleep study to see if sleep apnea might be causing his unusual blood pressure pattern. The sleep study showed no sleep apnea -- again, praise the Lord -- BUT did show that he is possibly going into A-Fib at times during the night.

Again, we were frozen. Ok, that isn't quite true....that was Monday that we discovered this and frozen would have been preferable to the explosion of emotions I described above that I have been dealing with all week.

So, today, Mason is wearing a heart monitor. We will check his rhythms for 24-hours and go from there. This brave boy was supposed to have outpatient surgery on Monday to remove the hardware from his big orthopedic surgery last summer...that has been postponed until Dec. 12 when we will hopefully have this resolved.

Last weekend, the kids and I were at a restaurant -- just the five of us. When it was time to pay our bill, the server informed us it had been taken care of by someone in the restaurant. This is the second time this has happened to us in this SAME restaurant and I was floored. I sat there feeling very grateful and a bit astounded and frankly, wondering why.

Then we got up to leave and I had this glimpse of the sight we must make...my precious four, one with crutches, one with a wheelchair, one with her tutu on and one just lovely....and I smiled. So often, we forget that we are a "special" family. The kids and I talked about it all the way home.

But this week, it has been loud and clear that we are different. And I have not been happy. I've been wallowing, frankly, in self-pity and anger, and an assortment of all manner of unbecoming emotions.

But today has dawned new, fresh and with an opportunity to improve my attitude. And the memory of a verse echoing in my head:

"Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly." Psalm 112:6-8 (NLT)

So though we have no answers yet -- and frankly may not for a while -- I am ready to greet today. I won't need a warning sign out in public today. My children can rise trusting that I won't snap their heads off. I will be confident and fearless today (ok...I'm still working on the fearless part) trusting in the Lord to take care of tomorrow.

Adversity is hard, my friends. But resting in the assurance of triumph is a blessing like no other!

Still.

2011-10-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

This boy of mine is apparently still navigating the medical maze. A follow-up appointment Monday revealed that one of the tests done recently uncovered yet another mystery.

Yet another.

So we will be navigating the maze over here. And your prayers would bless us.

Pumpkin Patch Time

2011-10-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

The temps dropped. Ok, only from 100 to 93, but still. So the kids and I knew it was time for one of our favorite fall activities, pumpkin picking! Last year, my crew and I found a little patch of heaven way out here in the west when we visited the MacDonald's Ranch Pumpkin Patch. On that visit, Cowboy Ron and his buddies lifted Benjamin and his 300 lb. wheelchair onto the hay ride so that we could go out to the pumpkin patch. It was a sweet sweet day!

Claire was too old to ride but couldn't resist spending time with the horses!

We weren't expecting that this year. Benjamin had already said he didn't need to ride the wagon. He was worried about those guys having to lift him. And with Grammie joining us for this year's pumpkin picking visit, I knew if we had to split up we could.

Cate loved riding!

So we meandered through the rest of the activities first. Letting little Cate enjoy the horses and the petting zoo.

Every cowgirl needs pink cowgirl boots, right?

And getting some fun pictures with Grammie! She never knows what to expect when she visits us -- but she enjoyed our little wild west pumpkin patch, too!

We were so excited to share our day with Grammie!

You gotta love a hay maze. And just fyi, if you can't figure it out. AND you are five. Well, then no worries, just climb right over.

In the hay maze.

Finally, it was time for the hay ride and the pumpkin picking-out. When we got in line and told the cowboy we were ready to ride, he called one of his co-workers over.

"Ron, these people need your special wagon!"

Our dear Cowboy Ron had remembered us. And this year, he had found a wagon with a gate that the wheelchair could drive up.

We were pulled by Cowboy Ron driving a quad and telling us the best stories ever!

Benjamin and Cowboy Ron!

Cowboy Ron helping Benjamin off the hayride.

Cate, however, wanted "real horses" to pull her wagon so this cowboy put her right up on the seat with him! So sweet!!

Uh. That's my Mom. Grammie was in the full swing of fun!

Cowgirl Grammie!

We finished up our visit with some shaved ice. And yea, it is a good look for Halloween! (I assure you it was strawberry flavored....not blood!)

Thank you MacDonald's Ranch and Cowboy Ron -- for blessing us again with your delightful Pumpkin Patch! We will be back!

Shamelessly Promoting...

2011-10-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

So. I'll be speaking. Saturday. I'd love for you to be there! It would bless me.

Changed.

2011-10-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

So often, when you are raising special needs kiddos the focus is on what they can not do -- they can not walk, or they can not talk, or they can not, on and on and on. In situations where this is happening -- doctor's visits, IEP meetings, etc -- I get very chatty and begin to tell all sorts of stories about my kids. I couldn't stop myself if my life depended on it. I NEED people to see what they CAN DO. My boys -- nor my girls -- are defined by their IN-abilities and I will not tolerate anyway thinking differently.

So now you understand my passion when I write about the Ballet Academy of Arizona's production of Cinderella -- check it out here -- because I feel strongly that we must, we have to, we should be focused on what our kids CAN do and that is exactly what Caroline Atkinson did this weekend at the Herberger Theater!

Our narrator -- Mason wrote the script for Cinderella!

And can I just say that it surpassed our wildest dreams.

Backstage Fairy Godmother -- Victoria Lundeen made all the girls feel beautiful! And she started with Cinderella!

Starting with the love backstage for each and every child -- special, typical, whatever -- from the myriad of volunteers taking care of the 100 little performers; to the love amongst the cast for each other as friendships were formed, bonds were made and walls were torn down; to the packed-house audiences at both shows who laughed, cried, clapped and were changed.

It was spectacular.

She has never worn make-up...this was a new thing!

Simply spectacular.

Her favorite part though was the way Victoria fixed her hair!! Oooh-la-la!

Sisters danced together -- the one without a special need, stating that she had quit ballet when she was younger because she just hated seeing her sister sit and watch. They were gorgeous on-stage TOGETHER Saturday.

I had my special eye-glitter...just to make sure everyone could shine! The Fairy Godmother needed some too!!

A Fairy Godmother with a special needs child and a world-class ballerina of her own. She has walked the road ahead of us and encouraged, loved and was loved. A gift.

Dear Lousia, a new friend and the Fairy Godmother, me and my sweet Claire -- Cinderella!

Little girls clasping hands to help older girls who needed just a little help on stage.

Me & one of my little mice.

Young dancers putting down their "look-at-me-attitude" to push a wheelchair gracefully.

Mommies laying down their false paradigms of "we can't." And changing them to "WE CAN and WE DID!"

Another of my mice...Benjamin!

Volunteers who instead of saying "I don't know how," said "Teach me, let me be a part!"

Flowers....so lovely!

Tutus cut in half so that they could be tied to wheelchairs.

The wicked step-mother...my ~~sister~~ brother, Len!

A lot of glitter.

Sweet new friends.

A lot of love.

More new friends....

A blessing to behold. A blessing to experience. An absolute blessing.

Amazing.

2011-10-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

I am crazy-super-busy today writing a talk for an upcoming Cerebral Palsy Day at Phoenix Children's Hospital! (And just never mind that I have had almost a year to do this....I only work under tight deadline pressure!) So though my heart wants to write a long wordy blog post about the amazing fantastic very special ballet that my kiddos were in this weekend, I simply do not have time. But ABC Channel 15 was there...and they did a beautiful piece and well, they happened to interview this really cute boy of mine....so I'm sharing the link.....go right HERE but I'll warned you....you might want to grab a tissue first!

A stage FULL of blessings. Just full.

Something new...

2011-10-03T07:03:00.000-07:00

We are the parents standing awkwardly on the side lines...we didn't think to bring chairs.

We are the parents with the little water bottle...not a cooler of ice and water for our little player. That didn't occur to us.

We are the parents, who although this is our fourth kiddo, haven't had a lot of practice being soccer parents.

We are the parents cheering with delight.

We are the ones with the big kids who will help us figure out what to do for our little soccer player. And who will be her biggest fans!

And we'll celebrate when she wins -- or loses -- and pray that she enjoys every minute of making friends, learning to be a good sport and kicking that ball to her heart's delight!

There is blessing in learning new things...for all of us!

Big wonderful fantastic news!!

2011-09-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

Mason DOES NOT need heart surgery.

Thank you, Father God, for your protective hand. You are good. We would praise you in and through a heart surgery. You would still be good if he DID need surgery. But today, precious Father, I am just so grateful that I can praise you for this gift of "no heart surgery required!"

We still have a mystery to uncover. Mason has more tests to come and he does have a hardware-removal surgery coming up in October but as always, we trust the ONE who is the great physician and we praise him for the way Mason is uniquely and beautifully made.

And we celebrate this blessing -- a heart that needs no repair.

Amen.

Getting a baseline...

2011-09-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

We are home from another of our whirlwind trips to Mississippi. We love our life in the desert but going home to MSU and Tupelo....well, I think Benjamin said it best when he said, "In Phoenix, we are loved by a few people, but in Mississippi, the WHOLE state loves us!" We were hugged (my love language), watched some football, ate a ton of yummy southern treats and spent time with some of our most favorite people. It was good trip.

But there was work to be done on this trip. Of course. With the trio starting high school this year, we have all -- with the exception of baby Cate -- begun to ponder college choices. I attended a conference on the topic at our home school convention this summer. I have talked with friends who are further down the road with this then we are. And my kiddos are starting to research schools that offer programs they are interested in.

Mason and I awaiting our order from Little Dooey's!

As in everything we do, however, we know we have to look at accessibility issues in any colleges we consider. Since we are early in the process, we knew we needed a baseline for what we SHOULD expect a college to offer our boys in terms of accessibility. We also knew that Mississippi State has a reputation for excellence in this area. So we thought our beloved alma mater would be the perfect place to begin forming our expectations.

Petting Bella during our tailgate time at MSU Thursday night before the game.

So after the game on Thursday night, we used our time on campus Friday exploring accessibility. After spending time with Dr. Jimmy Abraham, Vice president of Alumni and one of our favorite people on campus, we made our way to Student Support Services.

The associate dean met with us. She was so helpful. I am delighted to say that our alma mater sets the bar high for accessibility. Mason and Benjamin would be allowed to register early for classes in order to assure that they can arrange their schedules so that Mason is not traipsing one corner of campus to the far other corner between each class. A huge concern he had been feeling!

Loving the lack of stairs as we travel campus!

On the drill field in front of Lee Hall!

My favorite piece of information didn't surprise me in the least. Mississippi State has so many students VOLUNTEER to take notes for special needs' students that they have NEVER had to pay a student-note-taker. Now perhaps, you don't understand this. But the boys' physical impairments prevent them from writing. They can type but it is so laborious that they would never be able to type quickly enough to take notes in a lecture. MSU provides a student to accompany them to each class to take notes for them. And did you need to re-read this -- MSU has never had to PAY anyone to provide this service. That is the part of our MSU that we strive to explain -- the beauty of the people. Wow.

I don't want to be catty here. But it is important to note that this is not true everywhere. And while, it underscores a certain rivalry...it is much more important than that. Because THIS is a huge baseline test for the boys. It will be a key to telling them if special needs students are TOLERATED on a campus, or are they WELCOMED there! That's a huge thing to know going in.

It is early to consider school options for her....but she thinks MSU is pretty terrific!

Nothing better.

So, I am absolutely thankful that we do not need to know TODAY where the triplets will go to college. But we have a great starting point....

I have to share that my sweet wonderful Claire is considering a major that is NOT offered at our alma mater. She was having such a wonderful time on campus Thursday that she looked at her Dad and I at one point and said, "Ok. I'll just be an engineer. I don't want to be an engineer but I desperately want to go to MSU!" Oh, it made us smile from ear to ear!! (We will steer her otherwise of course...but it is a testimony to the love she feels on and for that campus!)

With our dear Jimmy Abraham!! (Our annual photo!)

Wondering if they need an editor...or just maybe a staff writer!! Love my Reflector!

Spending time wrapped in maroon and white, on the campus where we fell in love with our amazing four kiddos, and discovering a welcoming atmosphere for special students is such a blessing that it was hard to leave. Deep sigh.

Go Dawgs.

Who am I?

2011-09-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

We moved to a "new" part of town last year -- I mean we moved from way (way way) out in the suburbs to north central Phoenix....and frankly, it is kind of like moving to an entirely new place.

I am still meeting people, getting connected and finding my SPOT in this little patch of the wild wild west. And meeting new people can be exhilarating and exhausting, right? I mean, I need them to know me, my stuff, my history, my stories....you know? And lately, I have been asked more than once to tell about me....with an added "aside from being wife and mother."

Hmm.

Really?

I understand the question. I do. But here's the thing...

Who I am is intricately tied to my roles as wife and mother.

Wade and I have grown up together -- I would not be the adult I am today without being his wife. It is who I am and I cherish my role as his help-mate, his friend, his co-parent. We are best friends and we make each other better because of our marriage.

I am not the same woman today that I was 15 years ago before my triplets were born. Not even close. They have stretched me and grown me and changed me in ways I didn't even know were possible. I love being their Mom -- and sweet Cate's -- and frankly if I had to choose to be in a room with me pre-kids or post, I would pick POST all day long! I am more compassionate now. I am more serving now. I am far less self-centered now. Oh yes, I am thankful for the changes these four have wrought in me.

So while, I understand the question. I do not think I can un-weave who I am from these amazing faces. Oh, I am still me....I still enjoy things apart from them, I do. But for now, for this season, I will define myself as wife, mother, and friend. Praying that my life in these roles brings glory to the One who placed me in them....

And I'll count my blessings for Him.....and them!

It's THAT time of year....

2011-09-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

Football season!

And yes, we live waaaay out West where very few people understand our giant Bulldog...or the cowbells clanging from inside our home....but even still, there is a blessing in having the family gathered around the TV with our favorite tailgate snacks cheering for our Alma Mater....

Go Dawgs!

Stage full of joy....

2011-08-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

You may remember that last spring my entire crew participated in the Peter Pan production put on by the Ballet Academy of Arizona. It was a delightful production made all the more special by the impact it had on Mrs. Caroline, the Ballet Academy owner/director.

Mrs. Caroline was so moved by working with kids of all abilities that she immediately shifted her focus and direction in an effort to draw more children into this fall's production of Cinderella! She has organized the teenagers from Peter Pan to serve as mentors. She has begun teaching classes to the children in the programs at United Cerebral Palsy. And she has opened her arms, her classes and the opportunity to perform in a beautiful ballet on an amazing stage to children all over the valley -- no matter the limitations their bodies may inflict on them.

We are honored to be a part of this. Benjamin and Mason are serving as mentors -- they'll be on stage helping to inspire the younger children! Our Claire is living her life-long dream -- she is Cinderella! And as such, she is helping teach the classes, work with the students and getting to love on all these amazing amazing children.

Cate, who started this whole thing by pulling her siblings in, is dancing in Cinderella, of course, as a little mouse AND a pumpkin! She is so excited about all the little girls in wheelchairs that she squeals every time she meets a new friend! She spent last Saturday introducing all her new friends to each other, and filling their minds with her descriptions of the stage, the experience and the fun they are all going to have!

Yesterday was our first rehearsal at the United Cerebral Palsy center. After some major struggles to get there -- oh goodness, a flat tire in 113 degree heat no less -- I arrived flustered and trying to calm down. Claire was already there in the midst -- Uncle Lenny had rescued her to get her that as quickly as possible. She was smiling from ear to ear....I rush in and was immediately washed in the joy bubbling out of that room.

Moms were watching with tears in their eyes as their daughters and sons of all sorts of varying abilities were following the grace-filled directions of our precious instructor, Mrs. Caroline. One mom told me about her five-year-old, who can not verbally communicate, but her smile and her beautiful arms were telling the story of excitement:

"She has watched her little friends' recitals for the last few years. She has been happy for them and yet, desperately wanting to dress up and dance too! We are so excited she is getting this opportunity."

Another Mom who spent the afternoon helping her precious 23-year-old daughters participate, told me afterwards:

"The girls have wanted to dance since they were six years old. No one every offered them the opportunity."

Her daughters won my heart when I introduced myself and they told me, "The coach broke down. Did you know the coach broke down?"

It took me a minute....but then I realized they were talking about my Claire. Cinderella's coach HAD broken down and she had to arrive late! Oh, I have smiled all night -- somehow thinking that Cinderella's coach broke down is much better than thinking my old van had a flat tire!

The smiles were contagious. The energy explosive. The anticipation palpable. These kids and parents were thrilled with every aspect of the afternoon. The children left exhausted -- but so happy!

But there was one little girl. Ah, I have spent time in prayer for her this morning. She is heavy on my heart.

She was dancing with all the others. She was learning the routine. But her grandmother was watching with a scowl. I could see it across the room. When Caroline asked the child to push another little girl in her wheelchair in my sequence, the child accepted. But the grandmother grimaced. At the end of the dance, she went to the child, said "You don't want to do that, do you? No one will see you dance??"

Within minutes, the little girl was withdrawing from the group. Disengaging from involvement as she clearly was considering what had been said to her. Ten minutes later she was putting on her shoes and exiting the studio. The grandmother said to those around her, "Well, you can't blame her. She wants to dance, not push a wheelchair! Hmmph."

I teared up. My Claire had steam coming out her ears. Mrs. Caroline handled it with grace.

The bottom line: that Grandma, in one swift move, just went a long way in insuring her granddaughter will grow up intolerant of differences. Out to serve #1....herself. And annoyed by anything/anyone that gets in her way. The grandma is not going to be changed. I wanted to talk to her. To convince her she was wrong. But some people can not be taught. And frankly, if she wasn't moved by the joy that filled that studio yesterday, then nothing I say would have helped.

My heart doesn't hurt for the loss of that little girl in our production. But my heart does hurt for the lessons that child needs to learn and could have learned by participating.

Sigh.

But now, I have a question for you -- completely shameless in the asking because I feel so passionate about what is happening here: I want you to be involved! We need volunteers to help with our littlest dancers -- adults willing to help backstage -- and even on stage with pushing of wheelchairs, etc. So if you would like to help, please comment and let me plug you in!

You can also make a donation to help with the purchase of costumes, the theater rental (the amazing Herberger Phoenix!), as well as scholarships for those children who desire to be a part but financially can not. Go here for more info on that!

We also have a big fundraiser coming up -- A Fairy Godmother Tea -- at the Phoenician on September 25! Tables are $1000, or individual tickets are $100 -- we need you there!! (Or you could buy a table for some of our little ballerinas!) Our own Mason Shrader will serve at the Master of Ceremonies and the menu for tea looks divine!!

So the bottom line: Dreams are coming true for more than 100 children in the Valley of the Sun. Lessons are being learned. And a beautiful performance is being planned. How do you want to be involved? I guarantee a blessing.

Guarantee it!

Another school year...

2011-08-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

Three high school freshmen.

One first grader.

One Mommy wondering when she blinked!

Keep Calm and Carry On...

2011-08-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

During World War II, the leaders of England plastered posters everywhere urging the people to "Keep Calm and Carry On" in face of the evening bombings by the Nazis. The people adopted this stoic response to the chaos surrounding them each morning as they emerged from their bomb shelters to survey the damage.

I recently discovered that the advice is Biblical:

"Stay Calm; mind your own business; do your own job..." I Thessalonians 4:11 (The Message)

So my new favorite motto was echoing in my head yesterday as my boys had their annual orthopedic appointments. We had x-rays first -- which are a challenge in themselves as we work to keep Benjamin positioned correctly. But I remained calm.

And then met with our dear Dr. L, Dad's partner.

Mason went first. His x-rays didn't really show any surprises. But he does need to have the hardware removed from his knees and femur that were placed there during his big surgery last summer. It will be a day surgery and yet, I felt my resolve to stay calm melting a bit.

Benjamin went next. His x-rays showed some scoliosis changes that further melted my resolve. But I stayed strong until our Dr. L said we might have to consider bracing my boy at night.

Bracing.

Do you know that my B wears braces on his teeth that require me to stick my hands in his mouth periodically throughout the day to connect the bands between his upper jaw and lower? He loves it. (Not.)

Do you know that my B wears braces on his feet to keep them in good position and allow him to stand in his stander each day? Braces that cause all manner of pain for him and have to be adjusted regularly to prevent pressure sores.

Do you know that my dear B wears wrist braces at night to help with the wrist changes his cerebral palsy are causing? He has learned to sleep in them because day-time wear is painful for him.

So do you see how I might have started to scream at our dear doctor when he said that about adding a back brace? In my head, I was running from the room, screaming, crying and taking Benjamin with me. In my head, I was throwing away all the braces. All! In my head, well, in my head, I was not staying calm or carrying on.

Don't worry. It all stayed in my head. On the outside, I remained calm...

Please do not misunderstand me. It is important to help Benjamin reach his full potential. It is important to save him from future pain and discomfort in any way we can. But it is also my job to make sure, he still gets to be a kid. That he still gets to sleep at night so that he can function during the day (this is a struggle anyway with all the gear he already wears.).

It is a fine line. And I fear I don't always walk the tightrope very well. Thankfully, when Dr. L conferred with Dr. Dad, they determined a back brace is not called for at this time.

So for this day, I stayed calm and we were able to carry on.

And the blessing of God's grace is that I don't have to carry tomorrow UNTIL He has given me the strength to do so.

Deep sigh.

Which ruler will you choose?

2011-08-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

The kids and I attended our annual Homeschool Convention right before we left for Hawaii. It was -- as always -- so wonderful. We were encouraged, equipped and are now eager to begin our new school year.

Except for one thing.

My trio are starting HIGH SCHOOL this year. HIGH SCHOOL. I have to admit that I could go completely nuts right about now and be found running through the desert in a screaming panic -- hair knotted, hands waving, eyes crossing. But I won't. At least not today.

Instead, I have been trying to prepare and so I am reading a book (or four) on homeschooling through high school. And while I am certain these resources are beneficial -- and I have learned a ton -- they are quite overwhelming. And frankly, for this Mom with amazing but quite non-typical children, I am finding some of the information is making me sad. Just so sad.

It has taken me a few days to analyze why. And this is what I have come up with:

In our world today, it has become so important to constantly evaluate and judge our children by a variety of standards: Are they athletic? Setting speed records? Playing multiple sports? Traveling on teams?

Or maybe they are more academic? Winning spelling bees? Science fairs? Scholastic bowls?

Or maybe they are performance-driven? Starring in the theater? Singing in regional choirs? Composing like Mozart at a young age?

Even the Christian homeschooling books encourage capitalizing on any AND all of these attributes. And I know they are all noble pursuits. I would be lying if I said I didn't want my children to do well academically. I would be dishonest if I said I wouldn't love for my boys to be able to play sports. And I would fool no one if I said I wasn't delighted in my kids theatrical and musical accomplishments.

But here's the thing.

When we judge our children by the world's ruler -- they will rarely measure up. Chances are your child is NOT the next Michael Jordan, Einstein, or Mozart. I mean maybe -- and cool -- but probably not.

Oh, but when we measure our children by the ruler that matters -- God's word -- then we are getting somewhere.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." Galatians 5:22-26 (NIV)

I admit that this week I have been bogged down in making sure my kids measure up according to the world ruler. Oh, it can be hard to balance college-preparedness and Godly-preparedness.

And so, even though it will be challenging, my mission this year is to seek the balance. Because successful children are wonderful -- but young people who are loving, joy-filled, faithful and kind....well, that, my friends, is where the real blessing in life is found.

Feeling compelled...

2011-08-04T08:26:00.001-07:00

My husband is always urging me to write an accessible travel guide -- we LOVE to travel but so often feel we are plowing the road, so to speak, as we attempt to find the way to get around new cities, see new sights and find creative ways to expose our family -- which includes a wheelchair and crutches -- to new experiences. I am not sure today is the day for writing a book...but I do feel compelled to blog this morning and share some pointers from Hawaii while they are fresh on my mind.

1. We chose Honolulu for our first trip with the kids. We did this for a couple of reasons: a) We knew the urban nature of Honolulu would require it to be more accessible than some of the more rural areas. b) We wanted them to experience Pearl Harbor. It was as simple as that.

2. We chose to stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. Wade and I had been there before and knew that the location made the beach as accessible as a beach can be for my boys. The sidewalk made it easy to get to the beach, as well as easy to stroll and enjoy the view without a challenging (or impossible) hike. It was a good choice for us. (Although, as I said in an earlier post, the beach wheelchairs that had been available here on our last visit were NOT here this trip.)

I will criticize the hotel a little however. The towers are tall. Huge. And there is a limited number of elevators. Since everyone is taking the elevator (no one wants to walk the 32 floors down...), we often waited a long (long long) time for an elevator where we could fit and almost always had to split up. It was extremely frustrating.

3. We had friends in Honolulu who helped us soo much. They recommended we meet at Waimea State Park and hike the accessible trail. You can check out their website by clicking here.

The path was wide and paved and Benjamin could navigate it well while seeing amazing flora and fauna! While he and Mason couldn't take the off-path detours -- the little ones did and enjoyed every minute!

The Falls themselves have a swimming hole -- but the rocks to enter it are steep and slippery so it wasn't something the boys could do. Claire and Cate enjoyed it though.

The hike did have an incline and steep decline. Mason was worn out by the time we reached the Falls themselves, but there were cart rides available (for a fee) and we sent Uncle Len back with him in one.

4. We made dining choices that would be entertaining because we KNEW they would be accessible and of course, we have two 14-year-old boys. They like to eat!

Benihana's was a fun choice -- and yummy!

5. Pearl Harbor was completely accessible. And wow! They did a beautiful job setting up the museum in such a way that Benjamin could see everything from his chair. The staff were eager to assist him onto the boat and into the memorial and we were able to have an extremely moving experience educating our crew on the heroes of December 7, 1941.

6. The Dole Plantation was also completely accessible. We were able to drive Benjamin's chair right onto the little train that toured us through the pineapple fields. It was relaxing, educational and well, yummy! (Love those Dole Whips!)

7. The lagoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village offered us respite from the waves of the ocean without having to give up the beach. Because of the calmer waters, we were able to try some fun things -- albeit with a little effort. We took the kids paddle surfing -- and with some creativity and a dear friend willing to assist, Benjamin was even able to try!

8. The Hilton offered all sorts of touristy lessons -- and they were delightful. Never underestimate the power of a little sister to convince the teenage boy to try to Hula!

9. And sometimes just driving around and seeing the sights can be a ton of fun. The only palace in the United States in located across the street from where we are standing here. It had lots and lots of stairs...and we did not see an accessible entrance. I confess that I did not ask. We were growing short on time at this point...and it just didn't appear to be possible for us to see inside as a family.

10. We rented an accessible van from this company and it was a huge reason we were able to do and try and go as much as we did! They delivered the van to the airport and met us there to pick it up when we departed. Easy!

Hope all your travels are a blessing!

Aloha Hawaii!

2011-08-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

We are back home -- a bit tanned; full of pineapple and yet, craving more; working to wash the sand out of all the laundry; and sorting through the more than 1,100 photos I took! (And I haven't even looked at Claire and Cate's yet!)

My little surfer girl...

Cate and I were reluctant to leave. The surf seems to call our names a bit louder than the other Shraders. But lest you think the week was completely perfect...I should probably share that:

* We had seven people in two adjoining rooms with four ~~stinky~~ wonderful guys and three girls who need more than their fair share of bathroom counter space. Enough said.

*There was a complete absence of the beach wheelchairs that were in abundance at this resort when Wade and I visited it a few years ago.

* And, uh, one Mama's makeup bag knocked under the bathroom counter AT HOME so never making it to Hawaii....coupled with that same Mama not wanting to be high-maintenance so going with only mascara all week. Hmm...

Little sister "urging" big brother to get wet...

Uncle Lenny getting revenge for the "urging"...

Got her!

But family vacations are not about being perfect. Family vacations are about making memories -- good, bad, and funny!

Sisters learning to paddle surf...

Our friend, Mrs. Erika, teaching Mason to paddle surf...

Erika even let me take Benjamin for a ride on the surf board...and then I learned to paddle surf. I won't share those photos here (smile) but I have to say that I loved it! Definitely something I want to do again!!

The hotel's Luau had some amazing entertainers even if the food was a bit lacking...

Cate and a real hula girl!

Needing further hula lessons after the Luau!

The boys came to WATCH...but when Cate told Mason that if he would take hula lessons it would "make me smile." He couldn't say no...

King Kamehameha statue....

Swinging from the Banyan Tree!

Silly Daddy....

The enormity of the roots of the Banyan Tree were awe-inspiring!

And because we are who we are...we took some time to visit the still-under-construction Disney resort on Oahu -- Aulani. We desperately want to travel and show the kids so much of the world....but honestly, Disney takes such good care of us. So we wanted to see if a Disney resort in Hawaii would solve some of the struggles we had this trip...

The lobby at Aulani.

The Hawaiian style quilt in the rooms -- can you find the hidden Mickeys?!

Benjamin is fairly certain this little guy would make Hawaii even better!

From the looks of the resort -- and the adaptations the staff assured us are already in place and even more coming soon -- I think this would be a great place for the Shraders to enjoy Hawaii next time...

So while the sun has set on this Hawaiian visit -- we'll be back. Cate and I can't resist the call of the surf for too long....and really, family vacations (even if they aren't perfect) are such a blessing to us! Such a blessing!

Being tourists...

2011-07-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

We HAD to learn to make leis....

And then we HAD to learn to hula...

And having fun with my precious girls was of course...quite the Hawaiian blessing!!

Another treat for the senses...

2011-07-30T00:44:00.000-07:00

We spent an afternoon at the Dole Plantation...or as my family prefers to call it, the DOLE WHIP PLANTATION! Years ago a Disney bus driver encouraged us to try a Dole Whip while at the parks -- informing us that the only THREE places these are served in the country are at Disneyland, Walt Disney World and the Dole Plantation in Honolulu. So when my crew fell in the love with the pineapple-y goodness, we knew we had to try them at all THREE places!

We learned the proper way to select fresh pineapples, as well as how to cut them correctly. My family made sure I took notes...

We learned how to plant pineapples...and how long you have to be patient for them to grow. Did you know it takes 20 months for the first fruit to appear?! We wonder if they will grow in the desert?

We took a train ride through the pineapple fields -- which disappointingly had all been harvested and were being prepared for the next planting. But the rainstorm approaching was beautiful!

Can you see the shape in which the bushes "grow"?!

And we enjoyed -- yummily -- the much-anticipated Dole Whip!

Cate and Lenny being silly!

Learning together is always a blessing!

Paying our respects...

2011-07-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Of all the sites on the island of Oahu that pleases the senses, entertains the eyes and refreshes the spirit....we knew one sight-seeing expedition would do more.

We spent the morning at Pearl Harbor. As we toured the museum -- seeing faces of people we might have met here in the days before the attack and reading historical documents, news reports and so much more -- I was overcome with how those young people must have felt. They were stationed in paradise! The weather was perfect, the scenery amazing and frankly, we as a Nation were fairly confident...cocky, if you will...that no one would dare attack us on our soil. (I obviously did not live through this season of American history...these musings were made after walking through the museum...)

The beauty of Pearl Harbor

I get it. I would have been content swinging from a hammock beneath these trees and thanking my lucky stars that I was here!

Anchor of the U.S.S. Arizona....

But the men and women stationed in Pearl Harbor the morning of December 7, 1941 were not on a sight-seeing jaunt. They were protecting our shores. They were standing in the gap -- the Pacific Ocean -- between would-be enemies and our beloved United States of America. And that fateful morning, they were taken completely by surprise. The warning signs had been missed for all practical purposes and before our guys knew what was happening the sky was filled with planes with specially-designed torpedoes to take out our ships.

Twenty-one of our ships were disabled that morning. 21. But our attackers underestimated the tenacity of the American people. Did you know that all but THREE were rescued, refurbished and PUT BACK INTO ACTION in World War II???

Amazing.

The U.S.S. Arizona was not one of those, however. And the vessel named for our home state, remains where she was sunk, at the bottom of the harbor. So many lost their lives when they went down with her that fateful morning. Young men willing to die for our freedom.

The memorial at the U.S.S. Arizona

She cries for those lives today -- in the oil that even 70 plus years later, still leaks from her injuries.

The oil that leaks even today from the U.S.S. Arizona is considered to be the tears of the vessel for the crew entombed within its walls and lying on the floor of this harbor.

And yet, our flag still flies. This view from the Memorial gives me chills. Because it is THIS VIEW that says, "You hurt us. You took the lives of far too many that day. BUT YOU DID NOT WIN." That is our red, white and blue waving proudly.

The flag flies over the U.S.S. Arizona with special permission -- the only inactive ship to have this honor, I believe.

Feeling grateful. Feeling sad. Feeling American...

We are blessed to be Americans. And in this day, when so few of our WWII veterans remain, I beg you to educate your children, tell them about the acts of heroism that occurred on December 7, 1941. Tell them about the heroes that rushed to enlist on December 8, 1941. Tell them, lest we as a nation forget.

Tell them, so they can be grateful.

Water, water, everywhere...

2011-07-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

First, I need to clarify that this post will seem a bit girl-heavy...almost completely void of photos of my amazing boys. I assure you that they are having fun....but when Benjamin is in the ocean so am I and thus I can not take photos...so early Sunday morning just Cate and Claire got in, so that I could feed my camera a few happy shots! :)

There will be other photos of the boys coming soon -- I promise!

But for now...my littlest desert-dweller prefers to spend her days in our pool at home. So here -- HERE where the ocean beckons from our hotel room; where the scenic hike ended at a waterfall complete with a swimming hole....well, this little redhead is in high-heaven! Yesterday, I had to just DRAG her out of the ocean when I feared she was going to fall fast asleep on her boogie board!

Cate embracing the ocean...literally!

She wants to surf...desperately! I think this "hang loose" shot was purely involuntary!

We hiked an accessible trail to Waimea Falls with Wade's best friend from medical school, Blaine and Blaine's precious family! The lucky Kristo family LIVE in Honolulu! Here Cate plays hide and seek in the vines!

My beautiful Claire...

At the Falls....only my girls got in, I wish wish wish that I had brought my suit! But Wade and I are always hesitant to do things the boys can't do so the four of us observed. My girls however, didn't think twice about the 30 FEET DEPTH they had to swim in to get to the Falls! They went right in!

The beauty along the hike to the falls took my breath away.

On our way to dinner, we stopped to see the turtles...amazing creatures! They are protected on the North Shore...

Just so you can see the size of this magnificent creature in relation to people....

They see one in the water...Cate is patiently waiting for him to poke his head up again...

We are having so much fun so far. Oh, it's not perfect -- the hike was a challenge for Mason; the ocean is a challenge for my Benjamin.

Mason hitching a ride down the trail -- dear Lenny keeping him company!

My dream is that Benjamin could relax and enjoy -- but the beach is tricky for him, I know that, and yet, I so desire him to love it like I do. But family time, trying new things and finding ways to adapt...well, you know those are some of my favorite blessings!

The Shrad-y Bunch In Hawaii!

2011-07-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

I have dreamed of this vacation for years. Loving the beach, loving the sand, loving the flora and fauna native to Hawaii, I have been eager to bring my children to visit the Islands.

And here we are....I am so excited! (Don't feel compelled to look at these photos...I just know my Mama wants to see them!)

We left early early in the morning...

I pulled out my camera immediately -- didn't even want to miss the airport shots!

And I am so glad I did: Our dear dear Miss Trish had arranged for a friend to meet us at the airport to greet us! It made me cry.

Mrs. Dianne Hom with her sweet surprise!!

Our rooms were not ready to be took time to look around the hotel...a pure joy!

I don't promise to be here daily -- but I'll try and share the blessings of God's creation every chance I get! But first of all....I am going to enjoy it!

Aloha!

Time for an attitude adjustment...

2011-07-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

So apparently, I have let this little medical worry color my attitude. Completely.

I am not obsessed with it. Really did not even think I was continuing to fret over it. Much.

But then I received an invitation to lunch with a wonderful group of ladies in charge of one of our extra-curricular activities. And oh my goodness, did I start to fret.

What if they were going to ask us not to participate anymore? Were we too challenging for the group? How would I handle the disappointment of my children? Oh, do you get the picture? And this was all BEFORE the meeting.

Relaxing while riding the train to the Grand Canyon...oh, if I could just adapt this attitude! But really other than that the photos have nothing to do with the post...I just needed the distraction!

I was fairly trembling by the time I entered the restaurant.

Benjamin at the coolest little trading post...

And would you believe the meeting was nothing but good stuff? Amazing things, really! I am still shaking my head in utter amazement.

Is there anything better than ice cream in the summer?!

Eventually, I will share the excitement. I don't mean to be cryptic. But this post is SO not about the news of the meeting...it is about forgetting to look at life through the RIGHT lens.

My beautiful Claire desperately thinks she needs a wagon wheel swing for our yard!

Worry -- and a bit of self-pity -- took over my view. And when that happens, blessings are pretty much impossible to see, much less count. When I am looking at the world from a "woe-is-me" perspective, I assume the worst about everything!

So as I sat in my car after the meeting, humbly asking God forgiveness for my attitude, I recalled these verses that are so imperative to keeping the right focus:

Psalm 145:5 reminds me to: "mediate on [God's] wonderful works."

And Proverbs 4:23: "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

What is coloring your world today? What is hurting your heart and causing you to take your eyes off the ONE that can carry you through?

I will not promise you that life will be a rose garden -- that is not the assurance scripture offers. But can I encourage you that looking at life through the right-colored glasses can prevent your view from being distorted by fear, discouragement and bitterness. Blessings can only be counted when our glasses allow them to be seen.

Deep sigh.

Always waiting...

2011-07-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

Being a special needs family has many facets. Many. Honestly, I prefer to celebrate the blessings and down-play the negatives. Some probably call that denial on my part. Others call me "Pollyanna-ish". I don't mind either description. My job is to cope and teach my children to cope -- no more than that, my job is to teach my children to thrive and overcome!

But some days, my Pollyanna-mask slips right off. My attitude suffers and I stay near tears all day.

Yesterday was one of those days.

A few months ago, Mason had a routine doctor's appointment. One of those that should have been fairly benign with no real surprises. Except there was a surprise and we are still unraveling what it means.

Yesterday, we met with a specialist who offered few answers but ordered tests to seek answers. But in the course of the appointment, he asked questions about Mason's premature birth -- and the in-charge Mommy evaporated right there in that office, my eyes filled with tears and I struggled to hide my loss-of-composure.

All I know if that for 14 years I have sat in doctor's offices delving into the early arrival of my trio and analyzing every issue they have ever experienced under the light of their three-month-too-early birth. It gets to me. It does. I feel responsible. I feel to blame. I feel...

like I am always waiting for the next shoe to drop. Like there is always some new area that my body's inability to carry these precious children to term has affected them. It makes me want to scream. Loudly.

But if I have learned anything in 14 years, it is that my pity party does not help anyone. I cling to the scriptures:

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)

Because God KNEW my body's limitations -- and had a plan! Because God knows Benjamin & Mason's (and Claire and Cate's for that matter) bodies and limitations -- AND HAS A PLAN.

So even if another shoe drops -- I rest in the assurance that God is in control. And that is where the true blessing lies.

The Masons visit Arizona

2011-07-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

I am the oldest of three kids. And the only girl. So pretty much, I spent my teenage years bossing around my little brothers and then my young adult years hoping they would love me anyway.

And when our Dad died way too early, we reversed roles and I looked to both my dear brothers for the unconditional love my Dad used to shower on us. They stepped into the role loving my kiddos in such an amazing way that they can see how loving our Dad was!

For this season, we are blessed to have Len living with us. He helps me more than words can ever describe and is a God-given answer to prayer in the care of my kids. However, miles separate us from Talley and his beloved Sarah. They live in Minnesota. And of course, Mama is in Mississippi.

But this weekend -- for far too brief a time -- all of us were gathered under my roof to celebrate Mama -- and her 65th birthday!

Grammie's girls cooking in the kitchen together!

We squeezed in as much fun as possible. We swam, cooked, made s'mores and did a run to Sedona and the Grand Canyon! We laughed, talked and made memories.

Claire and Cate making s'mores with Aunt Sarah!

In Sedona, Arizona!

Mason on the edge...in Sedona!

Different geography doesn't negate that we are family. We don't see each other often and never for long enough to cover every subject and spend enough time together, but this trip was a blessing!

Grammie with her crew!

Mason relaxing while riding the Grand Canyon Railroad!

Benjamin and Uncle Talley -- the boy misses the Uncle every day!

My cute girls on the train!

Mason making his Gramster get as close to the edge as possible at the Grand Canyon!

I want to hear what she is telling him!

Love this one of Grammie and Claire!

Cowboy bandits on the train...scary! :)

Counting the blessings of being family -- while celebrating the blessing that is our Mom and Grammie -- made for a wonderful weekend!

The coolest thing happened...

2011-07-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

Wade and I get a bit crazy about our Mississippi State Bulldogs. We are unapologetic about it.

We fell in love on that beautiful campus. We made life-long friends in the buildings there. We learned, grew and became adults there. And for our entire married life, we have lived AWAY from that "home".

In my opinion, or maybe just for us, college football is loved because it offers alumni the opportunity to be "connected" to their alma mater -- tying them to all their wonderful memories! (Ok, and there is also that my guy LOVES football....)

Early in our marriage, we were close enough to have season tickets and make the drive to get to games. But once we moved to Chicago, our only connection came during football season and any televised games we could view! Life in Minnesota saw an increase in the number of televised games, but Wade's schedule was so awful he was rarely home for them. I would video-tape them (yes, children, this was the dark ages!) and take the tape to him at the hospital, testing my theatrical skills as I worked to keep any glimmer of the outcome from my face!

Going home for my guy means going to Mississippi State....and taking his kids. We do it as often as our schedule allows but alas, getting their from here isn't the easiest. So more often than not, we inflate our giant Bulldog in our yard, bring out all the MSU linens, don our myriad of maroon clothing and jump, scream and ring our cowbells in the confines of our desert home.

But we try to make it home for one game each season...and last year we did just that. And my precious friend, Susan, took us down to the sidelines before the game to watch the team warm up. The players are always so dear with my crew -- making a big deal over all four! We had a wonderful time!

And that was super-special to my bulldog-loving crew.

But then last week, I got a neat message from a friend who thought my Cate was in the new MSU promotional video. I smiled but really thought she might be mistaken (Sorry, Cindy) since we were only at that ONE game, how could it be? And then yesterday, I got a message from my dear Susan, who said the same thing. Well, two friends thinking it....this I had to see...

Oh my goodness. It is her! She flashes on the screen but for a second but it is priceless.

And I've got to tell you that we are completely thrilled. Beyond excited. Tickled maroon as it were! We have watched, re-watched, emailed friends and family! And frankly grinned in the goofiest manner for 24 hours or so.

Isn't it a blessing when something unexpected just delights your heart?

Do you want to see the ad? Click Go Bulldogs! And make sure you keep your eyes open at the :13 second mark! But be warned....you'll probably feel the need to go buy some maroon clothing after you watch!

Day 5 & 6 -- Grand, Grits and Gators!!

2011-07-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Our Charleston lodgings were like most of Charleston -- quite grand! It took great restraint not to get under this chandelier and take a photo -- if my sweet Claire had been with us, she would have!

Upon entering the hotel, some gentlemen were standing in the way of our getting to the registration desk...we had been in the car for a long time and I dearly wanted to get to our room...so, apparently, I assumed my "Obey me, I'm a mama" stance because Wade quickly intercepted me to whisper, "Do you see who that is?" I did not. At least not until I craned my neck up and realized the tall man was the once Chicago Bears-football coach, Dave Wannstedt. I'm pretty sure my Mama-voice would not have intimidated him.

To help us with our planning for this trip, our boys graciously (and I use that word loosely), watched Man vs. Food on the Travel Channel....the Charleston edition! One of the restaurants that host, Adam, visited was the Hominy Grill. Mason and Benjamin were adamant that we visit...

Undeniably, the Shrimp and Grits on the show looked hard to pass up, so Sunday morning, Wade and I went to The Hominy Grill for brunch...and waited in line for almost an hour and a half!!

But THESE were absolutely worth the wait...every single minute!!

After brunch, we went to visit the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Yorktown. It was amazing -- enormous and overwhelming in size and story. Wade loved it!

Looking into the surgical room on the Yorktown.

Wandering the streets in Charleston was also delightful -- especially when I found this little reminder of home...

On Monday, we toured the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Wow. The Drayton family had the foresight to open their gardens to the public right after the Civil War....in an effort to maintain the grounds and provide income to sustain the family! The tour was a well-oiled machine and though it got a bit hot (and humid) in early afternoon, we enjoyed the stroll through history through this family's story.

That is a baby alligator curled up right there...the plantation has some as big as 15 feet long! Thankfully, we didn't run into any of those!

Me...enjoying the gardens!

We are in the airport heading back to our children right now. Our time away has been exactly what we hoped -- refreshing, relaxing and a time to renew as we celebrated our 20 years together and dreamed about the next 20.

And just "being" with my husband was undeniably the best blessing of the week!

Outer Banks Day 3 & 4

2011-07-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

We are still having so much fun! We spent Day 3 on the beach. Again. I have read a couple of books and my sweet hubby is plotting bookstore locations in case I make it through the others!

We also went to Roanoke Island Friday night to see "The Lost Colony" -- an outdoor theater production about the very first colonists in the new world...and their mysterious ending. It was really good! And the surrounding park was beautiful. These gardens were closed for an event -- sadly -- but I peeked!

I imagine the INSIDE of the gardens -- through this entry -- were breathtaking as well -- that will have to be on our next "to do list"!

From our porch -- we could see the Atlantic Ocean to the left and the Currituck Sound to our right! So cool!

Saturday was spent driving to Charleston for the second leg of our journey. The drive was a bit taxing as apparently every single person on the East Coast was ALSO heading down this particular interstate! (We almost exited HERE and changed our plans! ha)

The drive was worth it however when we arrived at the lovely Charleston Place hotel -- freshened up and went for an official anniversary dinner at the Charleston Grill! Honestly, I am not sure I have ever eaten food more delightfully prepared! I may be spoiled to ever eat again!!

We are heading out to explore Charleston this morning -- I can hardly wait to discover the blessings of this lovely place!

Outer Banks Day 2

2011-06-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Today was just perfect. Absolutely.

We started here. My lens was foggy but I think you can tell...a book, a chair, a beach. My idea of a perfect day.

My guy stayed in the shade of the umbrella with his book...

I had a harder time staying in the shade...the sun just beckoned.

When my photos start gravitating toward children's toys...I know I am missing my (love you, jelly beans!)!

This is exactly how I expected the Outer Banks to look. Exactly.

These are my honey's footprints -- steps I will follow anywhere.

When we decided to get this photo -- Wade immediately began drawing in the sand...and the waves washed it away in mid-draw. We got so tickled as he had to run and then draw quickly to beat the waves!

We walked around the quaint (yes, Claire, you would LOVE it!) town of Duck this evening. It was a wonderful way to end our restful, relaxing, lovely day!

God's majesty as seen on the beach, in the waves, in the sunset -- really it is such a blessing!

Outer Banks Day 1

2011-06-29T15:25:00.001-07:00

I have spent my entire life letting books take me to places far away -- places I never imagined visiting except through the many dog-eared pages. Oh, it may seem completely cliche to say -- but really, it is just one of those sentiments that bears repeating again and again -- books are such a window to the world!

Early in our marriage, I read my first book by Anne Rivers Siddons. I've read most of her work since and honestly do not even remember the title of this particular one. What I do remember is that it was set in a place called "The Outer Banks" and I had never heard of such.

This place Ms. Siddons described appealed to me on so many levels, however, and I began dreaming of actually visiting the Outer Banks in person -- not just through books!

Crossing the bridge from Carrituck County to the Outer Bans...I was absolutely eager with anticipation!

Finding the right time -- amid vacations that appeal to the entire family -- has been tricky. Because the draw for me is that I long to just be. I want to unpack a suitcase full of books, sit on the beach and listen to the waves. I want to smell the salt air and not rush even one little bit. I would never insist that my precious family of six come and join me. Goodness, they would be bored silly. But my guy gets it. The need to hear/smell/taste the ocean doesn't resonate with him the way it does with me but he knows me and he loves me enough to plan a week here just the two of us. To be.

We arrived on the island before we could check into our resort so we did a little sightseeing to kick the trip in gear -- you can send the aerospace engineer to medical school but he will never forget his first passion! It was amazing to be in Kitty Hawk -- AT the birthplace of aviation today.

Much in the museum was replicas but right outside the museum was the actual field where Orville and Wilbur took off!

This is the actual spot where they took flight -- the first three attempts that day lasted less than 15 seconds. It was the fourth that lasted 59 seconds. Can you even imagine?!

There is a marker at each spot the first four attempts landed!

Then we hiked to the top of Kill Devil Hill to see the monument. Oh. It was quite a climb. In my "we'll-be-in-the-car-most-the-day-heels!" But the view was amazing!

Afterwards we headed to see our first lighthouse. I was almost afraid I would have to take photos from the car after we saw this sign:

My guy doesn't do snakes!

But we kept going -- and it was so lovely to behold! The Bodie Lighthouse. Though Wade and I expected it to be a LOT closer to the water -- I'll need to do some research on that one!

Finally, we were able to check into our room at The Sanderling Inn in Duck, North Carolina. I haven't been exploring yet but the view from my screen door is lovely and I can hardly wait for our beach day tomorrow...

Stay tuned....there are more blessings to come!

Making time...

2011-06-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

20 years of marriage. One set of triplets. One little redhead. Four years of medical school. Five years of surgical residency. One year of fellowship. Six different states. Eight moves.

Whew. Today, Wade and I are leaving for some time together to reflect, refresh and renew!

We are celebrating the commitment that did not change when my sweet aerospace engineer decided to go to Medical School.

We are celebrating the commitment that did not diminish when our first baby was actually THREE.

We are celebrating the commitment that becoming special needs' parents only strengthened.

We are celebrating the commitment that the challenging years of residency could not tarnish.

Just the two of us. In a never-before-visited-beach-location.

I can hardly wait. What a blessing!