OMSI

Today Cheryl and I took our kids and went to OMSI. I usually encourage a crowd to go along--but today I just needed to be with my kids. I spent a lot of time taking cute pictures and watching them have fun! It was very nice. Hope you enjoy the cute pictures :)

Zoo Trip

We took a wonderful trip to the zoo the other day. The kids and I went and spent the afternoon with Cheryl, Kaylin, Blake, The Zellers, Gina and Addy. Paul rode the max up and met up with the kids and I for a concert zoo staring : The Blue Highway. We really enjoyed it! As I think you will see from the pictures. :) Of course I had to include my favorite zoo animal :) They look so cute laying there!

Hummingbirds :)

I have many beautiful flowers in my yard but I have to say that right now my favorite flowers are the Crocosmia that are in bloom all over. This is a bulb that comes up all on its own and that is truly loved by the hummingbirds. I can sit in my front window and enjoy watching them buzz around! Today I tried to take some pictures of them--hope you enjoy! Double click on the pictures to see them up closer :)

God's love.

Sometimes life hits you so hard it knocks you off your feet, knocks the wind out of your chest and makes you feel like you might never breathe right again. Tonight I am struck by God's presence in my life. His constantness. His ability to walk beside, and even carry me when I am lost and lonely. I see God around me constantly in my yard, my flowers, my children, my friends, my husband, the birds of the air, the animals in my yard, the list could go on and on. I am grateful for his Grace and the unquestionable knowledge that there is nothing I can do to make him stop loving me! Thank you God for loving me so much, for never pushing me away, for holding me and listening to me and wiping away my tears, for showing yourself in my flowers, in the smiles of my children, in the bandaid presented by my daughter, and in the "I love you" of my husband.

Brendan is backpacking :)

Well tonight I am missing my first born (and my husband). I realized yesterday that this is the first time since Bren's diagnosis that I have been away from him. It is both a blessing and a curse. I find myself constantly worried about him, wondering if he is okay, if daddy is checking him like he should, if he is having lows and getting treated well. You know all of the normal mommy things plus all of the normal diabetes mommy things wrapped together. I know that Bren will be fine and that Paul is a wonderful attentive daddy that is watching out for Bren--but it is still hard. :) I pray tonight that Bren and Nathan are having the times of their lives on their first ever backpacking trip with their dad's! What a huge amazing opportunity and experience for them. I am smiling through my tears--really I am!

Ryan's first Occupational Therapy Appointment

I learned a lot today about Ryan and how to help him in his struggles. :) We have started 6-8 times a day "brushing", which is basically brushing the skin and contracting his joints to help him deal with the sensations that he feels when he is touched. We started a conversation about what are "big problems (an earthquake, a fire, someone going to the hospital) and little problems (your brother taking your toy, something on your plate that you don't like, etc...)" The Plan is to help him see that not every "crisis (as he sees it)" is a "Big Problem". Eventually, we will help him start rating his problems on a scale much like the pain scale you see in the hospital. This is already making a difference--even tonight I noticed him using the "this is just a little problem" phrase to his sister. :) I am amazed at the fact that such simple things can make such an impact in his life. All of this is good and I feel blessed that we found out when we did and are going to make some significant improvements before he starts Kindergarten. Much work ahead! But all for the good!

The Lilies of my field

When I returned from my camping trip this weekend I was struck by the amazing beauty of lilies around my home. The lilies that I did nothing to help grow so beautifully. And I remembered the passage in my Bible that states something like...God remembers and cares for even these, how could He not remember and care for you." In times of much anxiety, stress, and sorrow, I do remember that God is still near, that He has not left me and that He will still care for me and mine. I am so thankful for these beautiful flowers that come up in my yard all on their own with God's help to be a constant reminder of His love and His nearness.