It's Beginning...

to look a lot like Christmas!



Just a quick look around....

It was fun to take full advantage of the beautiful woods that surround us now and pick out a "real" Christmas tree this year.

Bennett & Heidi enjoyed stringing some popcorn for the small trees in their rooms.

Of course, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus!



Here is a look at some of my favorite Nativity Sets that I have collected over the years.

One more quick peek at one of our Christmas favorites....

The Cross.

This is the cross that I made in elementary school and hung on my parents' tree for many, many years.


It now hangs from the top of our family's tree each year. (not sure how much longer it will hang on)


But, I love the reminder of the cross at Christmas. Don't you?


Here's hoping that each of you enjoy this wonderful Christmas season and make many memories with those you love!

Thankful

 I have much to be thankful for this year!

Our sweet Abby graduated from high school and began her college career.

 ~Thankful for great grades, good friendships, and many memories!

When Abby's dear friend was diagnosed with a brain tumor this past summer, she knew that she wanted to do something to show her support of him in some way. So, as he was heading into surgery, Abby had her hair cut to donate in honor of her sweet friend.

~Thankful for her giving spirit and Thankful for her friend Sam and his beautiful testimony!

Heidi continues to amaze us with her academic achievements! She is excelling in all subjects and having a great time at her new school this year.

~Thankful for Heidi's dedication and determination!

~Thankful that my girl makes new friends so easily.

Heidi thoroughly enjoyed participating in Cross Country at school this year. And, she did really well!

~Thankful for running legs, which can sometimes be taken for granted.

Bennett continues to amaze us with his dedication in Cubscouts. He has learned so much that he will take with him throughout his life.

~Thankful for scouts and the many life lessons that it teaches my son.

This is the first year that I have the honor of homeschooling our youngest three. Bennett continues to amaze me with is thirst for knowledge and he craves to know more about God's creation.

~Thankful for one-on-one time spent at the dining room table each day as we school together.

Maylee has been through several difficult surgeries over the last year or so.

This girl always amazes us with her determination and pure joy. Although she has been through so much, she remains happy in all circumstances.

~Thankful for good medical care and our girl's precious, joyful spirit!

Maylee is doing great with homeschooling and loving more time with mommy. She has started reading some and is so excited with her success.

~Thankful for the opportunity to spend more time with my kiddos through homeschooling and the memories that we are making.

This has been a really big year for Sam David.

Just last month, Sam David took his first steps with only the assistance of his AFOs, which is something we were once told was impossible.

~Thankful that only God knows our boy's full potential (not medical professionals) and thankful for his great physical therapist who played a huge role in getting him to this point.

It is hard to go somewhere with Sam David that he is not speaking and waving to anybody that will look his way. He has a way with making people smile. That makes my heart happy.

~Thankful that God chose us to be Sam David's family!

Last, but most certainly not least... I am so thankful for my husband!

This past year has not been the easiest for me.

But, this man has been my rock.

On days that I felt so defeated, he would lift my spirits with his sweet and supportive words.

~Thankful for my best friend and his role as the Spiritual Leader of our family!



GOD IS GOOD!


We are so extremely blessed!


I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for our family in the days ahead!


HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

A Level Playing Field

We had the opportunity to stop by a new, accessible playground the other day.


It was absolutely wonderful!

As my kiddos played, I started thinking.....

We have been very fortunate with most of our family and friends to not have the need to explain too much in regards to our youngest two having a disability. They are typically treated with respect and no different than our oldest 3 children.

Our older kids' friends have been so accepting and definitely join in the efforts of spoiling our youngest two kiddos.

 But, there have definitely been times when my feathers have been ruffled.


This post is not meant to be judgmental by any means.


I believe firmly in awareness and education.


Believe me, I have learned loads of new information and gained much respect when taking the time to educate myself and  simply being more aware of others' feelings, circumstances, etc.

Parents - your children are watching you.


Be an example.


Please don't be afraid of someone who may look a little different from you.


Please don't avoid someone simply because their behavior seems a little odd.


Definitely do not stare and make comments, whether they are heard or not.



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.
Psalm 139:13-14



I can tell you from experience, both professionally and personally, my life has forever been enriched by the many friends that I have made throughout the years of having the opportunity to serve in Special Needs Ministry.



I have learned forgiveness.

I have learned unconditional love.

I have learned patience.

I have learned what bold faith in Christ looks like.

and many more life lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life on this earth.


I will step down off of my soap box for now :)


Oh, I must mention just one more lesson that I have learned.



PURE JOY!