A praise and a request

We have results back from Joshua's testing ... NORMAL!!!  Thank you God!  I'm so thankful that we don't have to prepare for more meds at this point!

As a quick request, Eliana will be going to get an x-ray tomorrow/Wed.  It is to rule out an instability in her neck.  (Atlanto-axial instability for those that are curious.)  This is something that occurs more frequently in people with Down syndrome.  Would you pray for clean and good results?  We would also love prayers that the appointment goes smoothly.  Eliana has not been enamored with doctors lately and after the blood drawing fiasco, I'm not sure how she will respond.  I'm not expecting easy and would love to be wrong!

Thanks for praying.  I just really don't want her to have anything else, kwim?

Blessings

Leslie

Firsts this week

After our failed first attempt at a back to school breakfast, I decided to try something spontaneous the next morning.  It wasn't all that I would have wanted if I had planned it - but everyone was happy and we had a fun time.  When the children got up, I asked them to get dressed and not eat.  Then we went to Chick-fil-a to have biscuits.  I got hash browns for Eliana which were gluten free (though she was fussy later).  She did love them and called them nuggets.  This could be a good compromise.  

The second part of the surprise was heading to Walmart to pick out some new school supplies.  We didn't need much, but its still fun to pick some things.  I enjoy seeing what delights them too!  A picture of my "students" for this year.   

 Our cleaned up school room - ready for a new year!  I haven't finished all of my organizing yet and perhaps I'll post more about that - if it ever gets done!  LOL  You can see my new Ikea shelves on the back wall.  I am loving them!

 Rebecca chose sparkly and pretty folders and a fun pencil sharpener/holder.

 Angry birds folder was popular with a couple of mine.

 An electric pencil sharpener.  He was so excited about this - and has been loving making sure all of our pencils have a nice point.

 Cars notebook was his top choice.

 Eliana chose a new lunchbox - something we can use to keep her GF snacks in when we are out of the house.  I also had things for each of them to enjoy too!

 A better look at my shelves.  Did I mention that I'm loving them?!  LOL  So much more useful than the lovely china hutch that was there before.

We also had our first field trip with our Five in a Row group.  It was so much fun to be together again with friends!  We welcomed some new families to our group as well.  Our first outing is typically just a park day.  A relaxing time to reconnect and have fun.  One of our members also arranged for us to have a class on  

butterflies.  What a great addition to our morning! 

We had a lively and knowledgeable presenter.  She brought with her live caterpillars and butterflies which added to the fun!

We watched the butterflies being released.

  

Afterwards, we had picnic lunches and played.  Eliana and Rebecca both spent time taking pictures.  Rebecca does a great job - and Eliana surprisingly gets some good ones too!  

 Fun days.  A great way to start off our school year!

Blessings
Leslie

Surprises?

This has been a full week.  A week with laughter and also tears.  A week of joys and also disappointments.  Highs and lows.  Sweet times and times that weigh my heart.  As I look back - and there is so much more I want to share - I can't help but remember that none of this was a surprise to God.  He saw it all coming.  The good and the bad.  And through it all, He is with me.

We started the week with a road trip ... to Ikea.  Some of you are already smiling, aren't you?  I have never been to this store and have wanted to go.  We sold some of the furniture in our dining room and with the money I wanted to buy some new furniture to make the room more functional for us as a school room.  I looked around online and found just what I wanted at Ikea.  So, road trip it was!

We headed out early on Monday with some friends and hit the store.

 What a neat store!  I loved the child-sized sinks in the bathrooms.

 This is a fun (and dangerous) place!  So many neat things to see.   It was a fun surprise to run into two of the pastor/leaders from our church while we were there too.  The kids were great about looking around and playing in the children's area while I tried to make decisions about our shelving.  Eliana liked the beds.

It would be so much fun to decorate her room with things from here!

 We had a yummy lunch (and enjoyed the kids eat free special!).  Made decisions and then headed home.  The kids watched a movie.  Does it crack you up that the head needed to go on over the headphones?

 And enjoyed a gluten free frosty!

This was a fun day all the way around!

The next day was a hard day.  Several people having a hard time with the transitions.  Tears.  Not what I expected and found I needed to do more planning.  Probably too more talking.  Definitely more praying.  Change is often hardest on the ones "left behind" where things are new and fun and exciting - but rather similar and lacking someone.

For those wondering, Christopher is doing great in college.  Already turned in his first paper & project.  He is having fun and adjusting beautifully.  :-)

Wednesday.  I had prepared better for this day and it went much smoother.  This was our official first day of school and I'll write more on that later.  It was a low-key first day which is nice.  This was a sweet time.

Joshua and I spent several hours in the afternoon at the hospital.  Based on some tested done earlier this summer, it looks like Joshua may be having some complications with his diabetes.  :-(  Joshua really took the news in stride.  It was hard for me to hear that he may be having complications.  I was thinking really?  Already?  He is still in his honeymoon.  More testing.  I'm not sure when we'll have the results.  If they come back better, we won't have to make changes.  If the numbers are still high, he will be placed on a new medication - for life.  I know its not huge in a lot of ways, but it is still one more thing that I wish he didn't have to deal with.  This on top of all that he already has.  I have to remind myself that God can use this for both of us - to shape our hearts and make us more like Him.

His numbers aren't where they should be either and we are working hard to get it under better control.  I have to confess that this makes me feel like I've failed.  Guilt.  Something I know that I need to give up, but its hard not to feel it sometimes.  It was a challenging appointment.  We have some strategies though.  We will be testing various things to get a better read on his numbers.  I'm hoping and praying that this will help.  I need to do a better job staying on top of this.  I want to help him have better control (as much as we can have control).  We would love prayers as we work to better manage this.

Joshua and I made a quick visit to Christopher.  It was short, but still fun to see him on his first day of classes.

Today we had our first field trip with our FIAR group.  A park play day!  It was beautiful and we had a gal come talk with our group about butterflies.  It was a fun morning.  I love being a part of this group and am so thankful for it!  (More pics soon)

In the afternoon, I met a cyber friend.  She and her family came over to visit.  What a fun time we had talking and the kids playing.  I'm blessed to have sweet friends IRL and also via the internet!  I'm thankful for God's blessing of friends.  Friends have helped in so many ways - especially over the last 5 years as we have faced a number of different challenges.  I know that God knew those were coming and gave me the gift of friends to help walk the rocky paths.

One last prayer request and then I need to go to sleep.  Eliana needs to go in soon for x-rays for atlantoaxial instability (AAI).  Given her aversion to medical personnel and procedures, I'm not expecting this to be easy.  It needs to be done though and I need to just get it over with.  I would love prayers that it would be a smooth and easy procedure - with good results and no surprises.  I really don't want anything else to deal with or learn about on the medical front right now.  I do know that if this is a part of our future that God will walk with us, teach us and guide us.

Laughter and tears.  Joy and sadness.  Its all part of life.  Experiencing that hard times helps make us thankful for the good times.  It also helps us to empathize with others and to be able to offer help and support.  I can see good coming from the hard.

In looking over our week, I'm thankful.  I have so much to be thankful for!  God is good!

Blessings
Leslie

Moving Day ... and more

We've had a busy last few days.  I anticipated this week-end being hard, but what I failed to anticipate were the blessings.  I thought it would be emotional, but didn't expect the joys.  I have been praying for this time for quite awhile and even though I had a peace about this time of transition, I just failed to think that God would use this time to bless me.  Oh, what little faith.

On Thursday, Christopher and I did a lot of last minute shopping.  All of those things we weren't sure about the first time.  We got home in time to finish up dinner prep before welcoming his roommate Joe and family to our house for dinner.  We spent time talking and getting to know each other.  Having dinner and fun.  We have had beautiful weather for days and spent time outside playing.  What a sweet time to get together.  It was nice to be able to meet before moving in.

After they went home, there was still a lot of packing to do.  The piles grew until things were ready.  It all fit easily into our van - along with all of us.

Time to drive to NC State!  We arrived and Christopher got out to go check in.  We parked and then followed soon after.  He and his roommate were allowed to move in early as part of the scholars program which was really nice!  It was a lot less crowded and the weather was beautiful!  (We have had an unseasonably cool couple of days!)  With many hands to carry things up, it didn't take long at all.

The siblings enjoyed helping and hanging out in the room.  Someone commented that the room would seem really spacious after 13 of us had been in there - and left.  LOL

 After getting things unpacked, the room looked pretty nice.

 The wonderful McDonald family.

After unpacking everything, we headed outside.  The older kids and Dads played frisbee.

The younger kids enjoyed a nice swing.  

Our families together.

 My family.

By then everyone was hungry so we headed to Mellow Mushroom for lunch.

I had picked this spot because it was close - and has gluten free pizza!!!  And the pizza is so very good!!!

 They will let you split the type of pizza so you can get two varieties on one pizza.  What a fun way to try many types!

 Now was the hard part.  Taking Christopher back and dropping him off.  We thought it would be a short stop, but when we were driving there, the van started making a funny noise.  When we parked and cut off the engine, it wouldn't cut back on.  :-(

Joe's family came to see if they could help.  We ended up calling AAA.  Nothing like needing that truck to pull in on a very busy move-in day!  Thankfully they were able to do a quick jump start of our battery.  (Unfortunately, we still aren't sure what is wrong with the van and it will need more work.)

Time to go home.  This was hard for me.  This is when I cried.  (Sorry if you are reading this Christopher, but I did pretty good holding it together all day long!)  Its a huge change.  I know he is ready for it.  I know this is the right thing.  I know too though that things will never be the same again.  I already miss having all of my children with me - together.

I do love talking to him though and hearing about the new things he is doing and experiencing.

I'm anticipating that this will continue to be hard - its a time of adjustment.  Maybe also though, I can look for the blessings.  I expect challenges, but hope that I can know that there will be joys.  This time is causing me to spend more time on my knees and that is always a good thing.

God has proven Himself faithful in so many ways.  I know He will continue to do that.

We continued to spend more time with the McDonald family over the week-end and loved it.  What a blessing to have this precious family as part of our lives now!  I'm looking forward to spending more time together!  In praying for Christopher's roommate, I just never expected this much.  How often does that happen?  God is able to do so much more than I can even imagine. It blows my mind to think how much He loves us all when I see Him at work in the details.

I am continuing to pray for Christopher and Joe.

Praying that God would bless their friendship.  Praying that they would be as iron sharpening iron.  Praying that they would encourage and enjoy each other and their time at State.  I'm excited for them.  I'm excited to see what God has in store for them!  I know He has great things planned.

Blessings
Leslie

Almost

Its almost time.  The hours are few now and hopefully some of them will be spent sleeping.  Tomorrow we take Christopher to NC State to move into his dorm room.  Tonight one of my little boys asked if Christopher would be sleeping there tomorrow.  I said "Yes".  I didn't have to wonder long what he was thinking.  The next question was "Can I sleep in his room?".   LOL

Its the beginning of a whole new stage in life.  For Christopher, and for the rest of us.  My emotions are so varied on all of this.  I'm excited for him.  He is ready for this new challenge.  He is ready to experience new things.  He is prepared.  We've worked a long time to reach this point.  And now its here.  The days are sometimes long, but oh the years go quickly.  At the same time, I know this is going to be hard emotionally.  We are just going to miss having Christopher here!  I do have a peace about it all though and know that it is right.  Not always easy, but right.

We spent the day buying last minute items for his room.  I'm sure that there are things we've forgotten.  Some things are hard to buy until you are living in the space too.  Its just hard to know all the things you will need when you are going to be living in a new place - even when you have a checklist to guide you.

Tonight we met Christopher's roommate, Joe, and his family (except for his older sisters).  They came over for dinner so we'd have some time to hang out and get to know each other.  It was such a fun evening.  They were so nice and easy to be with and we enjoyed them all so much!  (Can you believe I got no pictures?!  I'll try to remedy that tomorrow!)

I don't think I've shared the story of how Christopher and Joe met.  Last fall, Joe's mom stumbled on my blog and saw the post I'd written about Christopher visiting NCSU.  She knew that her son was planning to go there and so she kept up with us.  In the spring, when Christopher decided to go to State, she contacted me.  The note said "from a homeschooling Mom whose son is also attending NCSU".  We talked some via email and then passed contact information to our boys.  We were both excited when they decided to room together.

I've been praying for Christopher's roommate for quite awhile.  Having worked in Residence Life before becoming a mom, I witnessed what a difference having a good roommate could make on your college experience.  I have been praying for Christopher's roommate.  I've prayed for a roommate that loves God and one that would be a great friend.  Joe's mom and I both know that she didn't find my blog by accident.  I love seeing God's hand in things that can seem so small.  Moving and touching people's lives.  Answering prayers beginning with a blog post.  What an amazing God we serve who truly is in the details of our lives.

We plan to meet up tomorrow morning to move in.  Tonight, the suitcases are starting to stack up.

The piles of things purchased for his room are waiting.

I'm holding my emotions in check ... so far.  I know tomorrow will be an emotional day.  There is just no way around it.  It is a huge step in our lives.  I know I won't be the only Mom there tomorrow with tears in her eyes (or Dad either for that matter!).

Father, thank you for the privilege of being a Mom.  Its the most amazing experience I could ever have imagined.  I've been blessed beyond all I could ever ask for.  Thank you for Christopher and the joy of being his Mom!  Thank you for the memories, experiences and love we have shared.  Thank you for those that are yet to come.

I pray that while he is in college that you would protect him, challenge him and hold tight to him.  I pray that his faith would grow and soar.  I pray that he would learn more about loving and serving and helping others.  I pray that his mind, body and faith would grow stronger and that You would direct him in the course he should follow.  I pray that you would bless him with a wonderful group of friends.

I pray that you would help us learn  new ways to communicate and connect.  I pray that he would follow you.  I pray that you would help us all to adjust to these changes and embrace the new paths you have for us.

Thank you Father.  Giver of good gifts.  Amen.

Christopher, I'm so proud of you.  I'm excited to see you growing and developing into the man God designed you to be.  I love your sense of adventure, humor and wit.  I am thankful for your character, reliability and dedication.  I'm excited to see what you will be doing and learning and experiencing at college.  I love you!

More tomorrow ... maybe.  More soon.  Please pray for us as we walk this new path.  He is ready.  I'm as ready as I'll ever be.  Go Pack!

Blessings
Leslie