tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78344156499562215492024-03-13T09:58:32.751-04:00Backpacks, Books & BottlesJeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07019121775272678243noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834415649956221549.post-68416601390241703072013-08-05T21:16:00.000-04:002013-08-05T21:16:04.225-04:00A Quiver Full of BOYS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I live in a house full of boys.<span> </span>I married a boy and now I have 3 sons.<span> </span>I am surrounded by boys all day…every
day.<span> </span>Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it’s
nice to be the only female in the house because it means that I am the queen of
the house, but it also means that I am surrounded by boy stuff all…the…time.<span> </span>I can’t seem to keep anything nice and pretty
around here.<span> </span>I can’t tell you how many
holes Luke has made in my pretty chenille throw blanket and I’m not sure why but
my boys LOVE to throw my pretty couch throw pillows on the floor and then step
and jump all over them.<span> </span>Those pretty
pillows aren’t so pretty anymore - the stuffing inside of them is all messed up,
there are snags in the fabric from Luke pulling at the fabric and most of them
are lopsided now from the pillow fights and wrestling matches.<span> </span>And that’s just the throw pillows.<span> </span>Let’s talk about my carpet and walls for a
minute.<span> </span>Want to know how often I am
scrubbing my carpets and wiping down my walls to get all of the juice stains, strawberry
stains or milk and yogurt splatter off of them?<span>
</span>Yeah, you’re right…you don’t want to know…and honestly, I’m too tired to
tell you anyway.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I feel like I live in a constant state of exhaustion.<span> </span>I’m exhausted because I spend my days trying
to keep Luke from:<span> </span>cleaning all the
toilets with the toilet brush, eating 27 suckers throughout the day, getting
into my jewelry and spreading it all over the house (I still can’t find the
match to 2 different earring sets), getting into my purse to pull out my wallet
where he will scatter my money and credit/debit cards all over the house,
getting into my makeup to write on my walls with lipstick, getting into the
movie drawer where he will pull all of the movies out and put his peanut butter
fingers all over the back of them, getting into my bathroom where he opened my
ONLY bottle of Christian Dior j’adore perfume and spilled it all over the
carpet….and the list just goes on and on and on.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I seem to have an overwhelming amount of patience where
Austin is concerned for which I am grateful, however that sweet child exhausts
me too.<span> </span>I’m not sure why but that boy
INSISTS on my bed being unmade with the covers completely pushed to the end of
the bed and all the pillows on the floor.<span>
</span>I have made my bed upwards of 8 times in one day because he kept messing
it up.<span> </span>I just gave up.<span> </span>From that point on, if Austin is home all day
I either don’t make my bed or I just keep my bedroom door locked so he can’t
get in there.<span> </span>When the door is locked you
should see him standing on a chair trying to reach the key to unlock my bedroom
door…it’s entertaining to say the least.<span>
</span>He also desperately wants to play with my iPhone, so much so that he
types in random numbers trying to figure out my password to unlock my phone.
During his quest to figure out my password he always ends up disabling my phone
so that I have to wait for it to be active again before I can use it (sigh).<span> </span>He also changes the language on our answering
machine (his favorite is French) and he deletes some of the messages at
random.<span> </span>And when no one is looking he
gets into my hot pink nail polish and proceeds to paint his nails all the while
staining my carpet and couch with that lovely shade of hot pink polish.<span> </span>And I won’t even go into the time that he
deleted all the pictures off of my computer.<span>
</span>I was able to restore almost all of the folders from the trash bin on my
computer but the picture folder labeled “Baby Luke Allen Parker” is still nowhere
to be found (insert sad face here).</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the most part Michael (my oldest) is a help to me…most of the time.
But the times that he isn’t a help, the times he just exacerbates the problem,
is the point in time that I want to run away screaming. <span> </span>I’m sure it’s just Michael’s age since he is a
teenager now, but sometimes that mouth of his (he has a smart mouth, he talks loud,
he never STOPS talking, he sings loudly, etc) makes me want to pull my hair
out.<span> </span>Matter of fact, as I am typing this
he is currently in the kitchen singing a made up song about Luke to the tune of
<span> </span>“Oh Christmas Tree.” And he isn’t
singing it quietly either…he’s even got his foot stomping to keep the beat
going.<span> </span>It’s also time for Luke to go to
bed and Michael is ready for his chance to watch one of his shows on the TV so
he is anxiously waiting for Luke to head upstairs.<span> </span>So what does Michael do? He just walked up to Luke and
said, “Would you like to be the next contestant on ‘Go To The Crib?’ “<span> </span>- which prompts Luke to start crying, screaming “No bed!! No bed!!”
thus exacerbating the bedtime process.<span>
</span>See?<span> </span>That’s what I’m talking
about….his mouth runs like that all day every day and while most of the time it
can be funny it also can get all over my last nerve.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I mentioned in one of my previous posts a day or two ago
that all the drama I have going on should be illegal….well that is so
true.<span> </span>I have a teenager boy (if you have
a teenage boy then you know all of the issues that come with that), I have an
11 year old boy with autism (which means I am constantly on edge because I have
to live in a heightened sense of awareness so that I can anticipate his needs
and do everything I can to keep him safe) and I have a 2-1/2 year old boy (who
is constantly into everything, has never met a stranger and loves to scream at
the top of his lungs when he doesn’t get his way).<span> </span>If you think that seems a bit excessive, well
then you would be correct.<span> </span>It’s a whole
lot of crazy wrapped up into one little family.<span>
</span>I do love my boys (with all of my heart actually) and I try so very hard
to be a good Mom to them but after the day that I had today, and well let’s be
honest after the month that I’ve had, I’m ready for a break.<span> </span>I need some time to relax, gather my thoughts
and spend some time just being a girl.<span> </span>But
since that won’t be happening tonight, I’ll just have to settle for a long, hot
bubble bath as I listen to some music.<span>
</span>Maybe that will help me escape my current reality for a little bit of “me
time”...or at least one can only hope that it will….</span></span></div>
Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07019121775272678243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834415649956221549.post-30747390111044765322013-08-03T20:36:00.000-04:002013-08-03T20:36:21.145-04:00That One Friend<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today I spent my afternoon at the pool with a very good
friend of mine.<span> </span>She is actually one of
my very closest friends.<span> </span>I enjoyed my
time laying in a chair soaking up the sun while we chatted about what was going
on in her life and I talked to her about my crazy life.<span> </span>I shared some insane stories of my night
shifts spent working in the ER and my equally crazy co-workers that are the
stars in those stories, we talked about my family and the chaos that erupts in
my house on a daily basis, we talked about church, chatted about our individual
views on controversial issues and agreed that the children playing at the pool
needed a bit more discipline then they were receiving.<span> </span>It was nice to have that time to just be
Jeannine. I wasn’t anyone’s Mom…I wasn’t anyone’s wife…I wasn’t an employee, or
a sister, or a daughter…I was just me and it felt good.<span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">My time at the pool today with Jennifer also reminded me of
a simple truth...that every woman needs that one friend that they can be
themselves with...the one friend that won’t judge them for bad behavior or a
poor choice of words during an emotionally charged situation…the one friend
that won’t be disgusted by you when you show up at her house with no makeup on
and your hair not fixed…the one friend who is genuinely happy for you when you
are blessed to achieve greatness…the one friend that is thrilled beyond words
when you look beautiful – even if that means that you look better than she does…that
one friend that knows when to just listen to you and keep her mouth shut and
when she should speak some hard truth to you in a loving way…that one friend
that knows your faults and loves you in spite of them…that one friend who will
gladly walk in when the rest of the world has walked out.<span> </span>As women we all NEED that kind of a friend.<span> </span>And today I am reminded how grateful I am to
be blessed with that kind of friend. <span> </span></span></span></div>
Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07019121775272678243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834415649956221549.post-87823887560204125342013-08-02T16:51:00.000-04:002013-08-02T16:51:35.237-04:00Life Just Keeps On Going<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I can’t believe that it’s been almost 2-1/2 years since my
last blog post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, let’s be honest, I
actually can believe that it’s been that long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I live a crazy busy life these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most of the time I don’t even know what day of the week it is….sad, yes
I know, but so very true. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes in
the midst of my hectic days I pause for a minute and wonder how it is that my
family hasn’t had me committed yet, because I’ve got more crazy going on right
now than should be legal for one person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But even though I feel completely overwhelmed on most days, I still
wouldn’t trade it for anything else in this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a crazy, insanely busy life but it’s MY
life.</div>
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<br /></div>
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One of my last blog posts talked about me going back to
school to pursue my dream of becoming a Nurse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am happy to say that after 2 years of some very hard work balancing
the kids, my role as a wife and Mom and my schoolwork, I have finally made it
to the clinical portion of my Nursing degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve worked so hard to get to this point and now that I’m here I feel a
bit panicked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling a bit overwhelmed
and insecure in my abilities to not only finish what I started but to finish
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always give 110% to everything
that I do (well maybe not EVERYTHING…some things like dusting, dishes and
laundry get about 85% but who’s judging right?) and I have no doubt that I will
follow suit with the same dedication to my studies…I’m just a little bit
nervous about how I will juggle all my responsibilities in my quest for completion
of my Nursing degree. </div>
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<br /></div>
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With all the crazy that I have going on right now, I
sometimes feel an overwhelming need to get all the jumbled thoughts and
emotions out of my head so that I can make room for more important things like
remembering where I put the car pool tag for Austin’s school or trying to
remember if I already added fabric softener to the load of towels that are in
the washing machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I’ve got so
much commotion going on in my head I’ve decided that I should start blogging
again…even if nobody reads it, it will still be my crazy life and all my messed
up thoughts and feelings organized into one nice neat place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might even be a bit cathartic for me…so I’m
going to give it a try. I probably should apologize in advance if I end up
allowing you to see more into my life than you ever wanted to know, but I won’t…because
to be fair, you don’t have to read it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">But if you do choose to read it...I hope that you enjoy the crazy!!</span></span></div>
Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07019121775272678243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834415649956221549.post-46895375045343362962011-02-22T10:25:00.000-05:002011-02-22T10:25:44.526-05:0014 Years! Really?So today is our 14th wedding anniversary! I cannot believe that we have been married for 14 years! We have seen many mountain tops and have gone through many valleys over the past 14 years but the most important thing is that we had each other. I love Eric more now than I did the day I married him. We have both changed over the years into completely different people than we were when we met. The wonderful thing about those changes is that it has made our relationship stronger and our individual relationships with our Heavenly Father deeper. I am so thankful for Eric...he is a loving husband, wonderful father and an amazing best friend. I look forward to many more years to come!!<br />
<br />
In honor of our anniversary I decided to post a little memory lane of photos. I will try to keep them in order but I don't remember all of the actual dates. Hope you enjoy the pictures!<br />
<br />
<br />
This picture was taken in February 1995<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClnwhF3-yVS0Au3SQqVm07J_GPYfftWlAJvrxGTjtaNlllKG5fEttyDmbGJDmNkgoPjPjc5AktpF_5Cc0EqkFojPQHvm5TCULIrkn95AO8QvSD7qm1UD0DKM66zGy55HU2uhKgxJ6OKtn/s1600/Pic+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClnwhF3-yVS0Au3SQqVm07J_GPYfftWlAJvrxGTjtaNlllKG5fEttyDmbGJDmNkgoPjPjc5AktpF_5Cc0EqkFojPQHvm5TCULIrkn95AO8QvSD7qm1UD0DKM66zGy55HU2uhKgxJ6OKtn/s320/Pic+16.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
This was Eric & I at a church Valentine's Banquet in 1995<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkglfKbPPm2ZDeEYeT1DUPPO0EVsM_yA2JkC8h20ldgYPhUrkhh0SNnKNoNPlagmhPHF36TVyxksdKtvGWB5a3MQG7rFr_8m756ZDm4rVL8IgmdYLGaTGdOiP8afcRQfQ54pMf1gdAm7n/s1600/Pic+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkglfKbPPm2ZDeEYeT1DUPPO0EVsM_yA2JkC8h20ldgYPhUrkhh0SNnKNoNPlagmhPHF36TVyxksdKtvGWB5a3MQG7rFr_8m756ZDm4rVL8IgmdYLGaTGdOiP8afcRQfQ54pMf1gdAm7n/s320/Pic+17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> The next 4 pictures are from Church Camp 1995...we "got together" at Church Camp 1994 so this would have been our 1 year "anniversary."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnySTgAQjtowBL4lgiG6OzH7sAD5Zgki3s2nUk8aCswa9PAm6r8EPIfVf5DbMfdQRxQYQ-P1HxMOLCRhsCTr8s4MoBkASteXjkOqI8JdVUq8W4M6LmXHzXbuTdPUXMZfsiiVQ6Cn3TMh5B/s1600/Pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnySTgAQjtowBL4lgiG6OzH7sAD5Zgki3s2nUk8aCswa9PAm6r8EPIfVf5DbMfdQRxQYQ-P1HxMOLCRhsCTr8s4MoBkASteXjkOqI8JdVUq8W4M6LmXHzXbuTdPUXMZfsiiVQ6Cn3TMh5B/s320/Pic+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> These next 2 pictures were taken in the fall/winter of 1995 to beginning of 1996.<br />
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This picture was taken in December 1996 at Eric's graduation from Texas A&M University.<br />
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Our engagement pictures.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmlbG9dcrEclbNdi4xSz87XDvST31tc6C5iD4BBMAJU5azM4cI6QszGfHNdFnkJd6O8AeRA5LzGeODEPqCzbjGlylaC563Q2Rg_rAuJb9rh_SyVYQ9pyg8O2brOfQoWxKG8ie7TwNtM-R/s1600/Engagement+Pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmlbG9dcrEclbNdi4xSz87XDvST31tc6C5iD4BBMAJU5azM4cI6QszGfHNdFnkJd6O8AeRA5LzGeODEPqCzbjGlylaC563Q2Rg_rAuJb9rh_SyVYQ9pyg8O2brOfQoWxKG8ie7TwNtM-R/s320/Engagement+Pic+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This picture is crooked BUT one of my favorites. It was taken after our rehearsal dinner the night before we got married.<br />
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Our wedding day: Saturday, February 22, 1997 - 6:00pm<br />
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I LOVED this picture because it was so different then the usual "ring" picture with the hands on the flowers.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another favorite of my Dad signing our Marriage License since he officially married us.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eric & I at my sister Elisabeth's wedding - March 1998.</div><br />
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I think we are in San Antonio at some friend's house sometime in 1998.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eric & I at my sister Sandi's wedding - February 1999.</div><br />
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I know this picture was taken in Oklahoma at John & Mishele Perry's wedding but I have no idea what year.<br />
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Eric & I at Brent & Danielle Williams' wedding in 1998...I think.<br />
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This picture is either late 1998 or early 1999.<br />
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This was Halloween 1998.<br />
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I know this was at David & Hollie Carnahan's house in San Antonio - early 1999.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New Year's Eve 2004.</div><br />
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Church Camp 2006 right before we moved to North Carolina.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eric & I on our cruise - October 2009.</div><br />
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Thanksgiving Day 2010...right after I had Baby Luke.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQk2jPB7NKK1FSvqA0VweuULJsHQiZwM2FD4uckj-CmGRrIFw9CbgMsMZaxFgiohqZjEb2CAHDuTxTcOkv113_svfz1XwpnSJOySeoHJPqAyow7xDSqRQM9V88ynBqPb7MHz7FGK3HgsRX/s1600/CIMG0941+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQk2jPB7NKK1FSvqA0VweuULJsHQiZwM2FD4uckj-CmGRrIFw9CbgMsMZaxFgiohqZjEb2CAHDuTxTcOkv113_svfz1XwpnSJOySeoHJPqAyow7xDSqRQM9V88ynBqPb7MHz7FGK3HgsRX/s320/CIMG0941+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's all for now! Can't wait to watch our family over the next 14 years!!</div>Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07019121775272678243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834415649956221549.post-90561766662163092732011-02-04T21:17:00.000-05:002011-02-04T21:17:12.499-05:00What's in your hand?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This particular blog post has been a long time in the making; mostly because it is a difficult tale to tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is a story I feel compelled to share, with the hopes that somehow God will be able to use my story to help someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the story of my journey through autism…the darkest, saddest days of my life so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me to be able to share this story honestly with you I must confess that even to this day I struggle with Austin’s diagnosis and on really bad days I still grieve for the future I thought he would have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart aches for the child that was taken from me, knowing that I will never be able to see what Austin would have been before autism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before that dreadful diagnosis came and stole my beautiful little boy in what seemed like a blink of an eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But every now and then I take this little trip down memory lane to remind myself that God’s hand has ALWAYS been on Austin’s life, even in the midst of autism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And He is still there, right in the middle of my personal storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be the Rock that I cling to when the waves are so high I think I might drown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remind myself that since the very beginning it has always been my prayer that on the other side of autism, no matter what that may look like, that God would get ALL the glory for Austin’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So pull up a seat and get comfortable while I take you on a little trip down memory lane…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My second child, Austin Wade, made his entrance into this world at 5:52am on Tuesday, February 26, 2002 in a hospital in Dallas, TX. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not many people were there to welcome little Austin into the world since it was so early in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just me, Eric and my older sister Sandi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even though there wasn’t a huge crowd like there was when Michael was born, there were still loved ones celebrating with us in spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I distinctly remember my sister calling my Mom and Dad, who live in Ohio, to give them the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told them his name (we had kept his name a secret) and held the phone up so they could hear him cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my Mom heard his little cry she began to cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was her third grandchild, but it was the first grandchild that she wouldn’t be able to hold at birth since they lived so far away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a bittersweet moment for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a brief moment it almost felt as if they were right there with us, welcoming this new life into the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That cold February day marked the beginning of a life-long journey that I was about to take...a journey that would lead me to the highest mountain tops and some of the lowest valleys…a journey that I would NEVER have chosen for myself.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the first couple of months of his life, little Austin proved to be a pure joy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was polar opposite of his older brother Michael, which is one of the things that I loved most about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a chunky little thing and I couldn’t resist squeezing and loving on him every chance I got.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was very mild mannered with a smile that was infectious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At every check-up Austin continued to make growth, constantly meeting all of his milestones right on schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rolled over at 4 months, sat up at 7 months and crawled at 8 months…right on target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though he was a quiet baby he was very social.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always smiling and laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had eyes only for his Mommy, he loved playing peek-a-boo and patty-cake with his brother and loved sleeping next to Daddy on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around 9 months of age he started to wave his chubby little hand and say “bye bye”, he also said Momma and Dada beautifully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just like his brother he walked at 14 months to the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smiling and laughing as he waddled to Mommy with a foam toy in his mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So adorable, so precious, so perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But all of that was about to change.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I took Austin to his 15 month check-up on a Friday at the end of May 2003.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His check-up was routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was growing beautifully, still meeting his milestones…nothing to worry about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also got shots that day which were routine as well….again, nothing to worry about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember this day because that next Monday was the day we left for Church Camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eric had just started his job as a Youth Pastor at our church and one of the main summer responsibilities was taking a group of kids to Church Camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not our first year to go to Church Camp but it was our first year to go as adults in charge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were very excited about it and since we would be so busy with the youth kids all week I asked my older sister to keep Austin for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to be able to spend time with the teenage girls without the responsibility of dealing with an infant too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She agreed and was so sweet to come to my house and watch Austin that entire week while we were gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While we were at camp I kept in touch with my sister several times every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Tuesday, when we spoke she mentioned that Austin started having diarrhea the night before and he wasn’t eating well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also mentioned that he was gagging on his foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it was a little bit odd but he didn’t have any fever so I didn’t think there was anything to worry about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t acting sick so I told her to just make sure he stayed hydrated and let me know if it got worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it might be related to his shots because Michael had gone through something similar with his 12 month & 15 month shots so I really didn’t think there was anything to worry about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Wednesday of that week I had planned on helping out in the Children’s Chapel with the puppets instead of going to Youth Chapel with Eric and the youth kids; but at the last minute I changed my mind and went to Youth Chapel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down hoping that I could stay awake through chapel since we had been up so late the night before laughing, talking, stuffing our mouths with marshmallows and eating all sorts of other unhealthy foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had hoped it wouldn’t be boring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I settled in like everyone else to listen to what he had to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the speaker got up on the stage the first thing he said was “Hold out your hands in front of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Open your palms and close your eyes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he asked us this question, “What’s in your hand?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are you holding onto so tightly that you won’t let God have it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I immediately started to cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew EXACTLY what was in my hand that I was afraid to give to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had struggled with giving God my children since the day Michael was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to be in control of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Giving control of something as big as my children was something I wasn’t willing to do…not even to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the instant that question was asked my resistance failed and God was finally able to break down all of my walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat through that entire message crying because I knew what God was asking of me and I was terrified to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if He takes my children from me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How will I go on?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if I don’t let God have the control over my boys’ lives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will he take them from me anyway to punish me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All these thoughts ran through my head as I struggled against the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure what else the speaker said that day because my mind was elsewhere deep in thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just couldn’t get past the first question “What’s in your hand?” At the end of the message the speaker offered an invitation of sorts to everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said if you were willing to let go of what was in your hand, walk down to the front, write it down and nail it to the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am positive that I was the first person out of my seat that day in a room full of about 200 people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked straight to the front, tears rolling down my face and I wrote “My children, Michael and Austin” on a piece of paper, picked up a hammer and a nail, walked over to this huge wooden cross and nailed my children’s names to that cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that very moment I told God that he could have my children…they were His anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was done holding onto them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was giving Him control of their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could do whatever He wanted to with Michael and Austin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then I prayed that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">whatever</i> He decided to do with them that He would give me the strength to be able to handle it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t in control anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember getting up and walking right up that center aisle towards the back door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to get out of there…so much emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a mess and needed some time alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I left the chapel all I could hear was hammers hitting nails into the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like a weight had been lifted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a beautiful thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t think about this day again for another year and by then my decision would have a whole new meaning to me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the next couple of months Austin lost his infectious smile, he lost his eye contact, he stopping talking and he even regressed in his eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like he forgot how to eat solid foods overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gagged on all of his solid food so we went back to baby food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the only way he would keep food down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His pediatrician recommended he have a barium test done so we took him to the hospital for that test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His results showed that nothing was wrong physically with his GI track so they referred him to a pediatric therapy center for Speech Therapy and Occupational therapy to help with his eating problems and sensory issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After he was evaluated there they recommended he have his hearing checked to rule out the possibility that Austin was deaf since he wouldn’t respond when his name was called or when anyone spoke to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And by anyone that included me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would walk into a room and he wouldn’t acknowledge my existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would call his name and he wouldn’t look at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When by chance he did look at me he just stared at me with hollow eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no life in his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The light was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Austin’s hearing test came back normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could have told them that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew he could hear because he would come running across the house when he heard Elmo on the TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What didn’t make sense to me was that he didn’t seem to hear anything or anyone in his environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was almost like his body was there but “he” wasn’t there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just seemed empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In August, after all of the testing was completed, Austin started Speech Therapy & Occupational Therapy two times a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By this time he was 18 months old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove him to therapy twice a week and sat there in the therapy room baffled at his behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would watch him and wonder what is wrong with him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would ask his therapists “What makes a child lose their eye contact and their language?” or “Why does he walk circles around objects on the floor?” or “Why won’t he respond to me when I talk to him?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer was always the same “Let’s wait until he is 2 and if you still have these concerns we can refer him to a Developmental Pediatrician to evaluate his delays.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was fine with that answer…it seemed reasonable enough to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all I really didn’t think there was anything seriously wrong with Austin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just thought maybe he was a little bit behind and he would eventually catch up to where he needed to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was totally “fine” with that answer until right after Austin turned 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then everything changed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I remember the night I realized something was really wrong with Austin like it was yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a Wednesday night and I had stayed home from church because I wasn’t feeling well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had kept Austin home with me and sent Michael to church with Eric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was March of 2004...Austin had just turned two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sitting on the couch watching the Disney movie “Dumbo” with Austin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of his favorite movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would get so excited when the pink elephants on parade part would come on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would run around the room flapping his arms with excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the movie was over Austin kept walking back and forth behind the couch, running is hand along the back of the couch, staring up at the ceiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat there and watched him for a few minutes and then I called his name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called his name again this time a little bit louder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew he could hear so why wouldn’t he acknowledge me when I was speaking to him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was 5 feet away from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next time I yelled his name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just kept walking back and forth, running his hand along the couch looking up at the ceiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart sank into my stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that moment I knew that there was definitely something wrong with Austin.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day I took him to therapy like usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked with him into the therapy room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down and looked at his therapists and told them I thought that there was something wrong with Austin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just looked at each other and told me that maybe it was time to send Austin to a Developmental Pediatrician.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agreed and we started the paperwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left that day in what seemed like a fog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember sitting in the parking lot at Walmart crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called my Mom and told her that I thought that there was something wrong with Austin and she said “I do too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My fears had been validated and my heart dropped again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me that she thought he had autism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked her why she never said anything to me before and she told me that she had prayed that God would give her peace about when to say something to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess today was that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Austin in my rearview mirror and thought…autism?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Rainman?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did that happen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went straight home, got on the internet and immediately started researching autism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seemed to fit the profile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart just broke into a million pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lay in bed that night praying that God would give Eric and I wisdom about where to go from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked that God would give me the grace to be able to accept his diagnosis no matter what it was and that whatever the outcome was that God would get all the glory.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On April 22, 2004, Austin was diagnosed with moderate to moderately severe autism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To say I was devastated would be an understatement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was incredibly sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I was grieving and in part I was grieving for the child that I had lost and the future I had dreamed for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that I wouldn’t make it through this unless I leaned completely on the Lord and that is exactly what I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly began my search for treatments that might help Austin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worked tirelessly on this…day in and day out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent hours on the internet looking at different types of therapies that we could try and then I would go to bed and lay awake crying for the child that I had lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That summer of 2004 in the midst of gathering information on Austin’s medical history for an appointment we had with a specialist, God reminded me of that wooden cross and the promise I had made to Him the year before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sitting in the youth room with Eric and the youth kids one Wednesday night for our weekly lesson when it happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eric asked the kids if they could think of a time when they were in a church service and they felt the presence of the Lord in the service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the kids said that they had felt God’s presence at Church Camp the summer before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when it happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard that still small voice saying, “Remember your promise?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You gave Austin to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You told me that I could have him.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when I realized that Austin’s onset of autism had begun the very same week I made that promise to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same exact week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That wasn’t a coincidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was God’s perfect timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I had seen the storm that had been brewing I wouldn’t have stepped out of the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly don’t think I would have released the control if I had known what was going to happen. But I am so glad I didn’t know then what I know now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so thankful that my heart reacted with blind faith to the fact that God would take care of my children better than I ever could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, He loves them more than I ever could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This realization encouraged me and gave me strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a reminder to me that God has ALWAYS been in control of Austin’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From his very first breath of life to his onset of autism…God was always right there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even in the middle of the storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I often have friends (and even people I don’t know that well) tell me about this story they read, this show they saw on TV or this kid they know that had autism and one day just snapped out of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think they tell me this as a means of encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They think that they are giving me hope that maybe just maybe that might happen for Austin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the reality is – it probably won’t happen for Austin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know with all of my heart that God chose autism for Austin and I am OK with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will probably never know the reason why, but I trust that the loving God that I serve has a plan for Austin’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know how this story will unfold but I can’t wait to see the ending!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to see what God has in store for my sweet Austin and see how He will use Austin’s life to minister to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because in the end I know that God will get all of the glory!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07019121775272678243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834415649956221549.post-3699620284104942602011-02-01T15:30:00.001-05:002011-02-02T19:58:07.524-05:00#6<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the previous post I told you that I was working on #6 of my 35 new things to try this year but I wasn’t ready to share it with you yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, after getting a few things in order, I am finally ready to share!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This particular “new thing” is by far the one that I am most excited about!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope those of you who know me well, will be able to share the excitement of this new experience with me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">#6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>College</span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>ALWAYS</u></i> been my number one regret that I didn’t stick with college and get a degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first semester of college I had just started dating Eric and my mind was most definitely NOT on studying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time I had only one goal…to get married and start having babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to be a wife and mom more than anything else!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So needless to say, finishing college and getting a degree was not even on my radar; so I dropped out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, that was almost 17 years ago and I am a totally different person now then I was back then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband might even say that I am a better person now…in almost every way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Jeannine of 2011 wants to go back to school!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I am finally going to take the plunge…to step outside of my comfort zone (once again) and start working on one of my dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I no longer have to sit and wonder what it would be like to go back to school and get a job doing something I would love to do…I am actually going to do it!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope to start taking classes this summer working as a “pre-Nursing student” towards a Nursing Major.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Becoming a nurse is something that I have wanted to do for a very long time…a private little dream of mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad that I am finally taking that leap to turn that dream into a reality.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know it will be challenging to juggle being a mom and wife while going back to school – but I welcome the challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have the drive to work hard, the motivation to get it done quickly, the discipline to stay on top of it and most of all, the support of a loving husband who wants to see me succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That last part is the most important thing to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have Eric’s support and he is willing to help me every single step of the way.</span></div>Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07019121775272678243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834415649956221549.post-58163740102432430042011-01-11T21:06:00.000-05:002011-01-11T21:06:03.366-05:00The BIG 3-5<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I turned 35 a few days ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been dreading this birthday for a while now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess mostly because it means I am halfway to 40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I turned 30 I fooled myself into thinking that even though I wasn’t in my 20’s anymore as long as I was under 35 I was still young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But once I hit 35 all bets were off…I might as well be 40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turns out turning 35 wasn’t so bad after all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a great day with Eric and the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even got a nap and I can’t complain about that!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, since my birthday is so close to New Years I decided to lump one of my resolutions in with my birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided that I was going to try “35 New Things” in 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I have to admit that this resolution is not original.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got this idea from a friend of mine who turns 30 this year (lucky girl!) and I have to give credit where credit is due.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks Mary for the great idea!! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am so excited to say that I am well on my way to trying new things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of today, I have already tried 5 new things!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hooray for me!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am realizing that I like the feeling I get when I try something new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s kinda like the way you feel when your child tries a new food for the first time and actually LIKES it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You almost feel proud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is how I feel…proud of myself that I actually got out of my comfort zone and tried something new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, I thought I would share the first 5 with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am actually in the process of #6 but I am not ready to share that one with you yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a BIG one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I will be ready to share that in a few months (and no I am NOT pregnant!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember I already tried that one in 1999, 2001 and 2010) but for now, here you go!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">#1 – Blogging</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I already listed my reasons for blogging in my very first post and I have no intention of boring you by repeating myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So let’s just say that so far I love to blog!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could probably do it every day but once again I am trying not to bore you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re welcome…you can thank me for that later.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">#2 - New Hair Color</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I tried a new color of highlights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I normally only get blonde highlights in the summer to go along with my tan but I have had an abundance of grey hair pop up since I got pregnant with Luke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since my hair is naturally dark I felt that this new unwelcomed color was really noticeable and it bothered me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My solution to the “grey problem” was highlights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to go blonde since it was winter time so I did something I NEVER do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told my hair stylist to do something different…whatever SHE thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I actually gave up control of something!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you who know me you know how hard that was for me to do!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to dig deep on this one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, she suggested a caramel color to blend in with my natural color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounded good to me so I went with it and I actually love it!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">#3 – Risotto</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last week I went out with some friends of mine for our monthly Girls Night Out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only did we try a new restaurant, I tried a bite of my friend’s Risotto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I first heard her order it I thought NASTY!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to be honest when it came out I thought it looked nasty too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like a blob of mush with spinach and carrots (I think it was carrots) mixed into it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t look good at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But before I could stop myself I asked her if I could have a bite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Graciously, she agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe it or not…I actually liked it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I know that the next time I go there I can order the Risotto and I will like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks Rebekah for letting me taste your dinner!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">#4 – Homemade Pie Crust </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Believe it or not I have never made a pie crust from scratch until Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I normally buy the rollout Pillsbury pie crusts that come 2 in a box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow I have managed just fine for 34 years and 364 days by using store bought pie crusts…until Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I just <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wanted to try something new AND I wanted a homemade pecan pie for my birthday…that was really my motivation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to try <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/12/p-p-p-pie_crust_and_its_p-p-p-perfect/" target="_blank">Pioneer Woman's Perfect Pie Crust</a> recipe to see what all the fuss was about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is like a celebrity or something so her recipe MUST be good, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not only amazing, it was super easy to make!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out cutting the Crisco into the flour isn’t as scary as I thought it would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have tried this a lot sooner!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pillsbury pie crusts for me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">#5 – Yoga</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I always thought that Yoga wasn’t really exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But according to Bob Harper on the Biggest Loser it is an excellent form of exercise!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I thought I would give it a shot today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well I am here to tell the naysayers that Yoga is most definitely exercise because my muscles are feeling it tonight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a lot harder than I thought it would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never realized how uncoordinated I was!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though it was hard I did enjoy it and I look forward to doing it again later on this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, in a month or so I will be able to stand in the Palm Tree position and do the Downward Facing Dog position with ease!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s all for now folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks for letting me share numbers 1-5 with you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can’t wait to tell you all about 6-35!!</span></div>Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07019121775272678243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834415649956221549.post-67869902992916487522011-01-05T21:20:00.000-05:002011-01-05T21:20:42.807-05:00Where did that come from??There isn't much to love about autism. Just trust me on that. But one of the things that I love about autism is the crazy things that Austin will say out of the blue. Most of those things come from his memory of movies he has seen, books he has read, songs he knows or computer games he has played. While the majority of these things are random there is the occasional statement that seems like it almost fits the situation. Since I shared with you in the last post things that I love about Michael I will dedicate this post to my sweet Austin Wade or Austin Waddles as I like to call him.<br />
<br />
Lastnight was my night to get up with Luke (Eric and I rotate nights) so I was very sleepy this morning. Like every other person on the planet I needed some caffiene to get me going...but I am not a coffee drinker. I love the occasional frappachino, latte or cup of coffee punch (yummy!!!) but a cup of Joe each morning is not for me. So to get myself going this morning I staggered downstairs to get a Diet Dr Pepper....my morning cup of caffiene. As I walked into the kitchen I saw Austin sitting at the table. He had headphones in his ears and he was playing on the computer. I leaned down to kiss him and he looks at me and says "Air pollution is a BIG problem!" Ummmmm.....where did that come from? I looked down at the computer to see a flying monkey on the PBS Kids Eeko World website talking about air pollution. According to the monkey "air pollution is a BIG problem" and Austin thought I needed to know that...thanks, Buddy! That's good information to know.<br />
<br />
The other night Austin asked me for some blue cookies (mini Oreos...he calls them that because the bag is blue) so I got some for him and put them in a bowl. As I was walking towards him with the cookies he looks at me and says "Come to Papa!" Totally random but so hilarious!! I think he got that from Toy Story 3 but he said it at a time that would have been appropriate. I couldn't stop laughing.<br />
<br />
Recently, I was holding baby Luke and Austin wanted my attention. He walked up to me, pointed to baby Luke and told me to "turn it off." So sweet that Austin thought it was that simple.<br />
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I could go on and on but I won't bore you. Eric told me not to make my posts too long or no one will want to read them. I guess that is true. But before I sign-off I have to say that Austin has totally stolen my heart. He shows me unconditional love each day no matter how I behave or how much time I get to spend with him. Much like my Heavenly Father does with me. I love that little boy with every fiber of my being! I wouldn't change a thing about him. What an honor and a priviledge it is to be Austin's Mommy. I am humbled to know that God chose me to take care of one of His most precious creations!Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07019121775272678243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834415649956221549.post-3838809709384180772011-01-02T22:31:00.000-05:002011-01-02T22:31:38.734-05:00Michaelisms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NmxdSzzFTdpboSFHi9uSIufMHgJ2TOMSe_M3F4Q_OUP537qdvDxzP5U9oMAVB0JIVuoUQQX7TbdQYkQHkO1JPKQgI7N6zNsZ-_oQxe41GnZt_ZRVfZ4pAy7YdgfXZj-wipqshdXlD8zc/s1600/CIMG0928+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NmxdSzzFTdpboSFHi9uSIufMHgJ2TOMSe_M3F4Q_OUP537qdvDxzP5U9oMAVB0JIVuoUQQX7TbdQYkQHkO1JPKQgI7N6zNsZ-_oQxe41GnZt_ZRVfZ4pAy7YdgfXZj-wipqshdXlD8zc/s320/CIMG0928+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Michael is my first born son who was a millenium baby....born in the year 2000. He made his entrance into this world on Thursday, April 6, 2000 at 5:54pm sreaming at the top of his lungs and he hasn't quit talking since! Seriously, his constant chatter can make a person slap CrAzY!!! And while his chatter can get under my skin sometimes, if I am honest, it is one of the things that I love most about him. He has quick wit just like his Aunt Beth and can recite almost every movie he has ever seen. Most of the time he has us rolling on the floor laughing and other times he has me running for the bottle of Advil. Nevertheless, I love Michael Reed with all of my heart and I am so thankful to be his Mommy! Since Michael was born in 2000 and we just closed the chapter on the year 2010 I thought I would list for you the Top 10 Things I Love Most About Michael. Some of them are funny and some of them will warm your heart. All of them put together make my amazing son Michael.<br />
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#10 LEGO Masterbuilder<br />
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The kid can create the most amazing things you have EVER seen out of Legos and believe me when I say we have at least a million Legos in our bonus room. His creative mind is always working overtime! I love seeing all the things that he creates.<br />
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#9 He is a Rule Follower<br />
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If you give Michael a rule by golly he is going to follow it! He follows the rules to a fault!! For instance he gets so upset when I go through the exit door at Walmart instead of the entrance door. The rules are on the door and he expects everyone (me included) to follow them! While it can be annoying sometimes I know that I will appreciate that about him even more in the years to come. Especially when he starts driving!!<br />
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#8 He Dreams BIG<br />
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Michael told me this morning on the way home from church that he dreams that one day doctors will make a potion to get rid of autism. That's a tall order to me but to Michael it seems realistic. Sometimes his dreams of what he wants to do or what he wants to be when he grows up are just outrageous! But I want him to know that the sky is the limit. He can do amazing things if he sets his mind to it. So I say...dream BIG!<br />
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#7 He is Honest<br />
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Michael is like George Washington and his Mommy...he cannot tell a lie. He is honest even when he KNOWS he is going to get in trouble. For instance, we had some friends over for New Year's Eve and Michael was playing around with one of the kids and he accidently pushed her. I told him to tell her that he was sorry even though it was an accident. Well he wasn't too happy about that...he said that I was embrassing him in front of everyone. He eventually apologized and we moved on. Well about 10 minutes later he came up to me looking like he was physically ill and he said "Mommy I have to tell you something. When you got on to me I got angry and when you weren't looking I rolled my eyes at you." DUMB!!! Somebody needs to tell him that you aren't suppose to be honest about that kind of thing! However, I smile on the inside every single time he is honest with me about things he has done, said or thought even when no one else knows about it. I hope he stays that way.<br />
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#6 OCD<br />
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Michael is OCD which I can admit he gets from me. And while it drives me NUTS to hear him say "Tuck me in when you're ready, wake me up at 6:30 and is it going to rain" no less than 5 times EACH night - I am not sure what I would do without it. It has become the bedtime routine. It's like I can't go to bed without hearing him say all of that even though I am rolling my eyes wishing he would stop talking!! I guess it takes an OCD person to understand one and I guess that is why I secretly love this about him.<br />
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#5 Michaelisms<br />
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I talked before about Michael's quick wit and it really is true...the kid is hilarious!! For those of you who know me you know I am not lying about this one! I ALWAYS have funny Michael stories. And as an example I will give you one of his stories which I like to call "Michaelisms." <br />
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This morning before church Eric and I were talking with Michael about the fact that Christmas break was over and reality hits tomorrow when they go back to school and Eric goes back to work. Michael was complaing about the fact that I couldn't wait until they went back to school. I tried to explain to them that I get alot more done around the house with them at school and Eric at work. Not to mention I can keep the house cleaner when it is just me and Luke. Michael thought about that for a second and he said "I look at this situation like BEES. The queen stays home while the workers bees go off to work and school!"<br />
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#4 His Desire to be Used of God<br />
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Lately, Michael keeps asking me "Mommy, do you think God has a special plan for my life?" Last week it changed from a question to a statement "Mommy, I KNOW God has a special plan for my life!" Michael wants to serve God and he wants to be used. He has a servant's heart and is an empty vessel waiting to be used by God. I pray that his desire will always be towards God and what He has for Michael's life!<br />
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#3 His Love & Patience with Austin<br />
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Our middle child, Austin, has autism. Michael loves Austin with all of his heart. The diagnosis process was some of the darkest days of my life. Days that Michael was too young to remember or understand. But he understands now. He knows his brother has special needs. He knows that he needs extra care. He knows that he needs to have more patience with him. He knows that he needs us to protect him. He knows that because of Austin's disability more is required from him...in the chores, at the grocery store, at school, at church, everywhere...all the time. He knows all of this and he loves him even more.<br />
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#2 His Love for His Family<br />
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Michael has such a great love for his family. I know without a doubt that Michael would do anything for his family. One time he came to me and told me that he loved Austin so much that he would die for him. My heart just melted! That is not something that you hear very often from a 10 year old boy. I pray that the love he has for his family (especially his brothers) will only grow stronger over the coming years!<br />
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#1 His Sensitive Heart<br />
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Michael has always had a sensitive heart towards others...especially his brother Austin. He is always the first one to think of someone else's feelings and is always protective of those less fortunate than him. What amazes me the most is his sensitive heart towards God. At a very young age Michael was very sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. It is something that I think is very rare in children these days and I pray that his heart remains sensitive and always able to hear what God has to say to him.<br />
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Thank you Lord for allowing me to be Michael's Mommy!Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07019121775272678243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834415649956221549.post-27134359357538470062011-01-02T20:36:00.000-05:002011-01-02T20:36:12.068-05:00So this is Blogging??First of all let me say that I never would have imagined that I would EVER be a blogger especially since I don't even like to journal - BUT since we don't live near any family I thought maybe this might be a good way for them to keep up with our family. That of course is assuming that anybody would actually want to keep up with us! Who knows I might be horrible at this and quickly give it up. I hope not...but you never know. So here goes nothing....<br />
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The year 2011 is finally here and with that comes the infamous New Year's Resolutions! I have never been good at keeping those stupid things but once again I made a list with the hopes that I will actually accomplish them. I feel like making realistic resolutions is the key - so this year I tried to be practical. Can you guess what one of my resolutions was??? You got it...Blogging!! I feel like if not for any other reason my blog will be an account of our daily lives for my children to read later on...a legacy if you will. A way for them to reflect on their childhood and maybe get a glimpse into my life and what it was like to be their mother. But most importantly a place to reflect on all that God has done for us! Hopefully, as I enter the year 2012 I will have pages and pages of posts to give a testimony of what a wonderful life I have and what a mighty God I serve!Jeanninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07019121775272678243noreply@blogger.com3