tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48639557258796558272024-03-12T21:33:44.479-07:00Much Bigger than Me2 Corinthians 5:15
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.comBlogger282125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-43696062180532916492018-12-15T13:23:00.001-08:002018-12-15T13:23:19.877-08:00A Wonderful Young Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLmN0izrpfrPTAO7GeARlt7UX2kvZcr7RaI-eD_r2rITdD0kRnmbCfPiJLVlwoHjOP51RooXSeag7e70CS5ESHY7oZ6BTUkkPLrH_xEiI79tZ4wIZTPuigW0rQZy-Omdvb3Ko8y254LQ/s1600/280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLmN0izrpfrPTAO7GeARlt7UX2kvZcr7RaI-eD_r2rITdD0kRnmbCfPiJLVlwoHjOP51RooXSeag7e70CS5ESHY7oZ6BTUkkPLrH_xEiI79tZ4wIZTPuigW0rQZy-Omdvb3Ko8y254LQ/s320/280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Time seems to be going by so quickly. I look at all our pictures from over the years and am in awe of how God has been so faithful in all things. The miracles in our lives and how God brought each child into our home. How far they have all come. How old they are all getting! I am amazed at it all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07BOoAbFtn1uGZrKFJfcHNK2Fe3Dzu9Xcr3hAQfKaacgHy__Au_q1qXehv9LPZ_qeT8hc2me2s9qsRynIDJtmsDczA3x8Y29DlpUyn_EKsrGyNBaZzQJibqslmSjJCKKDtDQJ3UN9KrA/s1600/073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07BOoAbFtn1uGZrKFJfcHNK2Fe3Dzu9Xcr3hAQfKaacgHy__Au_q1qXehv9LPZ_qeT8hc2me2s9qsRynIDJtmsDczA3x8Y29DlpUyn_EKsrGyNBaZzQJibqslmSjJCKKDtDQJ3UN9KrA/s320/073.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
As these middle children are hitting their upper teens it has been hard in some ways. Hard to learn how to let them go a little more each year, to trust the Lord and all we have taught them. I tend to like to hold tight to each of the children. Protect them from making mistakes and try to keep them close. It is hard for me, to start handing over to them, the responsibility of making their own decisions and way in life. I know many of them will always live with us because of their special needs but we still want them to become as independent as possible, have goals and dreams and strive to achieve them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_W11V9h7Fyzjm8jn4_9R-7uTDc8LmrJC4Tg8a8gn5GlHXJ6Rf9zoE19x_DjngbRyh0r5or-QYKER8nJP96udAneuv9pepyGrpR7yWnZbvGznbsTzP5sQUaZTNiPAvhT7t-YbMo00QeKs/s1600/137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_W11V9h7Fyzjm8jn4_9R-7uTDc8LmrJC4Tg8a8gn5GlHXJ6Rf9zoE19x_DjngbRyh0r5or-QYKER8nJP96udAneuv9pepyGrpR7yWnZbvGznbsTzP5sQUaZTNiPAvhT7t-YbMo00QeKs/s320/137.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Zeke recently had a birthday and turned 17 years old. He is the middle, middle. :) Over the last year, I have seen a huge shift in him, not only in appearance but in maturity and in the way he sees life. He is making good choices. He does not get upset as easily and if he does, gets over it much quicker. He is much more relaxed in who he is and in interacting with his siblings. Having autism makes social situations harder for him, to participate and navigate. He is more confident lately. I have seen him, volunteering to participate, in going on outings when invited. (especially if there is going to be food!) Or at least responding when talked to and not just standing far away from everyone else in crowds. I have also seen him start to tease his siblings in a joking way to make them laugh, especially with Carolyn and Elizabeth. These are all huge for him.<br />
<br />
I don't know why it is so hard for me to see them growing up, when I also see that God is doing such a work in them and they are maturing into such nice young people. It is all God and again I am just so amazed. Truly, they are my friends as well as siblings much of the time. We get along well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRhQmeF-lKiC8t8LQEeT32KRxUe-icwYX7dn6PIqHw5Qp7r5UDegnZh96xA2QjwaItJV386GS37pqMTaftypiHW9qDQpo2ahvEFoly99F7eEwjYrHHlJ0fx8Nk0NQNVIrn9FVAshre5E/s1600/158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRhQmeF-lKiC8t8LQEeT32KRxUe-icwYX7dn6PIqHw5Qp7r5UDegnZh96xA2QjwaItJV386GS37pqMTaftypiHW9qDQpo2ahvEFoly99F7eEwjYrHHlJ0fx8Nk0NQNVIrn9FVAshre5E/s320/158.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Zeke has grown into a quiet, kind young man. He is helpful and always does his best at what he is asked to do. He loves going to the work program he is enrolled in at school and every place he has worked, loves having him work there. In his spare time he makes movies for Tim and I for our movie night. Short 10 minute movies using his wooden railway or stop animation with legos. He enjoys food and loves animals. He has a little therapy/companion dog that is always in his arms when he is home. It even sleeps with him and helps keep him calm. He has had this little dog since it was six weeks old and it will be 14 years old in a few months. Most of our pictures of him growing up have this little dog in his arms. <br />
<br />
Zeke wanted to eat at home for his birthday meal. He wanted his dad to grill out and for me to make home made mac-cheese. He wanted my sister to make home made cheesecake with blueberries for his cake. He loved it! My sister and her family also took him to the lego store. He had a ball! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydqB62Yh8yp1LKvBDjPVEhI8m0QS_jKh2kP72utUtHO8-bsPE1SMjJ_E6My8PcQcdTBBAZ-aqrRpQtHdyRKNHEF2JRxAKKhnJVRLyja6_sTgjfdEk4QkJAINM5ka6rsJvEEsl_Y-Int8/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydqB62Yh8yp1LKvBDjPVEhI8m0QS_jKh2kP72utUtHO8-bsPE1SMjJ_E6My8PcQcdTBBAZ-aqrRpQtHdyRKNHEF2JRxAKKhnJVRLyja6_sTgjfdEk4QkJAINM5ka6rsJvEEsl_Y-Int8/s320/008.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Zeke came to be our son because of a God given <a href="http://muchbiggerthanme.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-miracle-of-zeke.html" target="_blank">dream</a>. He has been through so much but has been such a good son and brother to his family. He is a very kind and gentle soul and we have been very blessed to be chosen to raise him. He is becoming a wonderful young man. We love you! Happy Birthday Zeke!<br />
<br />
I pray God is with you now and always. That He will have His mighty hand of protection upon you and lead you in the path He chooses for you. That He will have a heart towards you as you have a heart towards Him.<br />
<br />
<span class="ILfuVd"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.</b></span></span> <br />
<br />
Love, Dad, mom, Stephen, Antonio, William, Carolyn, Elizabeth, Billy, Timothy, Kinsley and Anna-KateAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-56073844223683752852018-11-03T14:47:00.003-07:002018-11-03T14:47:41.225-07:00The Brothers Birthdays!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KoeGmDclJjh8Bl4CeGjwWVfPKBVeseU7VZ-imiJmAlLEuA2lP3badqAoQvOshaALdFcMKNAZJQIbYhlcuvA5lacyyVtDDVrnaXQG7ziwEkGI6iCJUTBiBmKCBiHmWxwAQP3qTyPpPQc/s1600/266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KoeGmDclJjh8Bl4CeGjwWVfPKBVeseU7VZ-imiJmAlLEuA2lP3badqAoQvOshaALdFcMKNAZJQIbYhlcuvA5lacyyVtDDVrnaXQG7ziwEkGI6iCJUTBiBmKCBiHmWxwAQP3qTyPpPQc/s320/266.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Billy and Timothy are a year apart and on the calendar each year, have birthdays exactly a month and a day apart.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkLIc8GnSkKmbnD-kUMF_ej32pMtArJpJJy3ToEwGEITpDvcsLLUyWdwY_RSEU4qeLLT8RFvNWJdxtqrt1c3JqX9d8-F-lmTJ6KfVF5pz1NGD5fnhEPFbHoG3jl8pPrcwVCNLwch4RCs/s1600/180+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkLIc8GnSkKmbnD-kUMF_ej32pMtArJpJJy3ToEwGEITpDvcsLLUyWdwY_RSEU4qeLLT8RFvNWJdxtqrt1c3JqX9d8-F-lmTJ6KfVF5pz1NGD5fnhEPFbHoG3jl8pPrcwVCNLwch4RCs/s320/180+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
These boys have come so very far, since they came to us as foster children, many years ago.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmdHCiYXQ_WBqASySsnl03Azpe2brTtnnhiERqPxkm9ngVSnuIiS_roTBVkevvw2IuDqUQ5ltYsnKKCuGLWa-cIZKLbZp2qRDdV2Jag29v-wOtff3zmaUKxkjWXQv8GH6M5DXoe3-g1E/s1600/271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmdHCiYXQ_WBqASySsnl03Azpe2brTtnnhiERqPxkm9ngVSnuIiS_roTBVkevvw2IuDqUQ5ltYsnKKCuGLWa-cIZKLbZp2qRDdV2Jag29v-wOtff3zmaUKxkjWXQv8GH6M5DXoe3-g1E/s320/271.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
They came from a situation of severe neglect and abuse, where they were exposed to drugs and saw violence daily in the first formative months and years of their lives.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepdjqPEBDBLQmsumo1A0xZ96zdhT5mSZWFzrWH14KH334Y-Eekv4Rs09-Or_4foPjqYHo25vazO03GQSmXF3VMfPmabCc7ptQnsMUQfLFEQJ6TP_V5W_h9WTmjzG7imHBhExCpDO0a5s/s1600/330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepdjqPEBDBLQmsumo1A0xZ96zdhT5mSZWFzrWH14KH334Y-Eekv4Rs09-Or_4foPjqYHo25vazO03GQSmXF3VMfPmabCc7ptQnsMUQfLFEQJ6TP_V5W_h9WTmjzG7imHBhExCpDO0a5s/s320/330.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Without faith in God and His daily help and support, the job set before us would be insurmountable. We have been blessed with so many children, with so many different needs, all needing attention in different ways, every moment of every day. I more than rely on God. He really does carry me. I am in constant prayer and in His hand. We are so blessed and content and the joy and peace we have every day, does not come from our surroundings, what we are dealing with or goes on. Every day has hard but good things, progress and moments of joy too. Our joy and strength comes from God and we feel it and live in it. The children do well. We literally see miracles all the time...any progress and healing is only through Him. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7UN8A3WPYd3lYGX2JlvzQ-tRVLT495hQxkKoi9139QDh2_vKEZFxfh1hUIsidrz4FYshWb2u_-aCE-bFjKDn0obHfmCm4MUKcSarrGJ8W0R6FHsEBq2rUt6kvmmQoCDtRMh-faUQVkU/s1600/444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7UN8A3WPYd3lYGX2JlvzQ-tRVLT495hQxkKoi9139QDh2_vKEZFxfh1hUIsidrz4FYshWb2u_-aCE-bFjKDn0obHfmCm4MUKcSarrGJ8W0R6FHsEBq2rUt6kvmmQoCDtRMh-faUQVkU/s320/444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Only God can heal this sort of insult and change ingrained behaviors and hearts. Not just in the children but in any of us. We still have very hard days and behavior issues that have not been conquered but they have overcome so much in their young lives and I am so blessed to have these two in our family as our sons.<br />
<br />
Billy is such a bright and active boy. He is moving every moment and his mind is always going, thinking and sometimes plotting. :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJHOjCvc8GyERg4iyk-03uwW3qtgsfnZtYIs3MBYwCGxslH_MN9WX6AKp4i7W4htW_7t6ueyx2whn79wpqhrB7PaiAA15OWLEG5hhGX-eoLLAOHV-R7okAhwMY5TiPOU_p8WcErIpZ3o/s1600/259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJHOjCvc8GyERg4iyk-03uwW3qtgsfnZtYIs3MBYwCGxslH_MN9WX6AKp4i7W4htW_7t6ueyx2whn79wpqhrB7PaiAA15OWLEG5hhGX-eoLLAOHV-R7okAhwMY5TiPOU_p8WcErIpZ3o/s320/259.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
His first instinct is to lash out at others but true compassion is rising up in him and his heart is starting to show a tender and loving side to it. I still can not trust him to be around or play with the other children unsupervised but he can now play with them for short spells without hurting anyone. He still destroys toys if not supervised but is doing so much better playing appropriately with them. He is such a joy to teach and is a literal brain sponge in all areas of learning...especially science, geography and social studies. He would let me read to him all day if I had the time and voice for it. I am starting him on piano lessons this month. When I take him places and spend one on one time with him, he is well behaved and does well now, praise be to God! He wanted to go out to eat at a local restaurant buffet, for his birthday. He has now crossed over into being a growing boy with an appetite to go with it! I let him go up and pick what he wanted for the first time. I always have made his plates with balanced meals from off the bar, in the past. He actually did not do to badly with his food choices.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklEPf5ct-JUBSArSmTN9tOql99nhoFLaDFEdev158Av_KufctNta2AOXNsCs6K0bUYKJ3kEsctlyXvCaJdTGrtjmbnauA7ZCh04QQX_lSmd6yzr2yZXmPGAlAN8qdjaOlqTsY47ZNGsY/s1600/351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklEPf5ct-JUBSArSmTN9tOql99nhoFLaDFEdev158Av_KufctNta2AOXNsCs6K0bUYKJ3kEsctlyXvCaJdTGrtjmbnauA7ZCh04QQX_lSmd6yzr2yZXmPGAlAN8qdjaOlqTsY47ZNGsY/s320/351.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He wanted his favorite super hero on his cake this year and of course my sister made a little boy so very happy with a wonderfully made cake! and oh so delicious too! Thank you Aunt "S"!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yRKRDWj4ak5Liy2YdUw3Yf0-wDik-nUHgosHyvQEnukyz-0-ZJ2tMn17lQtvzpuzHV6UUXw68KPiaBeCfn5vRvzPqT4gawcoAzAHaJxdDN3g5cObXGQCBC5Zd0aDMs-s8KqLGjReaOQ/s1600/275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yRKRDWj4ak5Liy2YdUw3Yf0-wDik-nUHgosHyvQEnukyz-0-ZJ2tMn17lQtvzpuzHV6UUXw68KPiaBeCfn5vRvzPqT4gawcoAzAHaJxdDN3g5cObXGQCBC5Zd0aDMs-s8KqLGjReaOQ/s320/275.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I love this son of ours so much and am so grateful and thankful to have him in our lives!<br />
<br />
Our second birthday was Timmy's!!! He is such a sweet, cuddly little guy most of the time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY9b23Rejy6mok8RM-lof0TrFVmZdOpUehyN2xNif6efYto_-obLLaSyBwSatkHv42j_IvcuVIJVyxKM7MKiUkvn2Ik9BQQ0hGTzdZigCMBJWoWx991mWnF7LpBFgvYv1fHbnRLialYY/s1600/181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY9b23Rejy6mok8RM-lof0TrFVmZdOpUehyN2xNif6efYto_-obLLaSyBwSatkHv42j_IvcuVIJVyxKM7MKiUkvn2Ik9BQQ0hGTzdZigCMBJWoWx991mWnF7LpBFgvYv1fHbnRLialYY/s320/181.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He has autism and marches to his own drum and learns at his own pace but is definitely progressing! His emotions are stuck at an 18 month old level and he gets upset easily because he wants his way and does not always understand the flow of things. He likes routine and functions very well in it! He is not tantruming at all anymore and can calm down so much quicker than in the past! Praise God! He loves dinosaurs and robots right now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPWSOLrAoS3bkjnwIhZzU-qNUsnrzPxKzem1evSVFUoIEmb9zh0PT3DZyV3MxurNBU9hXIJ6cVUToh1EQbT2oqhC5Bd-fFM3U4RKM1je_4EJJuI8neMc1wTAe9uWWcwe0nBjlrvo6qF4/s1600/214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPWSOLrAoS3bkjnwIhZzU-qNUsnrzPxKzem1evSVFUoIEmb9zh0PT3DZyV3MxurNBU9hXIJ6cVUToh1EQbT2oqhC5Bd-fFM3U4RKM1je_4EJJuI8neMc1wTAe9uWWcwe0nBjlrvo6qF4/s320/214.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He is an animal lover and has a ton of stuffed animals he sleeps with. Or rather they all sleep on top of him because he piles them all on top of him when he goes to sleep at night. He likes the weight on him because of his sensory issues. He still wears AFO leg braces but has learned to put them on himself now which is a huge blessing and help every day to my routine. I try to keep schooling light and fun for him or he shuts down and will not focus. He is learning to write and every time he rights a letter with a space in it like the space in the letter "O" or lower case "e" he puts a smiley face in that little space. It takes him a long time to write anything because of his artistic add-ons. :) Actually he draws and colors very well. It is one of his great talents. He also loves animals from in the ocean like sharks, crabs and octopuses. On his cake this year he wanted my sister to put a red octopus on it. He specified for it not to look like a cartoon one but a real red octopus. My poor sister. The requests my kids make! But...true to her artistic form she pulled off a very red, real octopus cake! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrfYxwn5GjVMSjHhyphenhyphenhNI-I5mXBH7bNGB-QRa4nE8bBJzd9V1mGT9v6ai9CgxylbQ9_sY9533HgRVPYC2xdpOdrddyF1nG7iZdMDa3nudAs6DgdazBTLbG5sNCYeUFF3cdgLL-R6QfPUE/s1600/216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrfYxwn5GjVMSjHhyphenhyphenhNI-I5mXBH7bNGB-QRa4nE8bBJzd9V1mGT9v6ai9CgxylbQ9_sY9533HgRVPYC2xdpOdrddyF1nG7iZdMDa3nudAs6DgdazBTLbG5sNCYeUFF3cdgLL-R6QfPUE/s320/216.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
So cool and cute! The suckers and boarder are mini m and m's! Making one little boy very happy on his birthday! Thanks again Aunt "S"!<br />
<br />
He has come so far in behavior, awareness, learning and bonding. He is a sweetie that is going to do so well in life. He loves the Lord and it is precious to hear his little prayers. He blesses my heart daily! We are so blessed in the family God has built for us...so blessed.<br />
<br />
May God have His mighty hand on our two youngest sons. May He heal the hurts, fill in the holes and help them. May they both find Him at a young age and live for Him their whole lives. May they be greatly blessed and used of Him as they live and grow in Him!<br />
<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">John 1:16</span> <span class="passage-display-version"></span><span class="text John-1-16" id="en-KJV-26061">And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.</span></span> </h1>
</div>
<br />
Love, Dad, mom, Stephen, Antonio, William, Carolyn, Zeke, Elizabeth, Kinsley and Anna-Kate <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-41301986851120403562018-10-06T11:25:00.001-07:002018-10-06T11:25:45.440-07:00A Summer Of Small Trips pt.2In the last post, I started to share all the smaller trips we took over the summer, as we could not do a big family vacation anywhere. Antonio received a grant, that paid for a family membership to many local places we like to go, so we will be going to them frequently over the next year.<br />
<br />
The first place we went was covered in the last post, The Tennessee Valley Railway. Then we took the little boys and Elizabeth to the Booth Cowboy Art Museum. They do not allow many photos inside the museum as it will fade the artwork and it is quite dim inside, so we don't have many pictures from that trip. Here are what I did get and a picture next to one of the many beautiful statues out in front of the museum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafyw3wAzcGTXAJM0rTHC-20jeo2dcn8YRDNf0vUbBtsQHx-HPGJqYPs86rMLoxQSnlma0MfAQJCaWC6PJ8velKxhaGOzBISuDXdU5iAZcCw4KHm_rwZza1EJPB9SfbZTCjXxyCTP09U8/s1600/349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafyw3wAzcGTXAJM0rTHC-20jeo2dcn8YRDNf0vUbBtsQHx-HPGJqYPs86rMLoxQSnlma0MfAQJCaWC6PJ8velKxhaGOzBISuDXdU5iAZcCw4KHm_rwZza1EJPB9SfbZTCjXxyCTP09U8/s320/349.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My handsome hubby and the children we took with us on the trip. We only took the kids we knew would enjoy the whole experience and appreciate the artwork.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Yi_yulmP2EpgGwWb5zcOLWnUipKw8gLPdk_KPdDaK-oGnmhvSZXhNfEHShCQBb1GsIqvdtCwEKRH1xgkbQN-pzJBdM5mFO1aCjV_P2ZSiDvMb6CsJXMczvxBfufoP0rxBOxJtRari5o/s1600/356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Yi_yulmP2EpgGwWb5zcOLWnUipKw8gLPdk_KPdDaK-oGnmhvSZXhNfEHShCQBb1GsIqvdtCwEKRH1xgkbQN-pzJBdM5mFO1aCjV_P2ZSiDvMb6CsJXMczvxBfufoP0rxBOxJtRari5o/s320/356.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
My two youngest sons, they have come so far since joining our family. They feed off each other and cause reoccurring, really bad behaviors from their past to resurface, so I have to monitor their play and keep them separated unless supervised. They love each other but will hurt each other.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-xJFCTl2C3UFQ7SZzEv7lfAbHXjEoM0UtRQaox_PtVOzUMxqvCFj03n_sjY1kiVMPl2TEKboEN1KAIcpv_7kIi01pQw7LB37etZknovNyVfwUjnRUVi8fxXf8YtGhqp_Ik-KNDAOot4/s1600/357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-xJFCTl2C3UFQ7SZzEv7lfAbHXjEoM0UtRQaox_PtVOzUMxqvCFj03n_sjY1kiVMPl2TEKboEN1KAIcpv_7kIi01pQw7LB37etZknovNyVfwUjnRUVi8fxXf8YtGhqp_Ik-KNDAOot4/s320/357.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Elizabeth really enjoyed being the oldest on this trip and tried to be helpful with the younger children. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKC-MGpbad6jFnDB3Vws9nhife0KQZ722v0PMUvRTJBBdlTIKaWkOJ4acRp-UIc7SZaBVeC3J5flxL0CiQI0kTx63toIy5IVzYTAlXkuS_rBjEDS4wWSqN4zzQAw8HcUgLorPMW8paBTU/s1600/360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKC-MGpbad6jFnDB3Vws9nhife0KQZ722v0PMUvRTJBBdlTIKaWkOJ4acRp-UIc7SZaBVeC3J5flxL0CiQI0kTx63toIy5IVzYTAlXkuS_rBjEDS4wWSqN4zzQAw8HcUgLorPMW8paBTU/s320/360.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The boys just ate up all the cowboy artifacts, art, stories from the past and history of it all. Especially, the American Indian things.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3_BGPr96eTwl6J-p-XDZY7cfDyjNkdPTD2-0534DTLmHSAVm9qeYXcbkVcOgZUkqvoahjO7Te1Caa6RiA5DNLf1HQKT7T3tvoMuGVlIIhkdYjiP2-HPaSt4URfwPSxJVO7Q5NtRWAdA/s1600/373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3_BGPr96eTwl6J-p-XDZY7cfDyjNkdPTD2-0534DTLmHSAVm9qeYXcbkVcOgZUkqvoahjO7Te1Caa6RiA5DNLf1HQKT7T3tvoMuGVlIIhkdYjiP2-HPaSt4URfwPSxJVO7Q5NtRWAdA/s320/373.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
They had an area of interactive displays that the children just loved to play in. It was a very good day!<br />
<br />
<br />
The next place we went to was the Creative Children's Discovery museum in Chattanooga Tennessee. I love going there because everything is so hands on, safe and educational though interaction, that I can actually sit and watch the children just experience everything that is there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dKiQ1DR2RV6UXmlY6qo1H-7QJzNrQxA8PL5RsZw9jwLJc7uCF60CeyqeX0VtKXycfLHHr1_31PrNOWGwzOTe4IWd9GANCDaA8gNTgL17hJh59F9_MwMdc-JOL4u8TuQjvWbmMBY_uiw/s1600/396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dKiQ1DR2RV6UXmlY6qo1H-7QJzNrQxA8PL5RsZw9jwLJc7uCF60CeyqeX0VtKXycfLHHr1_31PrNOWGwzOTe4IWd9GANCDaA8gNTgL17hJh59F9_MwMdc-JOL4u8TuQjvWbmMBY_uiw/s320/396.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
Kinsley and Anna-Kate discovering how water flows.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnxbIPGOGous0dodf0Y8Vrw9SVFxCVmr3IOmlEJHl8i7EBzc0N0dsvJJ4avr2jnTZ6CggQjvaMTO9JlbVkzAyeEEFVGdmHoLK2F1Gc0YzRIfJTAO_3zrb6-5xYaCOTiJaGH81pqRleEY/s1600/406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnxbIPGOGous0dodf0Y8Vrw9SVFxCVmr3IOmlEJHl8i7EBzc0N0dsvJJ4avr2jnTZ6CggQjvaMTO9JlbVkzAyeEEFVGdmHoLK2F1Gc0YzRIfJTAO_3zrb6-5xYaCOTiJaGH81pqRleEY/s320/406.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Pulley's, buckets and water! Fun at any age.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_LeGjFuyA8-Uv6oq1I8Fprj0pe_iQuvKEq8RaQGASf-gmPli8rjJx2hpQ8M_aSq6nfGk0PzHnpZ2UN-DJzXrAcdHKQ-ZNLxr9t7QpsyPlOLuOVBlmpZG_wGx49zpe1X8KiO1MWM5Fx0/s1600/408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_LeGjFuyA8-Uv6oq1I8Fprj0pe_iQuvKEq8RaQGASf-gmPli8rjJx2hpQ8M_aSq6nfGk0PzHnpZ2UN-DJzXrAcdHKQ-ZNLxr9t7QpsyPlOLuOVBlmpZG_wGx49zpe1X8KiO1MWM5Fx0/s320/408.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
A draw bridge over water!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwYj4WkLKthe061cSOWKUahGiJU96gAJmKfGeL2-cC8OoVwRRKpOYBzP1spd_i6M1yqj_iidKKzyxBginyaKGeB5ApWBowzBYvNFmapCsutcGvp8R9tp47jw4UlLxIs4irQEIq3rFaqY/s1600/424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwYj4WkLKthe061cSOWKUahGiJU96gAJmKfGeL2-cC8OoVwRRKpOYBzP1spd_i6M1yqj_iidKKzyxBginyaKGeB5ApWBowzBYvNFmapCsutcGvp8R9tp47jw4UlLxIs4irQEIq3rFaqY/s320/424.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Kinsley driving!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsHJ1CbM7thGL-8mSaLyCuS_xvD2iDCYWVXEhTlyqXOizV6uMoAuH3ncu6rKcmbcqsEcY4gQgqTu43zUlGEnjagTSAGSkFvH_vn95aKmbYvSELXOT9a6oTBjSVrKNdYde06U1PHb2eNM/s1600/432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsHJ1CbM7thGL-8mSaLyCuS_xvD2iDCYWVXEhTlyqXOizV6uMoAuH3ncu6rKcmbcqsEcY4gQgqTu43zUlGEnjagTSAGSkFvH_vn95aKmbYvSELXOT9a6oTBjSVrKNdYde06U1PHb2eNM/s320/432.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Daniel tigers neighborhood. Her favorite!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA-Tf2Mu4uzl20kBOX8piwrIP0LPBnPN2cStS58ys2UHX1visQbdXRIh3_4AajT-oGkEy8_lkt7dsjfw6WyDOVwmrhqSZFJVefCjddaBpssM62m7pnEyguvpvDHKm3UPSpxxJgd613sg/s1600/437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA-Tf2Mu4uzl20kBOX8piwrIP0LPBnPN2cStS58ys2UHX1visQbdXRIh3_4AajT-oGkEy8_lkt7dsjfw6WyDOVwmrhqSZFJVefCjddaBpssM62m7pnEyguvpvDHKm3UPSpxxJgd613sg/s320/437.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Actually, everyone liked it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrz2LAxy3ZmeBU2KLNYPb5NVoZLCGDYjKf1ipW62XwXWOBDxLaH7d3EM_ojUA2H5wtPm-o3eVnZGXMrDrOGMOKCTt6BZ_T8h6hTR_vX7w4-xdXhLL3Qy2pwC9yi3mFXHRqz5DOpsnnSE/s1600/442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrz2LAxy3ZmeBU2KLNYPb5NVoZLCGDYjKf1ipW62XwXWOBDxLaH7d3EM_ojUA2H5wtPm-o3eVnZGXMrDrOGMOKCTt6BZ_T8h6hTR_vX7w4-xdXhLL3Qy2pwC9yi3mFXHRqz5DOpsnnSE/s320/442.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Pretending to file mail.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljSXibowA4pcU6gdQYwe57qJv9pap51ZxjyjIkdne6BVzchq8XPzO8a3yaZn2SR4R9rzaRxQo7rbSJTP4isYQ_FuEhEnpT10UEusMR59t5ziKuPRrtGl_rU_CCzWTSVHlBr4v-owfruU/s1600/444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljSXibowA4pcU6gdQYwe57qJv9pap51ZxjyjIkdne6BVzchq8XPzO8a3yaZn2SR4R9rzaRxQo7rbSJTP4isYQ_FuEhEnpT10UEusMR59t5ziKuPRrtGl_rU_CCzWTSVHlBr4v-owfruU/s320/444.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
My big guys.<br />
<br />
We also went to the aquarium and an indoor inflatables play park a few times. We had such a laid back good summer and are happily embracing fall and all that it holds right now. God is so good and we feel very blessed.<br />
<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Isaiah 12:2</span> <span class="passage-display-version"></span><span class="text Isa-12-2" id="en-KJV-17903">Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord Jehovah</span> is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.</span></span> </h1>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
susan<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-35087843234058472382018-09-01T11:39:00.001-07:002018-09-01T11:39:20.903-07:00A Summer Of Small Trips Pt. 1We could not afford to take a big vacation this year. It actually might be a few years until we can afford another, so we took many small local trips this year. Most of the trips we took, were memberships to local museums and such, paid for by a grant that Antonio qualified for Praise God. Which means, we can keep going to these same places, as many times as we wish, the rest of the year! Now that is a wonderful blessing!<br />
<br />
The first trip we took was to the Tennessee Valley Railroad. We have been there many times in the past and even went to "Day Out with Thomas" when William was about five.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCROQ_zfpG1z6gBZajW4mnT7i3JRkT714mnblL3xnDbTHJ2mDQRs-mmMEtBBuFzTRbM-PFBVpcBQ9bW_ddM2DkSC641XEfn9iD1U9vd0QRmrN3rsCv8w0PqvHO-oRd8EOidOfZhKggB4/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCROQ_zfpG1z6gBZajW4mnT7i3JRkT714mnblL3xnDbTHJ2mDQRs-mmMEtBBuFzTRbM-PFBVpcBQ9bW_ddM2DkSC641XEfn9iD1U9vd0QRmrN3rsCv8w0PqvHO-oRd8EOidOfZhKggB4/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Tim has also taken Zeke on several "one on one" trips, to go on the long train ride (day trip) for something special. I had not been there in years and none of the younger children had ever been there. So this was very exciting, especially for Timmy and Billy.<br />
<br />
There are many old, retired, trains there, to tour and see. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLzWQPPedBm1H0vIKwH1TFeCe6dobeBvkhP2l8FY3SqXcZzd93QXkj7epXcPXi7QuYjh_vwh7w73qvpTg3PPqVQWRS1CNjIHYSS7UDnnEv0ZTTiIKvXClLVpB8ikaiGkwpz04KrhTwco/s1600/123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLzWQPPedBm1H0vIKwH1TFeCe6dobeBvkhP2l8FY3SqXcZzd93QXkj7epXcPXi7QuYjh_vwh7w73qvpTg3PPqVQWRS1CNjIHYSS7UDnnEv0ZTTiIKvXClLVpB8ikaiGkwpz04KrhTwco/s320/123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The children all had such a wonderful time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfonkcrBE6BO6zFf73XflWruEbit1LNqo8SAJNxWvPOSpytTyPt76esW_Clj8qC2M7nwDw1smpt5v0FrHXUYfqQ8CJXTLd8KjC-2balSLhRI-F9Ok6QiP4G7SHbGKd3I0EexmdStaFkw/s1600/190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfonkcrBE6BO6zFf73XflWruEbit1LNqo8SAJNxWvPOSpytTyPt76esW_Clj8qC2M7nwDw1smpt5v0FrHXUYfqQ8CJXTLd8KjC-2balSLhRI-F9Ok6QiP4G7SHbGKd3I0EexmdStaFkw/s320/190.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The weather was perfect and children all in thier best form! William is always teasing and joking with his siblings.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6h1WKxrn1W9qixpRFM1RvlkSRq9Q_k4r92_ycATgwtx57TuJBojY0I3r3aIP7TY5av6OFBXlGinRZqbRDJXwLrnDmrPafUuM2qFBnw2SB4rKVejmDdxIEdoVM2vCdovFoFVw7c4F6aqU/s1600/195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6h1WKxrn1W9qixpRFM1RvlkSRq9Q_k4r92_ycATgwtx57TuJBojY0I3r3aIP7TY5av6OFBXlGinRZqbRDJXwLrnDmrPafUuM2qFBnw2SB4rKVejmDdxIEdoVM2vCdovFoFVw7c4F6aqU/s320/195.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Zeke and William are pretty rough with each other, in a fun, light, playful, brotherly way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSfefLgGf7HW7JrZZ-6MzdZ7PXP3dKtm9hWPJOi7dxcBqnd25kiboyIq3FJwIfEVIw5DkWqfMGNClVAOBSwAIwwJuxBGPUHbhfrooJEBwVsC-OHhNYzKsbXrbCGUHyeXW6HXi1dMMO2s/s1600/203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSfefLgGf7HW7JrZZ-6MzdZ7PXP3dKtm9hWPJOi7dxcBqnd25kiboyIq3FJwIfEVIw5DkWqfMGNClVAOBSwAIwwJuxBGPUHbhfrooJEBwVsC-OHhNYzKsbXrbCGUHyeXW6HXi1dMMO2s/s320/203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg046RI9-y3haBiVChvg-1ChHWneEIzEW-CpdAFBxtp9NGx9pwE1GIcWBUno0pyb35mawXDwPDI0dK9zQypv9R8lFXv0v-R-YsNfQFzxbMURj5ydfAPs5keQXp7yirbmnPBgyzGR7RXEr8/s1600/202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg046RI9-y3haBiVChvg-1ChHWneEIzEW-CpdAFBxtp9NGx9pwE1GIcWBUno0pyb35mawXDwPDI0dK9zQypv9R8lFXv0v-R-YsNfQFzxbMURj5ydfAPs5keQXp7yirbmnPBgyzGR7RXEr8/s320/202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmhoTWf-mXVYOgYd51Z8SypiNrTWDBfjsB_CXfMdqdseN2c5QjIn8i7KLiAq37NzPKxwExmLZVjjmL4L9A-rNrhHkM4TJ311RAkMzjLsIUyjoN5YzRIn4mJ7vst2HhR-klqaehqFQbEs/s1600/204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmhoTWf-mXVYOgYd51Z8SypiNrTWDBfjsB_CXfMdqdseN2c5QjIn8i7KLiAq37NzPKxwExmLZVjjmL4L9A-rNrhHkM4TJ311RAkMzjLsIUyjoN5YzRIn4mJ7vst2HhR-klqaehqFQbEs/s320/204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I am so grateful to God for my husband and family. That we all love each other. That the children get along for the most part. There are a few that have friction occasionally but they would go to bat for each other and support each other, through any hard times in a heartbeat. Spats are few and far between and they are all great friends as well as siblings. It has taken a long time but even Elizabeth has grown friendships between herself and her siblings. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXcCXdgC_ig_23hz4MJbvWBOHSmeqkhaWWSajsIL6-TcO2KrMTZ7-7biKBmj1fzaNMfqFHZjbd1ell0OPNv4BP-3mvfW-v9OpuqpMHHyiN4epVojd_7udZGGfawwM2lvJmcAah6TNGfk/s1600/228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXcCXdgC_ig_23hz4MJbvWBOHSmeqkhaWWSajsIL6-TcO2KrMTZ7-7biKBmj1fzaNMfqFHZjbd1ell0OPNv4BP-3mvfW-v9OpuqpMHHyiN4epVojd_7udZGGfawwM2lvJmcAah6TNGfk/s320/228.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The kids had so much fun looking around in all the train cars and touring the caboose. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bJB47tC65VNYAESAwblffBqSrmPqB6mgJA9RHFR0PCQDdpS_xLIMGD4SsSiw09qJU9uKWxant-SpXNcxi1WMhgd9bgyWW05GHXfUpJAX9fIYyfEK9xeuVIs5tHVnTLstspiecDutOZk/s1600/252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bJB47tC65VNYAESAwblffBqSrmPqB6mgJA9RHFR0PCQDdpS_xLIMGD4SsSiw09qJU9uKWxant-SpXNcxi1WMhgd9bgyWW05GHXfUpJAX9fIYyfEK9xeuVIs5tHVnTLstspiecDutOZk/s320/252.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It was amazing to me how huge the wheels are on these trains. All of the boys were so interested in the gears and mechanics of it all. We were so happy to have daddy with us on this field trip!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDBZPIBQX5ZIf2_bWZJTNSew5HaxsoKxdN9I-HqZ3AdlVjNdneO0MVzd69kzZINP_d-dh9M5uMjSyNXAn_LMug3IogwTAyY7v3J1TIDehWdIFL1uTUd6WyJ8aIWorm0xShjQ58u6hAa4/s1600/261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDBZPIBQX5ZIf2_bWZJTNSew5HaxsoKxdN9I-HqZ3AdlVjNdneO0MVzd69kzZINP_d-dh9M5uMjSyNXAn_LMug3IogwTAyY7v3J1TIDehWdIFL1uTUd6WyJ8aIWorm0xShjQ58u6hAa4/s320/261.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwphexerFXsjtZo-p08svakKjyw9Bvv3LTlkAAzwOUOBSjH6g8408KHow6PCgQECoWd-SnBgW3YgYuuMmY15lbsOUEhZWj2CKBYpWXUBbXBIzoHXkOBXGW3Lo8OLg1JgauGBaemqT5Xuk/s1600/265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwphexerFXsjtZo-p08svakKjyw9Bvv3LTlkAAzwOUOBSjH6g8408KHow6PCgQECoWd-SnBgW3YgYuuMmY15lbsOUEhZWj2CKBYpWXUBbXBIzoHXkOBXGW3Lo8OLg1JgauGBaemqT5Xuk/s320/265.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We toured the whole train yard and then the kids and dad rode the steam engine. I stayed at the station with Antonio. The ride goes over bridges and through a tunnel. It ends at the "works" or shop, where they repair all the trains. They remove the engine and everyone watches it turn around on the turn-table and get re-coupled. Then the train pulls them back to the station. It is a lot of fun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAxKFvc8bsonODcWdtpRRJ2TDzJcXGq_XGHDGlF0T7qa9cxTKqJ0sCaaCuMQYCOH89OODrd4aSXmWyT7Sk0KJFwchOCqyd3PK2lBtzwNhB32TMPipfKFtk2Xa-0M_2dyOicAkqIEOjAM/s1600/286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAxKFvc8bsonODcWdtpRRJ2TDzJcXGq_XGHDGlF0T7qa9cxTKqJ0sCaaCuMQYCOH89OODrd4aSXmWyT7Sk0KJFwchOCqyd3PK2lBtzwNhB32TMPipfKFtk2Xa-0M_2dyOicAkqIEOjAM/s320/286.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Getting off the train, Kinsley says good bye and thank you to the conductor. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyz1Xn5ORQFzC7LVL2fApsF_WD-GoV4-TRbOViMTljUP0i5A4WDDTQ8mSNnFC_RRggSowQKYoRIGPLbroAp_YERR3ZtslMArWo-_BYec4QjTVAlBoofxw1l9p8RcZ9viiZgHZjkToBn9s/s1600/296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyz1Xn5ORQFzC7LVL2fApsF_WD-GoV4-TRbOViMTljUP0i5A4WDDTQ8mSNnFC_RRggSowQKYoRIGPLbroAp_YERR3ZtslMArWo-_BYec4QjTVAlBoofxw1l9p8RcZ9viiZgHZjkToBn9s/s320/296.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Antonio was having a good spell over the weeks of summer we took these fun trips, Glory to God! This young man is such a good son. :) He has it so hard but is such an inspiration and survivor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnKtQz43ti6vZxOGuCHywnArt69ulwy3_Nuuwyv3Ixykz_RQeoEOLjBQwajAE6LsGNu7nMdotU8dMqho1EYe-D8Qok2cHbPl8Oeh5k24ZrTL3xCjdjAtGQCIcgJ6uz92gA8ZoNvnfETY/s1600/166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnKtQz43ti6vZxOGuCHywnArt69ulwy3_Nuuwyv3Ixykz_RQeoEOLjBQwajAE6LsGNu7nMdotU8dMqho1EYe-D8Qok2cHbPl8Oeh5k24ZrTL3xCjdjAtGQCIcgJ6uz92gA8ZoNvnfETY/s320/166.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My sweet, sweet Carolyn. She has always been with me. I have always home schooled her and she has been my right hand girl. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Oh how I miss her when she is away at school this year. She made the choice to attend public school three days a week to participate in their special needs work program. It is such a wonderful opportunity for her but oh do I miss her.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcWDW88-ZIctEhhzYk3poijWGUO10PE9wblBv-BEQZLaRmc2UNZCArYxOJT4xi6HKOPgSonW9K1rTH05HNpnQNejSnPrnp-2LSHG9lGUYo47ZWmso4VEJ34VJpYmi5TUywyTeie_EfsU/s1600/226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcWDW88-ZIctEhhzYk3poijWGUO10PE9wblBv-BEQZLaRmc2UNZCArYxOJT4xi6HKOPgSonW9K1rTH05HNpnQNejSnPrnp-2LSHG9lGUYo47ZWmso4VEJ34VJpYmi5TUywyTeie_EfsU/s320/226.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My youngest princesses. These two are so happy to have each other. I pray they always stay this close.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCcefOFqX0k_U2Xqz4uRtq2Bgm5JZsh0TVgHUbKPFQTD12cDGPklUbEQVS9NEJ5RLACJVy_w2_0Dip4pl05oFaiv1od511CwbdOXzj1YuvYYbiqv0AwNeEeXaJMzrNIpC9aYgVuum0NU/s1600/271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCcefOFqX0k_U2Xqz4uRtq2Bgm5JZsh0TVgHUbKPFQTD12cDGPklUbEQVS9NEJ5RLACJVy_w2_0Dip4pl05oFaiv1od511CwbdOXzj1YuvYYbiqv0AwNeEeXaJMzrNIpC9aYgVuum0NU/s320/271.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sigh. Billy had a great time but boy is he a handful every waking hour. It can be exhausting at times. I love him dearly but a challenge, he is. These boys are a miracle and have come so far! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNha2IMmDN6i_gNA6pQuXq2CNr-JRjeMIdlorzlxjW82bkxnBJVIEvOC3wkbZW1kRjp0pODvgtysteAQwBoZlpAlR4yxc5vM_zca6jZxpPLbF9NqCL-xe5QJN7XfWb3xqs7r9AMG4K0JU/s1600/273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNha2IMmDN6i_gNA6pQuXq2CNr-JRjeMIdlorzlxjW82bkxnBJVIEvOC3wkbZW1kRjp0pODvgtysteAQwBoZlpAlR4yxc5vM_zca6jZxpPLbF9NqCL-xe5QJN7XfWb3xqs7r9AMG4K0JU/s320/273.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It sure was a wonderful day and full of such happy memories, that will last a lifetime. I am grateful to God for my life and all of our many blessings!<br />
<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Psalm 50:23</span> <span class="passage-display-version"></span><span class="text Ps-50-23" id="en-KJV-14692">Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.</span></span> </h1>
</div>
.<br />
<br />
May God be with you now and always as you live and grow in Him!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
susan<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-89277284468946915912018-07-22T09:50:00.000-07:002018-07-22T09:50:26.276-07:00Happy Birthday To Our Oldest!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT61U20HYhnp0VLaRIPBzcdHgmMi-60KWubHOVNh89NjWpYKDmpVZRZWbKqUYlLpW7GWCWSXyAjqs-xyNOm5iIzL43tB53AF0fFn6JCUS2_g9P7cZAv94Ven1uOjYKni-ff28c3MUZjSs/s1600/6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT61U20HYhnp0VLaRIPBzcdHgmMi-60KWubHOVNh89NjWpYKDmpVZRZWbKqUYlLpW7GWCWSXyAjqs-xyNOm5iIzL43tB53AF0fFn6JCUS2_g9P7cZAv94Ven1uOjYKni-ff28c3MUZjSs/s320/6a.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
Stephen was the one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwetO5XRGW65S76co7WEPkNX5qPpssxXuqs3x4gWR5SRJ2M6rbBQB1V1mSZ30GU3v6zgBO2eGwSvCpQjkibDwKOSltbdhmlsgwKO5zhv6w_utf8VZru5TK5SxueY9OxtdOyIeWxekVQk/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwetO5XRGW65S76co7WEPkNX5qPpssxXuqs3x4gWR5SRJ2M6rbBQB1V1mSZ30GU3v6zgBO2eGwSvCpQjkibDwKOSltbdhmlsgwKO5zhv6w_utf8VZru5TK5SxueY9OxtdOyIeWxekVQk/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The one who first made me a mom!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpCnU6qPHdPj-y4MHbKH4ByqRVfIPj-7BivQJU2uXvExQjJnZZUCsafTUtl5Rn8BBdsbQA6NM7yYQPkOG9M4nHqvV3Vwrsttp9ERwp2YhAxeeIE7XsMYuMnWtgod5-UnYhKAwslk51sw/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1376" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpCnU6qPHdPj-y4MHbKH4ByqRVfIPj-7BivQJU2uXvExQjJnZZUCsafTUtl5Rn8BBdsbQA6NM7yYQPkOG9M4nHqvV3Vwrsttp9ERwp2YhAxeeIE7XsMYuMnWtgod5-UnYhKAwslk51sw/s320/8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The first of many children in my life. He had me to himself for 9 years before we had more!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt9cwXOm3Gl3rltOry7oBKl8XqVxdhGgwMleIQZJrEZHaAdJAN16YM7TAj21AJq6qpPJhpZuPfaS23Xbpq96y1VyZCwXgWnD7F6xClTVwTfLyU5Nd22akimuVxuX6Dtj1s9ZgOmhfCkY/s1600/PD_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1536" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt9cwXOm3Gl3rltOry7oBKl8XqVxdhGgwMleIQZJrEZHaAdJAN16YM7TAj21AJq6qpPJhpZuPfaS23Xbpq96y1VyZCwXgWnD7F6xClTVwTfLyU5Nd22akimuVxuX6Dtj1s9ZgOmhfCkY/s320/PD_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The one who first filled my heart with a love that only your child can make you feel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACxLxj9EcOxLP0Hfy0mx4PWT1kKNNhAkAEKyoHurOhdo3mXWe3EgmeQdEhSz7Dx8jNpgIrAnQNOK2bKpWW_aR9Wu-p6KUJZ-5TbwpWjPkhrpukkeMSaG2HPdUB-ZYODOEB_asMNb3ho0/s1600/PD_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1504" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACxLxj9EcOxLP0Hfy0mx4PWT1kKNNhAkAEKyoHurOhdo3mXWe3EgmeQdEhSz7Dx8jNpgIrAnQNOK2bKpWW_aR9Wu-p6KUJZ-5TbwpWjPkhrpukkeMSaG2HPdUB-ZYODOEB_asMNb3ho0/s320/PD_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The one who first gave me the somber reality that I was responsible for another life, their well being, care, education and upbringing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_cdwWhKHJj1ZsPBBnaifO5vmBh1x9jjNK95OioO1V2_QnZc4PvxJk0oUCflOCo4rtFg0KEAsR2gtnGrPcDu7WvDJDAmVgIVx1JQAAs28o2h8JjfJdPd5IS20SMgit6NJC-T_4XqLzl4/s1600/a12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1440" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_cdwWhKHJj1ZsPBBnaifO5vmBh1x9jjNK95OioO1V2_QnZc4PvxJk0oUCflOCo4rtFg0KEAsR2gtnGrPcDu7WvDJDAmVgIVx1JQAAs28o2h8JjfJdPd5IS20SMgit6NJC-T_4XqLzl4/s320/a12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The one who first filled that little niche between your neck and shoulder that only a newborn fills when held.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPINL4gyVU8gSBBFLOCM4IBfmpqKhQw0Svm8_3EfMfcAYqGcXoVFYxlxYXKkdDyPegsovNj38BjQVhPmT9oGJTBJjd6SQzbP8EGSpntlz3Vmbm04UuMmQWLOWqZR-H9a7BP48-MVgKKM/s1600/PD_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1138" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPINL4gyVU8gSBBFLOCM4IBfmpqKhQw0Svm8_3EfMfcAYqGcXoVFYxlxYXKkdDyPegsovNj38BjQVhPmT9oGJTBJjd6SQzbP8EGSpntlz3Vmbm04UuMmQWLOWqZR-H9a7BP48-MVgKKM/s320/PD_0001.JPG" width="227" /></a></div>
The one who first gave me a joy, that only a parent feels, when their child does the amazing things they learn to do.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlsOMJKGBNf9aGJ2Zfvl9q5v3ZF15RlF49DN7vmTX4o1s-YJv4M-jn4XdJFOHEUKHjHj0zVrmaub1vjx9QWV_swK0dhjotWM5sqx1ATtuh_lRiFvieLS8ldQZSp1DBsTvM2N2Nk1TmEk/s1600/11a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="928" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlsOMJKGBNf9aGJ2Zfvl9q5v3ZF15RlF49DN7vmTX4o1s-YJv4M-jn4XdJFOHEUKHjHj0zVrmaub1vjx9QWV_swK0dhjotWM5sqx1ATtuh_lRiFvieLS8ldQZSp1DBsTvM2N2Nk1TmEk/s320/11a.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
The one who first started filling my mind with special family memories of our own.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGGjzm-ZUHrXZtTTPgri7lAMgo5HUr9po9Ri54amUtZ1F88TUP0oo21F-X3emQiCQykQL1gK78zxRALfdPBeAtbPOEjPEzH1dw_RVW3ZswBNeghnobI0-gN-yGsmydgM2O2tMODO3L58/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1261" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGGjzm-ZUHrXZtTTPgri7lAMgo5HUr9po9Ri54amUtZ1F88TUP0oo21F-X3emQiCQykQL1gK78zxRALfdPBeAtbPOEjPEzH1dw_RVW3ZswBNeghnobI0-gN-yGsmydgM2O2tMODO3L58/s320/10.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
The one who first started showing me so much about myself from a child's eyes. (Kids will repeat anything you know!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3U3fNT0Ndub6MYIMH893y3gA-y0b7dD2eVykwBN3QdlEnapYOanQNnhBhihihm3ysdP9lm8pfFjT-Rn_hGaN8EjnbBXrMvQ6oBhC3aWl2xW3g5mcjKhlHC24F9nLtTeJ0vVCT-4IzVY/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3U3fNT0Ndub6MYIMH893y3gA-y0b7dD2eVykwBN3QdlEnapYOanQNnhBhihihm3ysdP9lm8pfFjT-Rn_hGaN8EjnbBXrMvQ6oBhC3aWl2xW3g5mcjKhlHC24F9nLtTeJ0vVCT-4IzVY/s320/9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The one that first said the sweetest "I love you mom" ever to me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEM-8Mc4RVZ9PjJW6raPEbkx9yoUb4Oc0gIQOdVUhL7qjFszRQnSgfnJODCMABm1ri-V7QxpPGD_wDOVowEJkjh3FOY86GYwqpGUYr3xNqdFd-5J3imXRAimrJ9xlEJZnaWSlK0J_EZ0/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1386" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEM-8Mc4RVZ9PjJW6raPEbkx9yoUb4Oc0gIQOdVUhL7qjFszRQnSgfnJODCMABm1ri-V7QxpPGD_wDOVowEJkjh3FOY86GYwqpGUYr3xNqdFd-5J3imXRAimrJ9xlEJZnaWSlK0J_EZ0/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The one who first made my heart rejoice with their happiness and ache when theirs ached.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwFS1ABL1Y6qxb5sYBDxMJykLCJuNWyWRYiPS4HgV_FBf-7MtS-E4Ve5ovoNxiFojSKrYrOvXWpuw56Np0hrmJ_VUL4OxIzT4uzV3OgXAkGVqvZ5KLMB1VEOIwMB7tcbBolY8aGxiRws/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1040" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwFS1ABL1Y6qxb5sYBDxMJykLCJuNWyWRYiPS4HgV_FBf-7MtS-E4Ve5ovoNxiFojSKrYrOvXWpuw56Np0hrmJ_VUL4OxIzT4uzV3OgXAkGVqvZ5KLMB1VEOIwMB7tcbBolY8aGxiRws/s320/4.JPG" width="231" /></a></div>
The one who first brought out my mamma bear feelings of protection for him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03cEBAWj4tIOBG6IenX6OmVJJQIGhCiA5Iqt-DK7atoWEDwePf6lPccciag6ti3CfMky7qbaFOqXVK2PFO7hpziIvJbPNrSHN9QujzY27WCtCu_nTQjqRILdsCfBAwDJITs_bjSYSI08/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03cEBAWj4tIOBG6IenX6OmVJJQIGhCiA5Iqt-DK7atoWEDwePf6lPccciag6ti3CfMky7qbaFOqXVK2PFO7hpziIvJbPNrSHN9QujzY27WCtCu_nTQjqRILdsCfBAwDJITs_bjSYSI08/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The one that first broke my heart by saying something in a hurtful way that only our children can do. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J55REg6C9bwrdP9hzi9UrpSGaDkl8173_lUb4xFPv4_0q00WOvK75AoZiRQFWpdXmSALK4EcxDmkajCgoaiEXLx_Eqy12UwAXgtinbPz6Lerz7tZkLA20iU-zOcKn4BrbtjhgKSQFa4/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J55REg6C9bwrdP9hzi9UrpSGaDkl8173_lUb4xFPv4_0q00WOvK75AoZiRQFWpdXmSALK4EcxDmkajCgoaiEXLx_Eqy12UwAXgtinbPz6Lerz7tZkLA20iU-zOcKn4BrbtjhgKSQFa4/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The one who I made mistakes on as I learned how to be a good parent! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_586LsOgyjDlVhzh4AUz0cSj5VYN0cl8ApAzGK1VSwEJzK7NrScmj9csjuBDE-45rupF2vZHEpD3qQXT2NEvUAgHf5uVvHGzCuFialcnfeIlOX03pmjDtB41aYTadLgiHXhYEjeB0IdM/s1600/PICT1052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_586LsOgyjDlVhzh4AUz0cSj5VYN0cl8ApAzGK1VSwEJzK7NrScmj9csjuBDE-45rupF2vZHEpD3qQXT2NEvUAgHf5uVvHGzCuFialcnfeIlOX03pmjDtB41aYTadLgiHXhYEjeB0IdM/s320/PICT1052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The first one I home schooled!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSz12bp3lfM7XrzLoVurrkSQwivkBLFicnUD97XfJFJdey2ki2u9X3YAri0gv1jbREbSHZznnNVYt9tu_HNeom1RySzAupeGfc9yepQSgUJZQ47KAQ-zwOSIvHRJyqPurg99rGXrQLZ-Y/s1600/PICT1321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSz12bp3lfM7XrzLoVurrkSQwivkBLFicnUD97XfJFJdey2ki2u9X3YAri0gv1jbREbSHZznnNVYt9tu_HNeom1RySzAupeGfc9yepQSgUJZQ47KAQ-zwOSIvHRJyqPurg99rGXrQLZ-Y/s320/PICT1321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The one who was the child of my youth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8eXoniopMhZiZa3kj6Rp8NS7uEo6NZaiYLWmwaV0jx1tPPxHLHOrCttl2IzuZy7rUdp6UTqA6AK0UodRkbLcYPT2J78AJGY-2XbPpZJAJUqxOMuyjNIInV2YafT9R1MukqhQvcAZOEs/s1600/PICT6125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8eXoniopMhZiZa3kj6Rp8NS7uEo6NZaiYLWmwaV0jx1tPPxHLHOrCttl2IzuZy7rUdp6UTqA6AK0UodRkbLcYPT2J78AJGY-2XbPpZJAJUqxOMuyjNIInV2YafT9R1MukqhQvcAZOEs/s320/PICT6125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The one I grew up with.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5lgfkcPy8CyTp-iSCq_VeeLpum0nToqiy7mdZHA4RM99cyBQHHaa_SoZE_FTa-VK7bR7-JtT6mx6bboDsPsr0oQ4t7XqllHvdks2yJahCFvoi2qOeFcPmHAmyToF9snfviNa_40HTf8/s1600/411a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1341" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5lgfkcPy8CyTp-iSCq_VeeLpum0nToqiy7mdZHA4RM99cyBQHHaa_SoZE_FTa-VK7bR7-JtT6mx6bboDsPsr0oQ4t7XqllHvdks2yJahCFvoi2qOeFcPmHAmyToF9snfviNa_40HTf8/s320/411a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The first one to help me navigate the teen years with.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwExQmYOrptiIBfWX2zrPYsWkgQrE0urrZEMTeUoYBp1YbF2Bp9CIlk2vxN1zI4_3zVU80oiVwlPSc_kt3bHBOwofYweVlbOOKkaPuTeortwAsfteelpkd8JsiHM7ywA2OeKZDGkXydyk/s1600/photoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="708" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwExQmYOrptiIBfWX2zrPYsWkgQrE0urrZEMTeUoYBp1YbF2Bp9CIlk2vxN1zI4_3zVU80oiVwlPSc_kt3bHBOwofYweVlbOOKkaPuTeortwAsfteelpkd8JsiHM7ywA2OeKZDGkXydyk/s320/photoa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The first one I learned that I had to leave them in Gods hands and trust. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybQ_kEA6d84xwql1Cl1wK8yaxZL3TR7DkO0DjitsGTyB2TCUfGduCC0qN2_cYh-Gf7Nlu2OtCq3_2I206NhkzPlNKVQmjVX19G-XS678B1jJ6LBWdF7wzJPy1CfiZ7J-3sF7X7SPSu0I/s1600/269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybQ_kEA6d84xwql1Cl1wK8yaxZL3TR7DkO0DjitsGTyB2TCUfGduCC0qN2_cYh-Gf7Nlu2OtCq3_2I206NhkzPlNKVQmjVX19G-XS678B1jJ6LBWdF7wzJPy1CfiZ7J-3sF7X7SPSu0I/s320/269.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The first one I became friends with.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHZzqpIoCyW_vINpUxWbof-sJ7b3bhDqmSFYhJRgzgHpXVQoqQp6WQYPlWUjVuxYkIFOZO2tVSKoCDI13b0lnBrVtPPWYFq-pW13x1zovg1lRuaqyCe8jkJ3JSVh6AkGX1657Mie1br4/s1600/622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHZzqpIoCyW_vINpUxWbof-sJ7b3bhDqmSFYhJRgzgHpXVQoqQp6WQYPlWUjVuxYkIFOZO2tVSKoCDI13b0lnBrVtPPWYFq-pW13x1zovg1lRuaqyCe8jkJ3JSVh6AkGX1657Mie1br4/s320/622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The first one I saw graduate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUgBnLYf5NzGjcrhyphenhyphenrc2MGIJ87Fsk2OfCiT-BCADJfmI7BgyIb-FATinI36WgG4LJ6kVs8V84Sc-ZYbw0sTWLCjaRqfkcY9ufqKKZa5H5ypJy3T8LRVOIVFEwcwHMdEj-hem76sqpJJE/s1600/1014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUgBnLYf5NzGjcrhyphenhyphenrc2MGIJ87Fsk2OfCiT-BCADJfmI7BgyIb-FATinI36WgG4LJ6kVs8V84Sc-ZYbw0sTWLCjaRqfkcY9ufqKKZa5H5ypJy3T8LRVOIVFEwcwHMdEj-hem76sqpJJE/s320/1014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The one I first had to let spread their wings and leave the nest.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0yY0xqoFwneduudPCoD1bs12PjqSjM_NXTn_W63FTMjsf7Fl9I2CLbYBdoIyW4xsXzH0Szh_whHggxFGGvD2mcOngGG1iKzTH_JHbxVBcKpieqKplLQOB3xEqJpGi8yiQ_TL7mgu0OM/s1600/Family+picture+thanksgiving+2015+AA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0yY0xqoFwneduudPCoD1bs12PjqSjM_NXTn_W63FTMjsf7Fl9I2CLbYBdoIyW4xsXzH0Szh_whHggxFGGvD2mcOngGG1iKzTH_JHbxVBcKpieqKplLQOB3xEqJpGi8yiQ_TL7mgu0OM/s320/Family+picture+thanksgiving+2015+AA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The first one to come back to visit and have holidays meals here at the house with.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlM-4pVBXPh5OivxmfUe2yPGb-gPNPlkkrm4t3pxXh7QAzD3BruWHxzx-cxN0dAFIukqgqoh7eX3nDe25qc2T4rfmo2b-8MMnjCwUSpRRCz3vExvZfE6l7K3V8ETR4ei68sc0yINg3-I/s1600/159a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1214" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlM-4pVBXPh5OivxmfUe2yPGb-gPNPlkkrm4t3pxXh7QAzD3BruWHxzx-cxN0dAFIukqgqoh7eX3nDe25qc2T4rfmo2b-8MMnjCwUSpRRCz3vExvZfE6l7K3V8ETR4ei68sc0yINg3-I/s320/159a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My life was full of firsts with this son of ours. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFg5oRa5YUVhTrAofFEuLhnXqqk7qCJf47XcU71kHrjhyphenhyphenJ-VFXRQmDu1yjMNgr-D6b0GA-c9LBhJogqfGN1jJ8iYop8ASx-q9T1lcFAJzgEtm_kPYnbqCwSa-NcDncdj1W4hqxkyOCeGM/s1600/20171123_140158002_1514209822268_1514217733711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFg5oRa5YUVhTrAofFEuLhnXqqk7qCJf47XcU71kHrjhyphenhyphenJ-VFXRQmDu1yjMNgr-D6b0GA-c9LBhJogqfGN1jJ8iYop8ASx-q9T1lcFAJzgEtm_kPYnbqCwSa-NcDncdj1W4hqxkyOCeGM/s320/20171123_140158002_1514209822268_1514217733711.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
He is the one I am so happy and blessed to be mom to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVWTvTUR-MsqEYFBRLt3jqD8mg7C_LkKL5Q48CsaW-hffAeh6QtpmVojyvfN4OdZZICA3htt_mWLSG-j8UkQih8Eywsa6A4UonQphNJwFamqSJFDqctHFhw7TG8-mCAdKJX55WMLRco0/s1600/20171123_144152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVWTvTUR-MsqEYFBRLt3jqD8mg7C_LkKL5Q48CsaW-hffAeh6QtpmVojyvfN4OdZZICA3htt_mWLSG-j8UkQih8Eywsa6A4UonQphNJwFamqSJFDqctHFhw7TG8-mCAdKJX55WMLRco0/s320/20171123_144152.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Happy birthday my oldest son! I love you fiercely and pray for you fervently! May the Lord God in heaven have His mighty hand on your heart and life as you live and grow in Him!<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Romans 12:2</span> <span class="passage-display-version"></span><span class="text Rom-12-2" id="en-KJV-28248">And
be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God.</span></span> </h1>
</div>
<br />
Love, Dad, mom, Antonio, William, Carolyn, Zeke, Elizabeth, Billy, Timothy, Kinsley and Anna-Kate Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-12645203778754691222018-07-08T13:35:00.001-07:002018-07-08T13:35:36.450-07:00A Year Older! 2018Happy birthday to one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life! I have the privileged and am blessed, to call him son. Happy Birthday William!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtVHv-ANqBsOmwc1A6nQdCPEIJOB9hvOvuEZhpIFm6WVC4X7vsb52_oy5XPUWzVIV0ydAXeHqpwHhrQhYsMoYfKfgxSE66i87-HfFL-whAVi88a7ZPjskEbVIZIbDWbmNAx6LCsr2uwQ/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtVHv-ANqBsOmwc1A6nQdCPEIJOB9hvOvuEZhpIFm6WVC4X7vsb52_oy5XPUWzVIV0ydAXeHqpwHhrQhYsMoYfKfgxSE66i87-HfFL-whAVi88a7ZPjskEbVIZIbDWbmNAx6LCsr2uwQ/s320/24.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
It was hot that July. I was a bit over due. I was so uncomfortable. Every day I woke up hoping today would be the day. I thought William was going to be born on the 4th. I was hoping William would be born on the 4th. I was praying William would be born on the 4th. God chose for him to be born later than that. :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPcq4ZwylElue7DGQKZVPT8TNHGvjrDsF77HV692RnQTBNYX_j_HXtt2Pi_hc_d9KuBI6OAD4gLoluGRTOtEOvrSDEDcbyqJ4cIogDhLbag0xz5Xz2bXP_QmmgvGFNb9otmkeeXCRcuk/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1168" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPcq4ZwylElue7DGQKZVPT8TNHGvjrDsF77HV692RnQTBNYX_j_HXtt2Pi_hc_d9KuBI6OAD4gLoluGRTOtEOvrSDEDcbyqJ4cIogDhLbag0xz5Xz2bXP_QmmgvGFNb9otmkeeXCRcuk/s320/9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
When he was born, all the days of discomfort were a distant memory. All that I had just went through was forgotten. He was here, healthy and loved. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV50lYm8E2_vpunZ15Sjf35lWb6V3BHYBp3H-tc5EfzreT5a2C34flCyZ1Z9An1sW3mmSXGiMUYOoyRCx8wM7W9gOUcvTYgSmGgnLOmBkW3w8eDdha-hQsgT0IlPceejWZGj-nFAQxx7Y/s1600/a68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1062" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV50lYm8E2_vpunZ15Sjf35lWb6V3BHYBp3H-tc5EfzreT5a2C34flCyZ1Z9An1sW3mmSXGiMUYOoyRCx8wM7W9gOUcvTYgSmGgnLOmBkW3w8eDdha-hQsgT0IlPceejWZGj-nFAQxx7Y/s320/a68.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
Little did I know, as I held him for the first time, all the struggles we would face together and what a sweet, happy and obedient little guy he would always be. Autism has been a challenge but you have relied on God to help you be successful and thrive. Praise God!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTVKsIoUkyuLrVhvswFglRRknn2QyKQ29cf1QH4uP56JoiIJlx6hvjthwkRvBQ4Le_Hfg2NPq6CW7vlDout1iKl2M3T2hKH7OsjGeWulDuD4_Pg22ksFSQTky8TxEAeflUsR0qi5o5Xc/s1600/a37a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1015" data-original-width="715" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTVKsIoUkyuLrVhvswFglRRknn2QyKQ29cf1QH4uP56JoiIJlx6hvjthwkRvBQ4Le_Hfg2NPq6CW7vlDout1iKl2M3T2hKH7OsjGeWulDuD4_Pg22ksFSQTky8TxEAeflUsR0qi5o5Xc/s320/a37a.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
Such a blessing to us from the moment I found out I was pregnant.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVs2CrORbVu_2IHWzXGQQ08KHmsMBC6TgsRcpRc0rIItcvsgQ-vB1GLfMD23NO59e5hQk6W_cXO6C3MDiLIUuq8e4bvNzt_mtWDAW4P2T39VyWi_-NMGmqBDpRan5vyXWaS5Wjzc9pkc/s1600/19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVs2CrORbVu_2IHWzXGQQ08KHmsMBC6TgsRcpRc0rIItcvsgQ-vB1GLfMD23NO59e5hQk6W_cXO6C3MDiLIUuq8e4bvNzt_mtWDAW4P2T39VyWi_-NMGmqBDpRan5vyXWaS5Wjzc9pkc/s320/19.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
William has never been a moments trouble and has and is always as helpful as he can be.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyBB8hxeoxg-oQ92RxtsLMbjxCfyniLP7q7JMktpgxKMGdSjmjNUB_wv9F3eTwc94DfAXvh_pAsijHePHlTIkK3BphsCQZ71OHaAj859Yxi91QepUGFKfz6-wR3LbK7qLzv6qsrObD20/s1600/13a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1077" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyBB8hxeoxg-oQ92RxtsLMbjxCfyniLP7q7JMktpgxKMGdSjmjNUB_wv9F3eTwc94DfAXvh_pAsijHePHlTIkK3BphsCQZ71OHaAj859Yxi91QepUGFKfz6-wR3LbK7qLzv6qsrObD20/s320/13a.JPG" width="215" /></a></div>
He is always asking if there is anything I need him for or if there is anything I need him to do. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXp2MzgdkhaIuhb5_BpH0QVjt7JnyUl-r7I8SdB5dzM_K5K7SsHJylt18wd4Hp4gcl09CjXyd5y6oVC1VqtenN0-BCht_NL502Up3yBCLwUdHKBoLau6S4M1pJzzyLzgEppbIlA7qfn0o/s1600/PICT0059abb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1415" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXp2MzgdkhaIuhb5_BpH0QVjt7JnyUl-r7I8SdB5dzM_K5K7SsHJylt18wd4Hp4gcl09CjXyd5y6oVC1VqtenN0-BCht_NL502Up3yBCLwUdHKBoLau6S4M1pJzzyLzgEppbIlA7qfn0o/s320/PICT0059abb.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William and his first personal dog Will.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If I am struggling or trying to make an important decision, aside from praying about it, he is one of the first people I ask his opinion about it. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAg_nVO_EEzDFhZcdqJIWuKQNQi_Av7Pl42mwudJF0d777wlJ_JoP_57LourLyMR1t9vztBLq1sVFz52Yl7lQIB3A9p5cp5SAWHvvAuTYGGZ0Gptu-XQkKiA-Ql5kNcGo38Vy2lernmA/s1600/PICT4178aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1150" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAg_nVO_EEzDFhZcdqJIWuKQNQi_Av7Pl42mwudJF0d777wlJ_JoP_57LourLyMR1t9vztBLq1sVFz52Yl7lQIB3A9p5cp5SAWHvvAuTYGGZ0Gptu-XQkKiA-Ql5kNcGo38Vy2lernmA/s320/PICT4178aa.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His dog Will and he were inseperable and such good buddies all through out his childhood. It is ashame that dogs live so much shorter than humans. So good and loyal. So hard to say goodbye to.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As he is wise and grounded and always has a unique perspective about things.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rUhKDbpHpVrGuzajZNKqCEiFYTv-ZzqOy6j0-oRPriFC2jrOKXPHnQPQusmgCFkTaPHxLHZXwO5GDkS7G9i4zNLSm7YFKyYUitg462CQbB-4rlqAVvsx2Y3nhayvxrgAhTHRXo3EPdo/s1600/009+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rUhKDbpHpVrGuzajZNKqCEiFYTv-ZzqOy6j0-oRPriFC2jrOKXPHnQPQusmgCFkTaPHxLHZXwO5GDkS7G9i4zNLSm7YFKyYUitg462CQbB-4rlqAVvsx2Y3nhayvxrgAhTHRXo3EPdo/s320/009+%25283%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18SzlWy0aFCtFaCHhiUlzBu_PUgtpfFAK1iy29bREovZB6x3tQPhFhyphenhyphenF8bGhnhLoEcGLNr8B9loOyGJhPQC93nF1Ydgv0-4gg38Oe5ee1QjWdzePFHl7iGFMIKTrqiFab9AkyWWEP3O8/s1600/134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18SzlWy0aFCtFaCHhiUlzBu_PUgtpfFAK1iy29bREovZB6x3tQPhFhyphenhyphenF8bGhnhLoEcGLNr8B9loOyGJhPQC93nF1Ydgv0-4gg38Oe5ee1QjWdzePFHl7iGFMIKTrqiFab9AkyWWEP3O8/s320/134.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
William and his second personal companion dog Dixie. She has been a wonderful and loyal dog for him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsGELEH3JfizRUDhsjo9aW_JwhOLOD5R6DhIQ2sDa20mxV3F1RorAdaqwVBJd8DFoveomv3k8_7KHed6g4rqD0O21qhg32DcS3rmyr0N14bFywJMesSq-9QuYpkU1vBtc_cbn_BD0Xi8/s1600/20171221_203011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsGELEH3JfizRUDhsjo9aW_JwhOLOD5R6DhIQ2sDa20mxV3F1RorAdaqwVBJd8DFoveomv3k8_7KHed6g4rqD0O21qhg32DcS3rmyr0N14bFywJMesSq-9QuYpkU1vBtc_cbn_BD0Xi8/s320/20171221_203011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am always finding selfies of William on my phone that he takes for me to find later. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZKE7tVgLtYOCN6PDZUYmCNWeITav1rcNc_Gxoj5TCkagKwrrJKfbjTuYLtWYJwZhZZHdNGCy6TBNascR8rvE0Vq4diRi8kIFsgqcN0Tnp3pK5lKNa8iQLCcsnoREIvENT5gO-L3TF0M/s1600/342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZKE7tVgLtYOCN6PDZUYmCNWeITav1rcNc_Gxoj5TCkagKwrrJKfbjTuYLtWYJwZhZZHdNGCy6TBNascR8rvE0Vq4diRi8kIFsgqcN0Tnp3pK5lKNa8iQLCcsnoREIvENT5gO-L3TF0M/s320/342.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
GED graduate!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhknNEn1n2ufM5i8xme59IwIqrkL9i0gkI5qM8v1fihUuoW6UXj-YH9vrTnh76e-hrWJzH2Qzq2RYk_QJpdlnVEYd5AbyC4cqDPvpBA3ukFD1yWOmDAnXKS8rPq03N_7VbLs-NOL_TTBE/s1600/IMG_2463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhknNEn1n2ufM5i8xme59IwIqrkL9i0gkI5qM8v1fihUuoW6UXj-YH9vrTnh76e-hrWJzH2Qzq2RYk_QJpdlnVEYd5AbyC4cqDPvpBA3ukFD1yWOmDAnXKS8rPq03N_7VbLs-NOL_TTBE/s320/IMG_2463.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
EAGLE award winner for our district and public speaker/representative for them!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF90xD151RI9NQJDyN1ptspMidnKk5-IWC_AfzI0SyiePRHJVyrJQhZRDKZSf8scjJDma-paeIf7fA3ZynDuXhNzdh1PUJKXf29ybWq9v3UU1nhcpH8ghtuY-H7vOyjgI0Yp1t32kRtog/s1600/20180604_135233%25280%2529_1528207010363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF90xD151RI9NQJDyN1ptspMidnKk5-IWC_AfzI0SyiePRHJVyrJQhZRDKZSf8scjJDma-paeIf7fA3ZynDuXhNzdh1PUJKXf29ybWq9v3UU1nhcpH8ghtuY-H7vOyjgI0Yp1t32kRtog/s320/20180604_135233%25280%2529_1528207010363.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a mission trip out west!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As with all our children I have seen God do miracle after miracle for him and in him. I have had the privilege of seeing God stretch and grow him into a godly young man. He reminds me so much of his dad. Tim and he are very much alike in so many ways. The fruit of the spirit just comes naturally to these two men. I always feel very cherished by them both.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNo_Wd1RCbDFsZfIJ7c1Dp-PO2fKpH86DC6sU7zMqP91kN8QOMyOxvfZ4IAibmonndjA36q1sZtrvdXY_qt2DJfd4JPTy-KZoIYzbgECPyorh4eQQuUwsnpmNeA-L16awk1II3BwbaL8/s1600/467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNo_Wd1RCbDFsZfIJ7c1Dp-PO2fKpH86DC6sU7zMqP91kN8QOMyOxvfZ4IAibmonndjA36q1sZtrvdXY_qt2DJfd4JPTy-KZoIYzbgECPyorh4eQQuUwsnpmNeA-L16awk1II3BwbaL8/s320/467.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
William wanted a special cake from my sister this year and as always she came through with flying colors! Thank you Aunt "S"!<br />
<br />
William, Your dad and I could not be more pleased with all the hard work and effort you have put into your life and education. We could not be more happy for you in this very exciting time of your life. We could not be more grateful that God entrusted us to raise you as unto Him.<br />
<br />
May God have his hand on you your whole life. May you follow His lead and guidance at every turn. May you seek His face in all decisions you have to make and may you be blessed in your life as you live and grow in Him!<br />
<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Ephesians 2:10</span> <span class="passage-display-version"></span><span class="text Eph-2-10" id="en-KJV-29240">For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.</span></span> </h1>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Love, Dad, mom, Stephen, Antonio, Carolyn, Zeke, Elizabeth, Billy, Timmy, Kinsley and Anna-Kate! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-38643074489414469792018-06-09T10:39:00.000-07:002018-06-09T10:39:54.421-07:00June 2018 - Catching Up!I have done a lot of birthday posts lately. I try not to share much of what is going on here in a birthday post and keep those posts focused on the birthday I am sharing about. So today, I will do a bit of a catch up post.<br />
<br />
Tim and I recently had to go somewhere that required us to dress up a bit. A rare photo of us together dressed up. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1i8syhdfZgLlkmrKD2Nsni6m-dTPtCkC_GzNThMmHXv0YaMkBEO5gcPT-CH__59J2aCHscmkv3LxbpgsgOU_JpUF1gXx1JBSTPgW5PxcJfTB-c13mBsP889r2ui5bng32Dl7PzHEZk4/s1600/004+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1i8syhdfZgLlkmrKD2Nsni6m-dTPtCkC_GzNThMmHXv0YaMkBEO5gcPT-CH__59J2aCHscmkv3LxbpgsgOU_JpUF1gXx1JBSTPgW5PxcJfTB-c13mBsP889r2ui5bng32Dl7PzHEZk4/s320/004+%25282%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_qDePoN8rBSYFJhDI3QRACR-4QWNxyh8SuFqgbpGgIhG4y8nW6Y8QJgKRe7iQhLawyLQrUTf1XVsRoJkOCQCGQMU2V1I6UWP_G8Y7De8Kp-bPmH_V-3mvC5KgKEYoFvQbZYU8SKHuC4/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_qDePoN8rBSYFJhDI3QRACR-4QWNxyh8SuFqgbpGgIhG4y8nW6Y8QJgKRe7iQhLawyLQrUTf1XVsRoJkOCQCGQMU2V1I6UWP_G8Y7De8Kp-bPmH_V-3mvC5KgKEYoFvQbZYU8SKHuC4/s320/003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In March we had a scare with Anna-Kate. She woke up one morning disoriented and within a few minutes started having seizures. She had never had seizures before. I rushed her to the pediatric doctor and they sent her, by ambulance, to our closest children's hospital. They kept her over night, hooked up for EEG and video monitoring. It was very scary but extra concerning and upsetting, as she is my youngest and always so healthy. When all was said and done, it was because of low iron. Since getting her home, placing her on iron supplementation and kale smoothies daily, she has had no other issues. I had no idea that could even happen or that her iron had gotten low, as we eat so healthy here. They said it was just the way her body does not metabolize iron properly. Possibly because of bio-moms drug use while pregnant. So, it was an easy fix and something to keep a close eye on, Praise be to God! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1k_vKeY_Y_X7WNXvZQeG0HZquX_iJIlsQeyp0-H9cP0i8VwbuLmfXla6bQDWjeQ9b-Etl_YUicHd3o5iLWyrVkgseLUXRmUecA1r6X2PpxNRoKbgPuaY74xxwr_dm7pWc9U3Los28GQ/s1600/045+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1k_vKeY_Y_X7WNXvZQeG0HZquX_iJIlsQeyp0-H9cP0i8VwbuLmfXla6bQDWjeQ9b-Etl_YUicHd3o5iLWyrVkgseLUXRmUecA1r6X2PpxNRoKbgPuaY74xxwr_dm7pWc9U3Los28GQ/s320/045+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The children have discovered that having camp outs in the living room is fun!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZYppwOD4tevUuxa0S6sAuGnxXisKpoZd_d-lDPCeeFS9n6GOkiYJCklNar50Ekaf12sZcbReYJyl4bhJDq3pbPGhW6bprUT53X5eoTjpkCr9pPR2XPjcD8T9wOm6HF7KHLs8RB1CGPc/s1600/412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZYppwOD4tevUuxa0S6sAuGnxXisKpoZd_d-lDPCeeFS9n6GOkiYJCklNar50Ekaf12sZcbReYJyl4bhJDq3pbPGhW6bprUT53X5eoTjpkCr9pPR2XPjcD8T9wOm6HF7KHLs8RB1CGPc/s320/412.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
They have enjoyed lots of playground time, swimming and several fun outings. We recently went to the aquarium. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8fddItnu9ZlDEi8R-bJ01Azj6yI0tDNSSO_MSF7k6qmA6AVU5UI98c5yXEY6g7dGUsOjkmXB1_PMbtqeEP1VAbQUvNdcZ30GnuUrYcThoGVDFlYA3XCOFhB84d2YTvmwAm6hEKBNDnw/s1600/228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8fddItnu9ZlDEi8R-bJ01Azj6yI0tDNSSO_MSF7k6qmA6AVU5UI98c5yXEY6g7dGUsOjkmXB1_PMbtqeEP1VAbQUvNdcZ30GnuUrYcThoGVDFlYA3XCOFhB84d2YTvmwAm6hEKBNDnw/s320/228.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timothy and Billy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQOM2NAjvTIDnJXqkGXE5BP4jRHUrgST_LUToVSskcqWAkb4bSYbQ48Du1Af8iermER2cHchRFn3rLYKIPzNMeZJ1yJQc8AkL-WtFIQcMVa9diA8kRPLmlhdvTcYAZy_s_6O0MHKuumg/s1600/245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQOM2NAjvTIDnJXqkGXE5BP4jRHUrgST_LUToVSskcqWAkb4bSYbQ48Du1Af8iermER2cHchRFn3rLYKIPzNMeZJ1yJQc8AkL-WtFIQcMVa9diA8kRPLmlhdvTcYAZy_s_6O0MHKuumg/s320/245.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My own little butterfly in the butterfly room!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MR4h5rUD4KiRNN0KU36Vpo4-jOr97VUlFQW-_lgFnGtmuKpVZwdp7AKkiqvkrU-Ib1kWfJtcWIAb0uoXdQhvw8nb0jkfT2SDHOcEapKUYCMDI_ehXM8MU-eZfNJSVMkGiAT_VAQXgW8/s1600/264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MR4h5rUD4KiRNN0KU36Vpo4-jOr97VUlFQW-_lgFnGtmuKpVZwdp7AKkiqvkrU-Ib1kWfJtcWIAb0uoXdQhvw8nb0jkfT2SDHOcEapKUYCMDI_ehXM8MU-eZfNJSVMkGiAT_VAQXgW8/s320/264.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and his baby girl!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMq7itZpouidipqctL-dGqC_DZK56FRt0yRMnJ8qWE03p382ZMdEL6To_yVxg0KYSgO5JAKzyx0YgGCojghtlo6koXv466Pc_W0GTz1rPO_5eLd32SjKyhqhX2klLkhDEmT3o54h32cg/s1600/267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMq7itZpouidipqctL-dGqC_DZK56FRt0yRMnJ8qWE03p382ZMdEL6To_yVxg0KYSgO5JAKzyx0YgGCojghtlo6koXv466Pc_W0GTz1rPO_5eLd32SjKyhqhX2klLkhDEmT3o54h32cg/s320/267.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two oldest still at home!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRT-96eyZVcS_frZJYdzDUw2tc8MrSTHJ0LDgWWR1XyIN8-4sRcgyeolZ9NyX7ny-QGOb68qe8kMN04JeYKD0NWNLUlVvga1IhFhlePeKeB91eg7sM6IMwckla6nfT9TUiP57m1mfmHs/s1600/276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRT-96eyZVcS_frZJYdzDUw2tc8MrSTHJ0LDgWWR1XyIN8-4sRcgyeolZ9NyX7ny-QGOb68qe8kMN04JeYKD0NWNLUlVvga1IhFhlePeKeB91eg7sM6IMwckla6nfT9TUiP57m1mfmHs/s320/276.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I pair these two up a lot together on outings, as Kinsley is so verbal that Elizabeth does not try to get away with anything. Elizabeth has come a long way and is doing much better.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Carolyn and Zeke participated in our county's Special Olympics!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheua4p5hUsL5E5g2Mq7WX559SqP8YizcsUKg-mXx6qNzVAjPsL6gD9pYuayLmMDq3DkNt9F2y1RirQiWzQPGclQ7SDpoRJ7X20BUuZ1MW_oVQPB7f0JLmTNp-fI0eyLvoBw70N8up3Gis/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheua4p5hUsL5E5g2Mq7WX559SqP8YizcsUKg-mXx6qNzVAjPsL6gD9pYuayLmMDq3DkNt9F2y1RirQiWzQPGclQ7SDpoRJ7X20BUuZ1MW_oVQPB7f0JLmTNp-fI0eyLvoBw70N8up3Gis/s320/020.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last year Zeke was one of the torch runners this year they both were but I could not be in both areas of running at the same time so did not get a picture of Zeke. Here is Carolyn carrying the torch. She said it was very heavy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67PujM6QfipX_aAELHyHwvbobSzIOez_I0jvEHk5RPB8VffNI7kB1kUUVZxR2X-4kAwfLqHJ7y3RTkq1P8kscKEb-a1WZo-dkk_zrZIDDYSShGQb8L5Eaq4HHe_4nNuff39URiAckkJo/s1600/065+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67PujM6QfipX_aAELHyHwvbobSzIOez_I0jvEHk5RPB8VffNI7kB1kUUVZxR2X-4kAwfLqHJ7y3RTkq1P8kscKEb-a1WZo-dkk_zrZIDDYSShGQb8L5Eaq4HHe_4nNuff39URiAckkJo/s320/065+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zeke likes to run so he was in some running events.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQ8d1xuTAH2FKo4orsJzC4Gyv8pS5lHHuJZnN_cip-LgRPVaRr1miCXYKykQ-dfM5N96CDxY_v6xXLNJ6MDrj6TnrO7QFsoZu8oKsUhn_mMgOtoWeEfjiadmlk-03lnNAxS-wGGeQIG8/s1600/140+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQ8d1xuTAH2FKo4orsJzC4Gyv8pS5lHHuJZnN_cip-LgRPVaRr1miCXYKykQ-dfM5N96CDxY_v6xXLNJ6MDrj6TnrO7QFsoZu8oKsUhn_mMgOtoWeEfjiadmlk-03lnNAxS-wGGeQIG8/s320/140+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolyn was in 1 running event and the softball throw.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sXuNeZdv5oEYdgo8x_Vi_M8-oPW0gcEweUqHPei_h0bWCelanv35wUqnuSyw78piezQSbSiSdzyzQ55u-DknqaQbBd-uGCfVo3S2Ot0t95TkBF2RE5TU_GQduA3WpPlOkN9RpsVvYY0/s1600/123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sXuNeZdv5oEYdgo8x_Vi_M8-oPW0gcEweUqHPei_h0bWCelanv35wUqnuSyw78piezQSbSiSdzyzQ55u-DknqaQbBd-uGCfVo3S2Ot0t95TkBF2RE5TU_GQduA3WpPlOkN9RpsVvYY0/s320/123.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My special winners!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtU-doRm4nq1hLicIpSBdIVv-D5-zpZyC59u2akIJ4XApEF6DjtJm8jsfrr4_d1TfsJadmUhIMURYoGx7A_mzsJhJ-1UKtdQG0F2TxvOTypYOaVGts8TgiWXA7BVoh_IBaNgYMuoRwDE/s1600/032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtU-doRm4nq1hLicIpSBdIVv-D5-zpZyC59u2akIJ4XApEF6DjtJm8jsfrr4_d1TfsJadmUhIMURYoGx7A_mzsJhJ-1UKtdQG0F2TxvOTypYOaVGts8TgiWXA7BVoh_IBaNgYMuoRwDE/s320/032.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nichols cheering section!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had ballet recitals!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATaDpa3EALcyg2cCnLptkC5auv9Ev8s9N_KbclTIK-LI1kY-MENsLOTHo8j3Lht6cgw6iXN27ZQQRl-9FnIBSIlDyUQaMosBt2ja8v4_fxcNOq_WWCzCjXfBEvlG9wL3gU1ttUaZ1Q9o/s1600/198+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATaDpa3EALcyg2cCnLptkC5auv9Ev8s9N_KbclTIK-LI1kY-MENsLOTHo8j3Lht6cgw6iXN27ZQQRl-9FnIBSIlDyUQaMosBt2ja8v4_fxcNOq_WWCzCjXfBEvlG9wL3gU1ttUaZ1Q9o/s320/198+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinsley did ballet in the winter recital and tap in this one! She loves it! It is so good for her from a therapy standpoint. :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9YlXwGtfp_d6_11GB35DAQXhj-SZSZ2fEgslTnW_JK38zH9QUVry5_iomeA5YDeYTNmyuXN-15bKcJEvQNDewuQAuSUVTbh6JIQnPeSeCUaLWAC4hu6uBZtTN1Mx438mlPhifrqyzBw/s1600/294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9YlXwGtfp_d6_11GB35DAQXhj-SZSZ2fEgslTnW_JK38zH9QUVry5_iomeA5YDeYTNmyuXN-15bKcJEvQNDewuQAuSUVTbh6JIQnPeSeCUaLWAC4hu6uBZtTN1Mx438mlPhifrqyzBw/s320/294.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful young lady! Both my older girls are so graceful compared to me. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHINpNviUhyphenhyphencrmLlZib7hYDiWkd55itbs6LCouHbKeCODrhmpGx0bGxu3fZx-jlkX6o55_e6Lyuk41jyPDDz0zZC5832-eAaw3yoWFQGpeFFlaw2aifpNfuaTIR_iV31yWMStA9PwmcI/s1600/324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHINpNviUhyphenhyphencrmLlZib7hYDiWkd55itbs6LCouHbKeCODrhmpGx0bGxu3fZx-jlkX6o55_e6Lyuk41jyPDDz0zZC5832-eAaw3yoWFQGpeFFlaw2aifpNfuaTIR_iV31yWMStA9PwmcI/s320/324.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On her way! Almost showtime! She does jazz and ballet on point! Now that takes grace and incredible core muscle strength. What a miracle I have seen in her since she was born. No one would ever believe all her diagnosis and what she can do now! Her calves are solid rock muscle. I tease her and tell her that they are no longer calf muscles but cows! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had three batches of baby goats born! Can you believe out of 8 goats born this spring only one was a girl! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NAqcT3lttwDIeUDdWfAEOt-BjwYmzTHsq26ZWaakLGtg4QxEd1nUR6D8lwt9ml4wmnba0jfPVR9kb-KdjljyH6lYMeA0CD4_oc2OWqeclMY8tMHdla_oV_axrtXVPLrBdkMKPG_zh5I/s1600/412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NAqcT3lttwDIeUDdWfAEOt-BjwYmzTHsq26ZWaakLGtg4QxEd1nUR6D8lwt9ml4wmnba0jfPVR9kb-KdjljyH6lYMeA0CD4_oc2OWqeclMY8tMHdla_oV_axrtXVPLrBdkMKPG_zh5I/s320/412.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been gardening! We have already been through and enjoyed strawberry season and cherry season. We are just begining blueberry season and am currently enjoying squash, tomatoes, peppers and mulberries! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FtC8v0Eo0YF_yTGvLl_CI9EGjNdbAbBXyGNplhwnU6FonZkmV7DdG4XJoLqgkSpRHU_EUbz8rI-rYv2x8oGxP0aOu9W-Fv7R0kJXx9auYjq9m2OWsnyBJCnKYsPMkNBww5SbMeHCLro/s1600/447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FtC8v0Eo0YF_yTGvLl_CI9EGjNdbAbBXyGNplhwnU6FonZkmV7DdG4XJoLqgkSpRHU_EUbz8rI-rYv2x8oGxP0aOu9W-Fv7R0kJXx9auYjq9m2OWsnyBJCnKYsPMkNBww5SbMeHCLro/s320/447.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEOoZf2YypB5D4GaeKxCw5ZYbnIIc5vBl5VUnXX2dEB-O1fim4WzSzCsiZYsSbst65fjoG-CW6i3OfwuAZr_Vipus0ukC2mZ7M-MWKznk0KoHZfs-lu-I_vq__k6bfrMMT3e5uFgPAds/s1600/446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEOoZf2YypB5D4GaeKxCw5ZYbnIIc5vBl5VUnXX2dEB-O1fim4WzSzCsiZYsSbst65fjoG-CW6i3OfwuAZr_Vipus0ukC2mZ7M-MWKznk0KoHZfs-lu-I_vq__k6bfrMMT3e5uFgPAds/s320/446.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my garden areas and our invaluable guardian dog Yellow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy1QRp-r3Bf1gfAq_dkQdyeOwibrmocoAYRUm1JkK7rFWTioJt_ycSfQJ209QNfKsiMNvQdLuH2_BW_IZdPOTpJQGJuG-GSs1-PdyrubY4WuQ-L1YHVOVEKhG2zvrwquqbwLsldnyV-Y/s1600/464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy1QRp-r3Bf1gfAq_dkQdyeOwibrmocoAYRUm1JkK7rFWTioJt_ycSfQJ209QNfKsiMNvQdLuH2_BW_IZdPOTpJQGJuG-GSs1-PdyrubY4WuQ-L1YHVOVEKhG2zvrwquqbwLsldnyV-Y/s320/464.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took some of our children to the special needs Hawaiian luau party in town!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWIro0z7Qp4VuM9ajL8oCN8C06ceT031FOlpg-D-UQJTi1vMsbEQ8XSYvgvymj4pPpqpyyvdI1xBl6G3Amwh7ynx7n_iRjBqvgKnjAOaTMaM_EHcscijIsqFLfNZUN4lT6gowNp1xVgY/s1600/469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWIro0z7Qp4VuM9ajL8oCN8C06ceT031FOlpg-D-UQJTi1vMsbEQ8XSYvgvymj4pPpqpyyvdI1xBl6G3Amwh7ynx7n_iRjBqvgKnjAOaTMaM_EHcscijIsqFLfNZUN4lT6gowNp1xVgY/s320/469.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antonio had a wonderful time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Taobe_cplT-9vVdGNQTztvwK2kNCzR29dP8dteLhSLqSFhFcuMOjPHBBr92dBoAg-OS6KbDtPT-dsGX_9NcObCHXO9y4BDZ8q0FFEPpOGQH_yAlfFJuUQDxivehhok-zkgHF9NGimyk/s1600/512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Taobe_cplT-9vVdGNQTztvwK2kNCzR29dP8dteLhSLqSFhFcuMOjPHBBr92dBoAg-OS6KbDtPT-dsGX_9NcObCHXO9y4BDZ8q0FFEPpOGQH_yAlfFJuUQDxivehhok-zkgHF9NGimyk/s320/512.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They all did!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiQeFHjZ-gLsgQSjQ6-K3AfM6VZeotrEHXTxKyG4xuFdVDw9ryF5mgzcRSf52-nbXcgzNZLZcFVFOdej5L19aUL02PVFP4Re0dEBCGAXn-NzImrmCYz402J2wh4oaHp8sahDbX5vAJ-I/s1600/523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiQeFHjZ-gLsgQSjQ6-K3AfM6VZeotrEHXTxKyG4xuFdVDw9ryF5mgzcRSf52-nbXcgzNZLZcFVFOdej5L19aUL02PVFP4Re0dEBCGAXn-NzImrmCYz402J2wh4oaHp8sahDbX5vAJ-I/s320/523.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have never taken Timmy to a dance before. Boy, did this boy dance and dance. What joy came pouring out of every cell in his body! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHVCp2-_o-2BqT10IuV5BSU3ESrXFv3EAd7B-DdmoBT7r0iASWjzRQDUG-ksppNYfOuJPM4OuNs8zSWTlmjDH5v0J0MJPbfDejIvBI62D31AcHH0aTyHdslw3-z4swTnTiq85Z7yf5hc/s1600/340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHVCp2-_o-2BqT10IuV5BSU3ESrXFv3EAd7B-DdmoBT7r0iASWjzRQDUG-ksppNYfOuJPM4OuNs8zSWTlmjDH5v0J0MJPbfDejIvBI62D31AcHH0aTyHdslw3-z4swTnTiq85Z7yf5hc/s320/340.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antonio is on week six of a good spell. It is the longest good spell he has ever had. He has had a few small outburst but nothing like the weeks of misery in the past three years. We are fervently praying for his complete healing and that we never have to go back to that dark place for him again. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhgAyC_LLk_V1eyYmOscO1jbGHFaW_S6XLxLvW7SMpI8vGj6spDZO5n9yZtN-8Lcd2Yb1kLTgIm9oeCEuaVgWF8qkTdxr9_QI4VD8ibKgHfzhkgHYUsz-N7IUv7Gtv_IB1UODTWR1nHs/s1600/229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhgAyC_LLk_V1eyYmOscO1jbGHFaW_S6XLxLvW7SMpI8vGj6spDZO5n9yZtN-8Lcd2Yb1kLTgIm9oeCEuaVgWF8qkTdxr9_QI4VD8ibKgHfzhkgHYUsz-N7IUv7Gtv_IB1UODTWR1nHs/s320/229.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
My sweet William is growing up so much. He is currently away on a mission trip for 10 days. Yippee! for him...ouch for me! I am tired and ready for his return. God has helped me to get everything done that needs doing in his absence but I am ready for a rest and for him to be home. We pay him to do so much around here. I have been slowly making other arrangements for many of his responsibilities as he is growing up and moving on with his own education and path in life and we need to be able to function without his help around here. One very special thing that happened last month for him is that...One year ago, he was in the GED program and participating in the graduation ceremony as a graduate. This year at that schools graduation program, he was the Keynote speaker. As he is the EAGLE award representative for 2018. What a difference a year can make.<br />
<br />
The other big thing going on here is that Tim's parents move in tomorrow to live with us permanently. Please keep us uplifted in prayer.<br />
<br />
God is so very good and I feel we are shifting into a whole new season of life for us. I never know if God will bring more children into our lives or not...but as of right now I have no infants. The only one in diapers is Antonio. This fall I will be home schooling three of the four youngest. These early years of homeschooling are very time consuming, so I am clearing my life and days of as much clutter as possible. Trying to really simplify our life, so I can pour into our children what they need in their foundation to be successful. We do a lot of hands on homeschooling, so we get messy and have fun. I am looking for a nurse/sitter to come and help me (mornings) with Antonio five days a week. I am not able to do Antonio's morning care, long term, with out help, now that William is in college and is not always available to help. I guess what I am saying, is that my life is shifting to be busy in other ways than it has been in the last four or five years. Out of intense baby/therapy/appointment mode, to stay at home and really do some things at home that need just as much diligent attention.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Psalms 65:4 <span class="text Ps-65-4" id="en-KJV-14865">Blessed
is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that
he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of
thy house, even of thy holy temple.</span></b></span> <br />
<br />
May God pour out his abundant blessings, health and peace into your lives. May He lead and guide you in all areas, showing you His path for your life as you live and grow in Him.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
susan <br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-78995985012334719292018-05-26T17:20:00.001-07:002018-05-26T17:20:26.339-07:00Our Youngest Turns Three!The last but not least, in our girls "four birthdays in three weeks" run, is Anna-Kates!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oY-Xms4hgjICcSEJjzQMfa2FAxR-dyk2yrXA0vdI9-e7KoNxPxTr-EnmeXI2TIu38zdijDlaDA3KzzbCbeVO-sxvzyg09cXYHGCcYafW3fawyhEArBesLOpKGLmUFX-z-YVCQmkXLis/s1600/136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oY-Xms4hgjICcSEJjzQMfa2FAxR-dyk2yrXA0vdI9-e7KoNxPxTr-EnmeXI2TIu38zdijDlaDA3KzzbCbeVO-sxvzyg09cXYHGCcYafW3fawyhEArBesLOpKGLmUFX-z-YVCQmkXLis/s320/136.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I have rarely done a post on her before. She just turned three!!! She is our youngest and...I always try to cherish each day with our youngest because I wonder if they will be the last child God adds to our home. So each birthday Anna-Kate has, I feel that little tinge in my heart, that I am loosing the feeling of ever having a baby in our home again. Don't get me wrong...I love every stage our children go through as they grow and it is always a miracle before our eyes, to see God move mountains in behaviors and health. I love seeing each child bloom into the person He wants them to be...but I do love babies and all that entails. So as my dearest baby Anna-Kate is growing, I feel I might be saying goodbye to having babies around me anymore.<br />
<br />
We got a call from DFCS over three years ago, telling us that Billy and Timmy's biological mom was pregnant again and still unstable and heavily doing drugs. They wanted to know if we wanted the baby when it was born, to try to keep the siblings together. That, the new baby, like the boys, had been exposed from conception to heavy drug use. The boys have a lot of issues from this and the neglect and abuse they suffered before coming here. Tim and I prayed about it. Our lives were so very busy. Every day was so hard. From my older special needs children to Antonio's constant and physically demanding care, to several of our children's very hard daily behavior issues. I mean, I had a 1,2 and 3 year old at the time! So we prayed and told DFCS, that when the baby was born, we would take her on trial for 2 weeks and see if she fit into our home well. That day a friend sent me a link, on my computer, to watch the trailer for the movie "The Drop Box". I watched it and felt I had to watch the whole movie immediately. Tim and I watched it that weekend. I cried off and on through the whole movie. I was convicted to the core. It is a real life story, of a man and his wife, that put a drop box in their' home in South Korea. He is a pastor and so many people left babies on his door step, that often he would not find them until they had died the next morning. He put the box in his home, so he could get to them immediately and take them in and care for them. He and his wife care tirelessly for their own special needs son and these special needs children, finding them placement and keeping many of the hardest to place children and raising them. I cried and cried... how on earth could Tim and I tell DFCS we would try a child for two weeks to see if they fit in our home? That we might say no after two weeks because it made our lives harder? How selfish of us. God does not receive us into the Kingdom of God and boot us out after two weeks, if we have challenges or don't get everything perfectly right from the start. I told Tim we needed to make a commitment to this baby no matter what the drugs did to her. No matter what! He agreed, she was our daughter and we would love her and take her, no matter what. So that is just what we did. <br />
<br />
We got the call to come and pick her up at the hospital when she was less than 48 hours old. She was such a beautiful little thing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildIbLqjOkkAxtCBzIXihVjsrNxiqJLJtqlBLAloeTezQZmsl3f1-RTtQ3CfDMhPbwTcjfJhUVMCdmDxbsuMd6VX5xR4Z8tx47eEhaGocQgtXr47xNaSPdQ_WR8rVTg5TqmtQuB7r0Cag/s1600/454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildIbLqjOkkAxtCBzIXihVjsrNxiqJLJtqlBLAloeTezQZmsl3f1-RTtQ3CfDMhPbwTcjfJhUVMCdmDxbsuMd6VX5xR4Z8tx47eEhaGocQgtXr47xNaSPdQ_WR8rVTg5TqmtQuB7r0Cag/s320/454.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I am so grateful that God had so thourally and heavily convicted my heart to embrace her, as life did get very hard. It was not her fault at all, as her mom had used a cocktail of drugs so heavily that she just had so many major issues, bless her little heart. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0IQC7PUao-MR1GZPg6VzHSM44dbLq0_nUNfqXuQHTBjMmE-HLg_giOsDPp71afKOtdUuXa2gsetu8XlKUpZmWRj_Aso513YmCoHmJLSg80mbGn-FQusXUXW1R49tBPt-tW1KVTt1VdI/s1600/475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0IQC7PUao-MR1GZPg6VzHSM44dbLq0_nUNfqXuQHTBjMmE-HLg_giOsDPp71afKOtdUuXa2gsetu8XlKUpZmWRj_Aso513YmCoHmJLSg80mbGn-FQusXUXW1R49tBPt-tW1KVTt1VdI/s320/475.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
She cried a lot for hours on end with anxiety and nerves. This lasted about the first two years slowly becoming less and less. She cried inconsolably, more than any child we had ever had. She was born with a head full of hair but pulled her hair out and rocked her body back and forth, from the time she was born. She only had hair on the top of her head till she was almost two, as she could not reach there. She does not rock or pull hair anymore... just has nervousness and tantrums. She only let <b>me,</b> hold her and feed her for months on end. She was and still is, very developmentally behind in all areas. She forgot how to latch onto her bottle in between every single feed for eight straight months! Every feed took a very long time, as she was hungry but could not remember how to nurse/latch and we would have to work at it untill she finally latched and ate. No one was allowed to come near me when I was feeding her because if she lost her latch it was a mess all over again or she would give up and not eat. (Try that with a house full of kids!) Don't get me wrong, we had moments throughout the day of sweetness and naps, when she was calm but she would blow at anytime and had no self calming skills to bring her back to quiet and happy. I held her a lot. She was and is a complicated little love.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnghKw7tN2oXaoDPKNELP49lXbOqGO23Rcb3IwLBH9EAuFP8UzGMvUomyHkLDGgaf-zAKawevpD3W2TC3Hehpltv186Ps7Z47NkwpD0mID4BrnE5JV_0Km1HWakZTARm5OPcCJUeVkhc/s1600/634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnghKw7tN2oXaoDPKNELP49lXbOqGO23Rcb3IwLBH9EAuFP8UzGMvUomyHkLDGgaf-zAKawevpD3W2TC3Hehpltv186Ps7Z47NkwpD0mID4BrnE5JV_0Km1HWakZTARm5OPcCJUeVkhc/s320/634.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As she grew she needed PT, OT and feeding therapy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAix8NCOaJxniokzeMuKZqeXzx9CVRS9J6are3dyfNotvjOdzu3anfU6s_UWkWz4uIWWlhMup98twmQpfm2_EctTtUAIY-e_bQEEafxW3xcXgElomW4H9tJq7l4t0FtfS9b8ZsNcgRs0w/s1600/786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAix8NCOaJxniokzeMuKZqeXzx9CVRS9J6are3dyfNotvjOdzu3anfU6s_UWkWz4uIWWlhMup98twmQpfm2_EctTtUAIY-e_bQEEafxW3xcXgElomW4H9tJq7l4t0FtfS9b8ZsNcgRs0w/s320/786.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
With all of her neediness and crying, plus, all the other children's care and struggles in our home, I did not garden for two years. I could only do the basics and necessities of keeping up our home and farm. A whole nights sleep was a rarity and life was blessed but hard.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLy4bS1XHNdD3SlSNJvKuQNpEPOpqjsmCliKR-SABF3L-cbTNri5ynUVFdCwJOZOLuptrm6xTEyaqLM55CMURhz06erWkto-kbbMx6iMiVe5YuseeMWVvxMDzhgtM75F8WeEDicDAaM24/s1600/826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLy4bS1XHNdD3SlSNJvKuQNpEPOpqjsmCliKR-SABF3L-cbTNri5ynUVFdCwJOZOLuptrm6xTEyaqLM55CMURhz06erWkto-kbbMx6iMiVe5YuseeMWVvxMDzhgtM75F8WeEDicDAaM24/s320/826.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It was good, I was content and happy but we lived for a good three year season of our lives from the time Billy and Timmy came, till sometime this past year, in a very hard season in our lives. A worth wile season but a season of great personal sacrifice from us all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCnoAEvc8hSZuavaL2sXbCiRzI8Z_dSuMuWnA6jQuZWJNAlgfaC689lDmpPGChm6hgiqvY7qo2_Iw6tSDUCga7lBJkZSP9ostPrHokYTA_OZUakhYP81P4xnimLnzBYPul1tsWtCU8Kw/s1600/915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCnoAEvc8hSZuavaL2sXbCiRzI8Z_dSuMuWnA6jQuZWJNAlgfaC689lDmpPGChm6hgiqvY7qo2_Iw6tSDUCga7lBJkZSP9ostPrHokYTA_OZUakhYP81P4xnimLnzBYPul1tsWtCU8Kw/s320/915.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was spread thin but God held me up and things got done. I am just feeling now, over the last year, that things have hit a slow and more peaceful season in our lives now...as Anna-Kate has turned a corner in some of her issues and Timmy and Elizabeth as well in some of their behaviors. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDf_BvPCWJn7HFXOWg0PWeqX0wknbUqRRVNKfJWhJ6VHg8QQ3944blCVL3SKCj-YuDMipOKnUpCtpvB3N-EDMq5ouzSFFvLx7MOS8XkqX_uJKQVcD1Bk_r7D_VBMqbShKbfOiwvfOJes/s1600/1382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDf_BvPCWJn7HFXOWg0PWeqX0wknbUqRRVNKfJWhJ6VHg8QQ3944blCVL3SKCj-YuDMipOKnUpCtpvB3N-EDMq5ouzSFFvLx7MOS8XkqX_uJKQVcD1Bk_r7D_VBMqbShKbfOiwvfOJes/s320/1382.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Our days are still hard but not as full in many ways. I am gardening again and cooking different more creative meals...not our survival casseroles and easy throw together type meals. Tim and I are trying to reconnect and I am finally getting good sleep and that makes such a difference in all of our lives.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPDBLvWAw8ZpTY5TxjxO6-cEaVB5YpKgWgC7lCRxBjerxNXp_u3OSmyC9OQmLMjWbB1fm_7hCchcPdsl4be6m0Dbxdhyphenhyphen2-55_19O_W_2z80Cf8AoT-L794ZVNeg17M7aYuhYuhiH7clA/s1600/051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPDBLvWAw8ZpTY5TxjxO6-cEaVB5YpKgWgC7lCRxBjerxNXp_u3OSmyC9OQmLMjWbB1fm_7hCchcPdsl4be6m0Dbxdhyphenhyphen2-55_19O_W_2z80Cf8AoT-L794ZVNeg17M7aYuhYuhiH7clA/s320/051.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is so beautiful and looks like a little angel at times but...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDob0sTBaUn3pCvB5pcytwoJZe9MU_Lr07-Aypptb5i-iO7uDkrhs53Vn-SvGXwUOAlCnJvRlUhH9B12NMByhIfk4QkfgcY9bheytO53pOTg9Y-HPwcVwXez89cK4HvEkKlWa7yRIQ2E/s1600/082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDob0sTBaUn3pCvB5pcytwoJZe9MU_Lr07-Aypptb5i-iO7uDkrhs53Vn-SvGXwUOAlCnJvRlUhH9B12NMByhIfk4QkfgcY9bheytO53pOTg9Y-HPwcVwXez89cK4HvEkKlWa7yRIQ2E/s320/082.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">unfortunately, about 70 percent of the time, she is like this. We lovingly call her crabby but cute. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nCVLfo4k7_KUel0tdmKMMwhmVNgwMxIB1xkH78zaTCUjiQkNC-oT6qHA8dQJHvcnf1hrKY5ysFVqyWJ88hzAUPyCfz1ItJAzbHDsbvkcgChvKwU51uSV6_v5gasnZHhpZOgne_TWuFg/s1600/904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nCVLfo4k7_KUel0tdmKMMwhmVNgwMxIB1xkH78zaTCUjiQkNC-oT6qHA8dQJHvcnf1hrKY5ysFVqyWJ88hzAUPyCfz1ItJAzbHDsbvkcgChvKwU51uSV6_v5gasnZHhpZOgne_TWuFg/s320/904.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is way behind her peers but we just pray, love on her and encourage her and let her grow and such at her own pace. We don't push her as it makes her anxious.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfmRvBvvEI4eLTGoEv58x6lMtwkaV-DNXKK4sZHX564vdb9WCMvS1l4djO1MkrdCnMnxAqy2fPeyJ8xPvnfsd0RyTZl9MFLQf-0uYRrMiBDToLT9iF-a12XigCA0jHWntw3P5u6qwTmI/s1600/124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1292" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfmRvBvvEI4eLTGoEv58x6lMtwkaV-DNXKK4sZHX564vdb9WCMvS1l4djO1MkrdCnMnxAqy2fPeyJ8xPvnfsd0RyTZl9MFLQf-0uYRrMiBDToLT9iF-a12XigCA0jHWntw3P5u6qwTmI/s320/124.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
She does not have the malicious type anger and meaness in her from neglect or abuse that the boys have issues with as we got her from birth. She is very bonded to Tim and myself but still is not overly loving with anyone else in the home. William is still working very hard to make a bond with her. She loves him if he is eating something she likes but usually won't bother with him otherwise.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fQodqQS_YG4MPzq5xSRXdm_6QJnP1xIvStH7vEg0xQE04EIf7SYdJA_o25tSgIIk78cgR9IOHI0PAqIyAd2P_Z2QJEq0TlDorNEtb4QSjoBrVyBF7j_ouODXqny9UzG63wQGExkTiXI/s1600/081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fQodqQS_YG4MPzq5xSRXdm_6QJnP1xIvStH7vEg0xQE04EIf7SYdJA_o25tSgIIk78cgR9IOHI0PAqIyAd2P_Z2QJEq0TlDorNEtb4QSjoBrVyBF7j_ouODXqny9UzG63wQGExkTiXI/s320/081.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She tries hard to be good and please us but she is stuck in toddler mode and wants what she wants, when she wants it and tantrums if the smallest thing does not please her. She is also very behind in her ability to communicate so that complicates things as well. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinU7ohj12GN9gY9f3lJyORwKtbWXLYx-bd7WRTZmeztOhCHKwzArrm1eG5-fEH_zYUxHY6_On4HqWG-7QMwgevNGy0jIugWiEZErovLKaF89SMO7YNUXTXcb1lwtKMwomCHESPyM7VklA/s1600/067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinU7ohj12GN9gY9f3lJyORwKtbWXLYx-bd7WRTZmeztOhCHKwzArrm1eG5-fEH_zYUxHY6_On4HqWG-7QMwgevNGy0jIugWiEZErovLKaF89SMO7YNUXTXcb1lwtKMwomCHESPyM7VklA/s320/067.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throwing a nice tantrum on the beach last summer while on vacation. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KhfkiQgSmsK5GTowaDgS1FuJpecH_OdxV780AbdFhdpZHMdK9X1d-gn1c7HbHpDULicPlg8Cgxv7kVQka8OVipagzVaMzqQsx-x0i-Ry0fkN-VKwwfxKTplUOcR6A8obRfZTQ_u9dfM/s1600/20171123_144007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KhfkiQgSmsK5GTowaDgS1FuJpecH_OdxV780AbdFhdpZHMdK9X1d-gn1c7HbHpDULicPlg8Cgxv7kVQka8OVipagzVaMzqQsx-x0i-Ry0fkN-VKwwfxKTplUOcR6A8obRfZTQ_u9dfM/s320/20171123_144007.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So pleased with her turkey on her dress for Thanksgiving.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPWy_8D_2eFR1982302ytW-3b91AnBtnrDgBNqxYeHPNb27N-AWBPjVDnYXhdHpy3zuFJ2_MxPJ1KJnZSZh1tJmft3oNaVS-H8donOtOoMytkbPBRtYk-ICiwCgSR5yrePVXVeWcanhw/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPWy_8D_2eFR1982302ytW-3b91AnBtnrDgBNqxYeHPNb27N-AWBPjVDnYXhdHpy3zuFJ2_MxPJ1KJnZSZh1tJmft3oNaVS-H8donOtOoMytkbPBRtYk-ICiwCgSR5yrePVXVeWcanhw/s320/027.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She has always been a very light sleeper and cries easily. We try not to let her fall asleep during the day so she will sleep better at night. Her behavior is much worse if her sleep is disturbed, she will be a crab the rest of the day, so when she falls asleep, we leave her totally alone till she wakes up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMTCYpI6boB33c1976OVpe5gbxhi7WUe2q26s2z83l3Uyo1UEr6SdOSJxX9b98aH3DrVXAE2w-MDAznROIi_mvAn-WG2s6oJcdYOXZ6IEzDpO1As7b8E5YAxfAdj5aypRPOoSbZbOeWU/s1600/331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMTCYpI6boB33c1976OVpe5gbxhi7WUe2q26s2z83l3Uyo1UEr6SdOSJxX9b98aH3DrVXAE2w-MDAznROIi_mvAn-WG2s6oJcdYOXZ6IEzDpO1As7b8E5YAxfAdj5aypRPOoSbZbOeWU/s320/331.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is very bonded to me but is a daddies girl through and through. She prefers him unless tired, hungry or hurting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3WdkkB5vyOFoj-xDD2Lo_Yi8ArSOrMniER9XP8EB7sbkG7MntioHpkRMwVf-SxnCxlUbBScZ8WKT5qpYSupOWdSlhCWhZ3UJo9kCoer6oGnAYcQiY0is_o1ujFbomX8mJNHes4wcNlg/s1600/136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3WdkkB5vyOFoj-xDD2Lo_Yi8ArSOrMniER9XP8EB7sbkG7MntioHpkRMwVf-SxnCxlUbBScZ8WKT5qpYSupOWdSlhCWhZ3UJo9kCoer6oGnAYcQiY0is_o1ujFbomX8mJNHes4wcNlg/s320/136.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our precious girl loves dolls and pretend. Cooking with fake food and having tea parties with all her dolls and stufties. She loves her family and feels safe with us and loved. Those eyes and curls....how can anyone say no to that face...Daddy has trouble there sometimes. :) Can you guess who she is into? My dad put the ears in her birthday bag with a little stuff Minnie. She loved it! It is also what she wanted on her cake so Aunt "S" made one little girls dream cake. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5Lfr0qrDQSj7SEYUMNP9UBHIi1ue8ca8muV6XwcE0pvoFaqJoKL-C_EcNThUIqY89LE48D6pznI35gvl1sTmZhYLSRzm1WaZV1PIjPrNHQVwTupv9zSM9XBiHAKfTXTbsN8RCoY41ic/s1600/148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5Lfr0qrDQSj7SEYUMNP9UBHIi1ue8ca8muV6XwcE0pvoFaqJoKL-C_EcNThUIqY89LE48D6pznI35gvl1sTmZhYLSRzm1WaZV1PIjPrNHQVwTupv9zSM9XBiHAKfTXTbsN8RCoY41ic/s320/148.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
It made her day! Even though she did not understand it was her birthday or how old she was turning she did understand she was going to have her Minnie cake and it made her day! Thank you sister!<br />
<br />
My littlest Princess is a blessing to our home. I can not imagine our home or life with out her here with us. She is worth the work, effort like any child God blesses anyone with and she is our daughter through and through.<br />
<br />
May the Lord God in Heaven have His hand on your always. Healing, leading and guiding you my sweet girl...as you live and grow in Him.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /><span class="exdous"></span></b></span>
<div class="content-box-1">
<div id="Replacep">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>
Isaiah 60: 1-2 "Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has
risen upon you. "For behold, darkness will cover the earth And deep
darkness the peoples; But the LORD will rise upon you And His glory will
appear upon you.</b></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Love, Daddy, mommy, Stephen, Antonio, William, Carolyn, Zeke, Elizabeth, Billy, Timmy and Kinsley Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-91451237517253361032018-05-17T10:16:00.001-07:002018-05-17T10:17:13.658-07:00Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglX1Wi47E4fNnDFwH1OLACRrTCrmVW1U-mPqMV47uOGHa1hBB5ny-fQ4dzAwr84-DjJmz3vI2wbddxaAoxHAT9CkCbRWPhk-wbgJZhi-DAoYvBojnQYjKmVZaOnSHQsEx4XJNlixnmRUU/s1600/088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglX1Wi47E4fNnDFwH1OLACRrTCrmVW1U-mPqMV47uOGHa1hBB5ny-fQ4dzAwr84-DjJmz3vI2wbddxaAoxHAT9CkCbRWPhk-wbgJZhi-DAoYvBojnQYjKmVZaOnSHQsEx4XJNlixnmRUU/s320/088.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In my last blog post I shared how all four of our girls have their birthdays within three weeks time! Elizabeth's birthday was first and then Carolyn's. The next one that took place was Kinsley's. I have not done a post on just Kinsley in a very long time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlrdyZs62uxsVtkNDB9O94x8YAWmZG9Mn7z8OqwxqGSjSXrs6DDHzsPudh_fQGEnS-Y1fCa8WZ1PgfMMSZk7HigsKuSgfsCbIcVGJDnoy8X_6lJkizd-RPzaSQg4CtzJDmcPAGp0r1-0/s1600/032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlrdyZs62uxsVtkNDB9O94x8YAWmZG9Mn7z8OqwxqGSjSXrs6DDHzsPudh_fQGEnS-Y1fCa8WZ1PgfMMSZk7HigsKuSgfsCbIcVGJDnoy8X_6lJkizd-RPzaSQg4CtzJDmcPAGp0r1-0/s320/032.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Kinsley just turned four years old! I can't believe that four years have flown by since God blessed us with this child, to raise for Him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIDg3MDGhG7k5GB2T47aPXKay2VuA8FTJRxMgybcrq9Rtl1qaHnpb9NBF5MNhGT8WnrhwGsSvHqzlwutGpsDLIlEHAXUKddyj4dNEXOkTmv5nRmh0_pVCfYZiIMGgmxi7IptKsmMZYZE/s1600/597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIDg3MDGhG7k5GB2T47aPXKay2VuA8FTJRxMgybcrq9Rtl1qaHnpb9NBF5MNhGT8WnrhwGsSvHqzlwutGpsDLIlEHAXUKddyj4dNEXOkTmv5nRmh0_pVCfYZiIMGgmxi7IptKsmMZYZE/s320/597.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmUnSMorwqMmz7wzu2nvyfeQB29PurWPxOxLjrZmS9mJp41E9txI3vpJs77-pC1TqMWRCEZT5-3_Tc9cW1vkv_qP-7nBrMMaMC4LqDC_fp8Z2mS4k1ZH_Fm4pDYzyk7StOOm1o6XavpM/s1600/504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmUnSMorwqMmz7wzu2nvyfeQB29PurWPxOxLjrZmS9mJp41E9txI3vpJs77-pC1TqMWRCEZT5-3_Tc9cW1vkv_qP-7nBrMMaMC4LqDC_fp8Z2mS4k1ZH_Fm4pDYzyk7StOOm1o6XavpM/s320/504.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
When she came to our home she could not see, could not purposefully move any part of her body or co-ordinate the two halves of her body. She had the lowest muscle tone of any child I have ever had in our home. So low, that her joints luxed in and out of position while dressing and bathing, as the muscles help hold everything in place and the tone was just not strong enough. As the doctors appointments piled up, so did the diagnosis. She is considered medically fragile and special needs. Hypoplasia of the corpus callosum (missing part of the brain that bridges the two halves) with this diagnosis comes a slew of endocrine issues to be treated and monitored for and issues using the two halves of her body together as the bridge that sends messages between the two halves of the brain is not all there. Optic nerve Hypoplasia (missing some of her optic nerves in both eyes) Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy. (low muscle tone) We prayed over her, loved her and worked hard with her and God began His work.<br />
<br />
Slowly she started to respond to light and dark.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3ysZqL_PFPWPBowoQzDb9G4WE3KkGRmWlFhy5dyiQL1kSczDl4NyiPk8NBpTrLYOgtYM8bGBa2rITFSzMMCGpUwciEUmRRwAwFHQ3W0x7oN9vZtsab_WQm4gbNuKzNHVPtG8fR1jaBY/s1600/705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3ysZqL_PFPWPBowoQzDb9G4WE3KkGRmWlFhy5dyiQL1kSczDl4NyiPk8NBpTrLYOgtYM8bGBa2rITFSzMMCGpUwciEUmRRwAwFHQ3W0x7oN9vZtsab_WQm4gbNuKzNHVPtG8fR1jaBY/s320/705.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Then movement that was back lighted. Then tracking objects. Then smiling in return of a smile.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxxNvlo3b4yLzST9gdycCUxjzBzy0BUkQQlMNlHFWWPr-2y7gEgidXSu9TVfUW9WruX3IUT8pxfIerJ-rmkgcIMkhAp7cCQwNf_4XPxnxCgFiIDnAXUpIJpUSsCSiK7O2nbObU_jrTtc/s1600/1050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxxNvlo3b4yLzST9gdycCUxjzBzy0BUkQQlMNlHFWWPr-2y7gEgidXSu9TVfUW9WruX3IUT8pxfIerJ-rmkgcIMkhAp7cCQwNf_4XPxnxCgFiIDnAXUpIJpUSsCSiK7O2nbObU_jrTtc/s320/1050.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Then purposely using her vision. Her vision is not normal but she does see, Glory to God! She has tunnel vision and if not looking exactly straight forward has double vision. She has no peripheral vision but can see praise God!.<br />
<br />
When she came she could not even lift her arms. Holding her was like holding a bag of rice. Very cuddly but no muscles. We were told to go ahead and put another wheel chair tie down in our bus as she would never be able to walk. We had to pattern her, over and over, how to roll over. Trying to teach different parts of her brain to make the connections for communication because of the missing parts of the corpus callosum. We prayed and patterned her body movements for every milestone she needed to make. Over and over we prayed, worked and practiced and over and over she hit those milestones little by little!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0kjt2dGsOVcEmQOQ2AVjCjEwbORo0HvWCURIPASf6_DfTtFL_e3HDmB5m3LmPNi8UzjtGn4rzcQ1HpvzDLzUjrQKxXl-9UpLn52Efe7ttiCpLQPgQJPcZeofaMr82_W0eHj-IgL3a9w/s1600/79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0kjt2dGsOVcEmQOQ2AVjCjEwbORo0HvWCURIPASf6_DfTtFL_e3HDmB5m3LmPNi8UzjtGn4rzcQ1HpvzDLzUjrQKxXl-9UpLn52Efe7ttiCpLQPgQJPcZeofaMr82_W0eHj-IgL3a9w/s320/79.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-T5lG6bwElgUHDOUoGo7Vy_EaCgEA4k6QBkvRZVPaKv71zSCmdO1cAY5ikGky_XW6LTzD9SCflnIE1AyNqHrF1yMCb93wQKZrwaeGqifkWfDJ-jn3PLRC6AqFzHDR3ZDBFF9IU9QbPwA/s1600/54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-T5lG6bwElgUHDOUoGo7Vy_EaCgEA4k6QBkvRZVPaKv71zSCmdO1cAY5ikGky_XW6LTzD9SCflnIE1AyNqHrF1yMCb93wQKZrwaeGqifkWfDJ-jn3PLRC6AqFzHDR3ZDBFF9IU9QbPwA/s320/54.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCexncVfhk0aPMzFXxUPfCCiEezoZ_N_opSYrU5cXtNk7w_BnyE3FfPMvERfVsn1IOkia7TiofFY_1R2FlOZUadTeeDq1HJ42teYXcCfQlNzZrlgp29c-GfF-9NCszEYwrwzjfBWufBc/s1600/190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCexncVfhk0aPMzFXxUPfCCiEezoZ_N_opSYrU5cXtNk7w_BnyE3FfPMvERfVsn1IOkia7TiofFY_1R2FlOZUadTeeDq1HJ42teYXcCfQlNzZrlgp29c-GfF-9NCszEYwrwzjfBWufBc/s320/190.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_6-eu5MfrbPfVrGqJOTKzuEocn33C96b5ijuSeFW-obA2Zz0GdxC4UimAMDEfJuZtk8v9TGhLHQih5cAzPnXrbSllY8PYud-N43K85RHkpnYdp5yCTRvvH1sh49YQmbOYgXWHxA1WyE/s1600/301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_6-eu5MfrbPfVrGqJOTKzuEocn33C96b5ijuSeFW-obA2Zz0GdxC4UimAMDEfJuZtk8v9TGhLHQih5cAzPnXrbSllY8PYud-N43K85RHkpnYdp5yCTRvvH1sh49YQmbOYgXWHxA1WyE/s320/301.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvw-g1EF-QyWOjEPZSgnt01tRMWcNAugbK6QX8it2HDM-aRHRJ_wV1t9l9bDgxDdTZtz0ggYkQAdVmoPh2tEpnXU-Pd4pzjvRxAyWPpIZY9yXXKbQoWzfkJFPf6oo1By-9rCF7T_gfok/s1600/1462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvw-g1EF-QyWOjEPZSgnt01tRMWcNAugbK6QX8it2HDM-aRHRJ_wV1t9l9bDgxDdTZtz0ggYkQAdVmoPh2tEpnXU-Pd4pzjvRxAyWPpIZY9yXXKbQoWzfkJFPf6oo1By-9rCF7T_gfok/s320/1462.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Because of her low muscle tone she also had swallowing issues but over came them as well. She still aspirates on liquids if drinking from a cup by tipping her head back...But protects her airway well if tucking her head down and using a straw to self regulate the amount of fluid she takes in and swallows. She can also manage using a sippy cup with a control valve just fine. The miracles just slowly blossomed as she grew and today...even though those diagnosis are still there, you would hardly see or notice unless spending time with her. God has really done a huge work in her body and life. All the glory to Him!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgqr-JEyM_e4muqOWBemvfcITdG2i89GSQiu7IwcL5k9YSfeaUqeFc5gX04TGcSgf8Zxdy9nE5ky10scsN8zfp-g0r4SpBjS6gZFPmRpZeJGguChSlkl0xoTcdCNGmhmY5F9Y5NWYiH0/s1600/093a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1176" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgqr-JEyM_e4muqOWBemvfcITdG2i89GSQiu7IwcL5k9YSfeaUqeFc5gX04TGcSgf8Zxdy9nE5ky10scsN8zfp-g0r4SpBjS6gZFPmRpZeJGguChSlkl0xoTcdCNGmhmY5F9Y5NWYiH0/s320/093a.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
Kinsley has always been such a blessing to our home. All of the children are...but some of our children are just hard. Every day hard. Hard behaviors, hard to take care of, hard to home school, big time hard. God gives me grace and sprinkles in a few very laid back, compliant easier children in the mix of our home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9ksTeI4F740go21fgCo_WTm8KrDWGZvepLPwYrbeMM48hoDcNAeTarLoUc7Qq13lWMx0Zpnw4hs8FP6VOHjIJZBX1b5PhXPOUtM3_2sz0n_8sYZuo0K53JaRoUcjDg_ilkHIDLwY_pE/s1600/20170926_180903_1506463847147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9ksTeI4F740go21fgCo_WTm8KrDWGZvepLPwYrbeMM48hoDcNAeTarLoUc7Qq13lWMx0Zpnw4hs8FP6VOHjIJZBX1b5PhXPOUtM3_2sz0n_8sYZuo0K53JaRoUcjDg_ilkHIDLwY_pE/s320/20170926_180903_1506463847147.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Kinsley is one of those children. I can count on her to be reliable in behavior and temperament.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T-9_mU0JbGZuVnV5Z8bphCk8e-tQKyw8kcuoH8ZG-gShpT8AE1b9bZNB3MY4G6yfrInIxwnJ1aH9abKw27spmC11L68wS3QfYLThibzHi_rCkTtr8vG2bLQvSgcFo6e9y8QHN8GREyA/s1600/20170809_075220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T-9_mU0JbGZuVnV5Z8bphCk8e-tQKyw8kcuoH8ZG-gShpT8AE1b9bZNB3MY4G6yfrInIxwnJ1aH9abKw27spmC11L68wS3QfYLThibzHi_rCkTtr8vG2bLQvSgcFo6e9y8QHN8GREyA/s320/20170809_075220.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
She is so cuddly and loving. Always a kind word for people and hug.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQePXWCPKt2soU8WdPPXS_CGXkz1KrfWkNEC8tc23SB2EVQp9og9xFV429E6-gl_xXH_uDLOBuZbnzmPahEKHnHrytMCQXr-GLqL_lgzgZfwTcUmsRZpGQiLrdbKE8JK56vv-zw_AIXE/s1600/20170829_171355+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQePXWCPKt2soU8WdPPXS_CGXkz1KrfWkNEC8tc23SB2EVQp9og9xFV429E6-gl_xXH_uDLOBuZbnzmPahEKHnHrytMCQXr-GLqL_lgzgZfwTcUmsRZpGQiLrdbKE8JK56vv-zw_AIXE/s320/20170829_171355+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
She is super smart and mature, a sweet and gentle soul.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULAM5ae202ubT45HhnmQQU1MNikqpCNTLVA_03M88mRVzxmudqseO6OUWs40bS0iS8xWNwzfujdUQN4vR2EMl3Jd97f6hcnPXGm4mWkZRdmkEgYb1O02104wD0BTvcksfost5TrGm3wQ/s1600/20170913_103918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULAM5ae202ubT45HhnmQQU1MNikqpCNTLVA_03M88mRVzxmudqseO6OUWs40bS0iS8xWNwzfujdUQN4vR2EMl3Jd97f6hcnPXGm4mWkZRdmkEgYb1O02104wD0BTvcksfost5TrGm3wQ/s320/20170913_103918.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I can trust her to have full run of the house without getting into things or damaging anything.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWtP7AmvcWJ8rSyxOl-axNyxTf0SD49UvWuK2FF7V8x6WM0atUZ5cweo4_Wtnif8-ELzBJq4Ky0ShzWT4M41Dk6zpL9qff7-yR2e2bQXFkUnB_bp8zZn9HMYk-sYVJsRm9ALQbq0CPTs/s1600/20171017_180923_1508278198453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWtP7AmvcWJ8rSyxOl-axNyxTf0SD49UvWuK2FF7V8x6WM0atUZ5cweo4_Wtnif8-ELzBJq4Ky0ShzWT4M41Dk6zpL9qff7-yR2e2bQXFkUnB_bp8zZn9HMYk-sYVJsRm9ALQbq0CPTs/s320/20171017_180923_1508278198453.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Many of our children can not have that privilege. She is so helpful and loves to organize and be with me doing what I am doing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7DR7Zvxq_qsykGwJpRtXceu68QLfX6yEXotmoM0pmvsXyqFAwEDkmBcRgJMzpW0V-NcvoQuFe1fCNFO60aqWSAURV-0TCW4d6XikApEHTc7s_M32sQ7mCI3XDHE_4HqenoEZXnXvmQI/s1600/20180118_190511_1516322143352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7DR7Zvxq_qsykGwJpRtXceu68QLfX6yEXotmoM0pmvsXyqFAwEDkmBcRgJMzpW0V-NcvoQuFe1fCNFO60aqWSAURV-0TCW4d6XikApEHTc7s_M32sQ7mCI3XDHE_4HqenoEZXnXvmQI/s320/20180118_190511_1516322143352.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
She is creative and loves books, dance, art and pretending. She is also a bit opinionated and tries to keep everyone and thing in order or what she feels is order.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbRm45dT6O5XeNGp2cTE11kOai41Zj8qYaQZtvEb0Vse4ASKgWi3x0YGFTTr4CMWp34Wa4_UBC4ps0tc0foukF-pXMEmzM2MitTyu6pUp_zaok684X9yk9N09GQ-iGLN4ux0sFFz06OA/s1600/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbRm45dT6O5XeNGp2cTE11kOai41Zj8qYaQZtvEb0Vse4ASKgWi3x0YGFTTr4CMWp34Wa4_UBC4ps0tc0foukF-pXMEmzM2MitTyu6pUp_zaok684X9yk9N09GQ-iGLN4ux0sFFz06OA/s320/029.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
So that is something we have to work on. Helping her be flexible in all things in life.<br />
<br />
She wanted a certain dog cartoon character on her cake and my sister once again did a wonderful job blessing Kinsley with a perfect cake! Thanks sister!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66p_SW4bGeVVeO2NEhEJr8-EN2JwBYBV1GWVr0zEbzvcHUUZsAyUWsYgv3Tn7bpj_mifBp8djSqVLOpvR4srciIvxlkUS8hQc7QwKki0TRr8eCDVuZhLk5-JZQpNy76NKE3MpBXSckLA/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66p_SW4bGeVVeO2NEhEJr8-EN2JwBYBV1GWVr0zEbzvcHUUZsAyUWsYgv3Tn7bpj_mifBp8djSqVLOpvR4srciIvxlkUS8hQc7QwKki0TRr8eCDVuZhLk5-JZQpNy76NKE3MpBXSckLA/s320/021.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One of Gods greatest gifts to me is the children He has blessed us with! Kinsley is a treasure to our home, little Miss Sunshine! We need all the sunshine we can get! :)<br />
<br />
Kinsley, Happy Birthday sweet girl. May God do a mighty work in your life! May you always serve and live for Him, all the days of your life.<br />
<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Proverbs 20:7</span> <span class="passage-display-version"></span><span class="text Prov-20-7" id="en-KJV-16962">The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.</span></span> </h1>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Dad, mom, Stephen, Antonio, William, Carolyn, Zeke, Elizabeth, Billy, Timothy and Anna-KateAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-27044798718530509552018-04-30T13:33:00.000-07:002018-04-30T13:33:15.793-07:00Birthdays Galore!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRyG3_vt7Rd7sPh8qPA04mZgY5LlhfC9lSfICjK0vSMXlohYzfLXsx46fFWGJYAkDyUX8wjDgZwfhvDPPsryda3t8mA1MrkWLdS8SptMhs-HPN_CabQ8LmFVD4VRfNv1JS1nGAsG1W7M/s1600/065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRyG3_vt7Rd7sPh8qPA04mZgY5LlhfC9lSfICjK0vSMXlohYzfLXsx46fFWGJYAkDyUX8wjDgZwfhvDPPsryda3t8mA1MrkWLdS8SptMhs-HPN_CabQ8LmFVD4VRfNv1JS1nGAsG1W7M/s320/065.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
April and May are pretty intense for birthdays around here. The four girls in our home all have their birthdays within three weeks of each other! Lots of pink and cake for days on end! Lots of excitement, squealing and giggling, as girls are so much more emotional than boys about things, you know.<br />
<br />
The first girl to start the birthday parade was Elizabeth. She turned 15 years old this year. Her whole <a href="http://muchbiggerthanme.blogspot.com/2013/09/truncus-arteriosus-heart-defect.html" target="_blank">miracle life</a> has been amazing to me. She has been one of the hardest children I have ever had in our home. Raising her has been a challenge at every turn, almost daily. Over the last few years, she has slowly been improving. Giving me hope that she will be able to live on her own one day, have a normal life with normal relationships. I must say, that over the last six weeks, she has made a very positive and amazing transformation. The biggest change I have seen in her yet. We have been talking together, about her adult future and goals. I shared with her what I was doing at her age and where she is and why there is such a huge difference. We have talked about, that no one can totally change without God helping them daily. She is really trying. She is really putting forth effort now. All of these years, she has been set on rebellion at all things placed before her, just to defy. Just to prove that no one can make her do anything in life...from schooling to chores. She would behave to get what she wanted or to get to go somewhere and then act up as soon as she got what she wanted. Raw... I know..but the honest truth. I am amazed at her new found restraint in her temper. No tantrums in weeks. Very little slamming things and throwing things...a reminder or talk can defuse things. Wow... She is praying and listening to our devotions much more intently and participating in asking questions and taking in the answers. She is working hard at her schoolwork with out being monitored or asked. Sometimes six days a week. She is being much more respectful not just to authority but to her siblings.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wbunw0d_pGjE1tajxRYcTUUmQ6hxKhVv_VVwfZBpi_zYPbbPcDXl9ZqxQf1qECCiZTFghgrJOVEUtJhUFgTL_X4nxCJGMMcyET5GOyXhehED2Db5Opwa-Gs291v1XwnESoGE_RXRMBk/s1600/043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wbunw0d_pGjE1tajxRYcTUUmQ6hxKhVv_VVwfZBpi_zYPbbPcDXl9ZqxQf1qECCiZTFghgrJOVEUtJhUFgTL_X4nxCJGMMcyET5GOyXhehED2Db5Opwa-Gs291v1XwnESoGE_RXRMBk/s320/043.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding her very sick sister at the doctors office.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am beyond grateful that God is touching her heart. I am grateful for this season in parenting her. For this very normal and calm place she is at. I pray she stays here. I pray we never look back. I am so please with her progress and commitment these last many weeks. I am amazed. I have always loved her fiercely (as I do all our children) or would have given up many years ago. It is worth it to hang in there and wait on God and the miracles he brings about. Not just in those we are praying for but what it teaches <b><span style="font-size: small;">us</span></b>! I have learned so much about God and parenting, in having Elizabeth be our daughter. I would have it no other way! She is a blessing to me and our home and God has great plans for her life!<br />
<br />
Elizabeth and Carolyn used to play with dolls a lot as children. With the new trend in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reborn_doll" target="_blank">reborn</a> dolls sweeping the nation, in young children, teens and adults, collecting them...my girls have started to collect life like dolls. Many grown women have whole nurseries set up with clothing for them and take them out in public! Anyways, to me, it is good role playing for my young ladies, to help them be good moms someday and better people. Elizabeth wanted a doll from Paradise Gallery for her birthday this year. So we got her that and a Joovy car seat. She was beyond happy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZohOfN2OlDIKwsRWI2o3juSSTYRdhsZOxURCTEV4s_aBRyHhuIBBU9h_c1KhuXuMtfsiU6KB0g812MlfZnSpDG-ERqe1bH-rdqkpp7JUnlU7Rd4Ahkl81LAatJJMSo1YvwyoNod46ig/s1600/411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZohOfN2OlDIKwsRWI2o3juSSTYRdhsZOxURCTEV4s_aBRyHhuIBBU9h_c1KhuXuMtfsiU6KB0g812MlfZnSpDG-ERqe1bH-rdqkpp7JUnlU7Rd4Ahkl81LAatJJMSo1YvwyoNod46ig/s320/411.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
She wanted a home made cheese cake from her Aunt for her cake! YUM! Thank you Aunt "S"!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIY2Bw6VqyQax6C3PwoB5QGQt4dZSaeHqUgGTeF36rSgwIhfdEEdJ18ZWI8lnzIE8nhno8n0DqCDKR0FNZcl_enc6XOX74TIRY7bgY-gNTfShcqHoSDPG6-Dk6eD646NbEGsJOOgi_0k/s1600/363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIY2Bw6VqyQax6C3PwoB5QGQt4dZSaeHqUgGTeF36rSgwIhfdEEdJ18ZWI8lnzIE8nhno8n0DqCDKR0FNZcl_enc6XOX74TIRY7bgY-gNTfShcqHoSDPG6-Dk6eD646NbEGsJOOgi_0k/s320/363.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Happy Birthday Elizabeth! I am so impressed with your determination lately and goals you have set. I am so excited to see how God uses you for His glory! May the Lord God in heaven keep you healthy and safe. May He lead and guide you all the days of your life as you live and grow in Him!<br />
<br />
For about 10 days in the year, my middles are all a year numerically apart. This year it was Elizabeth 15 at her recent birthday, Zeke 16 and <a href="http://muchbiggerthanme.blogspot.com/2013/11/fetal-alcohol-syndrome.html" target="_blank">Carolyn</a> 17 but...then my dear sweet daughter Carolyn has a birthday and this year she turned 18!!! I know. I can't believe it either! I remember the day she was placed in my arms for the first time. I remember her adoption day. Time has just flown by. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvBOTSkYun4cbosh6ElN79uU-7c7xR8jZuv5JUnSWJdMHd4_6l8202pMsJIIe_dydBkyg45zqTrck83MDTPRrCSlH-9l3N9jdmwhXpFftQiPMS5F40JjWsgSqkYagy1bbKD_gqm7pPZI/s1600/133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvBOTSkYun4cbosh6ElN79uU-7c7xR8jZuv5JUnSWJdMHd4_6l8202pMsJIIe_dydBkyg45zqTrck83MDTPRrCSlH-9l3N9jdmwhXpFftQiPMS5F40JjWsgSqkYagy1bbKD_gqm7pPZI/s320/133.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Carolyn has grown into a wonderful godly woman. She works beside me all day long, learning life skills and helping me in all I do. She is a tender loving soul. Even though on paper she has graduated, she enjoys homeschooling and learning, so does independent work just because she wants to every evening, in her free time. She got her own room recently and loves the quiet away from siblings. She still takes ballet, is on point and rides her pony several times a month.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJ4H-jrkuiKC8IDHWQdzHItjv6DZqxeEwjAd7IaSclWheEVY4EgZjRJvxVC5YXNneV8A_X726GKkamfJxLTVNq2rrWKXG3Nl7mCwPyYEiZWLf4mGBuRAb8tLAclSxAAZD2nwPi-8eHXA/s1600/189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJ4H-jrkuiKC8IDHWQdzHItjv6DZqxeEwjAd7IaSclWheEVY4EgZjRJvxVC5YXNneV8A_X726GKkamfJxLTVNq2rrWKXG3Nl7mCwPyYEiZWLf4mGBuRAb8tLAclSxAAZD2nwPi-8eHXA/s320/189.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Carolyn with one of her very old dolls Daisy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She wanted a Paradise Gallery doll like her sister as well. So we ordered that for her. It will be coming very soon!<br />
<br />
She asked her aunt to make her a chocolate cake with Joy on it, from one of the kids movies she has seen. She loved it! Thank you again aunt "S" for blessing the children with your talent. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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/AVvXsEgt5B-WJK_q2NvY94GnjIBkCv5vpxj5ZbtTb6BwwNGRWqb5unqAyk4a2Q5sA5YeZo7uXf5Pw6ruU52bfz7lF86iEsO56IIZCZPfbA237V1Mb67acrXKgLDKy5Ucj0enEmEp592IgWqv9o4/s1600/074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5B-WJK_q2NvY94GnjIBkCv5vpxj5ZbtTb6BwwNGRWqb5unqAyk4a2Q5sA5YeZo7uXf5Pw6ruU52bfz7lF86iEsO56IIZCZPfbA237V1Mb67acrXKgLDKy5Ucj0enEmEp592IgWqv9o4/s320/074.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Carolyn is such a blessing to our home and friend to me. I love her dearly and don't know what I would do with out her. Such a sweet and lovely soul. <br />
<br />
May the Lord God above hold you in the palm of His mighty hand all the days of your life. May He help you be all you can be as you live and grow in Him!!<br />
<br />
Glory to God! The miracles I have had the privilege to witness in my life, in these children, has been nothing short of amazing! <br />
<br />
<span class="exdous"></span><br />
<span class="exdous"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /><span class="exdous"></span>1 Chronicles 16:24 Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples</b></span>.<br />
<br />
Love, Dad, mom, Stephen, Antonio, William, Zeke, Billy, Timothy, Kinsley and Anna-Kate! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-55735556013483635782018-03-31T10:01:00.000-07:002018-03-31T10:01:30.348-07:00William and the EAGLE Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhJXsfi3mS2aKRIaNh9eMXSfRQMlq3mtBDv89SC7ZHYDhWsAGuyDHKkMJxktlR3CgnEvJBiCd8figQlGBDK1wvXZoeaE2WSKeWOkVxQXbrft7jmKHcLB6m3fkJMVvSq7T4KCoMhk17dY/s1600/29136251_2047477078615609_2142381171017777152_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhJXsfi3mS2aKRIaNh9eMXSfRQMlq3mtBDv89SC7ZHYDhWsAGuyDHKkMJxktlR3CgnEvJBiCd8figQlGBDK1wvXZoeaE2WSKeWOkVxQXbrft7jmKHcLB6m3fkJMVvSq7T4KCoMhk17dY/s320/29136251_2047477078615609_2142381171017777152_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I shared with you, several months ago, that William was nominated and won the EAGLE award for our nine county region. He made it on the front page of our local news paper! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEPpC79KuU8ez7yh8sibBI2yZ1DBIIV3o4mq353Hehlq_n2QKnc-AJvFIcACGHwuUw5R3WlTKLsw1p39O12Mme-fvw61Xk0qKmhjMT5LnkcS0-uPU-xqdnnfCaZ3CCziPRrRVw-Q1aFU/s1600/IMG_2029+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="730" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEPpC79KuU8ez7yh8sibBI2yZ1DBIIV3o4mq353Hehlq_n2QKnc-AJvFIcACGHwuUw5R3WlTKLsw1p39O12Mme-fvw61Xk0qKmhjMT5LnkcS0-uPU-xqdnnfCaZ3CCziPRrRVw-Q1aFU/s320/IMG_2029+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He was to go to the state competition in March. <br />
<br />
Tim and William did go together to the three day competition/conference as it was down in Atlanta. They were put up in the Waverly Hotel and required to dress in business apparel.<br />
<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/AVvXsEhL_mLLM79KtmLbhw5iAWLPp3iJdwb81KduV0PPu6ngbZpblvSJfO_bbfanSGgVCNkjBCo5Np77pksV6KludCsUhcx7t5YLg-p1_azEMoUZOZGDDFG7WaP-68YA_l2lRGIeBMQ5m8zBx1M/s1600/IMG_2463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_mLLM79KtmLbhw5iAWLPp3iJdwb81KduV0PPu6ngbZpblvSJfO_bbfanSGgVCNkjBCo5Np77pksV6KludCsUhcx7t5YLg-p1_azEMoUZOZGDDFG7WaP-68YA_l2lRGIeBMQ5m8zBx1M/s320/IMG_2463.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig44d5uFEHpVso_qy5Af748lsa6dzX9MpmWuevHJzUGimeT_0TyZTKR0HtPpcfqKryLPArcGd-f6w89vz__eOjwLw6-9dxFl6KLZO6L5RoL2LGDg8oB2KQFtfAcizbV87aisD-nD6mH90/s1600/IMG_2460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig44d5uFEHpVso_qy5Af748lsa6dzX9MpmWuevHJzUGimeT_0TyZTKR0HtPpcfqKryLPArcGd-f6w89vz__eOjwLw6-9dxFl6KLZO6L5RoL2LGDg8oB2KQFtfAcizbV87aisD-nD6mH90/s320/IMG_2460.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
It was so special to see my men looking so nice!<br />
<br />
All of the states regions winners came together for this conference. They each received an I-pad and many gifts from different colleges and business for their achievement. After interviews and such, it was narrowed down to the top eight, which William was one of, by the grace of God. He received a trophy and awards for making it this far.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeVt5RCKrRJYu8EpYppQJ0d2yHkXKvA0DsrGWen-U3g7T2L1M4RTNC9ysncTs2flST-bcZSAJkb9qZRGBk8U7BhH4JVWCUvcoqsDo74o62bhJJyaCXMhoGapvIi5k0yyyjODfF9vFwRc/s1600/20180331_091551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeVt5RCKrRJYu8EpYppQJ0d2yHkXKvA0DsrGWen-U3g7T2L1M4RTNC9ysncTs2flST-bcZSAJkb9qZRGBk8U7BhH4JVWCUvcoqsDo74o62bhJJyaCXMhoGapvIi5k0yyyjODfF9vFwRc/s320/20180331_091551.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
He did not win the top award but was in the top eight and did win for our whole region. We could not be more pleased for him. God is so good and has done great miracles in his life. All the glory to God!<br />
<br />
William attended activities, many events, heard great speakers and took classes. They also took him and the other EAGLE recipients, to the brand new base ball stadium they just build in Atlanta. They had the grand behind the scenes tour. They also ate wonderful food and attended some special fancy dinners.<br />
<br />
They took some fun photos of all the participants which I really enjoyed seeing! The ones I have put on here today are the only ones with just him in them. Such fun!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHMt5960cfCJrWqVRjZVEaO0eIreYsT7Y6dR-2aFeoxyd6YFxZjQlR_rAn9Zre5M4Nbudi1KWCJtQrsx2vWF6U0GH169iSlg9_p0FoE7S4DJLpbX2cqybBcLT1ZxPbCqrPLP47ndhmco/s1600/29178388_2047477271948923_126749647455649792_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHMt5960cfCJrWqVRjZVEaO0eIreYsT7Y6dR-2aFeoxyd6YFxZjQlR_rAn9Zre5M4Nbudi1KWCJtQrsx2vWF6U0GH169iSlg9_p0FoE7S4DJLpbX2cqybBcLT1ZxPbCqrPLP47ndhmco/s320/29178388_2047477271948923_126749647455649792_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNywWzDwaWOzHwxqvKzHXOv1Phbtzz0EaqEykGTyd1xJqCJwCIDhp__VVxniJ4WyDMKGakfMBpaVC3ikPGQSoF0V7IHk5RDqjPPW3HhOu5mXyaNNz4LZghO8QST2s5Oi5etvoRRQYRmjE/s1600/29186699_2047477335282250_6819875077786435584_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNywWzDwaWOzHwxqvKzHXOv1Phbtzz0EaqEykGTyd1xJqCJwCIDhp__VVxniJ4WyDMKGakfMBpaVC3ikPGQSoF0V7IHk5RDqjPPW3HhOu5mXyaNNz4LZghO8QST2s5Oi5etvoRRQYRmjE/s320/29186699_2047477335282250_6819875077786435584_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
He made it on the front of our local news paper once again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGD-YrncdoTqg5YKglvleXyG82b5qqh1LzDiSVF4NuudqcR0MOqqemdc6LgTMuJo7ycLBwWdq9ftHu57fkEIf447sNvPFcjRTd-dZDq5Reiop_vVZG1prl_m9op1AIy-_MR0WrGJzm58/s1600/131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGD-YrncdoTqg5YKglvleXyG82b5qqh1LzDiSVF4NuudqcR0MOqqemdc6LgTMuJo7ycLBwWdq9ftHu57fkEIf447sNvPFcjRTd-dZDq5Reiop_vVZG1prl_m9op1AIy-_MR0WrGJzm58/s320/131.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
It was such a great experience for William and a great few days away for both my guys.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKmlPiRrf5uYOoV2PEEvXmTXMLBjg0USPeVnoE5CqFWhOhHR0xG4iNVnDOOeOO8krTAjhrl6yWt0rX2p6HQmkdc0W9-zspmdhN-nYLD1P0mztCqHJ6xLsstvdKhBcRuVCqpkNeB971b0/s1600/29197024_10157259826284554_170841755750639306_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKmlPiRrf5uYOoV2PEEvXmTXMLBjg0USPeVnoE5CqFWhOhHR0xG4iNVnDOOeOO8krTAjhrl6yWt0rX2p6HQmkdc0W9-zspmdhN-nYLD1P0mztCqHJ6xLsstvdKhBcRuVCqpkNeB971b0/s320/29197024_10157259826284554_170841755750639306_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I am grateful beyond worlds that God has blessed us with the honor of raising William as our son. To witness the miracle of his life and how God has brought him so far.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDVMiO1cQGSNZxkGsHRkOVJuA0hC-sbqdT4fojuUGfBXdYSAKc4_dGoiI3eVkmQtAHcHlHYPvCGLas11Sy5a4aOyu0YulEcH58_qlNaMjKX9asJsz0wtcuBlZbaeAFfU54LjHb5Cy6EM/s1600/29196196_2047477351948915_7230270803625902080_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDVMiO1cQGSNZxkGsHRkOVJuA0hC-sbqdT4fojuUGfBXdYSAKc4_dGoiI3eVkmQtAHcHlHYPvCGLas11Sy5a4aOyu0YulEcH58_qlNaMjKX9asJsz0wtcuBlZbaeAFfU54LjHb5Cy6EM/s320/29196196_2047477351948915_7230270803625902080_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
William, we could not be more please with you. You have grown into such a wonderful God serving man. No one could ask for a better son with a more helpful and kind heart. I have seen how hard you work to achieve your goals and I pray Gods blessings upon everything you put your hand to as you live and grow in Him.<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv"> </span></span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Isaiah 41:10</span><span class="passage-display-version"></span><span class="text Isa-41-10" id="en-KJV-18462"> Fear
thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will
strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with
the right hand of my righteousness.</span></span> </h1>
</div>
<br />
blessings,<br />
<br />
susan<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-67213820760129248682018-03-17T09:19:00.001-07:002018-03-17T09:19:42.340-07:00A Little Taste of Spring and Other Things<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJuUV7kZ05mzrS68ZLglmro98HXtltXDvyk-XGT0iUf4kZUimH9-SfdW_O86yBo16JgUDmkt94X7c2OMFAHK0ncUXhb4ZyECUizR6e06pJWavKp5IMHkace-R8Mt6wboHpwzl4dE00PY/s1600/395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJuUV7kZ05mzrS68ZLglmro98HXtltXDvyk-XGT0iUf4kZUimH9-SfdW_O86yBo16JgUDmkt94X7c2OMFAHK0ncUXhb4ZyECUizR6e06pJWavKp5IMHkace-R8Mt6wboHpwzl4dE00PY/s320/395.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand cherry blossoms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It has been feeling very spring like around here lately. The daffodils have already bloomed and faded and the fruit trees are in full bloom. So pretty. Elizabeth is my gardening helper and she and I have already started preparing the gardens for spring planting. Over the winter I had a lot of ideas on improvements to the beds as well. A few years ago I planted a lot of different fruit trees in huge barrels and pots and some in the ground. I have now seen which ones are going to do well in this area and which are not, so we have been redoing a lot of the tree areas as well. I want only easy and productive trees and bushes that we don't need to spray to have decent fruit from.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCpPgnXiYuwoBobQEwbwGKTwKwYO0UsjdP09eoS_unwUNpyw2tOHKL3uQoM-mck7PThrVR7Q1CXgl4qSJBTk5f1qlUUlMTZF7emsT1qnKVM1AtURIwljorNbdCimArP5vR-_fYvonIqU/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCpPgnXiYuwoBobQEwbwGKTwKwYO0UsjdP09eoS_unwUNpyw2tOHKL3uQoM-mck7PThrVR7Q1CXgl4qSJBTk5f1qlUUlMTZF7emsT1qnKVM1AtURIwljorNbdCimArP5vR-_fYvonIqU/s320/004.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolyn taking one of her dogs for a walk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have been making some huge changes around here lately that has kept us very busy as well. We have been preparing for Tim's parents to come to live with us and that has taken a lot of time and labor. I know Gods hand is in it and all will be well. Keep us in your prayers!<br />
<br />
Carolyn has been wanting her own room for years and she will be 18 very soon. She has always shared a room with someone and over the last several years she has shared a room with three younger sisters! She has always been very good about it. She is such a good sister and has never complained at all. It has just been a dream of hers to have her own room. We are going to finish off our front porch very soon and make 1/3 of it a room for her. She has been planing and dreaming for so long. Last week, we cleaned the whole front porch. Took a lot to the donation center and rearranged what we kept. One third of the front porch has been Zekes area for many years. He does his filming and stop animation projects, out there, where it is quiet. We are redoing his area as well. Even though Carolyn's area is not totally ready for permanent occupancy, she moved her stuff out there and set it up as if she is living out there. She is spending her evenings out there enjoying her privacy and quiet. It warms my heart to be able to gift this desire to her, as she is such a precious soul to me.<br />
<br />
I recently had a birthday. I turned 50! Tim got me a puppy I wanted...sweet, patient man that he is. :)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-X_rmyWvIl6LrwbSqyIqRwOJwj1fbO7Fz7F3EHmoqPoqIYkeDtNJR1VU2hrZkOC9qr6gE4Ba6wR1EjsLjXY72Y9ZqvtQMeJP2GrKeja-T-K6LV0DGkdGmGhmxSf3Mg5I-whdpVu5Chc/s1600/20180119_131153_1516396838302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-X_rmyWvIl6LrwbSqyIqRwOJwj1fbO7Fz7F3EHmoqPoqIYkeDtNJR1VU2hrZkOC9qr6gE4Ba6wR1EjsLjXY72Y9ZqvtQMeJP2GrKeja-T-K6LV0DGkdGmGhmxSf3Mg5I-whdpVu5Chc/s320/20180119_131153_1516396838302.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new baby "Baby".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqKrILbuYl-UpGUt85XVYOMOIZUJZs7wnD0T2PP6iF2LVRIfTGSwrUWxcCvxuvsmweczRcKCoSMYkdVDmA5YgQwmdviDlKfDFM2cDEW97MKn3ZRXV-8J7daMA_rCwBdbEQpkZyEsTcRc/s1600/023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqKrILbuYl-UpGUt85XVYOMOIZUJZs7wnD0T2PP6iF2LVRIfTGSwrUWxcCvxuvsmweczRcKCoSMYkdVDmA5YgQwmdviDlKfDFM2cDEW97MKn3ZRXV-8J7daMA_rCwBdbEQpkZyEsTcRc/s320/023.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She has grown so much already!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have several therapy dogs here that are very loyal to their child and do not want anything to do with anyone else, as it should be. I have my sweet poodle, Pickles. Pickles, is getting very old and sleeps most days now. She has been the best dog I have ever had the pleasure of having, as a companion. She is helping me break in my new recruit and teaching her the ropes. :)<br />
<br />
I have been praying a lot lately on ways to make things in our lives more functional. Things to cut out of our lives that we don't need anymore. Ways to make things simpler. Re-evaluate, if there are better more efficient ways to do things. I am trying to put my hands on everything in our home and decide weather we need it or not, as I don't want any clutter around. The things and improvements God has brought to my attention has been amazing. Believe it or not, I have decided to stop milking our goats. I have been milking for 20 years! I get between a half gallon and a gallon a day depending on which one or two I milk. The daily milking time, the clean up and time it takes to make cheese and such is a lot. We now only use a quart or so of milk a week. There is no need anymore for me to go thru all that work and making cheese to use up all the milk anymore. God is so good.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg_3Icra4A-bPyxyOoohdYcA1cA046Y4_Eg6OeUDvBtEZVixZORT77ov_42Sb1wVCbFHTuFIyMTFSH6c7eDkWQUV8PMj7M-FgdTfQ3KAJnvHITeuM9nf3XmgbYiuu13bHJLYF_BEtMEA/s1600/039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg_3Icra4A-bPyxyOoohdYcA1cA046Y4_Eg6OeUDvBtEZVixZORT77ov_42Sb1wVCbFHTuFIyMTFSH6c7eDkWQUV8PMj7M-FgdTfQ3KAJnvHITeuM9nf3XmgbYiuu13bHJLYF_BEtMEA/s320/039.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the triplet babies born this month.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are keeping our goats to keep the pastures ate down and in case I need to milk again or want to for a season but for now have stopped. I have now not been milking for a few weeks and it feels so good to have more time in my life from all that entailed.<br />
<br />
I have also stopped all therapy sessions.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDsTDNon2QCTjtgPCA55SWbHUevwo7818FHB7a59XkvAX-EBjzGupx9j2WUSJnZug9WlGEg319LnOzFomR926S4BKmlS8a5YSwfPhyzMDgmEZ6FHmF155fVDvG9VOsxsgWX-yLZWXEhs/s1600/267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDsTDNon2QCTjtgPCA55SWbHUevwo7818FHB7a59XkvAX-EBjzGupx9j2WUSJnZug9WlGEg319LnOzFomR926S4BKmlS8a5YSwfPhyzMDgmEZ6FHmF155fVDvG9VOsxsgWX-yLZWXEhs/s320/267.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinsley on her last therapy day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have been taking children to therapy every week faithfully for the last 20 years or so. Kinsley was my last child in therapy and we have found other ways for her to meet her needs. I now have no weekly appointments I have to leave our home for. Only those that are check ups and such that come around every six months or once a year. I am getting so much more done daily by not HAVING to leave the house at all. I have went thru each room of our home and am slowly rethinking and redoing things for quick and easy function. Things like building huge shelves in Antonio's bathroom to hold all his diapers, wipes and such so everything we need to care for him is right there and not stored all over the house. I still have to finish off the inset shelf area for toiletries. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySX6awoCO87YMSggy08ekpVSB-0TPtsZ3zOsy-S-Ru9iMTZT5A-4_RUSNuz9a8z5NEI_7DQbpCCkmuEHdUQZhKEggtbu_maSiU1YIHWq1g5epmTqdmPqs9ZHqViSTPdpc_qxBp5o15sQ/s1600/033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySX6awoCO87YMSggy08ekpVSB-0TPtsZ3zOsy-S-Ru9iMTZT5A-4_RUSNuz9a8z5NEI_7DQbpCCkmuEHdUQZhKEggtbu_maSiU1YIHWq1g5epmTqdmPqs9ZHqViSTPdpc_qxBp5o15sQ/s320/033.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
As I am doing all of this I am spring cleaning all the rooms and trying to make more room so the house feels more open. God is so good and things are really looking wonderful. I am also feeling so much lighter and better in many ways by getting so much fluff gone out of our lives. I have waited for this season of our lives to come for a long time and feel that at least for a space of time things will be a bit easier in many ways, even though our days are always busy and hard, with such a large family, with so many special needs.<br />
<br />
I am going to do a bit of a photo dump on you now. :)<br />
<br />
Pictures of the girls at their last recital!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRR2_2pJXIdcTtjWfKcBekmMhb3V8M-MX-5X8bCm1-AALQ0ed3bQaEB96KH7xV6SA9vgFeEraR7Zmg8zA1eYXxUFUpdoAJgG5XmvzJuaISX2AuMADlxi98H5cgCos11cidoMH-W9Z7QdY/s1600/20180120_083312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRR2_2pJXIdcTtjWfKcBekmMhb3V8M-MX-5X8bCm1-AALQ0ed3bQaEB96KH7xV6SA9vgFeEraR7Zmg8zA1eYXxUFUpdoAJgG5XmvzJuaISX2AuMADlxi98H5cgCos11cidoMH-W9Z7QdY/s320/20180120_083312.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVbhcX-u69SVyXWJKW8kCAHdtqH7bTnuLM-_TDPlJP_-tLG3x89bfIO3MA26KAJGMR8BBoIhZ8N8BiZXNHpqOoM05feF3hB9DdwnJ3zi0wM-d5DXozkko07ZCSZIu8o4BPiWVOqOCDVQ/s1600/20180120_083542_1516479839266_1516479947127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVbhcX-u69SVyXWJKW8kCAHdtqH7bTnuLM-_TDPlJP_-tLG3x89bfIO3MA26KAJGMR8BBoIhZ8N8BiZXNHpqOoM05feF3hB9DdwnJ3zi0wM-d5DXozkko07ZCSZIu8o4BPiWVOqOCDVQ/s320/20180120_083542_1516479839266_1516479947127.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SPnVBXo9ybrcat8HFWCeB7auHipigXyRd7yKNJJ8ITJU2LUfKnqR9FRuhVNw0iq3-k9lLGt8nsOjr4tYC9S_6vB9U1_u_mTxFWXp76mD25pu2pE0-hjvvXNr2ba_0nNV2nFGPTPSRSo/s1600/20180120_152122%25280%2529_1516479909945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SPnVBXo9ybrcat8HFWCeB7auHipigXyRd7yKNJJ8ITJU2LUfKnqR9FRuhVNw0iq3-k9lLGt8nsOjr4tYC9S_6vB9U1_u_mTxFWXp76mD25pu2pE0-hjvvXNr2ba_0nNV2nFGPTPSRSo/s320/20180120_152122%25280%2529_1516479909945.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Some snapshots of my sweeties. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqztQ87DWWwi28-at1T6IG3c4c362QwrNTdX-NDRWcelCoUfx_7iSbl6BjxJp3S9827pZ9Y7H4J1uhd5Jrz6nhDXEsczfJ7oDBcvM_r6UmnP6sEbQPbtEpzG9KIWIApSIVYFCPdm8X_4/s1600/20180110_084415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqztQ87DWWwi28-at1T6IG3c4c362QwrNTdX-NDRWcelCoUfx_7iSbl6BjxJp3S9827pZ9Y7H4J1uhd5Jrz6nhDXEsczfJ7oDBcvM_r6UmnP6sEbQPbtEpzG9KIWIApSIVYFCPdm8X_4/s320/20180110_084415.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWTcgSaXHpKj43SVaCcd0HGRZgNvkZsle797SEGxBMbLDrld_I2xS_NXFO1jUUoxAWa-55oQWSdM7m6yC7jOxh4E45nxY1EmQ6slK5MWiMm3jyxEfEA7-HnQPoWzqu6Hw0qQaky_TF1A/s1600/20180110_084401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWTcgSaXHpKj43SVaCcd0HGRZgNvkZsle797SEGxBMbLDrld_I2xS_NXFO1jUUoxAWa-55oQWSdM7m6yC7jOxh4E45nxY1EmQ6slK5MWiMm3jyxEfEA7-HnQPoWzqu6Hw0qQaky_TF1A/s320/20180110_084401.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMXEOUwIsfbDOMyoPKeCOrkcniigPWheqV3WPZ-Uhbf8PfVQjS51uUXdBeeR_Sr8DE0KKeRPc5jMYtjGB47Q4K0Gm4ok-rOHKPyb-SZa7n1Ibpx8F4ZgXzEL1sM-qPZp8j3LUtLkT-_I/s1600/20171123_142850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMXEOUwIsfbDOMyoPKeCOrkcniigPWheqV3WPZ-Uhbf8PfVQjS51uUXdBeeR_Sr8DE0KKeRPc5jMYtjGB47Q4K0Gm4ok-rOHKPyb-SZa7n1Ibpx8F4ZgXzEL1sM-qPZp8j3LUtLkT-_I/s320/20171123_142850.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARJIuOl0xIC7B8trPrb0dKEUANuznVgZNNy135q4-nntWr64hcjbKL-F7n5_y_r31-_uxR3Ugs66Hxxzxk7GWn0CA7vrUnWdFeVUlzDBE9-HbU0rtF-LcFEJ8wisnBvMM3eekjxQYmF8/s1600/20171123_143121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARJIuOl0xIC7B8trPrb0dKEUANuznVgZNNy135q4-nntWr64hcjbKL-F7n5_y_r31-_uxR3Ugs66Hxxzxk7GWn0CA7vrUnWdFeVUlzDBE9-HbU0rtF-LcFEJ8wisnBvMM3eekjxQYmF8/s320/20171123_143121.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcmC1TMaOjsFh9Y0ycG_OvCw2zRkmF1Vs9sI2jjWQLSb-tNr4QEvuZ-iUGXlskQMnj9eohznh2kG23EdwVqXUg5Z88yQPeA6zhFalLEm5k4hyphenhyphenLbUmcix9CQQfpdUuCwhg0hF3wdI-9FY/s1600/20171123_143745_1511468500363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcmC1TMaOjsFh9Y0ycG_OvCw2zRkmF1Vs9sI2jjWQLSb-tNr4QEvuZ-iUGXlskQMnj9eohznh2kG23EdwVqXUg5Z88yQPeA6zhFalLEm5k4hyphenhyphenLbUmcix9CQQfpdUuCwhg0hF3wdI-9FY/s320/20171123_143745_1511468500363.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVRtCAlzIBUlKHy22ZdKNMj9KRAgPumnizJ9G1hsw2OrkbZ4OsFT-38TPJ5fB1MlOUOaq4scKgnT6QqS2frVOaEAbWF76sV1TlUhodsFOFFVauNMJdORpmkja6cizs0prPoqYMJ0jOpQ/s1600/20171205_095748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVRtCAlzIBUlKHy22ZdKNMj9KRAgPumnizJ9G1hsw2OrkbZ4OsFT-38TPJ5fB1MlOUOaq4scKgnT6QqS2frVOaEAbWF76sV1TlUhodsFOFFVauNMJdORpmkja6cizs0prPoqYMJ0jOpQ/s320/20171205_095748.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9NrdmtaYTH0o99NZE02RL88sLNMAqcXiLIENA8ufuYYPFw1LC7o1h1hi_FL_HndsZoVZ6PDuZv_4l0uCGrpwUPgGyGUpCDv38wbk138byrhDYRDBRQWZaGNP_yL4ivy4Y9ByO9R88u8/s1600/20171208_080212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9NrdmtaYTH0o99NZE02RL88sLNMAqcXiLIENA8ufuYYPFw1LC7o1h1hi_FL_HndsZoVZ6PDuZv_4l0uCGrpwUPgGyGUpCDv38wbk138byrhDYRDBRQWZaGNP_yL4ivy4Y9ByO9R88u8/s320/20171208_080212.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowball fight between William and Billy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzZNzHuhafo6xAKaInSmDzRWhE76Zc8vRnPARyPNG_a5iDqPVGxFcdayUV1R5WywohLGCT0G1liKCRKfOi61AOE6J0aPUxaZRNdQPeZPP2kz9KRr-SEJvI5oEfKg9dPV2eoPPX0crt0k/s1600/20171208_082050+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="656" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzZNzHuhafo6xAKaInSmDzRWhE76Zc8vRnPARyPNG_a5iDqPVGxFcdayUV1R5WywohLGCT0G1liKCRKfOi61AOE6J0aPUxaZRNdQPeZPP2kz9KRr-SEJvI5oEfKg9dPV2eoPPX0crt0k/s320/20171208_082050+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna-Kate's first time seeing snow. I love the look of awe and wonderment on her little, sweet, face.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmB06_JyMoOjTapN5uluLOogn0U45E5SHwRXVtOzb1Ba4LMfjYZ4xPrOCTjLrXFlzxdpmnq-H5zzkEyqbnDyQImfZ2ZjUYIQOi8m52UxW632UVlJol1knMyU_FUNmqnzhGLhG6V3SqjY/s1600/20171226_172138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmB06_JyMoOjTapN5uluLOogn0U45E5SHwRXVtOzb1Ba4LMfjYZ4xPrOCTjLrXFlzxdpmnq-H5zzkEyqbnDyQImfZ2ZjUYIQOi8m52UxW632UVlJol1knMyU_FUNmqnzhGLhG6V3SqjY/s320/20171226_172138.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two Timothy's. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f1bWgvEBaY5fwVQbfBFaG1MzcraE6h3eWs3jAyC_vsgDLLUMvteV4n1zdKitEF9KmdOzuRL4UqcnAssz2otz1ZNG5q-FXcT6OPpZAL95WS2Hlz9gKKJynykA3k9J8W9jZv8TQgsJWGc/s1600/20171230_105847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f1bWgvEBaY5fwVQbfBFaG1MzcraE6h3eWs3jAyC_vsgDLLUMvteV4n1zdKitEF9KmdOzuRL4UqcnAssz2otz1ZNG5q-FXcT6OPpZAL95WS2Hlz9gKKJynykA3k9J8W9jZv8TQgsJWGc/s320/20171230_105847.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antonio playing his piano.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin594z_NhG8t-w0vet_m_zJM-5YpejcXFztg4ygYCtCAOGJJsOKFkf95-RzIl0d82W3MO3P0sLQc96NvqkS6qaKnLGxQK8OqzfKPLmoN0SqJWN7Yt5L0RfWmt-0NYksG_8Ab01z0WObgU/s1600/401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin594z_NhG8t-w0vet_m_zJM-5YpejcXFztg4ygYCtCAOGJJsOKFkf95-RzIl0d82W3MO3P0sLQc96NvqkS6qaKnLGxQK8OqzfKPLmoN0SqJWN7Yt5L0RfWmt-0NYksG_8Ab01z0WObgU/s320/401.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zeke and one of our many barn cats. He carries that cat around a lot when he is outside, every day doing chores.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSkTakFfIbDR4aPI7673TW1dT4Zu2v1GoankgL6EB6IoERXKKDamrgreif4I1vbpXRYtIzMAuTWL0_7pTbzo9xfBruX2eQJLDTGwlXJSKXFdiXhUZfkE4NCIkariI7EDJvxNYR9_-mQo/s1600/035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSkTakFfIbDR4aPI7673TW1dT4Zu2v1GoankgL6EB6IoERXKKDamrgreif4I1vbpXRYtIzMAuTWL0_7pTbzo9xfBruX2eQJLDTGwlXJSKXFdiXhUZfkE4NCIkariI7EDJvxNYR9_-mQo/s320/035.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our many stops on grocery day. Gotta eat. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="content-box-1">
<div id="Replacep">
<span class="exdous">
</span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="verse"><div class="concepts">
Psalm 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; And deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name's sake.</div>
</span></b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
May God pour out His abundant blessings upon you and your life this spring as you live and grow in Him!<br />
<br />
blessings,<br />
<br />
susan<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-14470401499908728032018-02-10T09:12:00.001-08:002018-02-10T09:12:41.155-08:00My Right Hand Girl!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CKM15km2f28WyHM9NeP6jAk8douq_vpRCPIUDAD_5t_KL1pCB8V4ULU_Z7bs967hcqgFAdCvBp63cwiyOBICRWONAy-hYYt9cePCZ1KnpALrTO1u8sftsMhlyy_gf5wrovdYzC2mvPs/s1600/20171110_085555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CKM15km2f28WyHM9NeP6jAk8douq_vpRCPIUDAD_5t_KL1pCB8V4ULU_Z7bs967hcqgFAdCvBp63cwiyOBICRWONAy-hYYt9cePCZ1KnpALrTO1u8sftsMhlyy_gf5wrovdYzC2mvPs/s320/20171110_085555.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
This week I decided to do an update on my sweet, sweet, daughter, Carolyn. I have no way to put into words how dear she is to my heart. I could ask for no better daughter or friend. She is reliable in temperament and behavior, most of the time, so is a child I don't have to worry about misbehaving or causing trouble when out in public, or at home. We work very well together and enjoy each others company all day long.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjx6Rp3LZOnwwVNZgPTYmXqJpuqpYJLLIdpwQYUuaMo0PG71Dyj5cGqLdOnA152b84pE2h9yYc27JikwMmLhrTSEUtF9OdGlxKYc4NhNFu-Sc_H-YyLn-x0MyJKCNaoc8DrZ6BaVbgUM/s1600/20171112_131902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjx6Rp3LZOnwwVNZgPTYmXqJpuqpYJLLIdpwQYUuaMo0PG71Dyj5cGqLdOnA152b84pE2h9yYc27JikwMmLhrTSEUtF9OdGlxKYc4NhNFu-Sc_H-YyLn-x0MyJKCNaoc8DrZ6BaVbgUM/s320/20171112_131902.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigjgOCzoiZmY4l-mK6eD3LGKXY32Sm4izTlsR1Bp_NsV1eCxPNeXTiFIAnx6JF_9pzAi9Xb2Dixu7yYLsNojQM34FkF5WusP4yPxrtkv5tFlP-ivp2UzhzLlTqbWwBY6Z5EHyd3UZj7g/s1600/20171112_132909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigjgOCzoiZmY4l-mK6eD3LGKXY32Sm4izTlsR1Bp_NsV1eCxPNeXTiFIAnx6JF_9pzAi9Xb2Dixu7yYLsNojQM34FkF5WusP4yPxrtkv5tFlP-ivp2UzhzLlTqbWwBY6Z5EHyd3UZj7g/s320/20171112_132909.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
She is a huge help with the children and has a gift when working with them. She has compassion and a gentle, patient, nature with any person or creature.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6GAbD0NDqVkU5VpWNbJ8vvcXPlnOIm2GjPUYZ50ctyekXvSUaT6OGvnu36h03MagP8z9JGoeYldQfyl0NnTLiq84bFiLVTXSrMbYk_Yv4N87zFjH8nHXzvdcwJkfIDh2wizQg1smyzg/s1600/20171123_144437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6GAbD0NDqVkU5VpWNbJ8vvcXPlnOIm2GjPUYZ50ctyekXvSUaT6OGvnu36h03MagP8z9JGoeYldQfyl0NnTLiq84bFiLVTXSrMbYk_Yv4N87zFjH8nHXzvdcwJkfIDh2wizQg1smyzg/s320/20171123_144437.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Carolyn is doing very well and is at a time in life that she is on the cusp of being an adult. She is 17 years old, soon to be 18 within a few months. That in and of itself is just beyond grasping. She came to us when she was just 10 weeks old.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm07kT77lSUKPT8zTQGLiu0RMzcHZ5tXFhbKEXEejd2jDwjYIVIGTxVjdXsUMBVDCat0YUVjJjtNagam5TIrvUYEyHOZNQ4XjxqkP56Ff4_F_ITGtJXUT7AZKgqF7dnegdREHCyTJ0Aw/s1600/a134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1424" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm07kT77lSUKPT8zTQGLiu0RMzcHZ5tXFhbKEXEejd2jDwjYIVIGTxVjdXsUMBVDCat0YUVjJjtNagam5TIrvUYEyHOZNQ4XjxqkP56Ff4_F_ITGtJXUT7AZKgqF7dnegdREHCyTJ0Aw/s320/a134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
She has<a href="http://muchbiggerthanme.blogspot.com/2013/11/fetal-alcohol-syndrome.html" target="_blank"> FAS</a>, so had many sensory, emotional, and learning disabilities. She cried a lot as an infant and was my only child I had to wear, to keep her from crying and being so anxious all of the time. As long as she was held, or very close to someone, she was fine., put her down and she was terrified. She was very tiny and grew slowly. She was fun to dress cute and cuddle with.<br />
<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/AVvXsEjuKgpyUWu_2uCfw70ZsSePJrHqyx8DIhguFcgkoaz-BJ3sMA5H_fMMWgzluXRIn0oK9rl0UvcD5ouGBbd57qHNAKjUd__sD6RD7eCAzbqlaJD-s7sw0JUf5d-IbezeRSvpYW3KCLVLXu4/s1600/a62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="1109" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKgpyUWu_2uCfw70ZsSePJrHqyx8DIhguFcgkoaz-BJ3sMA5H_fMMWgzluXRIn0oK9rl0UvcD5ouGBbd57qHNAKjUd__sD6RD7eCAzbqlaJD-s7sw0JUf5d-IbezeRSvpYW3KCLVLXu4/s320/a62.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBw7QG9yS8mOIajKSgyswei-dVg-C31zGTwQ13axsEUs9M4wzU8vI4eBnyr8Ib6WKPFMtQmMJQfHCAIVxBjqRjLW4xrOeI7Qgq38W0xyIuFzCBK2xxBWTJU6K8SqiUpSAkSjhqQM8gemg/s1600/PD_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBw7QG9yS8mOIajKSgyswei-dVg-C31zGTwQ13axsEUs9M4wzU8vI4eBnyr8Ib6WKPFMtQmMJQfHCAIVxBjqRjLW4xrOeI7Qgq38W0xyIuFzCBK2xxBWTJU6K8SqiUpSAkSjhqQM8gemg/s320/PD_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Don't get me wrong...I enjoyed her immensely and was so grateful for her but her behavior could and did easily escalate and become over the top when she was little. When she was about six/seven years old, all of that changed. I seriously don't know if it was all of my prayers being answered, she truly understood the gospel and got saved or what... but a u-turn, life changing, occurrence happened in her life and heart and she stopped the tantruming, bad behavior and rebellion. She became very compliant and I could see her try so hard to control herself in all areas. At that point in time, we both started a wonderful relationship and bond, that I can not explain. She tries so hard to please me, be helpful and learn skills that I do daily. She is just a precious soul. She still struggles with learning disabilities, her emotions, her nerves, and how to behave socially but knows she has these issues and what is expected behavior...she tries so hard to keep herself acting in a kind and exceptable manor.<br />
<br />
Carolyn spends her days working on daily living skills, helping with the children, loving on her animals and dancing. She has just started to understand math for the first time in her life. She has never been able to grasp the concept at all. She has started doing simple math books, for fun, in her free time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCctbRZP6fgLslR5emaWFTeLxjL2lzml30mKtoyJj8vsjV2j1XMBndvLV2ZSI_eV1UkK1I6PAvzMZZaeV0porKMT5nVcXyP0XDJSOWStVn0fj8nIXtCPZ-Pue6HhlNa5Ubxm1HB3Ln7J8/s1600/20171018_182918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCctbRZP6fgLslR5emaWFTeLxjL2lzml30mKtoyJj8vsjV2j1XMBndvLV2ZSI_eV1UkK1I6PAvzMZZaeV0porKMT5nVcXyP0XDJSOWStVn0fj8nIXtCPZ-Pue6HhlNa5Ubxm1HB3Ln7J8/s320/20171018_182918.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jd7c8jw5erOUR8RvS1lT6ErYUtj1st2kD0Jugnh0oQNlxzhpHm6_PwwCIHEGfvTZ34Zj7gR3AfGJDfxbixRpVMid3W80m_SQhXD6ATRga1ZRAZ98erdc5pqg2jU0_WwdsA5PAZvXw5w/s1600/20171018_183742_1508366329310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jd7c8jw5erOUR8RvS1lT6ErYUtj1st2kD0Jugnh0oQNlxzhpHm6_PwwCIHEGfvTZ34Zj7gR3AfGJDfxbixRpVMid3W80m_SQhXD6ATRga1ZRAZ98erdc5pqg2jU0_WwdsA5PAZvXw5w/s320/20171018_183742_1508366329310.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
She rides her pony (Millie) about once a week. I will not let her go out and ride alone, so I pay William to go out and watch her ride. He usually brings out a chair and good book to read, while out there. She usually rides about an hour. <br />
<br />
She also has a leopard geko, a Guinea pig and two companion dogs. She totally takes care of her own animals and her dogs are on her lap or by her side pretty much at all times. The dogs really help with her anxiety. She has had a companion/therapy dog since she was very young. Her first dog passed away after eight years of service to her. We had to go right out to get another for her as she did not do well without one. She has had her new dog (Bella) for two years now. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALD4SwbDfI6rUZvLnGYjpUNR4GFdL6VYb-8XIKh2NlZjKQCgYpu-JwtaT0hTmFiD9hJXxoYj3aFnhOfTSLL7x-mbDmmf7NgsDYIYlvZWKqLrxux1hAsNIjKQvswgm956AWlKzg3Qdalo/s1600/043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALD4SwbDfI6rUZvLnGYjpUNR4GFdL6VYb-8XIKh2NlZjKQCgYpu-JwtaT0hTmFiD9hJXxoYj3aFnhOfTSLL7x-mbDmmf7NgsDYIYlvZWKqLrxux1hAsNIjKQvswgm956AWlKzg3Qdalo/s320/043.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Recently, she was gifted a second dog! I know...what was I thinking! Our neighbor is a vet tech and had bottle fed a litter of puppies and begged us to take the last two she could not find homes for because they were so dear to her heart and wanted to know where they went. One (the runt) had a cleft pallet and since Carolyn always spoils and takes such doting care of her dogs, I allowed Carolyn to have that one. She has had the new one Sadie about seven months.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJEM3QEja-ChQ-K7tFqyvUp1wh50mMZLqEpjBaaVKX0eBlDONnJ9XIaRBOsI9deb5H1CLNyXlXKIBLTCYgCTv1e-sszaxRGn_veeSCmkWuCp7M5vIrWsXPRcebKWk7FNn2uE8qIBsn9A/s1600/025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJEM3QEja-ChQ-K7tFqyvUp1wh50mMZLqEpjBaaVKX0eBlDONnJ9XIaRBOsI9deb5H1CLNyXlXKIBLTCYgCTv1e-sszaxRGn_veeSCmkWuCp7M5vIrWsXPRcebKWk7FNn2uE8qIBsn9A/s320/025.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
It is almost house broken. I know Carolyn will most likely live with Tim and I most of her life so we allow her to have her "babies" to smother with attention.<br />
<br />
Carolyn's dream since starting to dance as a little girl was to be on point. Last year she was graduated to point. She is so beautiful and graceful when she dances. She practices almost daily and I know she looks so small but that compact little lady is all muscle! This picture is from the girls most recent recital in January.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkGQi5alGl_hOIaM_F2JxhzWgC-ZeppNV8o2cMLrgQiC2cvfxzE7u7mFaoWTYt-N4llm5HThgdsfk5xijkmAHy01IP8oJZU6RLR4h0lND0MMEGC1zN79mhOI_IYufDfLiZo9f1EyhDl8/s1600/20180120_152122%25280%2529_1516479909945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkGQi5alGl_hOIaM_F2JxhzWgC-ZeppNV8o2cMLrgQiC2cvfxzE7u7mFaoWTYt-N4llm5HThgdsfk5xijkmAHy01IP8oJZU6RLR4h0lND0MMEGC1zN79mhOI_IYufDfLiZo9f1EyhDl8/s320/20180120_152122%25280%2529_1516479909945.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We don't wear make up but for the recital, they wear stage make up. Boy, does it make her look much older!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our plans for her future are a bit sketchy. I would love for her to find some kind of employment at some point in her life but has to be supervised closely because if something out of the ordinary happens, she does not know how to reason to make a good decision every time. Also, because of the <a href="http://muchbiggerthanme.blogspot.com/2013/11/fetal-alcohol-syndrome.html" target="_blank">FAS</a>, people can manipulate her and talk her into and out of things easily. She really tries to please people around her. I would also love to see her have social outlets at some point as well. Right now, she has dance and all the girls at the studio that she has known for years but at some point she may not be able to dance there because of her age. So having a safe group to go out and do things with would be nice for her.<br />
<br />
God is so good to us and we feel so blessed to be given Carolyn to be our daughter. We all love her dearly and it blesses my heart to see her grow into such a lovely, godly young women. We love you girl!<br />
<br />
<div class="content-box-1">
<div id="Replacep">
<span class="exdous">
</span>
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Isaiah 60:1-2 "Arise, shine; for your
light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
</b></span><br />
</div>
</div>
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
susan Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-10104735058037198452018-01-13T11:34:00.001-08:002018-01-13T11:34:12.241-08:00Another year older!Antonio had a birthday at the end of the year last year, in December. It is hard to believe he is now 23 years old. We are grateful for every year! Praise the Lord, he had a good birthday and was in his right mind for the day and celebration. He wanted to go to a local "all you can eat" Chinese restaurant, for his special meal. He has a feeding tube for all his liquid needs, as he aspirates on any fluid taken by mouth. He does like to eat but often tires after a few bites or just can't eat because of his health or state of mind, so at those times, we blend the food he wants to eat and put it in through his feeding tube. Lately, he is into eating cream cheese wantons for some reason. So a Chinese restaurant was his choice. He also wanted cheese cake, like Zeke had on his recent birthday. My sister did a wonderful job once again and made a delicious cake for him. Thank you Aunt "S"!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1u-6vIzmZdCJ933MzJuwvOpM_CF1IgYxyZS5uWpnXfLZzZMS0bAHJp8KJdhWieW0Z4BEf8S2ZhP6rFtqPra__uU3TJMj8Rlz1BjJQy0QkcaTN8XtDN3HVli9bP7J8FfgxFP8ff3eUQOw/s1600/20171221_210355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1u-6vIzmZdCJ933MzJuwvOpM_CF1IgYxyZS5uWpnXfLZzZMS0bAHJp8KJdhWieW0Z4BEf8S2ZhP6rFtqPra__uU3TJMj8Rlz1BjJQy0QkcaTN8XtDN3HVli9bP7J8FfgxFP8ff3eUQOw/s320/20171221_210355.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Antonio is still cycling through good and hard spells... you can read about them and how they came about <a href="http://muchbiggerthanme.blogspot.com/2017/08/antonio-update.html" target="_blank">here</a>. He will be in his right mind and happy and sweet for several weeks and then totally opposite for a few weeks. It is very hard on the whole family when he is not in his right mind. For the few weeks surrounding thanksgiving, he was going through a hard spell and could not even come out and be around people or enjoy the meal he had looked so forward to, just a few weeks earlier. He says horrible things and tries to hurt anyone who comes in arms length of him when going through a bad spell. It makes me so sad to see him like this, as I know this is not who he is. God is so faithful and helps us through it all. We all become very happy in our home, as we see Antonio emerging out of this phase and becoming himself once again.<br />
<br />
When he is himself, he is the sweetest, best, son and brother to all the children. Loving and tender. Here I caught him playing with Kinsley on his I-pad. So very tender.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzFEhKLwGat5u3EZi4Ms0R03_PML1-3Kun6wUXhzFohiFK2rePXGaBpzyuqFYiS-2rrP1r6jtfUw-RZVGAm7oOKvmiVbn2Utpd3XjK_QAMVmxfmUngvboTvj2qTsSNqTadNBbCpBDlcY/s1600/20171208_110834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzFEhKLwGat5u3EZi4Ms0R03_PML1-3Kun6wUXhzFohiFK2rePXGaBpzyuqFYiS-2rrP1r6jtfUw-RZVGAm7oOKvmiVbn2Utpd3XjK_QAMVmxfmUngvboTvj2qTsSNqTadNBbCpBDlcY/s320/20171208_110834.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
We love you dearly and always Antonio! May God grant you health and pour out His healing power upon your body and mind. You are an inspiration to all and are a wonderful son. Happy Birthday!<br />
<br />
<div class="content-box-1">
<div id="Replacep">
<span class="exdous">
</span>
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Isaiah 60:1-2 "Arise, shine; for your
light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. "For
behold, darkness will cover the earth And deep darkness the peoples; But
the LORD will rise upon you And His glory will appear upon you.
</b></span> <br />
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Love, Dad, mom, Stephen, William, Carolyn, Zeke, Elizabeth, Billy, Timmy, Kinsley and Anna-KateAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-50095341749593637652018-01-06T09:36:00.001-08:002018-01-06T09:36:11.683-08:0016 Years!I am so behind on blogging. "Busy" has hit our home once again and I am doing my best to get everything back under control and into some type of routine. Hopefully, by February, we should have fewer appointments and calmer days again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T9-pZoKXVNEIASjnyNwwPbRPZP2l3mH42gF2NbOaERvmDLgWo9f_DIh5Fzc7xuzsFJZ-EdLBoxxTi3RPEatDc68KlG2nNEvAW9sb4n0PR__PS1QV5RsXg6YbTp1tcA89ZRE3Sth68rQ/s1600/20171123_144211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T9-pZoKXVNEIASjnyNwwPbRPZP2l3mH42gF2NbOaERvmDLgWo9f_DIh5Fzc7xuzsFJZ-EdLBoxxTi3RPEatDc68KlG2nNEvAW9sb4n0PR__PS1QV5RsXg6YbTp1tcA89ZRE3Sth68rQ/s320/20171123_144211.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
In November 2017, Zeke had his 16th birthday! Happy Birthday Zeke!! <br />
<br />
Zeke came into our home when he was 8 days old. I cut the hospital band off his little leg myself. God brought Zeke into our home in one of the most miraculous ways. In a way that I knew, beyond a shadow of doubt, that Zeke was to come into our home and be our son. Through a dream <a href="http://muchbiggerthanme.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-miracle-of-zeke.html" target="_blank">(read about it here)</a> given to me by God. He has blessed my life and heart every day of his life. I am amazed at how quickly 16 years have went by. He is growing into such a nice young man. He is quiet and kind. He is helpful and always does his best at anything we ask him to do. How I love this young man. <br />
<br />
Zeke is still attending public school. He loves going and his teacher is absolutely wonderful. He is very close to the two para pro's in his classroom and thinks the world of them. He spends some time doing work in his classroom. He goes to two main stream classes...video production class and social studies. He is doing very well in the work program at his school. His first year in the program he worked at our local farm store. At the beginning of this school year he worked at a local steak house. This second half of the school year he will be working with his dad. He is looking forward to that. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZP4K6NS3K_cJw1hqyJcmpziIDY__MZEjlkzIsE5y0jvPzsk_WvvkhN78c1qDm2dkZjcxGzaMXRFSpbuG6igncIa42GilvlW7lV-JGLJLF4jwH6Z7YEtYhg80jUeNtTCr3B4R2EFl1zFc/s1600/20171222_115240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZP4K6NS3K_cJw1hqyJcmpziIDY__MZEjlkzIsE5y0jvPzsk_WvvkhN78c1qDm2dkZjcxGzaMXRFSpbuG6igncIa42GilvlW7lV-JGLJLF4jwH6Z7YEtYhg80jUeNtTCr3B4R2EFl1zFc/s320/20171222_115240.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This boy loves to eat! He now can handle all foods without reactions and is enjoying the broader pallet!<br />
<br />
Zeke spends his time, at home, making movies. He has his own little 10 by ten area, that we set up for him on the enclosed front porch area, of our home. He has a computer for making his movies after he films them. He has all his legos and wooden railway train things for filming as well and many tables for making scenes on. He tries to have a new movie for Tim and I to watch every Friday for movie night. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ziMMTdmt7SjMPQLe6NpKoVqJk1DMis3EfT6iPVvGOIJVM8hlQhQTMsAQDZEqO9AvLNiR8fAz-Bdz8EMr2J5Hb0hNO9wx7hMjlxo9AKZi15asvznLtoJzjoTdeWGmRbf5Z3kxyWPS7ro/s1600/20171020_154953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ziMMTdmt7SjMPQLe6NpKoVqJk1DMis3EfT6iPVvGOIJVM8hlQhQTMsAQDZEqO9AvLNiR8fAz-Bdz8EMr2J5Hb0hNO9wx7hMjlxo9AKZi15asvznLtoJzjoTdeWGmRbf5Z3kxyWPS7ro/s320/20171020_154953.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Zeke is a good brother to all his siblings. He often stops to tickle and tease his younger siblings. He gets along well with Billy and they play legos together. He also helps us load and unload Antonio onto the bus or helps with transfers when we have to lift Antonio. Zeke will have to live with us always and none of us have any complaints or concerns about that. <br />
<br />
Zeke loves animals. He still has his little therapy/companion dog, Roo. She is getting very old. He has had her since she was six weeks old. He also has two little Guinea pigs and a very old pony from his childhood , Dixie. She can not be ridden and he tenderly grooms and cares for her daily.<br />
<br />
I love Zeke dearly. He is such a sweet, gentle soul and brings us many blessings by just being here with us...Just like God told me in that dream about him, those many years ago.<br />
<br />
Zeke wanted a cheese cake for his birthday. So my sister made him a delicious home made cheese cake. He was so happy. Thank you aunt "S"! Aunt "S" and Uncle "B" also took Zeke and William to the Lego store for Zeke's birthday! Very happy young men! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Gm-7npmH-eiQp5PgcWSID2SSToFUGbGTQO_39gobiC8_lBFlC3s4OdANb03XP534fANK9aYv78u9SYX0EpZLqReKDjDdbA1DDLO_EJKU_a16ld4mo0JLj9rVugSIZA1W4eyzeSunW0A/s1600/20171130_172133%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Gm-7npmH-eiQp5PgcWSID2SSToFUGbGTQO_39gobiC8_lBFlC3s4OdANb03XP534fANK9aYv78u9SYX0EpZLqReKDjDdbA1DDLO_EJKU_a16ld4mo0JLj9rVugSIZA1W4eyzeSunW0A/s320/20171130_172133%25280%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Happy 16th birthday Zeke! You are a truly wonderful son and blessing to our home. You love the Lord and always try your hardest at all you do. You inspire me. May God have His mighty hand on your life now and always. May you always serve and love Him!<br />
<br />
<div class="content-box-1">
<div id="Replacep">
<span class="exdous">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span><div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
Psalm 90:16 Let Your work appear to Your
servants And Your majesty to their children. </b></span>
<br />
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Love, Dad, mom, Stephen, Antonio, William, Carolyn, Elizabeth, Billy, Timmy, Kinsley and Anna-Kate. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-24375589185669045782017-12-03T13:51:00.001-08:002017-12-03T13:51:38.241-08:00Whats Up With William!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe7DhgJ5Un425oe585Lx3OmzZClvRTxf4ik5qAFOExXKljlpH9OPusysvHnJeT4xiMr1qGD5wGlwYM1ZxZ24L_hqycHpSqfeLDVQS1CUppuviCJjANArsxIDrNOQFmw2mqs_9-2iIYYU/s1600/20171123_144227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe7DhgJ5Un425oe585Lx3OmzZClvRTxf4ik5qAFOExXKljlpH9OPusysvHnJeT4xiMr1qGD5wGlwYM1ZxZ24L_hqycHpSqfeLDVQS1CUppuviCJjANArsxIDrNOQFmw2mqs_9-2iIYYU/s320/20171123_144227.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I have been slowly writing an update post on each of my children, as friends and family have been writing and asking for an update on different ones. Today, I decided to do a "catch up" post on William, as he has had a lot of great things going on lately.<br />
<br />
William is doing great in all areas of his life, Glory to God! I guess the last update I did, was when he had passed his GED test and been inducted into the National Adult Education Honor Society. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpFDyJrvAEWOP7q9OmIJcXtVcbyNAzl72lXDwFyXpM0aFkTPzEediHugBze96vrqnHD9yNN0UIUwkX0N8c5-9XabJV7N_bSR3j76AvQaYx2xgnNDBBSkc2xSHLaWML3jywDt8bELDVvo/s1600/342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpFDyJrvAEWOP7q9OmIJcXtVcbyNAzl72lXDwFyXpM0aFkTPzEediHugBze96vrqnHD9yNN0UIUwkX0N8c5-9XabJV7N_bSR3j76AvQaYx2xgnNDBBSkc2xSHLaWML3jywDt8bELDVvo/s320/342.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Since that time he has started college. He signed up for college, wondering if with his <a href="http://muchbiggerthanme.blogspot.com/2013/11/autism.html" target="_blank">autism</a>, learning disabilities and health issues, he was going to be able to learn the material and keep up with the classes. He took two classes for fall semester and it was hard. He worked extra hard every day, studying, reading and going over the information presented in class. Even on the days he did not have classes, he studied, to try to learn and retain the information. He just finished his first semester and did very well. He is going for a degree in the area of computers.<br />
<br />
He was nominated by a teacher for the colleges E.A.G.L.E (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) award. He had to meet certain qualifications, write a report and give a speech in front of a panel of three judges. Writing is hard for him. It is very hard for him to get his thoughts together and put them down onto paper in a way people can understand. It is very uncomfortable for him to speak in front of people, so giving a speech is very hard for him but he was motivated and determined. There were two other young college students that were nominated as well. He went and gave the speech last Wednesday and glory to God, was selected to receive the award. He will now represent the colleges Adult Education Department for the 2018 year. If they have a conference or meeting, he will be invited to give a speech. Also, because he won the award, he will be going to Atlanta in March, to speak in front of a panel of judges, along with the other regions winners and they will pick one state representative from among them all. So he is excited about that. William went on the colleges website to check on something and they had an article posted about him. He was very excited. The next day, I got a text from my sister and then my dad, saying William was on the front page of our local news paper. The article was about him receiving the E.A.G.L.E award.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNEKeH8qLhfsJZXPT-i_mgmfpcPHPhWa3XykWhnCTMDyeRqO_I-DNBX2g_RGrbLOIUYXbALBJJv20RFzCo8RsG57ZPPosBai4O_s_DkCJsBb_Pq5fI2f9Q_iOFp_3zvtdk9Z_trHPAwY/s1600/IMG_2029+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="730" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNEKeH8qLhfsJZXPT-i_mgmfpcPHPhWa3XykWhnCTMDyeRqO_I-DNBX2g_RGrbLOIUYXbALBJJv20RFzCo8RsG57ZPPosBai4O_s_DkCJsBb_Pq5fI2f9Q_iOFp_3zvtdk9Z_trHPAwY/s320/IMG_2029+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
All of these wonderful things have really boosted his self confidence and made him feel very blessed.<br />
<br />
In other areas of his life, his health is doing much better. He had been suffering from chronic fatigue, heart palpitations, low blood sugar, spells of not being able to think straight and whenever he would over exert himself, even in the slightest way, would take days to recover his strength. Also, stress brought on these symptoms. These symptoms all started when he was in his early teens. I have had him to every specialist I could take him to, for help. Finally, one stated it was most likely inflammation related and auto-immune in nature. I did a huge diet change for him over a year ago and put him on many supplements. He is doing great. Eating whole foods now, he has lost weight to a great weight for his height. He feels well most of the time and has fewer spells, that he recovers from much quicker. I am grateful to God for His wisdom and healing power in this area of Williams life. He never would have been able to go to college, the way his health was just over a year ago, as some days he could not drive or think straight. I started our whole family on a new protocol I learned about a few weeks ago. It seems to be making even more positive changes in him and many of the other children as well. God is so good.<br />
<br />
William has been working at getting his VW bug fixed up and running again. He has also been working on monthly stop animation videos for his Youtube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHrUgmCMFonUmBdNhWnNRZQ" target="_blank">Legobro4studio</a>. <br />
<br />
William is a wonderful son that is one of my best friends. He lovingly helps care for Antonio every day. I try not to ask him to help with as much as he did in the past, as I know he is working so hard every day to read and retain his college work but he very willingly helps around the farm and with the children when needed. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZP7zDxhlDmY7wtorq1H6ZdmIEOaWPJ5niuM17hJw3ummB-H3bc5D3LTyGYvt_LufraFHUiQfLtrACjIdMD7fNsmVhad_Pu89pu2hZwkpoZ7I6UEq6rUyFqcc4SOov4j0ZJswReMxRR0/s1600/20171026_165828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZP7zDxhlDmY7wtorq1H6ZdmIEOaWPJ5niuM17hJw3ummB-H3bc5D3LTyGYvt_LufraFHUiQfLtrACjIdMD7fNsmVhad_Pu89pu2hZwkpoZ7I6UEq6rUyFqcc4SOov4j0ZJswReMxRR0/s320/20171026_165828.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping to take a deck off the back of the house!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He daily spends quality time with his siblings, teasing, chasing around and loving on the little ones and taking the older ones out to get a coffee, a treat or putting together a nice movie night for them all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokWwoM5baok9E8SvjJbi7tHkO2xf-B-JFiUKArPTLlCoiV3mSXz-MgUNKsJsuZmvuDWMpXSmj0DFVP-Rzi9vAwmgv9sY5OYVoxp9Ay0_4DL7UVuZmR3oOrmMJDkjkcfGTLcjZEaELuhU/s1600/20171123_144323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokWwoM5baok9E8SvjJbi7tHkO2xf-B-JFiUKArPTLlCoiV3mSXz-MgUNKsJsuZmvuDWMpXSmj0DFVP-Rzi9vAwmgv9sY5OYVoxp9Ay0_4DL7UVuZmR3oOrmMJDkjkcfGTLcjZEaELuhU/s320/20171123_144323.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When William was diagnosed with autism as a toddler, I always prayed and wondered what kind of future he would have. He never talked so we could understand him until he was six years old. He had huge sensory issues, he struggled to learn. I hid all these things in my heart and just prayed to God and kept teaching him, taking him to therapy and trying new protocols with him that were supposed to help his body detox and heal. God has done a mighty, miracle, work in William. I am forever grateful that God blessed us with William as our son.<br />
<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Isaiah 60:1-2</span></span><span class="passage-display-version"><br /></span></h1>
<div class="chapter-2">
<b><span class="text Isa-60-1" id="en-KJV-18823"><span class="chapternum">60 </span>Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is risen upon thee.</span></b></div>
<b> </b><b><span class="text Isa-60-2" id="en-KJV-18824"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.</span></b><br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
susanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-69858685384380438492017-10-21T13:25:00.000-07:002017-10-21T13:25:17.346-07:00Happy Birthday To My Youngest Son!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JSd32BN43jKx-VkipjNoF3bhYa-mOOVluaHglP-GJGYsy-uM2yH6D8SKs9bff-CpP5E_X0dICmbKq9uVTFZ4m6TyWWofoxskkonuv7vjThOVKVjRQ64CToG2aF3U9q10UMugrvs5jBk/s1600/872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JSd32BN43jKx-VkipjNoF3bhYa-mOOVluaHglP-GJGYsy-uM2yH6D8SKs9bff-CpP5E_X0dICmbKq9uVTFZ4m6TyWWofoxskkonuv7vjThOVKVjRQ64CToG2aF3U9q10UMugrvs5jBk/s320/872.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
To my little man that has been through so much and come so far. Happy Birthday!!!!, my big five year old!<br />
<br />
Timmy and Billy came to our home as a sibling group when Timmy was only 1 year old and Billy was 2 years old.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3rLSNB8imCV8sHfzFeigz1D1DW2LQf2RM8Tnlj8rRWTWgzS1ypAMAYg9fdZvWKY7IvMzyh779QB_lCnYNkcTXsNprZgjj5iP-XIRtZf-L_oB8dS9VjbYEQ0DKtZbimlJSb6cPntIjXA/s1600/29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3rLSNB8imCV8sHfzFeigz1D1DW2LQf2RM8Tnlj8rRWTWgzS1ypAMAYg9fdZvWKY7IvMzyh779QB_lCnYNkcTXsNprZgjj5iP-XIRtZf-L_oB8dS9VjbYEQ0DKtZbimlJSb6cPntIjXA/s320/29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I had tried to suppress a deep desire to adopt more children and move into a new season of my life but just could not. We had not had any small children in our family for years, so it was very nice to have little ones in my arms again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjc18njMTtt-In7rW0V8O4dfuHipNvH6G82XlB12FQJ7RgNlJ0M4sgV1r6H5b5BpgilrbksqdDgmtTf5JY1TYrhhMe7MnNTfbKH4yvN5fUtfvjAwUsbB8EqtCppCKNqDZ7Gg6c3SEVK8/s1600/203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjc18njMTtt-In7rW0V8O4dfuHipNvH6G82XlB12FQJ7RgNlJ0M4sgV1r6H5b5BpgilrbksqdDgmtTf5JY1TYrhhMe7MnNTfbKH4yvN5fUtfvjAwUsbB8EqtCppCKNqDZ7Gg6c3SEVK8/s320/203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They both had extreme issues from the abuse and neglect they had went through before coming here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiNM03i5CCXi2uWvJC2lzjiZVZwl2jZdyAsYracjHWVR3M1niCD6kU8SVXl9QOtCrpsBzUBs9PV04WjcYUfYMhoYsxBZFNv3OCM-C3UdPJMhAHmEz1atuYB9pRvSstHAC3PpXwBa80gY/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiNM03i5CCXi2uWvJC2lzjiZVZwl2jZdyAsYracjHWVR3M1niCD6kU8SVXl9QOtCrpsBzUBs9PV04WjcYUfYMhoYsxBZFNv3OCM-C3UdPJMhAHmEz1atuYB9pRvSstHAC3PpXwBa80gY/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
They were both exposed to drugs in the womb. They also both had meth smoked around them regularly. There were many more issues with Billy as he was a year older and had gone through a lot more. Also, there personalities are very different and they learned to cope with things differently.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbMlyM-Ru7v_eglKvnK4LJ2Oq3ixJttdZ2-nfVRX7lquJkBVbOZBpDwGTU-_mz9xYcMlnzL_aebpPtLbkB_psjkMk0Yn_GUxd-BQx1kwmyyw3HpoW98MJoFiYYziS4thSTRqz7TTTlns/s1600/130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbMlyM-Ru7v_eglKvnK4LJ2Oq3ixJttdZ2-nfVRX7lquJkBVbOZBpDwGTU-_mz9xYcMlnzL_aebpPtLbkB_psjkMk0Yn_GUxd-BQx1kwmyyw3HpoW98MJoFiYYziS4thSTRqz7TTTlns/s320/130.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Timmy is a sweet, sweet soul with many issues. He was heavily drug exposed in the womb and has autism. Combine that with the neglect and abuse he want through and we have one sweet little boy, who is stuck as an 18 month old child.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59Q9ZF_ZTtT_ZDk-5t1iGHxme_nj_a-ygzx8YVy_zFm0ryAHD_vWvx4p1Qt7_SxS7u4F4Q4X5PB9W-iQIPUmlyXIIyBYE666hsa4RJGcRgqg559r2POcjTcxpBwoOWH-UZjn8TeYqZIo/s1600/291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59Q9ZF_ZTtT_ZDk-5t1iGHxme_nj_a-ygzx8YVy_zFm0ryAHD_vWvx4p1Qt7_SxS7u4F4Q4X5PB9W-iQIPUmlyXIIyBYE666hsa4RJGcRgqg559r2POcjTcxpBwoOWH-UZjn8TeYqZIo/s320/291.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Most of the behavioral issues he had from his past, have resolved over the years, glory to God! The things he is struggling with now, are from the damage done by drugs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgSSiHOKRzOHdjFzts7FmBqCa5axY6jY1stzmqTVfeG7azm3acqAx0YqvNTdq8cTg98Rd0METKjSviX0aPGN7vNQRRnW-QSFktICMh-rBgOYI3JHuSaVr2O_xAQVr8NEs0ICL-k8JEOQ/s1600/588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgSSiHOKRzOHdjFzts7FmBqCa5axY6jY1stzmqTVfeG7azm3acqAx0YqvNTdq8cTg98Rd0METKjSviX0aPGN7vNQRRnW-QSFktICMh-rBgOYI3JHuSaVr2O_xAQVr8NEs0ICL-k8JEOQ/s320/588.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He fusses when he has to make transitions throughout the day and when he has to do something he does not want to do. When he came here, he used to throw many, terrible, long, tantrums daily but now he just cries it out and is over it. Praise God.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLW1el3nexm5swdKa-lbr_-K1l0K08FYZxt_5r2y7LEfZ1M_2HW6jQEGO9elAOxApza4cyYIQmvQBFF_DtFBt25XUYk5VJi8I0xNnwCwR5v4tOcZy_5cII2rP048O_ZAm4LwewZd6AXo/s1600/656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLW1el3nexm5swdKa-lbr_-K1l0K08FYZxt_5r2y7LEfZ1M_2HW6jQEGO9elAOxApza4cyYIQmvQBFF_DtFBt25XUYk5VJi8I0xNnwCwR5v4tOcZy_5cII2rP048O_ZAm4LwewZd6AXo/s320/656.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
He used to pull his hair out, not play with toys properly, kick everything hard so he could hear the sound of it for long spells, repetitively bang his head on things when upset, pull strings out of clothing and cry a lot. He still fusses a lot but now can play with toys properly for the most part, if they are age appropriate for his mentality.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpZCkh1V49y7g9pC1ckZgbAiSA_I0FPFKK9oMan4cYwuOcYoFE-fZEMnYyJa2Pmiaoj2695RHEWqb6yn1C9OkVYurLwtNG4zH36XYiGAL1dEW9nxHPHEE8F7F8dKeXlAbr4fNk31BlN8/s1600/714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpZCkh1V49y7g9pC1ckZgbAiSA_I0FPFKK9oMan4cYwuOcYoFE-fZEMnYyJa2Pmiaoj2695RHEWqb6yn1C9OkVYurLwtNG4zH36XYiGAL1dEW9nxHPHEE8F7F8dKeXlAbr4fNk31BlN8/s320/714.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He can play with others, if supervised for redirection in sharing and not hitting and hurting others with toys, like a toddler needs. He is potty trained, in that if we take him frequently, he does good but has trouble telling us if he needs to go. He has several accidents a week. He can not use metal utensils as he pokes himself with forks leaving marks and can not stop looking at the reflection in a metal spoon and waving it before his face back and forth. (self stemming with it from the autism) It is such an issue, it slings food everywhere and keeps him from eating his meal. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtAi908w-ljImSWTZq_jecuQK7pVDXoOk7jhJEUTEJ8E9hfSXZhP0mi-4f3ta2ULpZF72T59jHdYkRwt9EhtZGLkBIcgJih6SWB4_RgixS_YxIZ3jsAxJbIk3QRZdXRR62_3hLQeRkks/s1600/1023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtAi908w-ljImSWTZq_jecuQK7pVDXoOk7jhJEUTEJ8E9hfSXZhP0mi-4f3ta2ULpZF72T59jHdYkRwt9EhtZGLkBIcgJih6SWB4_RgixS_YxIZ3jsAxJbIk3QRZdXRR62_3hLQeRkks/s320/1023.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He has very little danger awareness so needs to be closely supervised or shadowed by an older child/adult when we go places in public. We just recently graduated him out of a stroller as he will hold someones hand now and not jerk it away and run.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2d3h8hXo1kLTz-gItpHcEBlVe4YJekYrR4wVxJm1AbFj7mmSm3-v7v3BTM1NUqJqvRGp9_9LW6HHW3Dgv3ogM6x3SvVQuSu_fT8btwcUU1oB46kz64OOahotLQsQ4z_MfIl7u2YcT1DA/s1600/29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2d3h8hXo1kLTz-gItpHcEBlVe4YJekYrR4wVxJm1AbFj7mmSm3-v7v3BTM1NUqJqvRGp9_9LW6HHW3Dgv3ogM6x3SvVQuSu_fT8btwcUU1oB46kz64OOahotLQsQ4z_MfIl7u2YcT1DA/s320/29.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He has trouble learning but does learn with a lot of repetition and structure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmurbRYuQMrgrE9DC4NUj9JNeHqB_kxUddIUiA7jNLaa3mbp6sSog1q_ZXpNm-dBiXVJoPwkZIfYvz3HahnW0GSRMK5SBYSiyIB-bhsbq7RVmMLgo6PsVBQMjfD1NsGCN_pJTYEKXwbU/s1600/81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmurbRYuQMrgrE9DC4NUj9JNeHqB_kxUddIUiA7jNLaa3mbp6sSog1q_ZXpNm-dBiXVJoPwkZIfYvz3HahnW0GSRMK5SBYSiyIB-bhsbq7RVmMLgo6PsVBQMjfD1NsGCN_pJTYEKXwbU/s320/81.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
He really has a sweet and loving heart. He makes me cry almost nightly. He wants to kiss me good night. I will squat down to his level and he hugs me and kisses my left and right check and then takes his little hands and rubs those kisses in a circle and says..."rub rub rub...stay forever" I tear up every time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTejD8SjS8mBOzBahIAnwWwB0LwIfWFHfS4aJJ797CQHK2EYxr5ulkkHfuoleyjrP4B-vIQyAchpygkyiFqYxC0XA_ZLGKGbLn5a-AB2Z19Pfk7v6YWi3Aou7E_co_vS10y__WITceKA8/s1600/347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTejD8SjS8mBOzBahIAnwWwB0LwIfWFHfS4aJJ797CQHK2EYxr5ulkkHfuoleyjrP4B-vIQyAchpygkyiFqYxC0XA_ZLGKGbLn5a-AB2Z19Pfk7v6YWi3Aou7E_co_vS10y__WITceKA8/s320/347.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
He is doing structured school work daily. He is doing Pre -K and really enjoys it. Carolyn partners with him and they work very well together. He get discouraged and needs frequent breaks. He can stay focused in short bursts but gets distracted very easily.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5uZnMCqvvTsdPWVaSnc062d2onuDc1G50MpifbWgH5W9uIm3bXu4L9_7y9Y5xgG8fne1b8THWlVvH6-hu7yc-bRdepftNAsmELivQXBNZRR6q_iRGG40gftQY76OrkWEOWvDEssQynw/s1600/610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="1324" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5uZnMCqvvTsdPWVaSnc062d2onuDc1G50MpifbWgH5W9uIm3bXu4L9_7y9Y5xgG8fne1b8THWlVvH6-hu7yc-bRdepftNAsmELivQXBNZRR6q_iRGG40gftQY76OrkWEOWvDEssQynw/s320/610.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We try to keep it light and fun with lots of positive reinforcement and verbal praise. He just beams when you tell him you love him or that he is doing a great job.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKIupN_FlrcnfHOkpWAr8BKSzRw9em17KRkUtdmj5jm6uWM4EQwXmfRjgrS0SUMW9RIibrgZ_f-FvjgcUZpSpwtyUS8eMI98HVNtDZnk8TGa7OtI3-DVOM7g6bB6Pxokt2h08cz0XVv4/s1600/843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="785" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKIupN_FlrcnfHOkpWAr8BKSzRw9em17KRkUtdmj5jm6uWM4EQwXmfRjgrS0SUMW9RIibrgZ_f-FvjgcUZpSpwtyUS8eMI98HVNtDZnk8TGa7OtI3-DVOM7g6bB6Pxokt2h08cz0XVv4/s320/843.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
He loves all things boy...cars, trains and things with wheels, machines and robots, dinosaurs and sharks. He likes to color and build with toddler duplos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbe9XD6LHIdlch7is20yT7CAB1wOthLwfn5vPPr_BXxAQ5A_J8AY_564fsk1w3QyPcDLPRbA5FfcvzB-OSeNi7R49E4FDM76g69GrCrkDHkK45NwXb09R2Hbt-J00gZoPW71Iu8z2N-w/s1600/1068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbe9XD6LHIdlch7is20yT7CAB1wOthLwfn5vPPr_BXxAQ5A_J8AY_564fsk1w3QyPcDLPRbA5FfcvzB-OSeNi7R49E4FDM76g69GrCrkDHkK45NwXb09R2Hbt-J00gZoPW71Iu8z2N-w/s320/1068.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He loves to ride ponies but has very poor balance. He can not seem to tell where his body is in space and trips and falls a lot. When we ride ponies, I have one of the other kids lead the pony, while I spot him and have a hold of him, so he does not fall off. I have to do this with all three of our youngest for various reasons. I am hoping in time the riding will help with their balance and ability to walk and run better.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUstnc0pWFxcyW0DXZe_o_ij9reIngY2f7XjKEozVMiJOh-L19-ZtQhyCIxHfmCGxGb6GfZDgg8JvN6MBbsx-_qqrJKDbnorndszYNYHrwEbK6w1EhMw30xMmBlIepqp5pH-wGxmKJVy8/s1600/1292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUstnc0pWFxcyW0DXZe_o_ij9reIngY2f7XjKEozVMiJOh-L19-ZtQhyCIxHfmCGxGb6GfZDgg8JvN6MBbsx-_qqrJKDbnorndszYNYHrwEbK6w1EhMw30xMmBlIepqp5pH-wGxmKJVy8/s320/1292.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He tries very hard to please us but has a rebellious side that will not budge at times.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxzr0cSrwF3ymjEgE4PZRyaQrO_AKvysyQw09q4-lrWCtGXqwq7RExjO_mrwlowTjM4HZkMqJqnugBBM5jKJJ5nZD16vI7moPysV04hLyvxtCAOL0cQGOflCFDAPXh8ZZRYxZONmLqZA/s1600/1319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxzr0cSrwF3ymjEgE4PZRyaQrO_AKvysyQw09q4-lrWCtGXqwq7RExjO_mrwlowTjM4HZkMqJqnugBBM5jKJJ5nZD16vI7moPysV04hLyvxtCAOL0cQGOflCFDAPXh8ZZRYxZONmLqZA/s320/1319.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He is very bonded into our family and loves his brothers and sisters.<br />
<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/AVvXsEjCs1AEDy6GPtZpKMFkMqNMG149PKCVoBwobMzwesoi4cul3lGUnJNfoIIMTrYAu8Tp_eC-wqcLZykzBmBiUb2UAQ49iWxJCjjgP8jGzCg_7u2TndjoJ6M5Ln8QblRZSDcdtPea5dXG6r8/s1600/39a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCs1AEDy6GPtZpKMFkMqNMG149PKCVoBwobMzwesoi4cul3lGUnJNfoIIMTrYAu8Tp_eC-wqcLZykzBmBiUb2UAQ49iWxJCjjgP8jGzCg_7u2TndjoJ6M5Ln8QblRZSDcdtPea5dXG6r8/s320/39a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Sometimes it is hard to get his attention, as he spends a good deal of time, if not kept engaged, playing with his hands in the air.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCo9aycobAmZO58SEVLlpEJA1AWnPosTvonCR7ZbleQ2OKN-WxjTeb9l52B1ISluSYgCa9YYlf9BijGcD9LoccM8GaI2GzQeFMKxW-5iT7nMOUtyw1dz5TGxkpFd_16jpR8zv7mdIdmzA/s1600/225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1367" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCo9aycobAmZO58SEVLlpEJA1AWnPosTvonCR7ZbleQ2OKN-WxjTeb9l52B1ISluSYgCa9YYlf9BijGcD9LoccM8GaI2GzQeFMKxW-5iT7nMOUtyw1dz5TGxkpFd_16jpR8zv7mdIdmzA/s320/225.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
He loves to be read to and has a ready smile.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4KT3Ik4APNb98VYGxONfR8N0VlEpnAzF66bqz0JiUfWI30ZLMxacOxb7x8y3fpXuKfdnHe0tgdBOA9UA4BOSvxHn9EMMApgpMAigSdlCIn5ss9dp_kC19z50fGQbrGp1ofqJxjRBVxI/s1600/226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4KT3Ik4APNb98VYGxONfR8N0VlEpnAzF66bqz0JiUfWI30ZLMxacOxb7x8y3fpXuKfdnHe0tgdBOA9UA4BOSvxHn9EMMApgpMAigSdlCIn5ss9dp_kC19z50fGQbrGp1ofqJxjRBVxI/s320/226.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Even though sounds, some contact and clothing is irritating to him, He is cuddly and loves to be held and hugged by us all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAyYEkyAIGfy6ncuFDubf8OrYHv7i0l1vRd5rFZqNB8bni7WLH0n5IUU0wxS2ECfsKWKcdGLPI-Kql9zDPrFWGGWHPDP9zirqhmCvhq9ySsKF24q7fOfuEhCe-f0mRltYLUgFxGq1b6k/s1600/891a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1186" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAyYEkyAIGfy6ncuFDubf8OrYHv7i0l1vRd5rFZqNB8bni7WLH0n5IUU0wxS2ECfsKWKcdGLPI-Kql9zDPrFWGGWHPDP9zirqhmCvhq9ySsKF24q7fOfuEhCe-f0mRltYLUgFxGq1b6k/s320/891a.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
He is growing up so fast.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU9yrk3nm7VEYd9bPhfePP0uA15HdkxFj2_pwXFWwtajarFXn5CLiWxhS-tFYKTujN7PFvvvrCK5h332uguTY9j_LRfWekjkVz5BZm77gDx7pimnQHHQ23gDOu5isiLbdVmWOxHMJXPo/s1600/158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU9yrk3nm7VEYd9bPhfePP0uA15HdkxFj2_pwXFWwtajarFXn5CLiWxhS-tFYKTujN7PFvvvrCK5h332uguTY9j_LRfWekjkVz5BZm77gDx7pimnQHHQ23gDOu5isiLbdVmWOxHMJXPo/s320/158.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He does have a sense of humor and tries at times to say funny things and make us laugh. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7J7qrRUBlSGdY289XqWKIrM1UjPa5o76ZXQ6o_soeeq8AFSHyjZ7gV_2Oxkb0xZ9g84NTGIXUEIU3kw-_AKFoXKKYDD1EyRzVCv-R02optSER9fxUdL3fSeKagbqQ8evgTOyQAPj-is/s1600/128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7J7qrRUBlSGdY289XqWKIrM1UjPa5o76ZXQ6o_soeeq8AFSHyjZ7gV_2Oxkb0xZ9g84NTGIXUEIU3kw-_AKFoXKKYDD1EyRzVCv-R02optSER9fxUdL3fSeKagbqQ8evgTOyQAPj-is/s320/128.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He had a very hard time when we went on vacation. He had a fun time while we were out at the beach or were busy but back at the vacation house, he really struggled in all areas and his potty training, eating and behavior just fell apart.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRccroAOVmTiBLSqTuoNSm54k8DYOeLIYoz6bphYsRJWhdqqnSCv36ZcyGf-smwYztjMOS4nZKKbuX-MUs3cbZ13mlJRGYmi59w9lVlIsJFKqpw0JhTD0jKQXjHtX4sGy1EW63PgvCJ8Q/s1600/278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRccroAOVmTiBLSqTuoNSm54k8DYOeLIYoz6bphYsRJWhdqqnSCv36ZcyGf-smwYztjMOS4nZKKbuX-MUs3cbZ13mlJRGYmi59w9lVlIsJFKqpw0JhTD0jKQXjHtX4sGy1EW63PgvCJ8Q/s320/278.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
As soon as we got home everything just fell back into place for him and he was fine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaddV_3vafo16ixJgFDQ7vTqWK7IeFRuTXclBB5T-GB7fpq4c-W-PP_M8oiPxO5wyQO7zDCYEvplOIEr9US93zzU3ms-9BxQHHhw_gPZdkOQiQ3F3I55NRswEJRmT0ygjYovPcCwTAE4/s1600/542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaddV_3vafo16ixJgFDQ7vTqWK7IeFRuTXclBB5T-GB7fpq4c-W-PP_M8oiPxO5wyQO7zDCYEvplOIEr9US93zzU3ms-9BxQHHhw_gPZdkOQiQ3F3I55NRswEJRmT0ygjYovPcCwTAE4/s320/542.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He does not like showers or water being splashed around him but did really well at the water park we went to on vacation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Timmy is a joy to have in our home and a sweet child who tries hard to be a good boy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW19uXUkWaC4FGb2Fo6vCsLDU0YmOgNiyfnYc_Ak2TxkipMFau2pkt6lNRouMCZ9OLvlabGqgtVfDyfjfvSfTx6kRYDhN8TfTlJfahT6mFMgNLnefDN2Ik4ZoAitBqZl5_usx9NfZYhM8/s1600/20170928_145835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW19uXUkWaC4FGb2Fo6vCsLDU0YmOgNiyfnYc_Ak2TxkipMFau2pkt6lNRouMCZ9OLvlabGqgtVfDyfjfvSfTx6kRYDhN8TfTlJfahT6mFMgNLnefDN2Ik4ZoAitBqZl5_usx9NfZYhM8/s320/20170928_145835.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
We all love him dearly and want the best for him. I pray he keeps learning and growing every day.<br />
<br />
For our children's birthday, we let them either choose a place to eat out at (as we hardly ever eat out) or a special meal to eat at home. I have been having conversations with Timmy for about a month, trying to help him understand favorite foods or a place he likes to eat at and he just did not understand. We finally decided to take a picnic to a local park and let him play on the playground. He is so easy to please and that just made his day. <br />
<br />
We don't encourage superhero type play but this year he wanted a certain superhero cake. My sister did an excellent job making a happy cake for him. It was perfect and made him feel very special. Thank you Aunt "S", for your loving care in what you do for the children, to make them feel special.<br />
<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/AVvXsEhG7DY-BhZuD2bHbbuQxLlS1kMJYyR6a7NUffoc4Ldi3rvbHPUYCoY-W9XJ0N7oLFmDRwQFO_aMjKRwxy4Wq8EyubApwNefcVWCf91GlTJNTnP7iAz__3f4fJHCKPnHbHAscNnQp7sTZoY/s1600/20171020_182255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7DY-BhZuD2bHbbuQxLlS1kMJYyR6a7NUffoc4Ldi3rvbHPUYCoY-W9XJ0N7oLFmDRwQFO_aMjKRwxy4Wq8EyubApwNefcVWCf91GlTJNTnP7iAz__3f4fJHCKPnHbHAscNnQp7sTZoY/s320/20171020_182255.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy birthday my sweet boy! We love you so much and I am so pleased that God brought you to us to be our son! May God bring healing and health to all areas of your body, mind and life. May you learn to love and serve Him with your whole life and heart. May God always have His mighty hand on you, my youngest son!<br />
<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">James 1:17</span></span><span class="passage-display-version"></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Jas-1-17" id="en-KJV-30284"><sup class="versenum"> 17 </sup>Every
good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from
the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of
turning.</span></span></b> </h1>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Love, Dad, mom, Stephen, Antonio, William, Carolyn, Zeke, Elizabeth, Billy, Kinsley and Anna-Kate Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-61378443007170023072017-10-10T05:57:00.002-07:002017-10-10T05:57:55.165-07:00A Full PlateWhat a very eventful and busy two weeks we have had! We have all had to work very hard at keeping the stress levels down by doing some fun, spur of the moment, things to help keep things lighter and happy. <br />
<br />
Antonio went six whole weeks without a bad spell. It was the longest stretch of good days to date since the botox reaction. He is now been going through a bad spell and is on day nine. It is really hard on the whole family when he goes through these manic spells, so we try to keep our days happy and light to balance it all. <br />
<br />
Last Saturday, William passed out while we were at a friends house. It happened so fast, no one caught him and he fell hard. We were in their kitchen with hard wood flooring. He hit his head on a counter while going down and put an inch and a half long gash on the side of his head. He came down with the side of his face taking most of the impact on the floor. His whole side of his face from the temple down to the jaw was bruised and swollen. His eye socket on that side was swelled and black and blue. He looked like he had been in a bad fight, bless his heart. We spent the day in the ER having tests done. They glued closed the gash. The EKG and blood work came back normal but the CAT scan, when read by his doctor, showed he had a concussion. (bruised his brain) He is doing really well but having trouble concentrating and doing his college work. He is also very tired and having trouble getting his thoughts together. I am so grateful to God for his hand of protection. It could have been so much worse. We are all praying for a quick and full recovery. Also, that it will never happen again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCWEIzhusdIDVePOSoydt2JM-W7ZxUvmuJbX8bQu8uR06lBgiaii-NiRIXqfjViclC-S_5euWmMdNQlMKQQAQagiCIcwWGVNdELVrEuybem0QW9iHcS3Kl5KiOhj8dlzhOjq4ngmugGg/s1600/20171002_065941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCWEIzhusdIDVePOSoydt2JM-W7ZxUvmuJbX8bQu8uR06lBgiaii-NiRIXqfjViclC-S_5euWmMdNQlMKQQAQagiCIcwWGVNdELVrEuybem0QW9iHcS3Kl5KiOhj8dlzhOjq4ngmugGg/s320/20171002_065941.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Another big change in our lives, is that Tim's parents will be coming here to live with us. We are all in prayer about it and pray the Lords hand on the whole situation.<br />
<br />
We have workmen all over the farm. They are fixing roofs and siding from the horrible hail damage that was done in the hail storm in March of this year. Our home was fixed several months ago but it took time for the workers to get to the rest of our farm, as there were so many homes in our area that needed fixing. We have so many out buildings and now they are all getting done. There are nails and screws everywhere, as they take off old roofing and siding and put new on. We are all having to be super diligent to go over all areas regularly with large magnets so no one gets a nail in a foot, hoof or tire.<br />
<br />
On the fun side of things, our zoo membership was going to expire this month so we took the children one last time.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6RoLE1TIlMQk5MH2xEZTVfPQowSSURDdo0U2kpPLtcosm1cs-ou2mD9uVqR3AowANW9O8aUXiLeBqhr00dSyZ8LJphFQ9QeHChmd-XezpznvpLFVHMCSIl90nKiDuzNh6MYOKx5JC4I/s1600/20171001_110032%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6RoLE1TIlMQk5MH2xEZTVfPQowSSURDdo0U2kpPLtcosm1cs-ou2mD9uVqR3AowANW9O8aUXiLeBqhr00dSyZ8LJphFQ9QeHChmd-XezpznvpLFVHMCSIl90nKiDuzNh6MYOKx5JC4I/s320/20171001_110032%25280%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My three middles. So grown up. Sigh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpikEJzwyEZck_Om2yV6ta4pNyxfydc-we49RcEM9mIT3o4M-wuZcPi9peNk6yWK41fwjq1vBiqRAM6UATxPJ-4_pfQ9C8aPfsq2woAmDskt93sP5v672AEIP17vf-QW1Kts8Exvq_2c/s1600/20171001_112107_1507121754565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpikEJzwyEZck_Om2yV6ta4pNyxfydc-we49RcEM9mIT3o4M-wuZcPi9peNk6yWK41fwjq1vBiqRAM6UATxPJ-4_pfQ9C8aPfsq2woAmDskt93sP5v672AEIP17vf-QW1Kts8Exvq_2c/s320/20171001_112107_1507121754565.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timothy, Billy and Kinsley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkTMRO2p-RusUOu40aCAN0_DfqwlWZjBpLxhUKow0PoDbipR0WMjGBEfgq8i5lJfU1eckoDv39wh9dwtcYeau9qplzY9PFbDGIIY-wW3fMKk6omKx1hystDKFbbnQpVhyphenhyphenrdjB7TAwLjw/s1600/20171001_095557_1506870011906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkTMRO2p-RusUOu40aCAN0_DfqwlWZjBpLxhUKow0PoDbipR0WMjGBEfgq8i5lJfU1eckoDv39wh9dwtcYeau9qplzY9PFbDGIIY-wW3fMKk6omKx1hystDKFbbnQpVhyphenhyphenrdjB7TAwLjw/s320/20171001_095557_1506870011906.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna-Kate...my baby is not a baby anymore!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the cooler fall weather, the children have been riding ponies a lot in the afternoons.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2w-JKTib0WAecqJM36pv57YXLcFeQvN6vfsXjdWLrPiPtVyBgmU8DbmxCkNQzN8nUdXVHORKFe46HrYvodC-5R4HPRlO8nWQle1cxd1CV1n8ZHO1OIywV4qFT7ZGWchCaMZSLQYwW7s/s1600/20171004_134052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2w-JKTib0WAecqJM36pv57YXLcFeQvN6vfsXjdWLrPiPtVyBgmU8DbmxCkNQzN8nUdXVHORKFe46HrYvodC-5R4HPRlO8nWQle1cxd1CV1n8ZHO1OIywV4qFT7ZGWchCaMZSLQYwW7s/s320/20171004_134052.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinsley with her pony. She and Anna-Kate share a pony.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTV-624NritWFm_Vl2qlctqUtM2KPV2W_9z8AnKyzHZRn5TDnDtndWYPmh7usDqacRW2xRgbSfKC1-oYIwLR_uBRlVr5OconpPF-IOzb28FrGKlr0wnCoJ5xcCNvwG3dNmxoE4Q45-lXQ/s1600/20170928_175004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTV-624NritWFm_Vl2qlctqUtM2KPV2W_9z8AnKyzHZRn5TDnDtndWYPmh7usDqacRW2xRgbSfKC1-oYIwLR_uBRlVr5OconpPF-IOzb28FrGKlr0wnCoJ5xcCNvwG3dNmxoE4Q45-lXQ/s320/20170928_175004.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolyn and her pony Millie. They spend a lot of time together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkH322T8G0t9S_okr1DVGFEnjR0TTQTQ7Q7dm7oNOo2J-JCiT1AEXM1yx4WsLGNzwuNWRPmnqjvFUrPpZoJMDAFnLT0THVYR0bvFYtrIxzUVhAcY-MiL9-8Bu_orWGwquTXTSUTLC3zU/s1600/20170928_145114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkH322T8G0t9S_okr1DVGFEnjR0TTQTQ7Q7dm7oNOo2J-JCiT1AEXM1yx4WsLGNzwuNWRPmnqjvFUrPpZoJMDAFnLT0THVYR0bvFYtrIxzUVhAcY-MiL9-8Bu_orWGwquTXTSUTLC3zU/s320/20170928_145114.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rM2a2qWTjRiF9dGWfEGblYBdivJ6hHovGzmusmSNuwozcpKeiMOo7BKFCVHMoli89ZYUWQBJ3po68LfAU72uZBguDO2sesiSTU2fIpx5wwaZH3CPIjQ0ScBXkPsfZkHsqgqha4YA7gA/s1600/20170928_145834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rM2a2qWTjRiF9dGWfEGblYBdivJ6hHovGzmusmSNuwozcpKeiMOo7BKFCVHMoli89ZYUWQBJ3po68LfAU72uZBguDO2sesiSTU2fIpx5wwaZH3CPIjQ0ScBXkPsfZkHsqgqha4YA7gA/s320/20170928_145834.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timmy and Billy share a pony. Buck-a-roo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4J-q3WVCX3GoBF3wEKbcCnRLLgXZQJWoxSHApW3qKxpkyKTvTbgi18Ru_vCvIrG4gB1in2aYH91q-hM5fnjt6CrYWHI20WeRt3uWMCJu91vyrbcyi-oLZdzhYaR68tBCoYGNlBFF2UaE/s1600/20170928_144301%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4J-q3WVCX3GoBF3wEKbcCnRLLgXZQJWoxSHApW3qKxpkyKTvTbgi18Ru_vCvIrG4gB1in2aYH91q-hM5fnjt6CrYWHI20WeRt3uWMCJu91vyrbcyi-oLZdzhYaR68tBCoYGNlBFF2UaE/s320/20170928_144301%25280%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Billy...always the ham.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
God helped the children and I build a retaining wall behind the house.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpdmCRMjiVlVhVwyERTLTCFJuFL5OrXFNsdQisnPOiMotc-4G9LAVlbQvcMBdl6QVO_oQK_vCXPcRAIJB3l_6Psl7HAMIOh4uUva3RwJvTJiaOBfB7M-k9v0M86qQh2HtGLOl-ig4KKo/s1600/20170922_114934_1506095381838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpdmCRMjiVlVhVwyERTLTCFJuFL5OrXFNsdQisnPOiMotc-4G9LAVlbQvcMBdl6QVO_oQK_vCXPcRAIJB3l_6Psl7HAMIOh4uUva3RwJvTJiaOBfB7M-k9v0M86qQh2HtGLOl-ig4KKo/s320/20170922_114934_1506095381838.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Carolyn, for years, has wanted to grow her hair down to the ground. We trim the split ends but never cut it. She finally decided to give up her dream and wanted me to cut her hair. I made her wait a few days to make sure that was really want she wanted to do. I didn't want her to regret it later. She said she was sure and that she was tired of the upkeep. I almost cried as I cut it off. It is still long but not like it was. We took off over a foot!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvk__fzB03iQSace9rXlxag9P3-9xGWv4p5JrKz-fzcTAoaVeILDauo_YGMwwVYZpGj09E_jZ0ZbXZ5pgJgsOVGr5j2RffOwLFpmXhnz73qgncgb0PdvEemMwTZhMZD6AGo6F-9vWjTw/s1600/20171002_162933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvk__fzB03iQSace9rXlxag9P3-9xGWv4p5JrKz-fzcTAoaVeILDauo_YGMwwVYZpGj09E_jZ0ZbXZ5pgJgsOVGr5j2RffOwLFpmXhnz73qgncgb0PdvEemMwTZhMZD6AGo6F-9vWjTw/s320/20171002_162933.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her hair has natural curl and wave to it but not like the above picture. I had her hair in long box braids before this picture and when we took it down it looks like this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSjYKKn_GQz72C1_axoU5D6Gj8YtC1HupAOevbheICQOqhcPr06ty5cnmccJjq00n9OVIFGv6knvw73cGJK2pZxB4S37n-qFCiBYM3Ec4C7-JXaNDBm0-sBfviuvBIWpBQWMG_7Olfx4/s1600/20171002_162941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSjYKKn_GQz72C1_axoU5D6Gj8YtC1HupAOevbheICQOqhcPr06ty5cnmccJjq00n9OVIFGv6knvw73cGJK2pZxB4S37n-qFCiBYM3Ec4C7-JXaNDBm0-sBfviuvBIWpBQWMG_7Olfx4/s320/20171002_162941.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwIuKVnORAGzu9iTuQkfPNDRW7Qkh1In0M9sWS40szgI8qkU2OOSac3haTt1xm1EH175ms3Haz_zFkQ73DiclULK0m22c3djPwE10fFAaMAZGzIgmgHolPXrj9LKVgizgjZDbokMpuPA/s1600/20171002_175239_1506987257626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwIuKVnORAGzu9iTuQkfPNDRW7Qkh1In0M9sWS40szgI8qkU2OOSac3haTt1xm1EH175ms3Haz_zFkQ73DiclULK0m22c3djPwE10fFAaMAZGzIgmgHolPXrj9LKVgizgjZDbokMpuPA/s320/20171002_175239_1506987257626.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sHJVNALzs9lIGNVkmMrrozyvyNwf69p-tUtQoMjzZiWe1xkHWwT7EREmTDuX9DYB5GVxvYPxP5hWjxp1xZE4Wot4lFPnjsoAEOL1mCLBvEWhKldYk4kmWq0eGGQqSudTAK5knnj6YGM/s1600/20171002_175306_1506987269631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sHJVNALzs9lIGNVkmMrrozyvyNwf69p-tUtQoMjzZiWe1xkHWwT7EREmTDuX9DYB5GVxvYPxP5hWjxp1xZE4Wot4lFPnjsoAEOL1mCLBvEWhKldYk4kmWq0eGGQqSudTAK5knnj6YGM/s320/20171002_175306_1506987269631.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She wanted me to cut layers in it so I did. Praise God it turned out well and still can be put up into a bun for ballet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
God is so good and all is well. We feel very blessed in all areas and are grateful for His tender loving care, helping us through the difficult things and rejoicing in the happy moments too.<br />
<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Colossians 3:15</span></span><span class="passage-display-version"><br /></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Col-3-15" id="en-KJV-29533"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.</span></span><br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
May God have His hand on your lives as we move into fall and all the business of these next few seasons. May we stay ever thankful for all the blessings He has poured out upon us and serve Him with all our hearts.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
susan <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-36073096834045709912017-09-23T12:37:00.001-07:002017-09-23T12:37:41.535-07:00He Turned Six!!!I know this sounds amazing but Billy just turned six! It seems like just a short while ago that he and his brother came into our home as foster children. He was the older of the siblings at 2 years old and his brother was one. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDcixICaYnU2BSLVZ9ZFC9TsSFOsBD7K9a4RlDRRRdVxTG8Gm32BeaERWSQpKspK3tcPUlV6wrEDN7G1_kolYKD3ofWbUavqPtR8z-XmDaDd1EqGIIpiaKEg9SDzHEbVCL9vqwXfxRe8/s1600/154aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1084" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDcixICaYnU2BSLVZ9ZFC9TsSFOsBD7K9a4RlDRRRdVxTG8Gm32BeaERWSQpKspK3tcPUlV6wrEDN7G1_kolYKD3ofWbUavqPtR8z-XmDaDd1EqGIIpiaKEg9SDzHEbVCL9vqwXfxRe8/s320/154aa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
What a journey we have been on with these two. He and his brother had some of the toughest behaviors we have dealt with. The neglect and abuse they went through in their short lives, before coming here, was intense and had horrible repercussions that we still deal with and try to help them heal from today. They were both exposed in the womb to drugs and had meth and pot smoked around them till they came into care. We pray fervently over all our children, provide stability, give them love and meet their needs. We give them structure, boundaries and at times discipline. Ultimately, it takes a miracle from God and children wanting to make a change, for them to heal and more forward. Looking back at what they were like when they came and seeing them now...wow...they are different children. Amazing progress has been made but some issues still remain and are taking time, maturity and God, to help them heal and break away from.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsP7Y561QhtyiMrUUySISZs8Uf1oJt2s1P5f30PBQ9z_URB9CYaWoZqIIg43J98II4mix-fCNnLM8boI-XLyWXCqpdCFV7S2Agx3pTuEpfoB5Jq80nMbWK9h5tVardzJ7-EWLwB0fRdI/s1600/230+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsP7Y561QhtyiMrUUySISZs8Uf1oJt2s1P5f30PBQ9z_URB9CYaWoZqIIg43J98II4mix-fCNnLM8boI-XLyWXCqpdCFV7S2Agx3pTuEpfoB5Jq80nMbWK9h5tVardzJ7-EWLwB0fRdI/s320/230+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Billy, very often has been one tough child to take care.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbU5w54mIf8wB6JSyDEIvlqA7C4A6Adwv9x8G1y2XsjjyJBkqXhUOOrky8jI5nWTSBOoTgqx31_EowU_VAKSDvFS8WDb5m-mq3c_SdprZpW6NEM92ThV2sCVYF4cq3EpLpZR-tssL3f0/s1600/205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbU5w54mIf8wB6JSyDEIvlqA7C4A6Adwv9x8G1y2XsjjyJBkqXhUOOrky8jI5nWTSBOoTgqx31_EowU_VAKSDvFS8WDb5m-mq3c_SdprZpW6NEM92ThV2sCVYF4cq3EpLpZR-tssL3f0/s320/205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
His behaviors have been intense and can be just as challenging as Elizabeth's at times. He did not know how to play with toys when he came. He would either use them as weapons, try to break them by pounding them, jumping on them, peeling stickers off them and wedging them in places trying to get them stuck. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8t_4eRQz85wpfkCAACQqZwfTgv-ZkyB3BJaus08mqPx_Thfde51jFloLKPxIztLFaHTgXssXIeMaT5UAs_U38sr8hapcRBpDebgUnhERc1ephGLSZLBuPEOKC_Cm3W2l6i1WDu7vhOA/s1600/334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8t_4eRQz85wpfkCAACQqZwfTgv-ZkyB3BJaus08mqPx_Thfde51jFloLKPxIztLFaHTgXssXIeMaT5UAs_U38sr8hapcRBpDebgUnhERc1ephGLSZLBuPEOKC_Cm3W2l6i1WDu7vhOA/s320/334.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He was violent and tried to hurt other children and lashed out at adults. He peed on everything. I mean, if I put him in time out, he would take off his diaper and pee on all that could be reached all around. If he was in bed...same thing. Anytime our focus was off of him, he would either pee on something or spit on everything. He would spit puddles on the floor where ever he was or spit on his hands and spread it everywhere to play with it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHWzoJo_jM4B378jorb45Up_0DjLDxVQMGQYIdod22SuKPRvXbX99RQN99qu8eLuTHeQMaUw6kt7QlstejQbot7__RcdxMVsUq9qxGOzsl4wIM5cX4LOypi1-uQTCW5cE19-cON-OwXs/s1600/159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHWzoJo_jM4B378jorb45Up_0DjLDxVQMGQYIdod22SuKPRvXbX99RQN99qu8eLuTHeQMaUw6kt7QlstejQbot7__RcdxMVsUq9qxGOzsl4wIM5cX4LOypi1-uQTCW5cE19-cON-OwXs/s320/159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
He did not know how to eat. He had been on a bottle his whole life, so had real issues with food. It took him and his brother many months of feeding therapy to learn to self feed, chew and eat all textures of food. He pulled his hair out, poked his eyes, sucked on his skin to bring the blood to the surface making a bruise. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNA4JfSCDgP7vrAbxs4kHBAfinLxEkQNm4QIWybEATLAJ_VUnbGPWQTbYXWwOKxYuocEN6hS0V2N9FnC43XE4sBDwMDFdTl6uIz5ZrpHnj78kRf8ehZt0XSntp2aMPGrMdHhWqaca2Tc/s1600/374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNA4JfSCDgP7vrAbxs4kHBAfinLxEkQNm4QIWybEATLAJ_VUnbGPWQTbYXWwOKxYuocEN6hS0V2N9FnC43XE4sBDwMDFdTl6uIz5ZrpHnj78kRf8ehZt0XSntp2aMPGrMdHhWqaca2Tc/s320/374.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He would pull strings out of his socks, clothing and chew holes in his cloths because he had been tied in a car seat his whole life and only had his body and the things he could reach to play with and mess with. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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/AVvXsEi_Yk8gb-rTcCu2K97ZjNKxmXL8Gt0ZaRqljnbXcG8ZdMsf4TRbH1XO-_ZglTmA5ErFn-HS-4PFlLf5_yA0pVePejZOC3AlYie7XYkbh8C2jPqhbv2bfFO0fQDYXv0lWSQFmyjwdX-DTU8/s1600/671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Yk8gb-rTcCu2K97ZjNKxmXL8Gt0ZaRqljnbXcG8ZdMsf4TRbH1XO-_ZglTmA5ErFn-HS-4PFlLf5_yA0pVePejZOC3AlYie7XYkbh8C2jPqhbv2bfFO0fQDYXv0lWSQFmyjwdX-DTU8/s320/671.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
He still stretches out all his clothing by pulling on them all day long as a nervous habit. Some of these behaviors are gone and some still remain and we are working on them. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibe_UU3JAlFiJa3XTehXbLiidwM_KmE-_xXvDDkqMpyXHolXmrdoa5ncAMsi9ztLd0PbUkHFcm_suLBMEKCZy7dVAqTBkUxqg_Q3YOdtCwYVsJJrGgSM5eX66b5DnN7N9R9N_2F1vzLB4/s1600/848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibe_UU3JAlFiJa3XTehXbLiidwM_KmE-_xXvDDkqMpyXHolXmrdoa5ncAMsi9ztLd0PbUkHFcm_suLBMEKCZy7dVAqTBkUxqg_Q3YOdtCwYVsJJrGgSM5eX66b5DnN7N9R9N_2F1vzLB4/s320/848.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
Billy is extremely smart and does everything at full speed, not slowing down to think of the repercussions of his actions. Some people would call him hyper. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bC6o3DD07ojdm10JwC4LlkW1G4Pz_Az63GySs3MnSJWWI0C2do7PZnx2Nw2Fn76lBmq0pCZDMk7QNzr4iw-PwugDdRLWo3uJOygNapzQtiTnzrp9t-7mxqo6I2nN-uoa81_l4ORELLc/s1600/960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bC6o3DD07ojdm10JwC4LlkW1G4Pz_Az63GySs3MnSJWWI0C2do7PZnx2Nw2Fn76lBmq0pCZDMk7QNzr4iw-PwugDdRLWo3uJOygNapzQtiTnzrp9t-7mxqo6I2nN-uoa81_l4ORELLc/s320/960.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He's only still when sleeping or really focused on learning. Even when he eats, watches a show or is riding in a vehicle he is not still, bless his heart. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdevMKB5UB3fZwdvvkr_Ek9m-GF6g8zYXKLWTNierks3BznrxyC1VsRS9yoZrvAdx6WT8-uP_v4bt8URjNSWQqlwA9W3h-yLMobjoJx8S6QwbpFk_GJI32oSn5-o1xoXFQu0QbA9_HgUo/s1600/1071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdevMKB5UB3fZwdvvkr_Ek9m-GF6g8zYXKLWTNierks3BznrxyC1VsRS9yoZrvAdx6WT8-uP_v4bt8URjNSWQqlwA9W3h-yLMobjoJx8S6QwbpFk_GJI32oSn5-o1xoXFQu0QbA9_HgUo/s320/1071.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He is usually rocking, bouncing or changing positions by getting up on his knees and then back to his bottom many times every minute. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTP_Y5ooVuD4l_y-0h8imRNRJ284LK0PsxFcMotX4qqvP_trpHdZzCIyyIkxQs66YEViyefTifZjLrFeXMwYi6xsVGc1ww_XBTFOcnDiYrrjN1re7qLq4j-80_S48QpTNnIMe31faTbk/s1600/098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTP_Y5ooVuD4l_y-0h8imRNRJ284LK0PsxFcMotX4qqvP_trpHdZzCIyyIkxQs66YEViyefTifZjLrFeXMwYi6xsVGc1ww_XBTFOcnDiYrrjN1re7qLq4j-80_S48QpTNnIMe31faTbk/s320/098.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I share just some of his issues with you, to let you know the reality and seriousness, the struggles and challenges he has had to live through and with, in his short life. We try not to focus on these issues in our children. If we did, it would be very counterproductive. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZkvOMwcsM0BRC260pVUKEv9GrmdVVjS3iI-SQHwKKPDsThSbw872VmlnIVyWmtgpCGYgq9GLpV8aHxBIGH7a9LkY2DcZDDj9VVNXuN-rAS6wI1OTwgtQrZzrFni6GOJ1tf9hceWr8eo/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZkvOMwcsM0BRC260pVUKEv9GrmdVVjS3iI-SQHwKKPDsThSbw872VmlnIVyWmtgpCGYgq9GLpV8aHxBIGH7a9LkY2DcZDDj9VVNXuN-rAS6wI1OTwgtQrZzrFni6GOJ1tf9hceWr8eo/s320/015.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
We would feel over whelmed and frustrated all the time with a child. Yes, I do get over whelmed and frustrated at times but it is short lived. If I just step back and look at his past life, before living here and what he went through and the progress he has made, no matter how small or large in an area, it is so much easier to find joy and compassion. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAquw9HE2Mgc6onH-8AqyNC2Og61aAfwEcupluJUIJo9RPCM_oY4EpVPb-ECI_sASjpgCeF-x89wUBxPAv150kXx_vTUHTX-ekr1G3wMGQMtTRTj-cC4O9sceRhZFrFdMzi7KjgS_bRN0/s1600/308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAquw9HE2Mgc6onH-8AqyNC2Og61aAfwEcupluJUIJo9RPCM_oY4EpVPb-ECI_sASjpgCeF-x89wUBxPAv150kXx_vTUHTX-ekr1G3wMGQMtTRTj-cC4O9sceRhZFrFdMzi7KjgS_bRN0/s320/308.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
So much easier to handle a behavior knowing that it is not him but a problem from his formative 2 years before coming here. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqmlmwJiQ6cuNF7t0mp4x3uLIk91MZ2pau_682x2kZsGmKAVK1JUxvyyuBLSa8y9W2P2KVBx7nZ1fmZf4T09HDdDEw0KbU1ljpamTAqTY6_69wOwH5fJNfgXUe-o6oOD-b4DpihWi2mE/s1600/469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqmlmwJiQ6cuNF7t0mp4x3uLIk91MZ2pau_682x2kZsGmKAVK1JUxvyyuBLSa8y9W2P2KVBx7nZ1fmZf4T09HDdDEw0KbU1ljpamTAqTY6_69wOwH5fJNfgXUe-o6oOD-b4DpihWi2mE/s320/469.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The Billy I love so dearly and cherish is kind hearted and tender deep inside. He shows sweet acts of kindness. If someone gets hurt he gets very upset and asks if they are ok now and tries to comfort someone if they are crying. He prays the most beautiful heartfelt prayers. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAaI4ya7sRNPdPa1x4hB_E_mRm2D0nVhfAUW3VOq8ikCACNbWkDrwEdU9FF_0PDNuj1BgaYb7U6eiZIgQUhkqGsiQHkpofky7W8F2CYz9zZM2sA5QSchvelvUi-zvu13bPb7hKG3605I/s1600/554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAaI4ya7sRNPdPa1x4hB_E_mRm2D0nVhfAUW3VOq8ikCACNbWkDrwEdU9FF_0PDNuj1BgaYb7U6eiZIgQUhkqGsiQHkpofky7W8F2CYz9zZM2sA5QSchvelvUi-zvu13bPb7hKG3605I/s320/554.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I hear him asking God to help him with his behaviors that he struggles with. I love to teach this child. He loves to learn and never stops talking or asking questions...good educational questions... ALL DAY LONG...non-stop. :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVBVJ90vncioaYO2WVHOAnoJUlytiRxwL-4RX4eT86bYzfvspX26Tu-Es1n8xIrvrrJdCjF7s40xtbTWJJHc2UVspjD-KAfAcgqHuJVHnQ-ZleIqYoxUsTm4SDTwBVxxzBPLq_cB9TAg/s1600/757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVBVJ90vncioaYO2WVHOAnoJUlytiRxwL-4RX4eT86bYzfvspX26Tu-Es1n8xIrvrrJdCjF7s40xtbTWJJHc2UVspjD-KAfAcgqHuJVHnQ-ZleIqYoxUsTm4SDTwBVxxzBPLq_cB9TAg/s320/757.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He is very bonded to me and everyone in our whole family. He can now play with some of the other children if supervised.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-wC3ECXwvwWbhRa7XKR4vEmTBsKzS2w52aJ0dCxTmvmoczPyl5JBp4qWmiyl378uELqHsP2mGReYCUAzbW8sihKB2IQI53hA_0rLtDQi0figbIdwje-AS_LC9BoUe_Xec3hSL3wc51A/s1600/368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-wC3ECXwvwWbhRa7XKR4vEmTBsKzS2w52aJ0dCxTmvmoczPyl5JBp4qWmiyl378uELqHsP2mGReYCUAzbW8sihKB2IQI53hA_0rLtDQi0figbIdwje-AS_LC9BoUe_Xec3hSL3wc51A/s320/368.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He now has a good appetite, feeds himself and eats all his food in an appropriate amount of time. He plays with toys properly for about 30 minutes before getting bored and starting to go back to his old habits. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eNK14Ls_1hAH8B13H88UUaYz938gMY0s-bOYmjL2d46vkeHp82spa9ydIreVOyhl46KKAxjZkId2gd9cJqUFdEyM_eW9baLggzRWgRvM0ECUvEElbAbORUSXNJ_vGrjs0AYrBIVRHkY/s1600/750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eNK14Ls_1hAH8B13H88UUaYz938gMY0s-bOYmjL2d46vkeHp82spa9ydIreVOyhl46KKAxjZkId2gd9cJqUFdEyM_eW9baLggzRWgRvM0ECUvEElbAbORUSXNJ_vGrjs0AYrBIVRHkY/s320/750.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He cracks me up with his sense of humor, silliness and some of the things he tries to do. Even though his behaviors are hard and we have some very hard days I love him dearly. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitP824HcR0YdNEP-_Ad_n1OFQ_f1canla5cFriQ4q4ZYaS11Tboukil35fRrUJSrijBsAC6groY2OHmD4ila_PA8MGHLOSGXIg7JjSa4j_-7-q_tr9_cp3XmDgNEgafkW-19YlsDT92Lw/s1600/20170921_120428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitP824HcR0YdNEP-_Ad_n1OFQ_f1canla5cFriQ4q4ZYaS11Tboukil35fRrUJSrijBsAC6groY2OHmD4ila_PA8MGHLOSGXIg7JjSa4j_-7-q_tr9_cp3XmDgNEgafkW-19YlsDT92Lw/s320/20170921_120428.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I still have trouble thinking he has been with us two thirds of his lifetime and that he is now six years old. He wanted a ninja turtle cake from his aunt. He has never seen the show but has a few of the little action figures he plays with, from mega block sets he received. Aunt "S" did an excellent job making a happy ninja turtle for him. Thank you Aunt "S"!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipa5dGzjMPEkw04PwgCZgWQSBXeVHNijotz3tPRpkVudBd3cE-SkEMKTlaaUHtJM5_6YRCpsixTvlkJWG3xwiSpprEHKjooU-2u569BlUoRaIqiQexbM0HWNzhLf5MsibfCDY679tuBq0/s1600/20170919_152023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipa5dGzjMPEkw04PwgCZgWQSBXeVHNijotz3tPRpkVudBd3cE-SkEMKTlaaUHtJM5_6YRCpsixTvlkJWG3xwiSpprEHKjooU-2u569BlUoRaIqiQexbM0HWNzhLf5MsibfCDY679tuBq0/s320/20170919_152023.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My dear, sweet, bouncy, Billy. You, my young man, are a diamond in the ruff and it is a privilege that God has trusted us to raise you and help you reach your fullest potential. It has been an honor to watch the miracle of you unfold and see you conquer your issues, replacing them with positive ones. God is so good and I know you are going to do great things and go so far in life, for the Lord! May God always lead and guide you and may you always follow His lead.<br />
<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Psalm 144:12</span></span><span class="passage-display-version"></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-144-12" id="en-KJV-16318"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>That
our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters
may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:</span></span><br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
Love Dad, mom, Stephen, Antonio, William, Carolyn, Zeke, Elizabeth, Timothy, Kinsley and Anna-Kate. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-52665927301298100572017-09-16T12:28:00.001-07:002017-09-16T12:28:44.910-07:00Happy Anniversary Husband!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRndU_NPh6YHJbztkCkIfhKqhD_wpFXA9O_frQb3NqfE3nVxVU47OrxsFuFX9FcUt5s9KJYn4L18xCi4vFmiVUVXtuPHjSCmVvoCn6XMBkQhpOFknTkNaM9gZ8aLj8qczZ7w1mKSQdH1M/s1600/830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRndU_NPh6YHJbztkCkIfhKqhD_wpFXA9O_frQb3NqfE3nVxVU47OrxsFuFX9FcUt5s9KJYn4L18xCi4vFmiVUVXtuPHjSCmVvoCn6XMBkQhpOFknTkNaM9gZ8aLj8qczZ7w1mKSQdH1M/s320/830.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I thank God daily for my husband. Under God he is the greatest love of my life. I have been blessed beyond measure by God, to have him be my leader, head and covering. It is an honor to serve him in every way and in return, he is tender, patience and kind with me, even though I can really be a handful. I know I don't write much about him. I usually focus on our family, children and Gods hand on our life but today I want to share from my heart about Tim. It is our 22nd wedding anniversary and as I reflect on those 22 years and the years before having him in my life and what they were like...all I can say is I am humbled to the core, to be married to him. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlCWkbsy4vWs_Dv6mSmCel7dz-CDZxwz6U8VZpHqS5m0h47N8xNDyMQ817BMKNGSWD-vi4y4Bih_M4mA8fNPwifbzq-yXZ7-9mmpRXbkm9vIATZ5v39W3kstlxY9ld5wyGzChycO4ufs/s1600/20170910_180141_1505080953481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlCWkbsy4vWs_Dv6mSmCel7dz-CDZxwz6U8VZpHqS5m0h47N8xNDyMQ817BMKNGSWD-vi4y4Bih_M4mA8fNPwifbzq-yXZ7-9mmpRXbkm9vIATZ5v39W3kstlxY9ld5wyGzChycO4ufs/s320/20170910_180141_1505080953481.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Tim and I are opposites in so many ways. He is steady, calm, quiet, low key, and the Fruit of the Spirit naturally flows from him without much effort. I am rarely still, have to talk about everything to feel connected and ok with life, have to work at holding my tongue and thinking before I speak, hyper, and have to work at having the fruit of the spirit flow thru me. He likes to pray about things completely and think things thru before doing anything...I am a pray about it but then jump in and do it and we will figure it out as we go along kind of person. He has great patience with me, the children and life. He works very long, hard, hours at work all day and is a hands on dad till bedtime. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cHBRSBpxFB177eVjtufTJgceWIYGnkt7aUSwtl2rBAqpOnHcMSZVnhioi09WqXntQ-xzH0PXZpYUz58wyW5liUnV2Mef806x4gVtlClS0R66Lfv6CjXhKEbZmlZ8w4kEDEC-_ki4Tyk/s1600/20170915_125045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cHBRSBpxFB177eVjtufTJgceWIYGnkt7aUSwtl2rBAqpOnHcMSZVnhioi09WqXntQ-xzH0PXZpYUz58wyW5liUnV2Mef806x4gVtlClS0R66Lfv6CjXhKEbZmlZ8w4kEDEC-_ki4Tyk/s320/20170915_125045.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He treats me like I am a treasure to him and is in tune with me and how I am feeling and doing. He jumps in to give assistance if he sees me needing help with the children or our home. He notices when I need to get away and have a break and finds ways to provide that for me, often it being a surprise day out with just him for the day. He notices if I am struggling, happy or sad. He tries to alleviate stress, bring me joy, help me in what ever emotionally I am going thru and tries his best to support me in all I do. He is incredibly positive about things, even to the point of frustrating me if I want to be grumpy about something.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_z63KvUp1d2fLXuiaSTTeAcgcPagjBZtQqeqlzQ2792hXnZetyG94SjCqGVK5cY0JkCifxLJCAURFeQeNi55IAZ6lXWlKc8uRglcPK-ejW0Fm7BMkmPiQDjMwDsmxK5ZEGJLyGPkAQk/s1600/323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_z63KvUp1d2fLXuiaSTTeAcgcPagjBZtQqeqlzQ2792hXnZetyG94SjCqGVK5cY0JkCifxLJCAURFeQeNi55IAZ6lXWlKc8uRglcPK-ejW0Fm7BMkmPiQDjMwDsmxK5ZEGJLyGPkAQk/s320/323.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He is the spiritual leader of our home. He reads his Bible, prays and actively leads and teaches his family in the Lord. He has bible study with the children every Sabbath. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBIs0YI7s4CrIs7TvFI3dXPOvF5RSB7UgZJZs_6CPLz6RNRbb_bs3rIXk__lN0Vj4AQ9OLarqVQglR4hxoGbqKypCo1TrpBOsO65lBoqzgfxIHp-stBLIMVZpX2gguQ6_lzn-KAN6Ru4/s1600/144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBIs0YI7s4CrIs7TvFI3dXPOvF5RSB7UgZJZs_6CPLz6RNRbb_bs3rIXk__lN0Vj4AQ9OLarqVQglR4hxoGbqKypCo1TrpBOsO65lBoqzgfxIHp-stBLIMVZpX2gguQ6_lzn-KAN6Ru4/s320/144.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He tries to find at least one common interest to enjoy spending time with and doing with each child.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XMC4HOFVYg4nmIPDQ6kZ_9T10xfRT1fvtwmAW8kF_rmdl7wXKN7RUwzCmAr4WPeEO5f3nECyrpDlxna2SIWWQ_Ju9vcLVXB-CU9LzkTvU7uTaG134fmQ4g-c9OPgdw8tyj7Ha2LwbBs/s1600/243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XMC4HOFVYg4nmIPDQ6kZ_9T10xfRT1fvtwmAW8kF_rmdl7wXKN7RUwzCmAr4WPeEO5f3nECyrpDlxna2SIWWQ_Ju9vcLVXB-CU9LzkTvU7uTaG134fmQ4g-c9OPgdw8tyj7Ha2LwbBs/s320/243.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1CgFQ3as38fJ9yp4SM2k23lyinLGvsA4sHvFRp7m2ya7hhpizaqZR0xvku-rN2hhoALfssqWz494lb8lKxHZbAD3WkVPR1HuebpXGM6khspH1-cio8cBYm4dEA8gYhZjn3xHb4ejg7w/s1600/242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1CgFQ3as38fJ9yp4SM2k23lyinLGvsA4sHvFRp7m2ya7hhpizaqZR0xvku-rN2hhoALfssqWz494lb8lKxHZbAD3WkVPR1HuebpXGM6khspH1-cio8cBYm4dEA8gYhZjn3xHb4ejg7w/s320/242.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
There is no other man on this earth I would rather be with. I am beyond blessed and know it. I am so very grateful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh8LE_md1m31R16wjtwzDk8urvFcyBktuWHqzbRKVU_3-pl8BgkWEIBFHbGV1DFyCdbk74_2d4IgN176f3RDPKt1p3Qr0xGU-dijQEPn2vNfeaJ7BYGoVQuw4w4K14YlcfeOGMihy36c/s1600/19059819_795581577289280_8407676728548509259_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh8LE_md1m31R16wjtwzDk8urvFcyBktuWHqzbRKVU_3-pl8BgkWEIBFHbGV1DFyCdbk74_2d4IgN176f3RDPKt1p3Qr0xGU-dijQEPn2vNfeaJ7BYGoVQuw4w4K14YlcfeOGMihy36c/s320/19059819_795581577289280_8407676728548509259_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Happy Anniversary my husband. May God bless you in all you do. May I be a good wife to you meeting your needs before you even know you need them met. May I be that virtuous woman and helpmate to you in every area, every way. You are loved and cherished by me and our whole family!<br />
<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Ephesians 5:25-30</span><span class="passage-display-version"></span></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Eph-5-25" id="en-KJV-29330"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Eph-5-26" id="en-KJV-29331"><sup class="versenum">26 </sup>That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Eph-5-27" id="en-KJV-29332"><sup class="versenum">27 </sup>That
he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or
wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without
blemish.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Eph-5-28" id="en-KJV-29333"><sup class="versenum">28 </sup>So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Eph-5-29" id="en-KJV-29334"><sup class="versenum">29 </sup>For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Eph-5-30" id="en-KJV-29335"><sup class="versenum">30 </sup>For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.</span></span><br />
</div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-21815195828749252972017-09-06T16:02:00.000-07:002017-09-06T16:02:56.762-07:00Elizabeths Heart CathToday's post is a bit medical, so if you are sensitive to such things, you might want to skip it. :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqUQy9zei0zXpGjntQJ04k2L4ce-95IsYKEClCVtwDvSGcLVX0gynpvZLX5Bc5KqxMRA7yLlISBSkMuiKY89p7aGjxCIdc3atufO5RQkfg6WbMWHpjttrcfNQT5XYMZVoVmhOMXk3bsY/s1600/254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqUQy9zei0zXpGjntQJ04k2L4ce-95IsYKEClCVtwDvSGcLVX0gynpvZLX5Bc5KqxMRA7yLlISBSkMuiKY89p7aGjxCIdc3atufO5RQkfg6WbMWHpjttrcfNQT5XYMZVoVmhOMXk3bsY/s320/254.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Elizabeth and her life are a miracle on so many levels. She was born with Truncus Arteriosis. That basically means a three chamber heart, with one trunk of an artery coming off of the third chamber, that splits later . She was and continues to be, our child that is the most medically fragile. You can read about her story <a href="http://muchbiggerthanme.blogspot.com/2013/09/truncus-arteriosus-heart-defect.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br />
We were told that if she was born several years earlier, there was no way to fix her heart. The surgery that was available at the time of her birth, could fix it but...she would need to have major heart surgery every four or five years for the rest of her life. I mean..cool her body temp down... open her chest, break all her ribs, put her on a heart machine, stop her heart, fix it and put her all back together surgery. Very serious and scary surgery for us all. When she was born, they put in a wall to divide the bottom single chamber and used a cadaver artery, to make a conduit from the new chamber to the proper artery. We all have valves to prevent back washing, she does not in that portion of her heart, so her heart sounds like a washing machine and she fatigues easily.<br />
<br />
The surgery was preformed the day she was born, to save her life. It held till she was four and then she started having very high heart pressures and constricting of the non-living tissue, the conduit. She was on oxygen and lasix daily as she was having congestive heart failure. We took her in for a heart cath, to try to put in a stint to hold open the collapsing conduit. It would buy her some time before needing to do major surgery to replace the whole thing. When they went in to do it, her leg arteries had collapsed so they used groin arteries to gain access. They could not get the stint into the conduit to place it. We were so upset and sad and prayed hard. They were going to do the surgery the next day. That night a visiting Dr. from another country, came in to us and said that he would love our permission to try to place the stint. He felt very confident that he could get it placed. So we gave our consent. The next day we had everyone we knew praying hard and praise God the stint was placed! It bought her one more year before she needed the much dreaded major heart surgery. <br />
<br />
It was very hard to see our little girl go thru such a difficult surgery but glory to God she did amazing. They only let one person at a time back into cardiac ICU and so Tim went back first. He came out smiling and said everything was going to be fine. He said he touched her little foot as it was the only thing not hooked up to anything and for the first time in years it was warm and had good color. She felt so good after the surgery, it was hard to keep her still like they wanted us to, for the recovery peroid. Also, glory to God, she no longer needed oxygen! <br />
<br />
That surgery was supposed to last 3-5 years and praise be to God, she has not needed another since! She is now 14. We have to go to the cardiac doctor every six months for a EKG and Echo Cardiogram to check for enlarging and heart pressures and such. Every six months the doctor would say all looked good and nothing had changed much and we could go another six months. About four years ago, he warned us that anytime we could come in and things could have drastically changed and we would need to do something, as her last surgery was so long ago. Praise God, we kept getting the go ahead to see him in six months, until last visit. It was out of the blue and I was not prepared for it. It took the Dr. forever to come in to talk to us after the EKG and Echo were completed. A nurse came in and asked to take her back for a second Echo... He finally came in and was not his happy jovial self. He listened and felt pulses all over her body. I finally could take it no longer and asked what he was thinking and he said that we would not know till she had a heart cath to check the pressures in her heart. That things were not the same and he suspected she might need to have a stint placed, so a heart cath was scheduled.<br />
<br />
Tim took her to Atlanta (to the children's hospital) the day of the heart cath and I stayed home with all the other children. Elizabeth was nervous as she is older now and understands all that is going on. I told her that I was staying home and she would be home tomorrow but if anything changed so that she needed surgery, I would find sitters and be there as soon as I could get there.<br />
<br />
Tim called regularly and kept me updated. They took her back and had trouble again getting up to her heart thru her leg arteries, so had to use two places on either side of her groin again. Her heart pressure was not good, it was 90. They came out and asked Tim's permission to place a newish kind of stint, that had a valve in it, so she would finally have a valve in that chamber. They have had very good results with this stint/valve and they last about five years, so Tim said yes. They were gone a while and came out and said they were having issues with the conduit collapsing, so they would need to place a stint first. They placed a stint but then the next area collapsed. Tim called and said they were going to place another stint. Same thing again. Over four hours later and much work later, they ended up placing three regular stints plus the extra one with the valve in it. I finally got a call that it was done and she was in recovery. With all the work they did her heart pressure was now 30! Then a short while later I got a call that they could not stop the bleeding from the entry sites. They have to give blood thinners during the procedure to keep down the risk of clotting and they also did way more work thru the arteries than they first thought they would. I texted everyone I could think of to pray and my in-laws offered to come stay with the children if I needed to go down. Glory to God after a few hours I got a call all was well and it had finally stopped. <br />
<br />
I give God glory, honor and praise for holding Elizabeth in his mighty hand her whole life. For having such tender loving care over her and helping all to go so well with this procedure. That even though she needed a lot done, they were able to do it and she didnt have to have the whole major surgery done. With all the work done, they say it should last her about five years. I am just so overjoyed and grateful. <br />
<br />
Her recovery has been good physically. She is feeling well and healing. Behaviorally, she is having some of the hardest days we have seen. She is always terrible after a surgery or procedure and it takes her a while to get herself back under control. She gets very sassy, violent and says horrible things to us all. I don't know if it is because of the pressure of knowing the severity of it all? If the anesthesia does something to her chemically?.. Or maybe she knows my punishments will not be as hard because she is recovering? Either way, I ask that you rejoice with us in her good recovery and God helping her so much physically...and that you be in prayer for us that her out of control behaviors will settle down and she will have some self control.<br />
<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Romans 3:20-24</span></span><span class="passage-display-version"><br /></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Rom-3-20" id="en-KJV-28012"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Rom-3-21" id="en-KJV-28013"><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Rom-3-22" id="en-KJV-28014"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>Even
the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and
upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Rom-3-23" id="en-KJV-28015"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Rom-3-24" id="en-KJV-28016"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:</span></b></span><br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
God, as always, has shown us His mercy, grace, power and might, His plan and abounding love. May He reviel these precious truths to you as well...as you live and grow in Him. <br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
susan<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-45446976615313933372017-08-19T09:29:00.000-07:002017-08-19T09:29:00.747-07:00Antonio Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-iNoQg9psR8d74UroS7Wx9aBYe6MXiaT2dFOlzkvwSPMSLRIEkIO-yv9Sja2j_OGzOq-KgIWjHk9TdnAHD7N7EioH__vv6rTcgI32H-zF12TfNdAzGx9TwOY2tQbhdflFQq_Byooenc/s1600/737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-iNoQg9psR8d74UroS7Wx9aBYe6MXiaT2dFOlzkvwSPMSLRIEkIO-yv9Sja2j_OGzOq-KgIWjHk9TdnAHD7N7EioH__vv6rTcgI32H-zF12TfNdAzGx9TwOY2tQbhdflFQq_Byooenc/s320/737.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Many people have loved and prayed for Antonio over the years. Out of all our children, he is the one that people constantly ask about. Today, I am going to finally type out the update many of you have been asking for. I have not written much about the details of his life because truthfully, it is hard for me to talk about and share. Not that I don't want anyone to know, just that it breaks my heart and we are in the midst of it all right now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuHmYqjWQiRC_9hzVAVtWcyhyaL87erhkz1Hltv7cUKPi5g7phvAnzs9XdGYj9B91ZAoIQX347bWabIaoEbShCkC2iY9hqbDF7EPEwSe5FZbKMfgxqb3_eQ4yr9Xz5A0a6a2EuRkZcb4/s1600/625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuHmYqjWQiRC_9hzVAVtWcyhyaL87erhkz1Hltv7cUKPi5g7phvAnzs9XdGYj9B91ZAoIQX347bWabIaoEbShCkC2iY9hqbDF7EPEwSe5FZbKMfgxqb3_eQ4yr9Xz5A0a6a2EuRkZcb4/s320/625.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Antonio was born a 23 week preemie and survived. He has a lot of medical issues because of this miraculous beginning. He was a foster child his whole life and God brought him to us and he became our son when he was six years old. He has always been the sweetest and happiest soul. When he came into our lives, even though he was a lot of care, he was such a blessing. As he grew and matured though the years, he spent his time praying for others. His heart is so kind and compassionate. His body has slowly grown into a man but his mind is still the mind of a four year old. I had never heard him say a cross or mean thing in his whole life the whole time he was growing up. Even though he can not do very much at all physically, he is so helpful with the younger children and loves to watch them play and will call to me if they do anything they should not be doing. We adore this young man. I say all of this to paint a picture of our son we love and cherish so much. To show what he was like, his true character, for most of his life...to compare to what his days are like now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9yXs5rrZx9PUL9lKfDDKNWMWX5z5VdhhfWb7MqSFU5oRhgtKaIA_-Q9YpaoQF4dC7BO8BB1br3-2kf68C4EqcClkZScn5ak-S-blSAwPmsLXEjk0GNvesAA5pgPeFbriMUXi75Fb7HE/s1600/462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9yXs5rrZx9PUL9lKfDDKNWMWX5z5VdhhfWb7MqSFU5oRhgtKaIA_-Q9YpaoQF4dC7BO8BB1br3-2kf68C4EqcClkZScn5ak-S-blSAwPmsLXEjk0GNvesAA5pgPeFbriMUXi75Fb7HE/s320/462.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Antonio has Cerebral Palsy. His is very spastic in all four limbs. The tone is so tight that he can not functionally use his limbs. It is so tight, that as his body grew, the constant pulling of his tight muscles warped his bones as they grew. It is so tight, that he has discomfort and pain in his joints and limbs. When he was young, insurance paid for him to go to a physical therapist once a week to get worked on. They would slowly uncurl his fingers and straighten his wrists with gentle constant pressure. It takes a lot of hand strength to be able to do this. They worked on his whole body gently stretching him. He always felt better after a session. Tim and I also pay for a pediatric massage therapist to come to our home once a week to massage his whole body and straighten out all his limbs as well. Insurance will no longer pay for the physical therapy but we still pay out of pocket, for the therapeutic massage therapist to come once a week. For many years, from the time he was very young, we took him to the neurologist twice a year to get Botox shots, into his tightest muscles. To relax them and give him some relief from the constant discomfort, pain and spasms. They usually only injected his wrists and major leg muscles. The botox stayed in those muscles and the resulting relaxing of the muscles lasted several months. It did not make it all go away but did give him a small amount of relief. Enough to make it worth it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0OtJVqXBuuwIhxOWIhOUZ-IyAQxVRgIwJaDhq7USYh6FOhjnL4YFia9sLXLsLxAss7aMA5_saNIaw32A02eOsQjqilx-DxnoZqQ2hEMYvJXRlBxRqBoStmIog3PcXrouHLfkeitLNEc/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0OtJVqXBuuwIhxOWIhOUZ-IyAQxVRgIwJaDhq7USYh6FOhjnL4YFia9sLXLsLxAss7aMA5_saNIaw32A02eOsQjqilx-DxnoZqQ2hEMYvJXRlBxRqBoStmIog3PcXrouHLfkeitLNEc/s320/009.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
When Antonio became an adult, we had to find a new neurologist. The first time we went for his botox injections all went well. On the second visit things went horribly wrong. In the days following his injections, Antonio became totally paralyzed. He could not even blink and could not swallow or protect his airway. Praise God for his feeding tube. His heart rate and breathing were very slow and he was non-responsive. I took him back to the neurologist and he said he had given Antonio the maximum amount of botox for his weight. No one had ever done that before and everyones body is very different. So we don't know if for Antonio's body, it was an over dose? If he got a bad batch of Botox? OR what really happened but all we know it that it did not stay in the muscles in which it was put and went through out his whole body. Antonio was like this for about three months and slowly regained his ability to swallow and such BUT... it did something else to him. Some how this toxin has done damage to or caused an imbalance in the chemistry of his mind. For the next year he would be a little better and almost himself for a few weeks and then for a month or so have a total personality change. He would sleep a lot day and night. Have dementia, be combative, bite himself, suffer from depression and say the most horrible things. He will yell out, scream, cry out and say horrible things all day long...It breaks our heart. If we try to talk to him or redirect him when he is going though these spells it makes them MUCH worse. These cycles are horrible. When he is going thru a bad spell he is much harder to care for as he fights us and we don't want to get hurt, him get hurt or us drop him. When he is going thru a good spell, he smiles and prays and is back to being the sweetest soul. This has went on for over two years now. We have tried everything I know to try and prayed and prayed. I research often about what we can do or try.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_hq956TNGMeZQAa0Wgat95FOPajOH2-Zkx-13bjLuvJoOw2tQWxLYseJV8tD5ZlTdmGpn_OUPOaD-mVOBHzvZOQycj27jcDl76ak9HOFotTczb_86Cg7WDu7Q6ASxREroTk-i2AnWdw/s1600/464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_hq956TNGMeZQAa0Wgat95FOPajOH2-Zkx-13bjLuvJoOw2tQWxLYseJV8tD5ZlTdmGpn_OUPOaD-mVOBHzvZOQycj27jcDl76ak9HOFotTczb_86Cg7WDu7Q6ASxREroTk-i2AnWdw/s320/464.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antonio was going though a very hard spell during our vacation. It was a struggle for him to smile and I have only a few pictures of him smiling after taking dozens of pictures with him trying. You can tell in the above one he is tired and distressed but trying to smile for me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Recently, someone mentioned amino acid therapy. We tried one and praise God so far it seems to be helping. It is God and a miracle the difference it has made but he is still having bad spells. They are just shorter and not as bad. When we first tried it he had the best and longest good spell yet. I can honestly say he was back to how he was before the Botox tragedy. That wonderful three week spell was followed by five horrible days but he was not as bad as the spells of the past two years. It was the shortest bad spell he has ever went though as well. Usually, it lasts for at least a month or more. He is now on day two of a good spell.<br />
<br />
I am grateful for our son. He is such a fine young man. It has been very hard, as his mother, to see him suffer so and go through this. It has been hard on all of us, not just to see him going thru it but because his daily care is so much harder when he is not in his right mind. Antonio can do nothing for himself. We have to lift him, shower him, clean and wipe him, diaper him, feed him, tube feed him... and all that is so much harder when he is trying to punch us, spit food at us and saying mean things. We know it is not him. We know this is mental instability as we know this young man and his heart. He knows too. He is so loving and apologetic when he is in his right mind and going thru a good spell. We give God all the glory, honor and praise for all the healing and progress Antonio has made. We are still looking for answers and new things to try to help Antonio. We are still praying fervently for his total healing, both physically and mentally and that our sweet, sweet, young man will feel and be well, in all areas of his mind and body.<br />
<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">2 Timothy 1:7</span><span class="passage-display-version"><sup> </sup></span><span class="text 2Tim-1-7" id="en-KJV-29817">For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.</span></span> </h1>
</div>
<br />
I pray everyone is having a great transition from summer to fall. May God pour out His peace, strength, healing and direction into your life as you live and grow in Him.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
susan <br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-2532966157125600092017-07-29T10:11:00.001-07:002017-07-29T10:11:43.935-07:00A Real Vacation!We have had the best summer in years. There were no major surgeries and not many doctors appointments. We have spent most of the summer resting, playing, swimming and doing inexpensive or free outings with the children. It has been most rejuvenating and relaxing!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdWRbYdMNsY_xjrV0aDuVOazrVgpEJ9zOlN9V5WW9uzRXUiggJWkjwKQtGgnKvrKzClayaZZAv7LlXWxdirkMG2-ybzORnCc1HvGAmTcmqwK2wuoKUUiDAvefj9QW9U58G9fKJfOuIcc/s1600/073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdWRbYdMNsY_xjrV0aDuVOazrVgpEJ9zOlN9V5WW9uzRXUiggJWkjwKQtGgnKvrKzClayaZZAv7LlXWxdirkMG2-ybzORnCc1HvGAmTcmqwK2wuoKUUiDAvefj9QW9U58G9fKJfOuIcc/s320/073.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The most exciting part of summer this year is that...Praise God!!!..we were able to go on our first real vacation in five years! We saved our money carefully over the last many months and had a few kind and generous donations from people. May God bless them 100 fold!<br />
<br />
I can not tell you how much planning and preparing it takes to go anywhere, with our crew, especially on vacation. We have so much that we need to bring for each child and their special needs. We also travel with several companion/therapy dogs, so we have to bring everything they need as well. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GNeHct_hMhKdlQIm6zbO2kXUIOWgBr-sDDzMHnkPi5XRU3VpPeysMyok7Q7jKX-mh88MYenFSpwClXP8ztDukyjblHZxjMoCcBEAE_pW58mERfcBXmXzuyTZUyrYllyHSISFYnU3TEg/s1600/030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GNeHct_hMhKdlQIm6zbO2kXUIOWgBr-sDDzMHnkPi5XRU3VpPeysMyok7Q7jKX-mh88MYenFSpwClXP8ztDukyjblHZxjMoCcBEAE_pW58mERfcBXmXzuyTZUyrYllyHSISFYnU3TEg/s320/030.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Then there is making sure we have people all lined up to come to the farm and take care of our many animals. It took three people, coming daily, to care for all our animals, from doing the milking to feeding the fish. My most heartfelt thank yous to my dad, who stood patiently out in the field feeding a very old, slow eating pony, twice a day. To my neighbor, who came and bottle fed two baby goats every evening. To our dear friend "J", who came and spent two hours a day here, doing everything from milking,, to picking vegetables to gathering eggs, to misting lizards! Each person refused any payment at all, though I persisted and insisted. May God bless them abundantly for their kindness and donations of their efforts and time. I am so grateful that everything came together so smoothly and all went so well. All the glory to God! Amen!<br />
<br />
We packed up, loaded the bus and headed on our way to Jekyll Island. Even though we drive a bus as our normal daily vehicle and you would think we had a lot of room, it was packed to the gills. We made great time and got to our destination in about six and a half hours. We rented a house for a week so we could have a kitchen and plenty of room for all. It was also the most economical way for us. It was all one level, great for Antonio and his wheel chair. It allowed dogs and had a very nice yard. William took his dog for long walks around the neighborhood almost every day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzM11S2VEI7Awa7Jx8tW3o4JHJYfYmdmxyOviCpofH15qbI06JRJLkORepmngP4zPmSPWAFPhwPJ15xWpwUShmi_C0G1bj2jAJ-yuqAGktUF_EygIGGdzAK0ygf1mXDh1Zn1d_deuU9w/s1600/914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzM11S2VEI7Awa7Jx8tW3o4JHJYfYmdmxyOviCpofH15qbI06JRJLkORepmngP4zPmSPWAFPhwPJ15xWpwUShmi_C0G1bj2jAJ-yuqAGktUF_EygIGGdzAK0ygf1mXDh1Zn1d_deuU9w/s320/914.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The older children had been to the beach before. I loved hearing them plan and prepare for their trip.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbY39q-zEDPfZ0fJt5d_BeLXSaOCMSahWVTlw1UKHfLKucKMwnCiMfH3rK5n8rKknyGAntEEEh-uIyV-aHA69Bghu9NSaEengo51TEaZ8BeL4eqyKMmzU_0yIO9LUwLGKRV3YQLnpZ7mI/s1600/343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbY39q-zEDPfZ0fJt5d_BeLXSaOCMSahWVTlw1UKHfLKucKMwnCiMfH3rK5n8rKknyGAntEEEh-uIyV-aHA69Bghu9NSaEengo51TEaZ8BeL4eqyKMmzU_0yIO9LUwLGKRV3YQLnpZ7mI/s320/343.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
They had the greatest time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOagO0UI2vpUN2fBJqVFmX5fkdqMdnJtMCGcP4QKIVr8-yl7shTP_vgvmwZn0iVItQwoCh4G3Q8g16-dZPfSImB7MHFq8PeYNqgK_52HRM5gez2SqoIvWfNXn45W8WAx0ZBOn4ulR5G3s/s1600/378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOagO0UI2vpUN2fBJqVFmX5fkdqMdnJtMCGcP4QKIVr8-yl7shTP_vgvmwZn0iVItQwoCh4G3Q8g16-dZPfSImB7MHFq8PeYNqgK_52HRM5gez2SqoIvWfNXn45W8WAx0ZBOn4ulR5G3s/s320/378.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr0FvXRFXS_nEmBV53FCbzYlaWpVZJXkpOZSNxZ7XfcId5ykXY521aPvgIlc4R24VyqUazCoq0tA7eJix8bjO3oOBDrNrgndwGETKi6LgLr2HpGNUpqF_pCgPRPZ04esGCxEUnrEPYQM/s1600/049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr0FvXRFXS_nEmBV53FCbzYlaWpVZJXkpOZSNxZ7XfcId5ykXY521aPvgIlc4R24VyqUazCoq0tA7eJix8bjO3oOBDrNrgndwGETKi6LgLr2HpGNUpqF_pCgPRPZ04esGCxEUnrEPYQM/s320/049.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The younger children were so much fun to watch because they had never been to the beach, seeing the wonder and fun they had, as they jumped in the waves, sunk in the sand and played was just precious.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJuKt_wTY8PJ8SGpKHaLTeLFG-MkBXhUoQj1A129Zn3oMIo2toVw4FLTKODdGHJhjvwO0dp384lH4Gn6ZLGnCTcuPqrsoSC96HiEmGNydTHWn1r6y1RTQGfNudWBmBaKGkYzZ7UrCTAs/s1600/327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJuKt_wTY8PJ8SGpKHaLTeLFG-MkBXhUoQj1A129Zn3oMIo2toVw4FLTKODdGHJhjvwO0dp384lH4Gn6ZLGnCTcuPqrsoSC96HiEmGNydTHWn1r6y1RTQGfNudWBmBaKGkYzZ7UrCTAs/s320/327.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqP6VpBQkhfTUSXK-yPoP6_5gpU44CLFi9l3XJKhobbHdgWzSUyq0sUf4gi9pLImXY3HVfJAZW4NDJz5-s9BfjsVkMiQB7c_wJn_JrF8vd0K7k88u30GILk-SjtOJSsrFmeNJAjKMflQ/s1600/273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqP6VpBQkhfTUSXK-yPoP6_5gpU44CLFi9l3XJKhobbHdgWzSUyq0sUf4gi9pLImXY3HVfJAZW4NDJz5-s9BfjsVkMiQB7c_wJn_JrF8vd0K7k88u30GILk-SjtOJSsrFmeNJAjKMflQ/s320/273.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent every morning but one on the beach till lunch time. Some of my children burn very easily, so I tried to not have them out in the hottest part of the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsa2o9kjqTwB4AiHG6tRLXxIXZMNZalww6oBh-fas6OMgfaK2dq4ddliYGbMTk1dqYiASc6ceVtMlBUxMkFSkKuCAKYdUVer2nUbANNDOXtnxg2B9BjUJtkSA4iH4wy56OKCbV2HoVVA/s1600/404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsa2o9kjqTwB4AiHG6tRLXxIXZMNZalww6oBh-fas6OMgfaK2dq4ddliYGbMTk1dqYiASc6ceVtMlBUxMkFSkKuCAKYdUVer2nUbANNDOXtnxg2B9BjUJtkSA4iH4wy56OKCbV2HoVVA/s320/404.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMniTjGjf_fAwrCryGKuFZlSPY8Etl4zrQHTdfrakIq-VgevSC_vCBHW84ILzCAz4knMieUxO0h9SqDDqhY-ht3RFbBPPVOYi_mxi9ZC_jhfo3IyXIjGMvqJ5RQRtr22nDcPND1D59WQ/s1600/395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMniTjGjf_fAwrCryGKuFZlSPY8Etl4zrQHTdfrakIq-VgevSC_vCBHW84ILzCAz4knMieUxO0h9SqDDqhY-ht3RFbBPPVOYi_mxi9ZC_jhfo3IyXIjGMvqJ5RQRtr22nDcPND1D59WQ/s320/395.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnkVIxqfzBAFGtlmnfMDOA1A0FeR7UPnAKtdhCEMN2OV_2_Y2nOt9zFJ_AAfIKpuSnlITXY63cFz62TQqyezwWMX2R1QWWG8sUc008C6jcCS2z9K6ylvurv1OvmfycW_8dtqUa08Xl3E/s1600/751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnkVIxqfzBAFGtlmnfMDOA1A0FeR7UPnAKtdhCEMN2OV_2_Y2nOt9zFJ_AAfIKpuSnlITXY63cFz62TQqyezwWMX2R1QWWG8sUc008C6jcCS2z9K6ylvurv1OvmfycW_8dtqUa08Xl3E/s320/751.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbVxZZQ16taj5y0aqKWue6jgE7t5fGhG9-3-dOp3_VNgd7BPrySJ20UKvkFvHtVysKoFJPIsq_h66rQj1ZEaBXIikmuYayCA_RCzBwoum4pSfhv3sVPCk67BHWBh0lm0I5u5fUzb7-4s/s1600/278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbVxZZQ16taj5y0aqKWue6jgE7t5fGhG9-3-dOp3_VNgd7BPrySJ20UKvkFvHtVysKoFJPIsq_h66rQj1ZEaBXIikmuYayCA_RCzBwoum4pSfhv3sVPCk67BHWBh0lm0I5u5fUzb7-4s/s320/278.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
In the afternoons, Tim watched the littles while they rested and I would take the older children down to the beach to spend time doing whatever they wanted, without having to help keep an eye on little ones.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIcrZ_dss6_POKdnXt8lduUm3Xg2apekVsG9Xha6FxBM4veg-wELKpFiEEd5QGrmwFa_tSeEpqeKabfqZA-9Son1V52Z449lE-DsQpNx7HjZ6uXRQSdOEsKWxIrrw55CwpodgcTYuVoQ/s1600/796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIcrZ_dss6_POKdnXt8lduUm3Xg2apekVsG9Xha6FxBM4veg-wELKpFiEEd5QGrmwFa_tSeEpqeKabfqZA-9Son1V52Z449lE-DsQpNx7HjZ6uXRQSdOEsKWxIrrw55CwpodgcTYuVoQ/s320/796.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We brought Antonio's old stroller with us for use on the beach. We learned from past vacations not to take his good wheel chair on the beach, as the salt water rust its parts very quickly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Tim and I would take walks on the beach alone in the evenings, once the little ones were in bed. The older children would play games and watch movies, in the evenings and hold the fort for us. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLgHrBRG83Xlc9ZOiRqoZfqK21t3XcaG5zxCSE4pjiY28GfUkmHmcdbrQhyphenhyphen9BPwYtDdzq5Pzso7YvSWiOeI7xf8AH9IwmIi6NlP6FhXRoT5XalhyphenhyphenIn944BYUhB6igLbxuGBUAflsfNnU/s1600/830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLgHrBRG83Xlc9ZOiRqoZfqK21t3XcaG5zxCSE4pjiY28GfUkmHmcdbrQhyphenhyphen9BPwYtDdzq5Pzso7YvSWiOeI7xf8AH9IwmIi6NlP6FhXRoT5XalhyphenhyphenIn944BYUhB6igLbxuGBUAflsfNnU/s320/830.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We did a few fun things while in the area. We took the children to the local water park one day.<br />
There was a huge bucket of water that would fill and dump every few minutes in the baby park area. It was a great hit for our crew.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BFUAbtXBvEYX2eWSdVuYyVXm0Z9pTWikv-8qCuVC8qX7Di55vwt9uVSWaNFIiXLrpCIcwkrG4o3fhG800fEbXVVPVD3e_kxKRt3Oknit19B38e6mvFT0PivL3GFvJrHyRtJtuhVecWk/s1600/570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BFUAbtXBvEYX2eWSdVuYyVXm0Z9pTWikv-8qCuVC8qX7Di55vwt9uVSWaNFIiXLrpCIcwkrG4o3fhG800fEbXVVPVD3e_kxKRt3Oknit19B38e6mvFT0PivL3GFvJrHyRtJtuhVecWk/s320/570.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwb0RsKhgrpvfwT9NEXBFPkOwYV0mN_ROekJWMdEEcQA6zmcXLNzzTsX3p9nyUnNew9vMpjznmG-njYIrGDp0pCIDz4uOCt_1Muj-PRsqQ-ruXV14n3lCFx_reykZqUfAgNyMJAWhv5k/s1600/642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwb0RsKhgrpvfwT9NEXBFPkOwYV0mN_ROekJWMdEEcQA6zmcXLNzzTsX3p9nyUnNew9vMpjznmG-njYIrGDp0pCIDz4uOCt_1Muj-PRsqQ-ruXV14n3lCFx_reykZqUfAgNyMJAWhv5k/s320/642.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6lcFAdSdACF5NnP4yIw2gUWQF4TLuTb7WThiPPm-Dxc7YzrUx1X5TCqOQVMlV6SE157M-A7Pgc7EMniXKrhM0TDQwLbyE7SxEufRiMFdj8ytS-F45C9gXgNmSRltdwjMItwqA1C4fJw/s1600/643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6lcFAdSdACF5NnP4yIw2gUWQF4TLuTb7WThiPPm-Dxc7YzrUx1X5TCqOQVMlV6SE157M-A7Pgc7EMniXKrhM0TDQwLbyE7SxEufRiMFdj8ytS-F45C9gXgNmSRltdwjMItwqA1C4fJw/s320/643.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Tim and I stayed in the baby park with Antonio and the littles and the older children stayed together, as a group and went on all the water slides all over the park. They would check in with us every once in a while. We took the little ones home at lunch and left the older kids there for the rest of the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqRokoXDfnX5e5mYJ9X_HxC4sf6K0824PkE_MFYUVXEgiTBQcdVY8yzqQ6ausEYfBEyH-9GX7Nqpb7Vf8tq9kTb8yW99pLOciAONjSR79EVRkr8Q7GzfJ3OHGgNg-BszTFn6gkt_yxUs/s1600/530a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1462" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqRokoXDfnX5e5mYJ9X_HxC4sf6K0824PkE_MFYUVXEgiTBQcdVY8yzqQ6ausEYfBEyH-9GX7Nqpb7Vf8tq9kTb8yW99pLOciAONjSR79EVRkr8Q7GzfJ3OHGgNg-BszTFn6gkt_yxUs/s320/530a.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxigzNOEKXBuVujqoAyvY4-d7JGwNocsmcn49ueYHlPyJMv21XCe6b-u5BPqq3sePtJMk1EOUO0kwKYNSoyWE-KLJT7NkA0Qvj16_KxBXy3Ly89A3sFfDhctJSntvnf8LXduYb2tGs0PM/s1600/543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxigzNOEKXBuVujqoAyvY4-d7JGwNocsmcn49ueYHlPyJMv21XCe6b-u5BPqq3sePtJMk1EOUO0kwKYNSoyWE-KLJT7NkA0Qvj16_KxBXy3Ly89A3sFfDhctJSntvnf8LXduYb2tGs0PM/s320/543.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYt-jqC0TslozJsVOxQF7EpFovG8PfxtY5XzhxSxnmJ7dmjNgBJyDvazSl5SWn7-HcVQZ6aSQ41bhFvd95qcmjZer474YpSrMXdxOgi0fWWNO-3tgWcsYmsvNHPADcWpK_ng6Cjq8OZY/s1600/586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1186" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYt-jqC0TslozJsVOxQF7EpFovG8PfxtY5XzhxSxnmJ7dmjNgBJyDvazSl5SWn7-HcVQZ6aSQ41bhFvd95qcmjZer474YpSrMXdxOgi0fWWNO-3tgWcsYmsvNHPADcWpK_ng6Cjq8OZY/s320/586.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV2mGsn8KS3cGvhriKAkhzpMcb7HZWGDflNM93Da3ZUDOAU2H0Yw74OVaOaVBNWyGpuH_KcUYIkfl-z27dJiyKfVGrBvfkcYxRVAbbT_V4dMLGTZt_bwNd_VYKXHjL5G8srjdXZGB1FM/s1600/675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV2mGsn8KS3cGvhriKAkhzpMcb7HZWGDflNM93Da3ZUDOAU2H0Yw74OVaOaVBNWyGpuH_KcUYIkfl-z27dJiyKfVGrBvfkcYxRVAbbT_V4dMLGTZt_bwNd_VYKXHjL5G8srjdXZGB1FM/s320/675.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Antonio was in the midst of one of his bad spells while we were on vacation. Weeks of emotional and physiological issues. I was however able to capture a few pictures of him with a smile. I took about 30 pictures to finally get a smile like this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXrmQ2ZBrqi-Mc8zKnDfdR98yMHrMw6m-LsCF4ln-YfgybFsF5nfIcZ5ZQDEm3E_RtFhQG6jW4aULgOps90naF9_N-abiQ0Jfq93sEfmktYj0fSB0KYIaISeHX3FG19eL7h8vqHB8dCE/s1600/634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXrmQ2ZBrqi-Mc8zKnDfdR98yMHrMw6m-LsCF4ln-YfgybFsF5nfIcZ5ZQDEm3E_RtFhQG6jW4aULgOps90naF9_N-abiQ0Jfq93sEfmktYj0fSB0KYIaISeHX3FG19eL7h8vqHB8dCE/s320/634.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Antonio loves reptiles so we took him and the whole family to the turtle sanctuary. They do surgery on and rehab injured and sick sea turtles there. He was showing off his shirt he got there in the above picture.<br />
<br />
We went to a playground on a nearby island several times while on vacation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitvsj70xhR1YJv4Pu-wI6i8y90J5kjP-_Z9FxHWv8z8477Ml2VAQOsWh4Uw6__8swQYM_1fxZlKP4JXZG7j4kmLdZ93MOfKGunsmSe316XztnXS9XXeZm8YMXlcJZNuVNN75BGdkjJro/s1600/714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitvsj70xhR1YJv4Pu-wI6i8y90J5kjP-_Z9FxHWv8z8477Ml2VAQOsWh4Uw6__8swQYM_1fxZlKP4JXZG7j4kmLdZ93MOfKGunsmSe316XztnXS9XXeZm8YMXlcJZNuVNN75BGdkjJro/s320/714.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtMc2I7fu5tt2AV9CvZBkX__6DxMgLzLrLprWUhry_0MgX0wmpeVi8UKgxFcFthm_pB_AZVhyR17RxM2lQWIHAZxgO1DFRHNKX7UWjx6-GiONBeMfo0Erh4QYnTpag1HGvPd2B121IYw/s1600/726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="997" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtMc2I7fu5tt2AV9CvZBkX__6DxMgLzLrLprWUhry_0MgX0wmpeVi8UKgxFcFthm_pB_AZVhyR17RxM2lQWIHAZxgO1DFRHNKX7UWjx6-GiONBeMfo0Erh4QYnTpag1HGvPd2B121IYw/s320/726.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
Some of the older children climbed to the top of the light house nearby. <br />
<br />
It was a fun and relaxing vacation that we will never forget! Thank you God and all that help to make this possible!<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">James 1:17</span><span class="passage-display-version"><sup> </sup></span><span class="text Jas-1-17" id="en-KJV-30284">Every
good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from
the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of
turning.</span></span> </h1>
</div>
Blessings!<br />
susan<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-89333169594353055722017-07-22T09:30:00.001-07:002017-07-22T09:30:54.893-07:00A Big Happy Birthday To My Oldest!Recently my oldest child had a birthday... 30 is such a big number. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVdNcifB4G9KwtoiyKvSpuO9bik5c-zHz0XgGfdY7X5Ytahv6jXZF4fwGzhgKmxk7NYegMlUW_gOIuQ9DiUdXAlUnSz1AiyQs4IhgtoYpUvB0_AjQpup6sS-1qrkLMAoVXNekQpN-KnM/s1600/210a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="904" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVdNcifB4G9KwtoiyKvSpuO9bik5c-zHz0XgGfdY7X5Ytahv6jXZF4fwGzhgKmxk7NYegMlUW_gOIuQ9DiUdXAlUnSz1AiyQs4IhgtoYpUvB0_AjQpup6sS-1qrkLMAoVXNekQpN-KnM/s320/210a.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
To tell you the truth, I don't know where 30 years went. I remember vividly the day he was born. I had always wanted to be a mother my whole life. His birth blessed me and gave me that title.<br />
<br />
He was such an active go getter from his birth. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XoAZ0rSSy0GEV9A39dNoPa3e3rbdneob-mgmNht_3MVrAI6IUPJoc11TkEk5q3312kKBqDzRXhuDaXqdoG4F76vKGt8f_oUXWfadU8hBsXOaUN8jNKuEgLHmlG34tHDOy9WXntKRQto/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XoAZ0rSSy0GEV9A39dNoPa3e3rbdneob-mgmNht_3MVrAI6IUPJoc11TkEk5q3312kKBqDzRXhuDaXqdoG4F76vKGt8f_oUXWfadU8hBsXOaUN8jNKuEgLHmlG34tHDOy9WXntKRQto/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
He did everything super early. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNUuqi1EBagseoXctSrkj3ouWXF7z0cQkk77y6fT00B_X4y4zpLOG92k93oZbunQZg0gDE_JIm7ueKCHX5Hh5x4GmfSMaRnT7nNINTeUEgusCJPUdjb32J7MQK6Cakv-dk5lBWg6Y4gw/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNUuqi1EBagseoXctSrkj3ouWXF7z0cQkk77y6fT00B_X4y4zpLOG92k93oZbunQZg0gDE_JIm7ueKCHX5Hh5x4GmfSMaRnT7nNINTeUEgusCJPUdjb32J7MQK6Cakv-dk5lBWg6Y4gw/s320/6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
He became a little man at a very young age.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9OIMsyFLgFpUZJEb9TrITbP9PwjkvpGQ06fGzCsBWcuz2ZTqAk30Ev9cXUaH56VbLKSzHL5zmDDcyGYi4nIG6d_TFbzMT0xWJMZqpKoJd41dbTPXuxQyccH4Wr14Mkxoah54vL0KMcY/s1600/a23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9OIMsyFLgFpUZJEb9TrITbP9PwjkvpGQ06fGzCsBWcuz2ZTqAk30Ev9cXUaH56VbLKSzHL5zmDDcyGYi4nIG6d_TFbzMT0xWJMZqpKoJd41dbTPXuxQyccH4Wr14Mkxoah54vL0KMcY/s320/a23.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
I know you have met children like this...full of knowledge, always asking questions, full of boundless energy and ALWAYS talking and did I say...asking questions?!! Good questions. The kind parents love to explain and answer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeZf9FV1x9aSR8_Ar6dtLbhdvZs-bV8k_0Lqmk8vzFJ1OwFCsIx2zwI3tuwbXAPcJwL2B9EIIRsKJrDf8VUJYLcAT6YLiwuxYJW5Ic4I1EEz38rDGZD4uuyf1JM1-x_HvJLPasOo27p8/s1600/PD_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1138" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeZf9FV1x9aSR8_Ar6dtLbhdvZs-bV8k_0Lqmk8vzFJ1OwFCsIx2zwI3tuwbXAPcJwL2B9EIIRsKJrDf8VUJYLcAT6YLiwuxYJW5Ic4I1EEz38rDGZD4uuyf1JM1-x_HvJLPasOo27p8/s320/PD_0001.JPG" width="227" /></a></div>
We had really good, educative conversations, starting from a very young age. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MO5YJrbyHbX5XoAXefiHwmFfGEIKh13DZ7NQDFjt7YMJBmCJJC-uf6uKQHdVuHh7QeTuj0syvRGPC2sSoPVBtohNf5dUwne2FmvVLCvX3UYPL51p-PuVkCyocIib6E77NUE_cGgvgW8/s1600/11a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="928" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MO5YJrbyHbX5XoAXefiHwmFfGEIKh13DZ7NQDFjt7YMJBmCJJC-uf6uKQHdVuHh7QeTuj0syvRGPC2sSoPVBtohNf5dUwne2FmvVLCvX3UYPL51p-PuVkCyocIib6E77NUE_cGgvgW8/s320/11a.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
He was so easy to home school, as he devoured knowledge and loved to read and figure things out. <br />
<br />
I miss him. I miss him as a baby, toddler, little boy, child, teenager and young man. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdbShAHWo5ykk96YrxipBGY64BRVnOUESaDTKPjXeR2Mes7k2ULHzsQmTtuXr4mzPTIEMKQpDPBkb6dj06GAbK05GzUAVaiEtx5gBqH49i-ZU0NCbP4-xvEoo4EB113IqK_w5E7hSijk/s1600/16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdbShAHWo5ykk96YrxipBGY64BRVnOUESaDTKPjXeR2Mes7k2ULHzsQmTtuXr4mzPTIEMKQpDPBkb6dj06GAbK05GzUAVaiEtx5gBqH49i-ZU0NCbP4-xvEoo4EB113IqK_w5E7hSijk/s320/16.JPG" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRaUnbuCccsz0oQO6mzPtcQCFb6cGpGeTQl8dVe2R6IDNTKJFQcBZy_03TkdxnNWgsZwjDM-vAah4TOPD7oGjoYFVL5wJyByG4uGnJ3QfFnKrfLZR9XTFrHnZgK44Bz0-vNUy7wpokDo/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRaUnbuCccsz0oQO6mzPtcQCFb6cGpGeTQl8dVe2R6IDNTKJFQcBZy_03TkdxnNWgsZwjDM-vAah4TOPD7oGjoYFVL5wJyByG4uGnJ3QfFnKrfLZR9XTFrHnZgK44Bz0-vNUy7wpokDo/s320/17.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<br />
I miss him... now that he has moved away (as he should) and has his own busy life, with his own home, job and girlfriend. I miss having him around more but....I could not be more pleased. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUpL0rmmsRXYClJIgvW3eu1EURla3iJ8sKdNar2fXPK_HQ9Pag7FAr6vbTJQSbUpu85PAxyd1IFpxKXr5veXptG5MEzeSAXCjXno_WBKTIjsubVDhaQFgP9IAQ-zn8d8rf_YGkYTWg10/s1600/269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUpL0rmmsRXYClJIgvW3eu1EURla3iJ8sKdNar2fXPK_HQ9Pag7FAr6vbTJQSbUpu85PAxyd1IFpxKXr5veXptG5MEzeSAXCjXno_WBKTIjsubVDhaQFgP9IAQ-zn8d8rf_YGkYTWg10/s320/269.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
He has turned out to be a very nice man. Not that we never had a hard spell as he grew up. He was a challenge to raise, he was so opinionated and independent. Not that we never had spats or struggles against each other, he was not perfect...I was not perfect... but I am pleased that he grew and learned through it all. I poured so much of myself into him.<br />
<br />
Stephen, I love you boundlessly and ferociously. I pray for you fervently and always. You are so precious to me and are one of the greatest treasures of my life. May God make Himself very real to you and have His mighty hand on your life now and always. God be with you.<br />
<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Acts 16:31</span><span class="passage-display-version"><sup> </sup></span><span class="text Acts-16-31" id="en-KJV-27515">And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.</span></span> </h1>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Love Dad, mom, Antonio, William, Carolyn, Zeke, Elizabeth, Billy, Timothy, Kinsley and Anna-Kate Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863955725879655827.post-24792749116455863032017-07-15T18:16:00.002-07:002017-07-15T18:16:41.667-07:00Happy Birthday William!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoHZauDSH1HF957CHrcMXHxdRWjD9PRybXR8tAnjzoivbTCCbYk9yNMHkx1nK7R0-KgAScrAcKjrHQvKWc6kpcXhvq8ilVLLRb4i7Om3HvHN7B85p-41R9MrBcuJ5nPA-v6059DKaQmQ/s1600/917a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoHZauDSH1HF957CHrcMXHxdRWjD9PRybXR8tAnjzoivbTCCbYk9yNMHkx1nK7R0-KgAScrAcKjrHQvKWc6kpcXhvq8ilVLLRb4i7Om3HvHN7B85p-41R9MrBcuJ5nPA-v6059DKaQmQ/s320/917a.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William and his companion dog, Dixie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://muchbiggerthanme.blogspot.com/2016/07/happy-20th-birthday-william.html" target="_blank">William</a> had a birthday recently! He turned 21 years old! I am so blessed to have this young man as my son. He is always respectful and happy to help me. He is my right hand man and such a hard worker around here. I am so grateful that he is in my life. <br />
<br />
He really loves VW bugs and wanted a Volkswagen cake this year. He has slowly been fixing up his car over the last few years, as he can afford it. You can read about it<a href="http://muchbiggerthanme.blogspot.com/2013/04/to-achieve-dream.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRIX20CrJPOWHBHbyunVU_4Enlmq-NbyZR0fAXDsenKM4QQgGl9AAJm4ivN-sRR3HsYFgmrFlMoTiyC75Aqx1vhQA9Jm_U_5IkEsBI4pSk7taigIMbzjTPR-8YFL4qcNyU0MFlnOhUNA/s1600/241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRIX20CrJPOWHBHbyunVU_4Enlmq-NbyZR0fAXDsenKM4QQgGl9AAJm4ivN-sRR3HsYFgmrFlMoTiyC75Aqx1vhQA9Jm_U_5IkEsBI4pSk7taigIMbzjTPR-8YFL4qcNyU0MFlnOhUNA/s320/241.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiOn8zxbNwiKyeGpbjXGyMgAfxwd1Dbs48W1n2P0nuymS7RBvA110jVAd78gH1R8NFjH_ABDzN1UNAb27mgVXg4ihBO2ExeCQNb_Jv8WaQECGMqlFoPCTShbA4ioY7kGyNbIGgsIO1Wg/s1600/209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiOn8zxbNwiKyeGpbjXGyMgAfxwd1Dbs48W1n2P0nuymS7RBvA110jVAd78gH1R8NFjH_ABDzN1UNAb27mgVXg4ihBO2ExeCQNb_Jv8WaQECGMqlFoPCTShbA4ioY7kGyNbIGgsIO1Wg/s320/209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKG2Q4qZQ4uc536t5H7Qutj_pcgNcFVUeTSiBBQAi7u80UcX4vRuT83AWIMidmYP4DQaWrHA_PJFwP8Yd0a6n78DNEmflMdfnfSEEyhZsonJC4tIbVqtPDuy55q0JWJZMnX5_hyXtgV8/s1600/212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKG2Q4qZQ4uc536t5H7Qutj_pcgNcFVUeTSiBBQAi7u80UcX4vRuT83AWIMidmYP4DQaWrHA_PJFwP8Yd0a6n78DNEmflMdfnfSEEyhZsonJC4tIbVqtPDuy55q0JWJZMnX5_hyXtgV8/s320/212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My sister did an amazing job on his cake. He was so happy with it. Thank you Aunt "S" for always doing such an amazing job, making such wonderful cakes for the children.<br />
<br />
William is grown up. That is the reality of it all. I can't believe it but the years of his youth have flown by and he is now an adult.<br />
<br />
I remember back to his struggles as a baby/toddler,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0chZ-lvnEShqWurnByeqdqZZVXuKMyy154Tq1uT-UL9urOZAR8DvQFrGibwJ0iQY4vgbrAabFoBrLwacUiHbDzcNJQ1t-Jq4FOiYI1qEmrAvrh45BcFQXTN0jO5xT50JjuVi-wgxnmTQ/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0chZ-lvnEShqWurnByeqdqZZVXuKMyy154Tq1uT-UL9urOZAR8DvQFrGibwJ0iQY4vgbrAabFoBrLwacUiHbDzcNJQ1t-Jq4FOiYI1qEmrAvrh45BcFQXTN0jO5xT50JjuVi-wgxnmTQ/s320/24.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
<br />
his diagnosis of autism as a young child<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHu0cwqPxPttbrdl7H7fGcKiY-iok6gZDsGOJ3OUkpjfO1jHKNvMWUrjio7rgVVwXWgNMhtwf2y4HkBRTpfybBW8L0b92UKI05kPm_OAVfuIZczfjQj4QmY5U1eOtZ5HDTu86bBe7cl-8/s1600/19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHu0cwqPxPttbrdl7H7fGcKiY-iok6gZDsGOJ3OUkpjfO1jHKNvMWUrjio7rgVVwXWgNMhtwf2y4HkBRTpfybBW8L0b92UKI05kPm_OAVfuIZczfjQj4QmY5U1eOtZ5HDTu86bBe7cl-8/s320/19.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and think about the things I was told by professionals he would and would not be able to do. I am amazed by the grace of God and all He has helped William with and through, in his life.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA9FbgcOIHWMaK_5iT9ohXkPqy-1BcwgfieoMDE8oKO0OSvuzgLvKBpgbPk6nR-x5dEfK8U_ZaEBEKxsvd_5Rnuv4nJU_HnJTM6NOV93mCQAkbfsaFsVM0V5PFNo6MHxdQR_KTt8OBi0/s1600/PICT1302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA9FbgcOIHWMaK_5iT9ohXkPqy-1BcwgfieoMDE8oKO0OSvuzgLvKBpgbPk6nR-x5dEfK8U_ZaEBEKxsvd_5Rnuv4nJU_HnJTM6NOV93mCQAkbfsaFsVM0V5PFNo6MHxdQR_KTt8OBi0/s320/PICT1302.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His bug he bought with his own money as a little boy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_PA6tVxeZjyI-aKwRYJwOwWH8qKEiKa0UjvsOavgQuqn39vStngMD3N6koABLDN3k-HXYC6Pk4YZeRcurqwy8Aw8WwyNXAo4wkt59Mkm9GzmUmVCKEMfFtekJGBndTKcacYFVXOB0KE/s1600/1351633227288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_PA6tVxeZjyI-aKwRYJwOwWH8qKEiKa0UjvsOavgQuqn39vStngMD3N6koABLDN3k-HXYC6Pk4YZeRcurqwy8Aw8WwyNXAo4wkt59Mkm9GzmUmVCKEMfFtekJGBndTKcacYFVXOB0KE/s320/1351633227288.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His bug in a local car show.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are so blessed and I feel like I have seen a miracle in Williams life, his whole life. God is so good. <br />
<br />
William is doing wonderful. He has struggled for years with his health. At around age 16 he started having health issues that were quite debilitating at times. Lots of exhaustion, heart palpitations and pain, extreme muscle pain when exerted and issues with hypoglycemia. We took him to many specialist trying to figure out what was causing him such issues. He went to an endocrinologist, heart doctor, geneticist and his, general practitioner quite a bit. They really could not find much, other than fatigued adrenals. Which is a concern as his dad has Addisons disease. It was also suggested that he might have a mitochondrial disorder. One of the doctors said that what William is experiencing looked like it is an auto-immune issue. So exactly a year ago, when he was particularly sick, I asked him if I could take over his diet, as I am very familiar with auto-immune issues and diet. He agreed. I prayed about it all and helped him create a simple anti-inflammatory diet. It has been exactly a year since he started following this diet and praise God he has lost 70 pounds and is feeling so much better. He has more energy, can think clearer and has fewer energy crashes. All the glory to God!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjijBw_V6C2rv8dLtrehp_aR6ZLDeIFS94EXrDTaimh0lVZ949eqjyxX8v0sfrM3iOSG45a3SYacDQ9Yns5_so_bdZHPTigY5j9X6Emfk-mkIE81kZpR2gFXY_N_LTVr18tKHYm31-HzY/s1600/151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjijBw_V6C2rv8dLtrehp_aR6ZLDeIFS94EXrDTaimh0lVZ949eqjyxX8v0sfrM3iOSG45a3SYacDQ9Yns5_so_bdZHPTigY5j9X6Emfk-mkIE81kZpR2gFXY_N_LTVr18tKHYm31-HzY/s320/151.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
William has finished his GED and is going to attend our local college. He will be taking some remedial classes and then one class at a time till he gets the education he desires. He will be attending, with concessions, under the Disability Act. He loves doing stop animation but will be attending to receive an education in computers for now. If you wish to see his animation, please visit his Youtube channel at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHrUgmCMFonUmBdNhWnNRZQ" target="_blank">Lego bro 4 studios.</a><br />
<br />
William is such a precious gift to us from God. We give God the glory, honor and praise for the man William has become and all things good in his life. Thank you God for William!<br />
<br />
We love you so much William. You are a wonderful son, a great brother and a kind soul. We appreciate all you do for us and your generous and helpful actions and ways. May God have His mighty hand on your life always. May He lead, guide you and may He bless you 100 fold for your obedience as a son.<br />
<br />
<div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h1 class="passage-display">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv">Ephesians 6:1-3</span><span class="passage-display-version"> </span><span class="text Eph-6-1" id="en-KJV-29339"><span class="chapternum"></span>Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.</span><span class="text Eph-6-2" id="en-KJV-29340"><sup> </sup>Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;</span><span class="text Eph-6-3" id="en-KJV-29341"><sup> </sup>That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.</span></span> </h1>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Love, Dad, mom, Stephen, Antonio, Carolyn, Zeke, Elizabeth, Billy, Timothy, Kinsley and Anna-Kate! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06941712767626451024noreply@blogger.com4