Court's New Room

My "big" little girl requested a more grown up room. And though it has been described as "someone thew up pink in here", she loves it dearly.

Adam

A couple nights ago, we watched a movie called "Adam" with Luke and Susu. It is a story about a 29 year old man with Aspbergers Syndrome. I was expecting to cry most the way through knowing it was possibly a depiction of the life our son has yet to live. There were a few parts I couldn't help but be saddened by.... the outbursts and many missed friendships....however by the end the movie I realized this was running through my head. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

More proof that my time in Hawaii was not wasted and selfish me time.....but a time to be filled and draw closer to Him. As a mother of a child with Autism, the end of this movie could have totally consumed your thoughts and brought such dispair and pain....but God filled my heart and mind with His Words and I had peace.....

Conversation

I knew that my spiritual life was dry before I left for Hawaii, but I you don't really recognize how dry it is until you experience wet again. Hawaii for me is not just a "sit in the sun and sleep all day" vacation, but a "experiencing the waterfall of God" vacation.

Today I went to Sams Club to get some gas since I was in the area. There was an older gentleman employee there named David who was out pumping peoples gas. He came to my door and asked for my card, what kind of gas I wanted, and whether I wanted a reciept or not. I answered his questions and then we got on the subject of Hawaii. Since I was below empty (something that will be no suprise to Skills) we had plenty of time to talk about his time in the service - stationed on Oahu and the cruise he took with his wife to the Big Island. Our conversation was brief, but at the end I said "Thank you very much for pumping my gas, and thank you also for serving for us." "Wow, thanks, happy to do it." he said. "God Bless You, and have a wonderful day." I replied. He looked at me and smiled and said "You know, my name in the Bible means Beloved." I smiled back and said "Mine too." I closed the window and off I went to finish my errands.

Seems like such an insignifant exchange of words, but I left with my heart filled. God gave me joy from a small, passing conversation. He gave me JOY! Ahhhhh, how I've missed it.

Thank you Lord for the small blessings today!

Meetings and Sun

Well - I have spent all my time in this tropical place either at meetings with dad or on the beach! Both of which I am enjoying very much.....toes are still warm and trying to suck up as much heat as I can before I head back to the arctic tundra. Though I can't say I have yet got myself fully back on track - progress is being made. God can change my heart and mind in a an instant - the challenge for me is figuring out the relinqueshing part first!

My Soulmate

So before I left for Hawaii I needed a few books from the Israelson Christian Library..... Naturally I sent Luke (my bro who lives at their house right now ) home with a list of three books I wanted for him to bring back to me. Eric decided to go with him. So when Eric called and said that Luke lost the list -and that he needed to know the names of the books - I headed back upstairs to find the original list.

Now picture Skill standing in front of 1000's of books in at least 5 different bookshelves - now picture me picking up my mom's list of books and finding the series I was interested in taking with me. "Heitzmann" I said - The Rose Legacy" "You're kidding right? That is the exact book that I was looking at." he said as he pulled it from the shelf. In case any of you doubt that Eric is my soulmate - you need't anymore proof. He can even pick out my books without me telling him which ones I want. Truely amazing.

Court 2

Well I still have a diareha, stomach achy, throwing up occasionally little girl and are unsure of what is going on. We are waiting on stool tests from Friday and I'm hoping to get some answers soon. I feel so bad for her.....

Court

So....Courtney has been having some stomach issues for the last couple weeks. I took her in yesterday, but only confirmed a few things that it is not. Would appreciate some prayers that the Dr's would be able to figure it out quickly as I am scheduled to leave for Hawaii next Tuesday. I'd hate to leave with her still having issues.

Praise

So I've missed a few days...but in my defense I've had a housefull all weekend. So here goes...I am thankful for my babies....now most days they are driving me nuts...but I am truly grateful that I have been given to beautiful children. And I shall learn to embrace them more and more for who they are.

The Birthday Cakes

So today we are celebrating Andrew, Courtney, Lydia and Titus's birthday before Grandma Kathy leaves for Honduras. In order to make it special for each one I created little cake just for them.Andrew's Lydia's

Titus's

Courtney's

Praise - Day 4

So I suppose I should have started with this on day 1 - hot water seems a bit lame - but that's where I was at that day. Today I would like to say that I am most thankful that I know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

Praise - Day 3

I am thankful I have been given the gift of hospitallity and love to cook.

Praise - Day 2

Today's praise:
I cannot put into words the blessing that Eric is. I could not have asked for a better husband and friend. No matter what's going on with our crazy family or schedule, he's there to help and cherish us. I love you Skills and am so so thankful for you! Lord, thank you for giving me my perfect match.

Praise

So we went to Friendship this morning because my mom was being commmissioned for her missions trip. Each time we go back there we go on a Sunday when they do communion and then pray for each family. They pass out a card for you to write your family info and prayer requests and praises on. I could have filled the request line 10 times over - life has been difficult lately. But I could think of nothing for the praise section - no wonder I am so depressed.

In an attempt to think on the good things happening around me I shall attempt for a little while at least to blog one thing every day that would be in the praise category. With another terrible night under my belt - no it wasn't having my in-laws and parents for dinner that ruined it either :) - my praise tonight is..... Lord, thank you for hot water. I know, you are probably thinking "That's the best you can do?". But as I took my hot bath tonight - to unwind and warm my ever-lovin cold toes. That was what popped in my mind. So I am most appreciative for my big hot bath sometimes two times a day. I am hopful that as I try to find praises throughout the day that I will better be able to feel God's presence with me in my trials.

Welcome 2010

Well we started 2010 with a bang.....well more like Andrew did. We had our first physical tantrum since last winter. I guess I will never get used to the "I'm going to kill Mom" or "I hate my parents" statements, and was hoping to never again experience the biting, spitting and kicking but I guess it goes with the teritorry.

Andrew hasn't had a filter on his mouth for quite some time - saying mean and hurtful - hateful things, and when its time for discipline- the physical aspect enters the picture. Maybe we have been ignoring the "speech" in order to protect ourselves from the abuse, but I have to beleive it is not helping him to let him talk that way just to avoid conflict. IE...he can't say he wants to kill me because he doesn't want to eat his chicken nuggets.

I've already had a hard week revolving around this "autism" . My Grandmother's 90th birthday party is tomorrow and I was looking through all our old photos to find some of her with the kids. Looking through Andrew's first 18 month's of life while I am PMS'ing is never a smart thing to do. Memories of the normal, adorable, loving, amazing gaze into mommy's eyes little boy makes these times so much more difficult. I try not to wish things were different, to accept what God has given us, but i will be the first to admit it rarely goes that way. I'm certain there is some truth revealing epiphony I should be taking from all this......but feeling somewhat depressed, overwhelmed and needing a quiet MOMMY vacation has left me just sinking more into self pity. I know, such a depressing entry. If only my head would remind my heart that this is not my home and that someday my little boy will have a perfect body and perfect mind.....