Thursday, November 25, 2010

Giving thanks

After a rough Fall, I am grateful for many things.
I have never been more grateful for the health of my children, my husband and myself as I am this Thanksgiving.
I am thankful that despite her diabetes, Ella Kate is considered healthy.  Sometimes that is hard to wrap my mind around as the insulin she gets 6 to 8 times a day is basically her life support. But Ella Kate is thriving and has met or exceeded every physical, emotional, mental and developmental milestone for her age and that is truly a blessing!
Ella Kate is a joy. She is a whirl wind and a mess too, but she has been so brave and so strong facing diabetes and all the changes it has brought to her little life. Being just 4 years old, I could see how Ella Kate could let diabetes define her... But not my little girl! Ella Kate's personality is bigger than life and nothing, not even diabetes, can take her spunk and zeal away! When I am most down about this, it is Ella Kate who reminds me that diabetes isn't going to stop her from being who she is and doing whatever it is God put her on this planet to do.  I did nothing to deserve this child, but I thank God for her everyday.

Actually I don't deserve any of my kids, but I love them all more than life itself.  This year I am especially thankful that Kolby and Rhett are healthy and seemingly resilient.  They have shown true bravery, love and compassion this year. Kolby is one of the most considerate little souls I have ever met.  She loves deeply and is loyal to a fault.  I could not ask for a sweeter daughter.  Rhett is a little trooper.  He isn't the extroverted communicator his sisters are, but I am convinced his heart feels deeper and his thoughts are wiser than many grown men I know. And he is funny!  Rhett makes me laugh everyday.  I am blessed, and at times even a little awed, at these little people living with us. I am so blessed and grateful to be the mother of these three great kids!!!
I am thankful that my husband has not lost his mind with all the drama we have endured, and the extra girl/mama drama I inflict on him daily! :)
Rob is a rock. I truly don't know how he does all he does and still has a smile on his face. No one would ever believe all that guy has had to deal with and put up with this year! Yet he still is on target to graduate with his MBA this December. He still works 40 to 60 hours a week at work and has so much vacation left over that if he didn't go to work for weeks,  he would still have time off left over. He coaches or helps coach every team my kids have ever been on, plays with the dog, keeps up with the yard, helps my parents when needed, and tells jokes so corny that you can't help but laugh. He doesn't take life too seriously, which annoys me and saves me all at the same time.  I love him more than I ever thought possible and am so thankful for his good health and great outlook on life. I am very blessed to have the husband I have and I am so very, very thankful for him!

I am grateful that I have parents who live across the street and who do everything they can to help us keep it together and keep us going.  We could not have made it through the last three months without my Mom.  I am so, so blessed that she retired last year and has been able to be there for us!  We don't get to pick our parents, but I am very grateful God blessed me with my parents!

Actually I am blessed beyond my parents, my sister is the best aunt and sister! Even though she travels 90% of the time, when she is here, she helps out and gives my kids experiences and wisdom I never could.  I wish we were more in the same stageof life, but i know that will come. Sari is a bright spot  no matter where she is and i am blessed to have her as a sister. We all love our Sari!

I am grateful to have an extended family!  When we moved to Waco I knew it would be great to be around my aunt, uncle, and cousins more.  We didn't know how hard life would be for us here at times, but then I guess that is just life.  But from every dark day to every joy and celebration, my family has been there for us.  I have always loved my cousins.  We were raised to be close.  But now that they are in our daily, weekly lives I appreciate them so much more.  My little family and I are so blessed to be a part of this big family!


Most of all I am thankful for a God who loves me no matter what. I have to be honest, I haven't always been real happy with God this year.  I have wondered why he let things happen to us. I have even questioned whether he was there at times. It is hard to know He can do something and not understand why He doesn't just do it.  But through every question, every doubt, every angry thought, God has faithfully reveled himself to me.

He has made his presence known in undeniable ways. He has never abandoned us or left us to wither.  He has loved me in times when I was most unlovable and blessed me by his grace, goodness and love.  I don't talk about my inner faith struggles very often, but I have to acknowledge God for the ways he has worked in my life this year.  He truly is good all the time. It doesn't sound like enough, but I am so thankful for his love and grateful to him. Truly grateful.  So THANK YOU God for my life, my family, and all the countless ways you bless us every day. Thank you!

Monday, November 01, 2010

Happy Fall



I will not lie. This has been a tough Fall for our family. Ella Kate's type I diabetes diagnoses on September 8th rocked our family's world.  Then in the middle of October I had my gall bladder removed. I either had or developed a pretty nasty urinary tract infection and ended up in the ER two days after surgery feeling the worst I can ever remember.  Later we found out I also had bacterium... bacteria in my blood which is not good. So after a tense 10 days of antibiotics I was finally well.  That afternoon I sprained my ankle and fractured a bone in my foot.  That night Kolby found out the hard way what carrying all you books in a bag on one shoulder can do and ended up at the medi-clinic with her Dad after her shoulder gave out during dance. DId i mention Rob is in the last semester of getting his MBA and working 60 hour weeks? OY! It has been one heck of a Fall. We are also trying to get used to the diabetes routine, but so far it changes everyday. I am beginning to think you just don't get used to it.

Of course it hasn't been all bad! Never is! We all appreciate each other and everyday a little more. We laugh a whole lot. And after getting rid of that gall bladder I am starting to feel like myself again! So there have been some very bright moments. For instance... How about those Rangers! No matter how they do in the World Series it has been a geeat ride watching them. Our Midway Panthers are undefeated and headed for the playoffs, Baylor has the best record in the big 12 South and Rhett's soccer team is so great this year! :)More later...not enought time to finish today! :)