My pretend green thumb

Some of you have taken the grand tour of our plant menagerie in our back yard, and you know what a beautiful sanctuary it is! I like to pretend that I am responsible for it, even though I have had zero part! I do occasionally pull some weeds, and I like to cut the fabulous peonies and bring them inside to put in vases. The other day, I just felt compelled to snap a few shots of the flowers that are already blooming out there. Although we've had a couple snags with the actual house having troubles (flooding, mold, mice) the outside is amazing, and we love it!!

WILL, defined

I recently conducted a little research experiment attempting to define Will. (Sounds funny, I know!) One of my classes this past semester focused on Partnerships with Families of children with disabilities. It was an excellent class. We had lots of great guest speakers who were parents of children with disabilities. I am the parent of a child who is about to be exited from Special Education services at 4 because of his incredible gains (and his super-smart brain!). My point in collecting this information was to prove to the students in my class that parents know that their child faces challenges, the teacher doesn't need to constantly remind them of that. Children with special needs are not defined by the characteristics of their disabilities. No part of my son is defined by the challenges that he may face. He is defined by all of the words below.

Will is...

Beautiful
Inquisitive
Happy!
Gentle
Leader
Curious
interested
Precise
Sweet
Friendly
Helpful
Funny
Attentive
Empathetic
Confident
Adventurous
Energetic
Caring
Loving
Spiderman
Joy
Energy
attuned to his surroundings
loves to learn
gentle-hearted
kind
I enjoy having a personal relationship with a neat kid, it feeds my soul.

LIFE
LOVE
MIRACLE

Mother's Day

What a fabulous Mother's Day it was! I got to sleep in (not really, but I didn't get out of bed first), I got breakfast in bed, the kids and Ryan gave me some wonderful cards, we got to stop by Starbucks on the way to church, the kids made sweet little crafts at church, I got to get a manicure and a pedicure, and we got yummy Chili's take out for dinner. Every time I thought I wanted to take the day off, all I could think is I wanted to hang out with the kids. Just as when Mom and Dad take them for the night and we walk around lost all night!
I just thought this Mother's Day about all of the women who have been such phenomenal examples in my life. First, and greatest, is my own mom, who continues to show me what a great mother is. Others that come to mind are my sister and cousins who love their babies with unconditional love. I have two fantastic grandmas who have had 4 and 5 children, 8 and 14 grandchildren, and 6 and 10 great grand children, they are amazing women.
When I get frustrated or think I can't do it all, I think of these phenomenal women. That keeps me going.
I received a mothers day email from 3 different people this weekend, and the greatest part of it said
"May you always be overwhelmed by the Grace of God rather than by the cares of life"
Our children are gifts from God and the miracle of their very existence is overwhelming.