Dakota and the Bug

A picture can speak a thousand words...

Independence Day! No injuries!

We survived Fireworks, with no injuries!
Sky was at her Dad's for the night, so we just had the boys.
I was feeling hungry festive, so I ran to the store to grab some stuff for cheese cake with berries...

And while we were eating, I felt bad that we hadnt purchased fireworks for the boys. But I knew the noise bothered Dakota and I wasnt sure how Eli would do. I did recall having sparklers somewhere...

So I searched under my kitchen sink, where all Sparklers should be stored properly.

I found a few packs. Wahoo.

After the boys had baths we brought them out to the porch barefoot, because every boy should go to bed with dirty feet.

I lit one over the gate to make sure it wouldnt explode from age.

I lived.

So I asked Dakota if he wanted to hold it. I saw the fire burning in his eyes! I handed it to him, explained it was hot. He grabbed it in one hand and went to grab it with the other, Dear Heavens!  So I had to help him hold it and hold his other hand away. Then he tried to lick the sparks. Dear Heavens, whose idea was this?

Then it was Eli's turn.

I handed one to him. He wanted it BAD! But he is too quick, so he had to make due with me helping him. He, too wanted to hold it with both hands... Sigh!

All in all, they loved the sparklers. No one got hurt. Everyone had fun.

And everyone was also in bed by 9pm.

I hope you all had a safe and fun Independence day!

I leave you with our photos of the night!

Happy 4th Of July!

Happy 4th of July, my friends!

I hope as you celebrate this amazing nation today with your barbecues and fire works...

Say a small prayer for those still fighting for that freedom we celebrate.

If you or someone you know is serving, or has served...

THANK YOU!
And may God bless you!

Blog Hop - Faith and Down Syndrome

This weeks blog hop prompt: How has your faith  influenced the framework within which you view/experience disability? How has that “Faith Lens”  affected your perspective?

My faith. My sons Down Syndrome. Do they go hand in hand?

My faith. My Daughters Aspergers. Do they go hand in hand?




Oy, this could get heavy, but I wont let it...


The word used here, Faith Lens, I have never heard that term. I dont consider my faith a lens. A lens to me seems like a removable object. Something I take off and put on my bedside table at night. Something I take off before I go for a jog. Something, not steadfast.
For me that isnt so. My faith is a part of me. It is who I am. I have a relationship everlasting with my Lord and Savior. An unbreakable bond. An eternal love. Agape.


That being said. I havent always had my faith. Actually it wasnt but a short few years ago that I rediscovered my love for God. I was walking blindly with my children.


Did my new love for Jesus influence my attitude on Down Syndrome or Aspergers? No, not really. 


I have always looked at my children as blessings. I know they were chosen just for me. Higher power or not. They were sent to me for a reason. I am their perfect match. At least, that is what my almighty maker thought. I am by no means perfect, or a perfect parent. But by the GRACE of my Gods love, I am forgiven. 


My kids have been huge lessons in my life. Lessons in love, humility, strength and patience. I have no doubt I would have learned these lessons in other ways, if I didnt have my kids. But this is the path the Lord paved for me. So this is the one I travel.


I know not everyone agrees with my beliefs, and hey, Thats A-OK! 


I am not going to come and preach up on my soap box about the end of the world. (But it is sooner then you think!)


I will, however, thank God for things in front of you. I will say my prayers before we all eat, I will tell you I am praying for you. And once in a while, I will try to witness to you. I do these things because I want you in my heaven. I care for you...


Ok, I got off on a rabbit trail...


As far as my kids and their disabilities... Nothing much has changed. Except our prayer life. And our overwhelming sense of, "It's all going to be okay." We have Jesus' hand on our shoulder, telling us he is there, every second of every day. 


Helping us in our times of weakness: When someone calls my child retarded...
Helping us when we feel like we cant go on: Another sleepless night due to sickness
Helping us when we feel down: At yet another doctors appointment
Helping us when the tears roll: When a failure to communicate ends in a melt down
Helping us when we lose our cool: When we are in public and a scene occurs


And more and more...

My faith has not affected the way I look at my kids, it has helped me with how to raise them and love them.

It has made me a better mother. 

It has given me hope for the future.

It has settled my heart knowing, that someday, I will be in heaven - even though I am a sinner.

Jesus paid that price for me!

Baby Celebration for Teagan

So at first glance at the invitation, I thought... What is a baby celebration?? Why not just say shower?

Well I have this totally awesome friend who asked us NOT to bring gifts, but just prayers. And to come to celebrate the life growing inside her.  See, her baby was diagnosed with HLHS. Or an easy term, a broken heart. My friend wanted to chance to celebrate her baby, before... well, before the bad stuff comes.  But what I think she doesnt realize, is just how many of us are out there praying for her and baby Teagan. And our God, well... He is a miracle maker! So I am excited to see the plans he has for their family!

If you are interested in keeping up with her blog or finding out more info on HLHS or her growing family (this is baby Number 8 -or 9 if you count her step daughter!)...

Check out her blog here: YES! They are all Mine!

I wanted to share a few snap shots of this celebration, as we had a HOT   SWEATY   ATE LIKE A PIG GREAT time!

First off, I have to give a shout out to Faithful Cake Creations for making this astounding cake! I mean seriously, look at the little baby foot pushing out! How cute is this!!

We had a great time, with a few mishaps... Dakota hauled butt for the playground, without telling us, right after I took this pic:

Eli had a good time too, as usual. He ate a bunch and then went on the swings with some of our friends! He always looks so serious, but I swear he had fun! He cant wait to meet Teagan to see if they "hit it off"! Wink Wink!

We hope you had a great weekend! I know we sure did! It seems like it is never a dull moment here! Stay tuned for more fun and adventure...

Farfalle and Feta Salad - Recipe

Farfalle and Feta Salad

Ingredients

1 Box Farfalle Pasta ( Bow Ties)

1 Cup Black Olives

1 Cup Feta Cheese

1 Cup Roasted Red Peppers

1/2 Cup Chives

1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 Tsp Red Wine Vinegar

2 Tsp Garlic

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

1. Boil Pasta according to directions on box
2. Mix Oil, Vinegar and garlic in bowl.
3. Add olives, cheese, red peppers and chives. Stir.
4. Add cooled Pasta to bowl. Stir.
5. Let sit in fridge for flavors to absorb.
6. Serve cold.

Spaghetti Night!

It was spaghetti night in our house last night!

Eli REALLY enjoyed it!

What do your kids eat, that they really enjoy?