He is an amazing kid!

Let me tell you about this amazing kid! Charlie is a regular thirteen year old, attending school, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with his dogs. However, Charlie is also a unique kid. He has daily battles with Type 1 diabetes. He has had to deal with the numerous finger pricks, shots, ketones and the ups and downs for over 10 years. But he is more than just a kid with a chronic disease. He is curious and loves to learn. I love that he will share with us.

Charlie is so helpful! He is willing to do whatever is asked and if he doesn't know how to do something, he will learn how to do it. Charlie learned to cook! I love that not only does he cook but does it well (unlike his Mom)!

I am so blessed to have Charlie in my life. He is so considerate of me. He makes sure to carry my briefcase up and down stairs since I can't. He thinks of others before he does himself! Tonight I had a major mess at the office to clean up and worked late. Charlie fixed spaghetti for dinner, fed his sister and friends that were hanging out at the house. I expected the kitchen to be a mess (I'm used to family members not cleaning up after themselves) but when I got home, he had left a pot for Cole but cleaned the rest up!

For someone who has so many reasons to be unhappy and angry at his lot in life, he is a happy, easy going person! Charlie is so shy and quiet but when you take the time to know him, you will see that he is an incredible, amazing young man!

Junior Prom dinner

As promised, here are the pictures from the Junior prom dinner that Eric catered for Cole and his friends. We spent 12 hours shopping, cooking, setting up and finally, cleaning up, but it was all worth it.

I am married to an extremely generous man!

Fourteen years ago this Spring, we were planning a move to Great Falls, Montana so Eric could open up their first community clinic. Cole and I loved Montana. For the first time, I was able to be full-time mommy. We would take walks, visit the library, go to preschool and play, play, play. Living in a small town with an Air Force base was like coming home for me and I was in heaven. While I was enjoying myself, Eric was miserable. The job turned out to be micro-managed by a paranoid director of the Health Dept. Why are you thinking of this now, you ask? Well, we will be making our first trek back to Great Falls on April 2-4 for a Civil Air Patrol Regional drill competition at Malmstom AFB. The fact that Eric is even willing to set foot back in Montana is a miracle and that he was willing to drive his son so Cole wouldn't miss too much school and a lacrosse game is a real sacrifice for him.

Eric sacrifices so much not just for me and the kids but everyone around him. When we were leaving Sam's Club the other day, a woman was struggling to push her cart and deal with a toddler and newborn. Without saying a word, Eric took her cart and then asked her to direct him to her car. He is incredible with kids and they must know it because the toddler in the cart was immediately calm, talking with him.

Eric would rather get 3-4 hours of sleep a night doing homework late into the night and early morning so he can be to his kids games, PT conferences or just watch a movie with them. They are teenagers so I don't know that they seem so grateful to him--they take it for granted that Dad will be there for them--but I notice and it makes me love him more for it.

Four and half years ago, Eric made the decision to give up his own home and move in to help his parents take care of their house. It has been a sacrifice for Eric as he has a real specific style and level of cleanliness that isn't achieved in his parents' home. He has to be the go-between for the two families sharing space and that can put him in an uncomfortable position, but he always rises to the occasion. He will change his plans to help his parents with a project--again, I'm sure he thinks no one notices--but I do!

Eric works some weeks more than 50 hours so he can keep the Neo-natal program functioning for the State. When I say he is the one that keeps everything flowing, it isn't a wife commenting but a co-worker. He is greatly admired by all who work with him for his extra effort, his ease with children and his humor.

When we took the kids to Disneyland several years ago, Eric disappeared while we were waiting in line. When he returned he was carrying a bag from the Hat shop. He put a tiara on Syd's head and told her it was for his princess. He then put one on my head and told me it was for his queen. And that is exactly how he treats me. I am spoiled by my husband. He does so many things for me, I couldn't even begin to list them. Here are just a few: he will help me with any project at my parents house, cook, clean (even the bathroom), do laundry, dress me (yes, I have no style without him), encourage me, argue with me (we have political discussions), and tells me he will be around to push my wheelchair when I can no longer walk from my back disease.

So, you see, I am married to an extremely generous man! He is one of the last of his breed!

One of my lax kids...

The lacrosse games have just begun for Cole. He has already played two season games and attended a tournament so I wanted to post a few photos.

Twenty things I LOVE

I am copying my friend, Aundrea. I think this is a good way to truly count your blessings!

1. The sun and warmth

2. My kids getting along and laughing together

3. The smell of Spring

4. Dinner ready to eat (and I didn't cook it)

5. A lazy afternoon (haven't had one in a while)

6. Watching my kids play lacrosse

7. Watching my dogs run and play

8. When my kids in Primary sing the songs so well and with excitement

9. Visiting my Mom and Dad (and the fact that I still can)

10. The sound of birds singing and a hawk flying

11. Everyone's homework done and time to spend as a family

12. Music of all kinds

13. Shoes!!

14. Funky, fun glasses.

15. When the sun goes down later

16. Spending time with my best friend (my hubby)

17. Going to a movie or dinner with my little family of five

18. Kids of all ages (they are the most incredible people)

19. Dark Chocolate!

20. My incredible family!

Life's twists and turns

On late Thursday night, we sent Cole to Seattle for a lacrosse tournament. After a whirlwind Friday and Saturday, he flew home on Saturday night. It was hard to see him. He was exhausted from four back to back games, jetlagged; disappointed that his team couldn't pull off any wins; and sore from the beating his body took during the games. I realize now that I can't make everything better. When he was little, I could give him a hug and a bandaid. As he got older, I could encourage him and help him to see that tomorrow is another day. Now, as he is on the verge of adulthood, I can't hug or talk his disappointments away. He has to work through them all on his own--all I can do is love him!

Kasi (Eric's sister) and her husband brought by their new foster kids for us to meet yesterday. They are 5, 6, and 7 year old brothers and sister. They are smart, beautiful children full of curiosity and energy. Kasi has longed to be a mother for so long and the opportunity is finally here. Her husband, however, was not raised in a home with a father for a role model and he is nervous and scared. He is a wonderful man and he will learn it. I think we often take for granted the knowledge we gain just by growing up with a mother and father as examples. My parents were wonderful examples and I know I am the kind of mother I am from their love and understanding. I realize my love of children, big and small, also come for their wonderful examples of compassion. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Last week was bitter sweet for our family. While Cole received wonderful news, our neighbors and friends were losing a battle after an accident with their 19-year old son, who passed away on Friday. Cole was friends with Joe and although he was older, he welcomed Cole when we moved to the neighborhood. As we experienced this summer, one choice we make can change (in Cole's case) or end your life (Joe). I am grateful for the gospel and the knowledge that we will see our family members again. Our Primary president explained it so well yesterday. Our spirit is our light. When we die, our light doesn't go out it just moves to another place. I know the kids from the Sunbeams all the way up to the oldest child felt the spirt tesify this truth to them. Our hearts ache for the Montgomery family and we pray that they will find peace.

So, while our lives are crazy with three teenagers, I am so very thankful to be busy with my kids. Life can change in a matter of a few seconds, so cherish every moment, the good and the bad, and be glad to have another day with your kids.

Honor...Courage...Committment!

Cole is off to the Naval Academy at the end of May! He was chosen to be one of the 2,250 high school juniors from around the nation to spend a week living as a "plebe" or a first year midshipman. We are excited as it is a great honor to be selected--Cole has worked so hard--and it puts him that much closer to an appointment to an academy. Congratulations, babe!

Spring is in the air!

When I walked out this morning to head to the office, I heard a bird. But not just any bird, but a Spring bird. There is just something about the earth waking up from a winter's sleep--there is a buzzing excitement (no, Jul, not your bees), a smell and an anticipation. Lacrosse games start next week, Syd has her first dance comp this weekend and Eric got up his new garden fence. Our Spring and Summer weeks are packed full and I can hardly wait! I love every busy minute I spend with my kids during these weeks, even if it is in the car from one activity to the next!