First day of School Pictures (9/7/10)

1st year of middle school, 6th grade at Kemps Landing Magnet

5th grade, Linkhorn Park

2nd Grade, Linkhorn Park

Julianne walking Victoria to her bus stop

1st day, Sophomore year, Homeschool

Halfway to 30!

I feel honored to be a mom. I know that God has blessed me four times over. It amazes me how time seems to fly by when looking at my children. Jacob turned 15 on Saturday, September 11th.

15!!!

I often wonder how I can be a mom of a 15 year old. Wasn't I just 15 a few years ago? Okay, maybe not, when I think about the fact that my oldest son is halfway to 30, I get a bit freaked out.

Jacob is a treasure. He has taught me so much about life. So many thing changed for me in a positive way when he came into my life. Because of him I have learned how to love unconditionally. I no longer focus on myself, but most importantly on loving God and truly loving others. I have learned and become passionate for people with exceptional needs.

Jacob makes me laugh.
Jacob has a great passion for God.
Jacob fights hard every day to overcome many challenges.
Jacob looks out for his brother and sisters.

I could go on and on...

I am grateful for my loving 15 year old!

Birthday Celebration Dinner, Sept. 11, 2010

Rock 'n Roll in Virginia Beach

I ran my first half marathon on Sunday. I was so excited and nervous all at the same time, but I am proud of myself for sticking with it and finishing! I actually love running. The one problem I am having is pain in my knees. On my long runs during my training, I did not walk. I knew Sunday after about the fourth mile that I was going to have to alternate between walking and running in order to finish and still be able to walk afterward. It has taken a few days to recover, but the pain in my knees is almost gone, but the feeling of accomplishment will always be with me. My next goal is the visit the doctor so I can figure out what I might be able to do to keep running. I love the freedom I feel when I run and view of God's beautiful creation!

Patience is needed

I have never been a patient person. Growing up, I thought the things I wanted should come immediately; that everyone should cater to me. Funny how life smacked me in the face pretty quickly after I left home. God has given me many opportunities to grow and mature, but most of all to have patience.

On September 11, 1995 my oldest child was born. I was terrified to be a mother, wondering how I would be able to take care of someone other than myself. I look back now and understand that God slowed me down; he made me focus on someone other than myself, and in turn fix my eyes on Him.

I have been blessed with four very active children and have learned a lot about myself in the process. Each one has been blessed with their own unique character and needs. It has taken me a long time to get to a point where I can say that I feel blessed to have some special needs in our home. I know God does not give us more than we can bear. In saying that, I feel like the challenges we face on a daily basis are meant to not only make us stronger, but will enable us to share our challenges and teach others the things we have learned.

So what challenges do we face? I feel like often times it is exhausting to keep explaining why my son is not like the typical teenager. His disabilities are not physical, making it difficult for others to really understand that he has special needs.

My son, Jacob, has Asperger's Syndrome. He also has bipolar, anxiety, and ADHD. I look at him and I am blown away by the perseverance he has. He just does not give up. The other day he was trying to look for someone to spend time with, he made 8 phone calls. I could tell he was getting discouraged, but he did not give up until he has called most of the phone numbers in his phone. It saddened me that things did not work out, but I was so proud of him for trying (he has been challenged to work on developing relationships with others).

He has grown a lot, yes he is tall, but that is not what I mean. I am moved by how hard he is fighting to change some serious behavioral problems. I am so proud of how far he has come. I am praying and trying to teach him as much as I can so he might possibly be able leave home and soar on his own at some point.

Jacob is not the only one with a special need in our home. He is honestly just the most obvious. I am more than happy to talk about the things we face day to day. I think it helps others...and I learn so much by talking with other.

Someday, I think I will write a book...
...for now, I need to focus on my family.

The stubborn tooth

The three youngest kids did not lose their first tooth until after their 7th birthday. I feel like this year has been the year of the the tooth. Nate lost his first tooth and within a 5 week period in April/May, Victoria lost six teeth. Recently it is Nate's turn. He lost a tooth at the end of July and then two more within the last week. His two front teeth have been loose for a long time. In the middle of August he was trying very hard to wiggle it out (I was ready to pull it).

It just wouldn't budge and he wouldn't let me touch it (especially after I pulled out two of his friend's teeth). Last Thursday, one of his teeth was so loose I was afraid it would come out while he was sleeping so I talked him into letting me pull it. He yelled at me afterward because he said it hurt. The next day he was eating a burrito at Taco Bell and the other tooth came out. Now he has lots of space in his mouth. It is cute to watch him try and eat a corn dog!