tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32720008305051228462024-03-05T02:22:34.697-06:00In His HandsFinding Strength and Joy in HIS Hands.rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-81167891381011415142012-08-23T23:19:00.002-05:002012-08-23T23:19:29.260-05:00IncredibleToday daddy and I were so impressed by our little guy..........I asked my little people if they'd met another set of twins at their school......J & K. Our little guy quickly answered and said yes, he'd met J. He continued by saying............"He's nice. J doesn't walk so good, he has crutches and his legs don't work so good. But he's just like me......I have a small hand and he has crutches. That makes us different........but we're the same, just like in the book momma, remember the book?" Yes baby, I remember the book. <br />
This kid.......this kid is incredible. He knows that he and J both have a difference, that makes them different from everyone else, but their difference is also something that they have in common so it makes them the same. He also understands that although he and J have a difference........everyone is still the same! It bewilders me that this kid at 5 years old understands so much. Read him a book and he gets it.........explain it to him and he gets it........God put it in him already......so he gets it. Incredible!rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-36940278003436465052012-08-21T12:19:00.000-05:002012-08-21T12:19:07.442-05:00I have to share this one..........We have a children's book titled........."WHY ME?" it was written by Julie Parker, we received this from our Occupational Therapist. It's a book that explains that everyone is different and it's ok to be different because we're all still the same. It reinforces that it's ok to ask questions and encourages children to accept who they are as well as others. My husband and I decided a while back that when the kids start school at the beginning of the year we should always advise the teacher, that we'd like the book to be read or one of us could read it ourselves to the class. Because the Kindergarten teacher is so great we decided to let her read it to the class. I read the book the night before to my M&M's and they enjoyed it as usual. I slipped the book into my little guy's folder and told the teacher to read it the class whenever she felt it was appropriate. She read it the same day and it turns out all the kids enjoyed it as well. She said they all began to name different things that were different about them. The M&M's were excited that it was their book and the class thanked them for bring it. <br />
The most remarkable part of this story is this.........According to the teacher, after the story was over, my little guy decided on his very own to stand before the class and tell them about his hand. I can only imagine what he said...........this is one of those proud mommy moments that make me cry tears of joy when I try to picture it. I picture him standing before the class, saying he was born this way......that when he was in his mommy's tummy, his hand stopped growing..........that he can still do a lot of things, he just does it differently..........that he can still play basketball and football.......and that he's still way cool! These are all things that we've said to him.........that we've heard him repeat to others. Wow I love these proud mommy moments! rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-54574249171693033662012-08-21T11:41:00.001-05:002012-08-21T11:41:40.911-05:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m a BIG kid now”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a statement I keep hearing from my M&M’s.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The First Day of Kindergarten……….was a Rough Day, but not so much for the twins…..They LOVED it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last week was the twins first day of school. They are officially Kindergartner’s now. I’ll post a picture so you can see how adorable my babies were on the first day of school. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Every thing about this is new. New school, New teacher, New Neighborhood, New Friends, New EVERYTHING! So, I was really really REALLY nervous........for multiple reasons.They were so excited and couldn’t wait to go. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course my buddy had a few kids ask about his hand. His teacher later informed me that he was great about answering questions. She said the questions didn’t seem to bother him and he simply explained……”I was born this way”……and basically that was enough. Apparently there was a little girl who was just simply having a hard time overall…….a rough day…….as the teacher put it. I can only imagine what this little one’s day was like…….new school, big kids around, mommy and daddy not there with her, so yeah……I understand she may have been having a rough day. Well anyway, the precious little girl, cried all day off and on from what I understand, and at the very end of the day…..that’s when it happened…….they were in PE class and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">something</i> set her off. She cried, snatched away from the teachers and screamed. The story from two five year old’s points of view can be a little confusing. But, The main teacher, the PE teacher and the counselor had to try to help her. My little boy quietly walked up to his teacher after the fact and asked if his classmate was upset because of his hand……….the teacher reassured him that she was just having a rough day and was probably tired. He accepted this answer and so did I, but I wonder if in the back of his mind he has the same thoughts as me……did this make her rough day, even rougher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many NEW things at one time can make us all a little uncomfortable. Poor little girl………I can’t help but be sympathetic because I’m a mom and I’ve seen her, she’s a tiny little innocent child……..but at the same time………my little guy tugs at my heart strings……….he wanted to know if he was the cause of her having rough day. I reassured him, then reassured him again, and reassured him some more when we were at home. He got tired of talking about it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With this incident aside……….everything went well and my babies love their new school, their new teacher and their new friends. They’re “BIG” kids now. You gotta love it! </span></div>
rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-20091893844311087972012-08-06T11:59:00.000-05:002012-08-21T12:04:41.728-05:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone told my hubby about this great place for kids to play. So we set aside a day and drove up to it. It’s an inclusive playground, by UNLIMITED PLAY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The name UNLIMITED PLAY says a mouthful. I love this place and so does BOTH of my little ones. Daddy and I laughed as our little people ran and showed us “what they can do”. They ran free and climbed the ropes and even rock climbed. Yes, they BOTH rock climbed. How awesome is that?! When you go to the Unlimited play website, the first thing you see at the top of the page…….is their vision…….I love their vision:</span></div>
<h2 style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 3pt 0in 6pt;">
Because all children should play together.<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Our vision is to build playgrounds where all challenges and limitations created by disabilities are forgotten. To build places where all children can play and interact side by side, developing understanding and respect for their similarities and differences.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Did I mention that I love this place…………. Unlimitedplay.org</span></div>
rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-16247146684028355342012-07-17T23:07:00.001-05:002012-07-17T23:10:36.557-05:00Ok, I haven't posted in forever.......since February I believe. But once again, it certainly isn't because there wasn't anything to post about. Today of all days..........is definitely one when I had one of those........"I must blog" moments. Today, my little guy had to go for a follow up visit to the doctor, not to his occupational therapist or the doctor for his hand, but to his allergy/asthma specialist. Just me and my buddy......(the one on one conversations with this kid are truly amazing.) We had to make a stop at his primary care pediatricians office to get immunization records for kindergarten enrollment. While sitting in the office, waiting on the documentation......he says, "momma, why do I have one big and and one small hand?" Caught completely off guard, I responded with....."What was that buddy?" So, he softly asks the question again. I'm thinking....Lord, how do I explain this to my baby.....God made you special, suddenly isn't enough explanation I guess. My answer was...."well buddy, when you were in mommy's tummy, your hand stop growing." He says, "will it get big like my other hand?" It hurt for me to tell him because I didn't know how he would react, but I said, "No, it won't buddy....it will stay smaller than your other hand." He then goes further to say....."What's that thing that you can put on here to make it look like a hand?" And he motioned as if he was connecting something to his hand. I said, "Do you mean a prosthetic hand?" He says, "Yes." I then asked if he wants to get a prosthetic hand........he said, "No"........I replied, "Ok, buddy." Then I asked if he likes his small hand......He very matter-of-factly said "Yes, I can dribble a basketball with it." ....."You sure can, and that is soooooo cool!" Now as heart wrenching as this conversation was and just when I thought to myself how much I absolutely LOVE this child and THANK YOU GOD for blessing me with this kid AND for helping me through this little chat.........it wasn't over yet. He went on to say......"momma, why am I the only one in our family that is sick?" Wow..........at this point he's talking about his asthma and allergy trouble. He never once asked why he was the only one with one small hand..........but he did want to know why he was the only one in our family that has asthma and allergy trouble. I was able to tell him that mommy also has allergies and so does daddy.That was enough for now. I'm really grateful for how this conversation flowed smoothly and how my son didn't get disheartened. I'm praying for the words to explain why he is the only one in our family with one small hand.........I hope God guides me through it, just like HE did today. We later went to work out at the YMCA and why shooting basketball in the gym, I noticed a kid asking my little guy about his hand........I heard him say, "I was born this way." and the kid........who was slightly older said. "Oh." And somehow..........that was enough. My buddy looked at me with the biggest smile on his face and I gave him a thumbs up and the biggest smile I could muster........I'm so incredibly proud of him.rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-14061755780544916712012-02-20T12:57:00.000-06:002012-02-20T12:57:36.973-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2conNEePzOqALXtVo3ueRlcNEuCFNEMTlSDwXWweVX-Dxu6ZCXO1IhXuMReoVUpk42K6pyJPWYtfqQn0FHoomjIEgpdqQM1vN9Ywl9kxJsJfg4Ga0d5FaBzv9a0bNvvcMhm09eY8wAn0/s1600/Mason+%2526+Madison+March+of+Dimes+2011+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2conNEePzOqALXtVo3ueRlcNEuCFNEMTlSDwXWweVX-Dxu6ZCXO1IhXuMReoVUpk42K6pyJPWYtfqQn0FHoomjIEgpdqQM1vN9Ywl9kxJsJfg4Ga0d5FaBzv9a0bNvvcMhm09eY8wAn0/s320/Mason+%2526+Madison+March+of+Dimes+2011+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>This is a photo from the March of Dimes- March for Babies 2011 walk. Please support March of Dimes and the babies we walk for. March of Dimes- March for Babies 2012 coming soon! Please contact me for more information.rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-17688496771299689292012-02-20T12:37:00.002-06:002012-02-20T12:37:56.050-06:00.....................“but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-50364873330107246952012-02-17T16:56:00.000-06:002012-02-17T16:56:03.433-06:00My Athelete & Dancer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHN8gGbsswaRlDIhCpiKoDjBbxBQboyRkiRIR4Tm7Iuv1ItKauIXilt403sTNUf-XANI7aWZ5r5lalCZpayMirVl27od14finn9Pp-lcXjxnulsLy4hUJE7SSsBS7hjY4XxLHyCYPdjEBh/s1600/My+M%2526Ms+Basketball+%2526+Dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHN8gGbsswaRlDIhCpiKoDjBbxBQboyRkiRIR4Tm7Iuv1ItKauIXilt403sTNUf-XANI7aWZ5r5lalCZpayMirVl27od14finn9Pp-lcXjxnulsLy4hUJE7SSsBS7hjY4XxLHyCYPdjEBh/s320/My+M%2526Ms+Basketball+%2526+Dance.jpg" width="320px" yda="true" /></a></div>rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-58604324011240778562012-02-17T16:37:00.002-06:002012-02-17T16:37:39.090-06:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ok so……my little guy and little lady are keeping me busy. I’m not complaining at all, I’m just saying. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am now re-reading a book titled “Having a Mary Heart, in a Martha World, finding intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The title says it all. Maybe the title should be………… “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, finding intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life………WITH TWINS. It’s hard for me to find time to Blog now……..with work, home, and church…….there really isn’t much time for anything else. So…please forgive the scarcity of my blog post. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My kiddos are enrolled in extracurricular activities as usual. Princess…..dance, Prince…….basketball. At basketball this session, my little buddy was self-conscious about his hand. I noticed he was hiding it and then my hubby told me that while practicing, our little guy whispered to him that he didn’t want to take his turn dribbling the ball across the court because he wouldn’t be able to dribble the ball with his left hand when it was time to switch hands. He asked his daddy to please tell the coach for him. (I’m getting tears in my eyes just thinking about it) Dad told him it’s ok and that he could just dribble down with his right hand, and dribble back up with his right hand……….and so he did……….he dribbled the ball so well that the dads, the coach and the other kids clapped and cheered for him. This was good……..but the way he felt before actually doing that……probably didn’t feel so good. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It breaks my heart into a million pieces every time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that he notices the looks from other kids………he even gets the questions more and more now……..this is hard for me as his mom. I can’t imagine how hard it is for him. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh, I can’t forget to tell you guys about this one……….one little guy asked my buddy about his hand and he says, “I was born this way. God made me this way.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess the kid may have asked again………because my baby turned to his dad and said………”he doesn’t understand”. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, you have to know that this is significant because, I’ve taught him and his sister, that people asks questions simply because they don’t understand, so it’s up to us, who do understand- to explain it to them. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My prayer is: “Lord, in the busyness of life, help me to find intimacy with YOU, so I’ll know how to handle these situations and teach my babies, (YOUR BABIES) to do the same. Help me to understand, so I can teach them and others to understand.”</span></div>rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-68972473955781373412012-01-19T14:37:00.000-06:002012-01-19T14:37:50.225-06:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here's an excerpt of a recent comment I sent to Ryan Haack on his living one-handed blog. This guy is simply amazing and I adore him, although I’ve never met him. He's a Pastor and I read his blog, I follow him on twitter and I read his helpful replies to emails from the Sammy’s friend’s community. He is just an awesome man of God, full of purpose. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is nothing particularly special about my comment to him, I just thought I’d add it in a post, since my posts are so few lately………….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I have yet to see the movie Dolphin Tale. I plan to watch it with my 4 year olds. My son was born with a limb difference and his twin sister pointed out someone else’s difference at a restaurant recently………she literally pointed! I am appalled when someone does this to my little guy (and my daughter seems to be as well) so imagine my frustration when she did it!”</span></div>rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-67449308152153746842011-12-13T11:33:00.003-06:002012-01-19T14:04:52.040-06:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My little princess always confesses her faults. LOL! She quickly tells me (after school)…… “Mommy, I had time out today!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When asked why she had time out, she told me it was because she didn’t stay seated in Science class when asked to by her teacher. I asked what her science teacher’s name is, she said she didn’t know. Ok……why don’t you know you’re science teacher’s name I asked. (I’m thinking she didn’t want to tell me because she thought I might try to talk to her teacher about her behavior). She says…..she doesn’t know. (Once again) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, my little guy chimes in…… “I know her name mommy!” So I asked him her name. He tells me…….. Then I ask my little princess, why didn’t you know her name? She says….. “Because I didn’t think!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said well, why didn’t you think ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She says…….. “because I think ALL the time…………I think about candy and I think about toys!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Funny! </span></div>rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-21718532554412083982011-11-10T12:28:00.002-06:002011-11-10T12:28:33.391-06:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So………last night at church it was Wednesday night Bible Study. I now assist downstairs with teaching the kids and wow, kudos to all educators, child care staff and youth leaders. Words can not express my appreciation of you! It’s hard work! But anyway, I was teaching my class “the middlers” about Romans chapter 8. We talked about being more than conquerors and that if GOD be fore us, who can be against us. I decided to tie this into a lesson about bullying with information that I received from </span><a href="http://www.stopbullying.gov/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Calibri;">www.stopbullying.gov</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> . As my class discussed bullying and how serious of an act it was……..I noticed in the preschool class my little guy was being circled by kids. It was about 4 or 5 preschoolers circled around him and asking about his hand. I saw him pull away and try to walk away. I saw his agitation and hope that they would relinquish. Instinctively (like a mommy does), I stopped talking to my class just long enough to exclaim (loudly and a matter of factly) to my husband and the other teacher, “the very thing that I am teaching against in my class is going on right now in that class! Pay attention!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Oh I should ad that I was pointing to my baby and the little circle around him) Ok, Ok, Ok, maybe my reaction wasn’t what it should’ve been, but I didn’t do what I wanted to do, which was <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to jump over the table , hop over the class dividing book shelves and break up the little preschool circle myself! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That ladies and gentlemen is what I wanted to do. I would’ve picked my baby up and rescued him from the little ones who were unknowingly (maybe or maybe not) making him uncomfortable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently the conversation amongst the circle was short lived, because their class went back to coloring, playing, singing, etc. But, later I noticed that my little buddy no longer wanted to stay downstairs in class. I knew the reason why. He was uncomfortable. The kids said some things and he was upset. (Now mind you these are all kids that have seen him before….most of them every week if not twice a week and have all asked the “what happened to him” questions before. I imagine he’s thinking….. “Get over it guys, let’s play”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He may have even said that to them (he’s done it before). He later told his dad that the reason he didn’t want to go back to the class is because one of the little girls told the others that he has a and I quote “baby hand”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now truth be told, these kids may have just been curious. They are preschoolers for goodness sake. But I felt like it was a taunting session, more so than anything else. But, when do I let him handle it? When do I let the teachers handle it? As he gets older how should I deal with these types of situations? First and foremost as a mom, but also as a children’s Bible study teacher on Wednesday nights and as a leader in the church? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church is supposed to be where he’s safe, where they know him and accept him for who he is and for how God made him. At what age does a curious face asking “what happened to his hand?” become a laughing face saying “look, he has a “baby hand!” ????</span></div>rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-14363692389744493202011-11-09T09:32:00.001-06:002011-11-09T09:32:55.025-06:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last night I had a heart to heart conversation with my little boy. He’s now 4 years old but he has the wisdom of a young man. I know I’ve said this often about him, but he’s an amazing kid. The discussion began with hugs and kisses as usual. It then turned to me asking him why he was acting up at school. He’s been talking a lot, disturbing his class mates by trying to make them laugh during lesson time and not listening to his teacher. This is unacceptable, I explained to him. He never really gave a clear explanation of why he would behave this way, but he assured me it wouldn’t happen again. Haha! Yeah, right. The conversation shifted and I began to ask him about his hand. What do the other kids think? Does anyone ask him questions? How does he respond? Does it make him angry or sad? It’s almost as if my 4 year old little boy turned into a wise young man again…..he began to tell me about a kid at church that laughed at his hand. As I fought back tears, I asked him to tell me more…….and he did. He said he was coloring while sitting in the play area with a little girl (they were sharing a coloring book) and her brother came over and started laughing at his hand. He said the kid was six years old, but he didn’t know his name. (I’m assuming he guessed his age) I asked him how that made him feel. He said it made him mad and sad. I asked him did he say anything or tell the teacher, he said no. He just kept coloring his pages. I told him that he did the right thing. I also told him that when something like that happens he can tell the Youth leader or teacher at the time and if he feels up to it, he can tell the kid that it isn’t nice to laugh at people. I think these situations hurt me more than it hurts my little buddy. He seems so strong and confident. I pray that he stays that way, but only strong and more confident as he gets older. At what point does the innocence fade? What makes someone laugh at someone else? I’ve noticed that smaller kids would ask questions and once they received a simple answer, the questions stopped and they were just ready to play with my little buddy. But at some point the simple answers don’t satisfy and the kids begin to taunt or badger. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At what point does the innocence fade? </span></div>rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-24310691339630001012011-08-17T12:52:00.003-05:002011-11-09T09:36:54.649-06:00Just pouring out my heart today.......<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What happens when things don’t turn out the way that you planned or the way that you think they should? The Bible tells us that “all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to HIS purpose.” But JESUS….it hurts! It’s not fair! What about my baby?! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are things that I will never understand. There are things that the doctors, occupational therapists, experts or any other educated individual can not explain away. But I have to stand assured, knowing that when I feel gloomy or sad…… to light a candle so I can dance….….. if not for me….for my babies, for others who are watching/need help. In my dancing…..they will join in and dance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my world feels twisted, I have to cry, scream, kick, question…….but then I have to light a candle. I have to be the one, make the decision to be the one , with a tear stained face, puffy eyes & my head held high….. Be the one…..to show my little people that even this……will work together for our good, because we love God and we are called according to HIS purpose, not our own. Complaining won’t change the circumstances. But lighting a candle & embracing it will make the journey, at least a little bit easier. He will guide us every step of the way. It ‘s still a hard pill to swallow…..it doesn’t seem fair….. It’s not what I thought it would be, but it’s GOOD. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just pouring out my heart today……I hope this helps someone, when it seems dark & gloomy, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>light a candle & dance!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God Bless. </span></div>rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-86909442132603244262011-08-16T19:02:00.000-05:002011-08-17T12:56:29.983-05:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today my little princess told me she wants her brother to have two big hands so he can play basketball with his other hand too. It touched my heart of course. But I didn’t have time to respond because right behind her statement, my little buddy says…… “but, I play basketball with both of my hands, my big one and my small one, just fine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enough said….</span></div>rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-29413979412242336832011-07-26T12:38:00.003-05:002011-07-26T12:40:56.670-05:00He's not just anyone......He's my son.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I just heard this song on the radio and now I can’t stop crying. It’s by Mark Schultz…..here are the lyrics. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I'm down on my knees again tonight,<br />
I'm hoping this prayer will turn out right.<br />
See, there is a boy that needs Your help.<br />
I've done all that I can do myself<br />
His mother is tired,<br />
I'm sure You can understand.<br />
Each night as he sleeps<br />
She goes in to hold his hand,<br />
And she tries<br />
Not to cry<br />
As the tears fill her eyes.<br />
<br />
Can You hear me?<br />
Am I getting through tonight?<br />
Can You see him?<br />
Can You make him feel all right?<br />
If You can hear me<br />
Let me take his place some how.<br />
See, he's not just anyone, he's my son.<br />
<br />
Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep,<br />
I dream of the boy he'd like to be.<br />
I try to be strong and see him through,<br />
But God, who he needs right now is You.<br />
Let him grow old,<br />
Live life without this fear.<br />
What would I be<br />
Living without him here?<br />
He's so tired,<br />
And he's scared<br />
Let him know that You're there.<br />
<br />
Can You hear me?<br />
Am I getting through tonight?<br />
Can You see him?<br />
Can You make him feel all right?<br />
If You can hear me<br />
Let me take his place some how.<br />
See, he's not just anyone, he's my son.<br />
<br />
Can You hear me?<br />
Am I getting through tonight?<br />
Can You see him?<br />
Can You make him feel all right?<br />
If You can hear me<br />
Let me take his place somehow.<br />
See, he's not just anyone.<br />
He's my son. </span>rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-40981224001324076122011-07-14T16:47:00.002-05:002011-07-14T16:49:53.870-05:00A friend asked me recently if I was still blogging. The answer to that question was yes, but I'm soooooo behind in my post. I guess I better hop back to it. I have so much to write about, so much to say......but at this moment, I'll just post another picture worth a thousand words. Thank you God. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgcQtyTGMrcfKRtwdPpDhrmnLozMpVlM5iB0c92KHDQr65znZve2I3x9XI9uNYyOc-YTALZGVTwPxliFH-YEPIxkbB6Q3U-Ftr3F0YVVykc5EMEQYPzFvp0BpGh-4bgtETly4Rq24212K/s1600/sky+picture+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgcQtyTGMrcfKRtwdPpDhrmnLozMpVlM5iB0c92KHDQr65znZve2I3x9XI9uNYyOc-YTALZGVTwPxliFH-YEPIxkbB6Q3U-Ftr3F0YVVykc5EMEQYPzFvp0BpGh-4bgtETly4Rq24212K/s400/sky+picture+3.jpg" width="292px" /></a></div>rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-440875549011178972011-05-04T13:20:00.001-05:002011-05-04T13:24:00.102-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_EbbDnY-nij5258Si2HIeGawY-Zk4Ia40g1N_blDvcD0eRR-q7mKL9jAXzdMcFYbzEE8V1qrDgR-Mr9cwKKcYmBeeVMzQUC_wwgDshsluRqNczcMmgUucCUTzI4MbyLyzrLRE_nnQ9qN/s1600/Sky+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_EbbDnY-nij5258Si2HIeGawY-Zk4Ia40g1N_blDvcD0eRR-q7mKL9jAXzdMcFYbzEE8V1qrDgR-Mr9cwKKcYmBeeVMzQUC_wwgDshsluRqNczcMmgUucCUTzI4MbyLyzrLRE_nnQ9qN/s320/Sky+picture.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>So much has been going on since my last post......some great and some not so great! But, I just had to post this photo. Ok, so I'm driving on the highway headed to an evening out with my sister in law. We were meeting up to watch a dramatic production at a church.....the title of the production was "Your Final Destination". The title gives you chills, doesn't it? I know it gave me chills. Anyway.......I was in my car alone, headed to meet her and I was in a particularly good mood. I started praying as I was driving....just thanking God for His goodness basically, prayed about a few things, prayed over my little ones....specifically the obstacles that they (more so my buddy) would face......and I looked at the sky ahead.....it was breathtaking. It reminds me of a song that says, <em>You light up the sky to let me know You are with me.</em> I couldn't help but grab my BlackBerry and snap a picture..... If a picture were worth a thousand words.....this one pretty much speaks for itself.rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-7198415776478982342011-03-17T16:13:00.000-05:002011-03-17T16:13:33.885-05:00Just a couple of days until my little ones turn four years old. I honestly don't know where the time went. Every time I think about it, I want to cry......One more year of preschool, then a new chapter begins. I'm so happy but so sad at the same time. My babies are not really babies anymore. I get teased by friends and family because I still do things like spoon feed them their food or pick them up and carry them around on my hip as if they're babies. I still buy baby products for them, baby lotion, baby wash, baby cologne.....LOL! They're still my babies....... FOUR years old.......Oh my gosh, such a bitter sweet time. Wow!rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-63163080098616567842011-03-07T16:41:00.000-06:002011-03-17T16:42:18.692-05:00But Mommy I really love the LORD!!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were on our way to church and there was a thunderstorm, so I decided that we’d just head home. My little girl was really upset about this and wanted so badly to go to church. She kept saying, “mommy, mommy…..we have to go to church.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to explain about the storm and how we didn’t want to get stuck in the bad weather. With tears in her eyes, she says “But, mommy…..we have to go, because I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> love the Lord!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I promised her that we would go to church the next morning for prayer , if the storm was over by then. Bright and early Saturday morning…..a little after 7am, I feel a tap on my shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s my baby girl saying….. “It’s time to go to church mommy!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sleepishly said ok, thinking….wow, she really does love the Lord!</span></b></div>rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-70770608401257989812011-03-05T16:21:00.001-06:002011-03-17T16:22:27.203-05:00I can’t because my hand is small.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today as the little ones played and hurried about the house, they headed towards their play area in the basement. I noticed him going full steam ahead so I quickly told him….. “Buddy, hold on to the rail going downstairs”……………………….. His response was……. “I can’t because my hand is small!” ………. Then I said “Hold the wall with your other hand. “………. “Ok, mommy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that was the extent of this conversation, but I thought it was worth noting, because it just goes to show how quickly we take things for granted……AND, why is our railing on the left side going down the stairs. EVERYONE in my house is either Right handed or forced to be Right handed. Well, I guess the rail is on the right side when coming up the stairs so I don’t have a legitimate gripe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did notice that there were no qualms about it when my little boy said….. “I can’t because my hand is small”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not sad when he said it……He wasn’t angry……he just stated it…..like it was fact…..and it’s no big deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like…..this is why I’m doing it this way and there was nothing extra. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing to read into, nothing to be upset about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s my inspiration. </span></div>rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-22071861927189220072011-02-28T22:17:00.001-06:002011-03-17T16:18:09.638-05:00Remorseful Repentance<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently the M&M’s both had a rough day at school and were sent home with behavior reports. So I talked to them all the way home about their behavior and how important it was to be good at school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My buddy didn’t seem to have the least bit of remorse, as a matter of fact, I think I was getting on his nerves - he kept rolling his eyes. However, My Moo was just the opposite…… she was crying and apologizing before we got in the car good to leave the preschool. Once we arrived home, I sat them down to have a little chat. I just wanted to get the details of what happened throughout their day. (If you’ve ever listened to three year olds explain things, it can be as entertaining and confusing as one of your all time favorite movies.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like pulling teeth to get my little boy to talk when he thinks he’s in trouble. But his little sister is a blabber mouth no matter what. So she tells it all…..her information and his. Well, to make a long story short, I FINALLY got them BOTH to tell me about their day and from what I could make out, there was no reasonable explanation for the crazy day. One thing I did find highly amusing is ……after the chat, I told them they could go play. Buddy went straight to the toy box and instead of going to play like any other 3 year old would; Little Miss Remorseful went into her room, got her pink Bible from the shelf, walked back into the living room, sat on the couch and opened it up as if she was reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was very serious and quiet. I think she was asking for forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remorseful Repentance! Too cute!</span></div>rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-33048961046186585672011-02-22T10:15:00.001-06:002011-03-17T16:19:12.693-05:00It's been a while since I've posted anything on the blog. So much has been going on and our family has been extremely busy, so I haven't had much down time. Of course the M&M's keep my life eventful! But this morning, as I was listening to my inspirational music, I came across a CD full of beautiful music by Heather Headley. This lady is an outstanding artist and her CD entitled, Audience of One is a blessing to me. One song in particular stands out and I just had to post the lyrics to my blog. It's a must do.....today....right now. What's ironic is.....I think I've posted this song before. If I didn't post the lyrics....I had the music playing on the blog. One or the other....but anyway, if you haven't checked it out.....(the CD has been out for a while, it's not new) I highly recommend you listen to it. It's so calming, so relaxing and the song "I Wish" from her Audience of One CD- will truly touch you, especially if you have little ones..... if you have any loved ones for that matter. But oh how it blesses me. The lyrics are as follows: <br />
<br />
I’d give you the moon <br />
But you’d never know the warmth of the sunshine<br />
I’d give you the world <br />
But exactly what would that do<br />
I’d promise you wings to fly<br />
But how would you ever learn to run<br />
So I wish you all you need<br />
To be more than I could be<br />
This is what I wish for you<br />
I wish you rainy days<br />
So you can know the beauty of a clear blue sky<br />
I wish you falling leaves <br />
So you'd understand that seasons change<br />
And if I gave you the mountains <br />
Would you learn how to climb?<br />
I pray you’ll always see<br />
The forest through the trees<br />
This is what I wish for you<br />
This is what I wish for you<br />
If I could I’d say the word <br />
And chase your fears away<br />
And I’d stay right by your side <br />
And point the way that you should take<br />
But this is your life<br />
This is your story<br />
And when all is done and said<br />
Say you lived with no regret<br />
I wish you ocean breeze<br />
And rivers that bring you everything you need<br />
I wish the air you breathe <br />
Is all that you’ll ever need<br />
And I wish you nights of love<br />
And days of joy<br />
And shoulders when you cry<br />
And just enough hellos<br />
To get you through goodbye<br />
This is what I wish for you<br />
I pray one day you’ll have a home<br />
With arms that open wide<br />
And you’ll have someone who loves you<br />
Always by your side<br />
And when you lose your will to try<br />
I wish you wings to fly<br />
I wish you wings to fly<br />
I wish you everything you need<br />
This is what I wish for you<br />
This is what I wish for yourach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-86432169583034520492011-01-18T22:00:00.001-06:002011-01-19T12:57:13.265-06:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes, I don’t know how God gives me exactly what I need, so that I can give it to my little buddy, and my little princess. It all started at bedtime after we read our stories (sidebar: they insisted that we read two books, and so we did). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After story time, it was time to say our prayers. Lately, they’ve been taking turns saying the prayer and then praying for individuals that cross their minds. I always tell them how proud I am of them for learning how to pray and being able to do it with little help from mommy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was congratulating them and giving high fives, Mason kept turning so he can give me high five with his “big” hand. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Mason to give me a high five, with his left hand as well as his right. “How about two high fives buddy?” His response was,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to do this hand.” ( referring to his right hand instead of his “small” hand). I said “let’s do two high fives” and he said, “I can’t because it’s bad.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Huh? What did you say buddy?” …………….. He wouldn’t repeat it. I gently said “ nooooo…………., buddy, it’s not bad……don’t ever say it’s bad. It’s beautiful, mommy loves it and so does God. Mommy loves all of you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began to playfully kiss both his hands…. “Mommy loves this one and this one, this one and this one” Tickling him and kissing his hands as I repeated this over and over. Then I started to do the same to my princess……kissing both her hands and saying the same things over and over to her. It all ended in lots of laughter and big hugs and kisses between the three of us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m grateful for having the strength to handle situations like this while they’re watching or listening. (It hit me like a ton of bricks this morning, tears were flowing as I was thinking about last night).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to be strong and let my babies know different doesn’t mean less. I hope they get it. Right now, they are only three…..quickly approaching four years old. My biggest fear is that one day, I won’t be able to say a couple of words or throw out a few kisses to make it all better. </span></div>rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3272000830505122846.post-15365050417682329232011-01-17T17:07:00.002-06:002011-01-20T12:07:06.311-06:00Much needed rest............I'm trying to figure out, how on earth I<br />
will get some much needed rest. There will always be noses to clean,<br />
bath time, play time, snack time, dinner time, story time, bedtime<br />
(which bedtime can be a struggle at times) and nap time.....what's that?<br />
Those naps seem to be getting shorter and shorter these days. Although I<br />
must admit, the sleepy time lullaby cd still does the trick! But mommy<br />
needs some rest. I hope I don't sound too incredibly selfish, because<br />
God knows I adore my babies and every moment with them is a<br />
blessing.........BUT, my attention span to "watch this mommy" has been<br />
shorter, my time to play is limited and my patience has been close to<br />
obsolete. There are days when I'm wondering how mommy's with multiples<br />
can hold on to their sanity. At the height of my frustration, stiff<br />
neck, and tired body........I think I've found the answer.........yep,<br />
prayer is number 1.....but a close 2nd is MUCH NEEDED REST. The question<br />
is....when and how do I get it. My M&M's have soooooo much energy! There<br />
are some days where I'm telling them to wait until I finish something<br />
before mommy can "watch this" or I'm hurrying them along because I have<br />
to get to the next task that's on my list of things to do. Some days are<br />
just tough. When I'm rested though, I handle everything better and I<br />
don't lose sight of what's important.................laundry, dishes,<br />
and all that will be there, but honestly, will bath time, play time and<br />
story time come to an end before I'm ready for it to. They're growing<br />
up sooooooo fast. I'll blink and wish I could still be the one reading<br />
them stories instead of them reading to themselves. Ok, I know I'm<br />
rambling......but once I get some rest, maybe the next post will make a<br />
little more sense. LOL! The moral of the story is.....if you're a<br />
mommy......or a daddy, get some rest so you don't lose it like me! :>)rach2babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16611976973132254133noreply@blogger.com0