....And I'm Thankful That Dogs' Mouths Aren't Filthy.

Its the little things that matter, right? So it's the little things I'm glad about today, like when....

1. I was running a comb through Annie's hair before Grandma picked her up and I noticed it was rather wet. "Did you spray water on your hair?" I asked. "No!" Annie retorted, "I did not!" "Then why is your hair wet?" I countered. Annie's simple answer: "Because I put my head in the dogs' water."

Another Go?

Soo.... It's been, what, over 2 years since I last posted anything? Okay, quick update: we moved, we moved, we had a baby. Big changes, right? No wonder it appears that I dropped off the planet. Well, I'm back. Let's see how things go with this blog this time around, shall we?

Yes, Fudge!

1. I am so glad that only two days after Annie's eye surgery, she's back at school. Hmm. That could be interpreted as being happy she's out of the house - which is not what I'm saying (although, yes, there is that!). I simply mean that it is good to see Annie feeling like Annie.
2. I am so luck to have a daughter with Emi's thoughtfulness and incredible creativity. Last night, her room briefly turned into an elfin workshop - she is so enthusiastic about making gifts for each of us. And it's not just that Emi loves to throw herself into projects reflecting artistic expression - more than that, Emi creates objects that have applicable (as opposed to just sentimental) value to the recipient. (i.e. a filing system she made for Ryan, a cardboard car engineered for Annie's bitty twins, a coupon book for me). I can't wait for Christmas morning!
3. I am thankful for fudge. For breakfast.

It Really Isn't So Bad, After All...

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know I'm supposed to post three things that I'm thankful for each day. And I know it's been a week or so since my one entry. So, hmmm....maybe one thing I'm really thankful for is:

1. Knowing that sometimes, even if something isn't done the way it's expected, it doesn't have to mean its value is diminished. Sometimes, just doing what you can, even if it isn't what you initially intended, is enough. Now, on to number two. 
2.  I'm really thankful for Emi's sense of humor. Or maybe what I mean is that I'm thankful that she gets my sense of humor (or it could simply be that I'm thankful she plays along with me, so I think she thinks I'm funny!). I love it that we can share a look and know that we're both trying not to laugh out loud. It's nice to share laughter with your kids. 
3. Lastly, I've been reminded that as  hard as it can be having a kid who struggles with disabilities (and hence, a family who also struggles occasionally), we're incredibly blessed with the things Annie can do, with amazingly supportive family and friends who cheer us on and cheer us up, we have access to very talented doctors and dedicated teachers and therapists, and perhaps, most of all, that our religious faith comforts us with the belief that we have a loving heavenly Father who is intimately aware of us and won't ignore us, that we can all get through this - and all the heartache felt and tears shed will always be more than compensated innumerable blessings and with love and smiles and laughter. I say this because today at Children's Mercy Hospital (as with every time I'm there), I saw all around me familiar faces: adults who looked anxious or scared, some disappointed or angry, others sad and overwhelmed and yet other expressions filled with hope and strength and courage.I also saw brave children hooked to IVs, some with balding heads, others sitting in wheelchairs or using using walkers. I saw children who looked well-cared for, and children who weren't. I saw twisted limbs and obvious facial deformities. I heard young voices express clearly articulated words, and I heard kids communicating with grunts, others slack-jawed and drooling.I could be any one of those parents, and Annie could be any one of those kids. But we're not. 

Wow. It's been almost two months since I last posted. However, it's not been that long since I've thought about things to post. Rather, the lag is in the process of getting my thoughts tidily typed and published.

While starting my Saturday morning with oatmeal - mixed with sugar. And peanut butter. And chocolate. And everything else that goes into no-bake cookies (Tiffany makes the best no-bake cookies!) and sneaking bites of tasty muffins - which I think were actually cupcakes parading around under a healthier-sounding name (kudos to my friend Laurenda!), and dipping strawberries in a divinely mixed concoction of marshmallow creme and cream cheese (you can bring that to any gathering, Daisie!), talk turned to the annual Attitude of Gratitude challenge issued by my friend Jennifer. Which I have neglected so far this year. Can I be frank, friends? Some things that have happened this year have left me feeling....uh....not so thankful. And yet, so many good things happen every day for which I am immensely grateful - not the least being that I have friends who make me laugh along with them as they chide, "So, Allison, I've noticed you haven't done the gratitude challenge this year. Not much to be thankful for, huh?" I want to assure you that I do know that the good far outweighs the bad:

1. Ryan - Ignorance is bliss. But more blissful is knowing that when strong storms rip through and carelessly toss up nicely laid plans, you stick with me. Thank-you.
2. Emi and Annie - I'm just so thankful for my two princesses.
3. All of you dear friends who love me and listen to me, who laugh with me and even cry with me - you are one my thankful list everyday.

Oops!

Yesterday was a beautiful day: sunshine happily dancing across a late summer sky, the wind blowing a gentle breeze - so nice that Ryan put the top down on his car as he ran errands. Last night was stormy: angry lightening, roaring thunder and heavy drops pouring from the sky - so wet that by the time Ryan realized the top was still down*, there were probably 15 gallons of rain flooding the floorboards! 

*This morning, when I returned home from dropping the girls off at school, I noticed that when Ryan dashed  into the storm (at 11pm) to put the top back up, he somehow missed closing a window completely!

We're Glad It's Your Birthday, Dear Emi....

Happy Birthday

 Happy Birthday 

to You!

We gave you a bike

for your birthday.

Go and ride it,

and dream of chocolate cake, too. 

 We hope for a year

full of good things

May your wishes

and your daydreams come true!

It's this kid's birthday today:

Good-by 10, Hello 11!

And she's off, on her way to another great year!