Alpha 1

I was diagnosed with Alpha 1 Antitrypsin deficiency a little over a year and a half ago, not fully understanding all of what that meant until last winter. Then it really sunk in that life was going to look a little different and that we as a family were going to have to change some things. Alpha 1 affects my lungs and liver, not providing them with any protection, which is why I have a mild case of emphysema...thankfully my liver is in good health so far.

At first it was difficult to face a chronic illness, I had to grieve my lack of health as I had known it and come to terms with how this deficiency progresses and the possibilities of things I might face in the future. I went through some trying months of depression, but the Lord! The Lord was my and is my Rock that carried me when all I could do is lay flat on my back. He was patient and brought me to the other side of the valley, the side where I see His amazing grace and tender care. I'm so thankful for His protection, even though I have a severe dificiency I only have a mild case of emphysema so far. I am thankful for early discovery so I could begin my treatments. I am thankful I receive assistance to pay for these treatments so far. I am thankful that my children are getting used to the nurses coming each week and the whole procedure. I am thankful for my husband and his care for me, buying air purifiers, vacuuming for me, being mindful I don't breathe fumes in, etc. I am thankful I have my Mom, even though she's many mile away, she is there to listen and to pray for me. I am thankful for many family and friends who have been a great spiritual support, as well as, a support in other ways, especially for babysitting for my many doctor appointments.

So looking back on this past year, all I can say is God is good. He does not promise a life without trials or hardships, He promises to be with us as we pass through our trials and hardships. I am so thankful I have Him with me which brings me peace to know that even though the future might look different than what I want, He will never leave me and He goes before me. I know that when the next valley comes, I have a Rock to stand on (or maybe to lay flat on) and that is sure when the rest of life is not!

Super Moon

We were driving home the other night and saw the beautiful moon and all of us were in awe for a moment at the size...and then later on that night we found out it was a Super Moon, where it is a full moon and the closest to the earth it will be. It hasn't been this big since 1948 and won't be again until 2034. Anyway, when Lydia saw it she said "Mom, you need to but a picture of it in our blog!" So I had no choice but to comply:) And I think I am finally caught up with my posts!

School Pictures

We have been taking our kids along for photo shoots lately and they have been doing a great job letting us do our jobs for clients. But we had a couple minutes before hand on this day and so I thought I would get some "school" pictures of my beauties first.

The Joy of Fall

  Out for a walk at the park with the family and a camera

Head Band Fun

Silly times with friends...I think they are finally understanding this game!

Fall Fun Fest

The church we go to for Awana had a Fall Fun Fest that we let the kids dress up for. Lydia was a jaguar and Nathan was a ninja.

Green Meadows

Nathan and Lydia completed another year of horse therapy. We are so grateful for this place and the ministry they have. The kids were always so excited to go and are really going to miss the horses and staff. We are so thankful for this opportunity!

Seven

I still get a sickening feeling in my stomach as I think about all the pictures we lost, mainly of Lydia's party but also other things. We did find three pictures of her birthday party which will have to do.

Lydia wanted a horse themed birthday and it was a lot of fun. DeNail was able to come and we had a good time with her. We had rice crispy treats for hay bales and carrot sticks and popcorn and then we bobbed for apples which was a blast. Everyone who bobbed was able to get an apple including DeNail and myself! The Goggles helped:) I cannot believe my little girl is seven. She is turning into quite the young lady. I wish I could slow down time!

Adoption Day

We took the family to see Finding Dory at the theaters for Lydia's adoption day. I think for her third birthday she was in love with Nemo so this was a treat to go to the sequel as we celebrated our precious daughter and how God helped us find her.

Stone Harbor 2016

Another really great year at Stone Harbor! As the kids are getting a little bigger it is getting a little easier for us at the beach...but maybe not for the life guards. They had to keep a close eye on our little boy and the whistle was blown repeatedly... daily... to keep him in the swimming boundaries. It was rough waters and we were thankful for their watchful eyes. At one point he had to be rescued because his determination and invincibility mixed in with his lack of fear got him in too deep of waters for his own good and with the current he could not get back in...but he was just trying to get out with the other people who were twice his size. (FYI...Daddy was right behind the life guard)

Here we are at our very favorite ice cream parlor with the kids favorite flavor "The Blue One" and it was blue...I believe the day after something else was blue too.

The ocean was rough but warm

We just really enjoyed our time hanging out with Grammy and Poppy. We are so thankful for these two and all that they mean to us! Very grateful indeed.

And so thankful for these two!

A New Chore

Nathan was quite the helper to daddy at the end of the summer. He can now mow our whole yard...very proud of him. God has made him a strong and determined young man! This chore he loves now....this too will pass I'm sure:)

Summer Friends

Long Lost House Guests

My parents visited in July, it had been a couple years since they had been here because of my Gramma living with them. We had a great time with them but forgot to take many pictures. So very thankful for my parents and anxious to see them over Thanksgiving.

Good-bye Diesel

We said goodbye to our Diesel over a date at Wendy's. We bought this car during the first year of our marriage and it was a great car to us. We have a lot of great memories, road trip to texas, night drives home to ohio. We even put a air mattress in the back and took turns sleeping as we drove though the night a couple times. This is the car we started our family with...we will miss you diesel...Rhonda the Honda is your replacement and we hope she holds up as well as you did!

Ta-Da

My beautiful little girl finished her year of gymnastics this past May. She did such a great job. The instructors said that at the beginning of the year she was saying "I can't" with numerous things but mid way through she no longer said this but gave it her best effort. I'm really proud of her because these things do not come easy for her but she tried so hard and finished so well!

Would you just look at this face! So proud of her!