M-I-C-K-E-Y...

disneyworld
the trip we have all been anticipating all year.
mickey, minnie, pluto, handy manny
we saw them all and the kids had a blast.
space mountain, thunder mountain railroad
we could not ride them enough.
we stayed at the animal kingdom
what a treat that was!
zebras, giraffes, okapi's
walking around, grazing outside your balcony
sea world and shamu
it was an amazing time for our family.
the family time that was long overdue
however
the trip took an unexpected turn
that was devastating to us all.
asher started having some tics
motor tics.
strange movements with his hands
turning his head, blowing.
it came on strong
and has yet to pause
suddenly just started out of the blue
we are wondering why
how, what could have triggered this?
here it is a month after our trip
we still have no answers.
neurology says they are "motor tics"
all tests are negative so far.
we have prayed and prayed
wondering what God's plan for asher is
is this His way of telling me to slow down
to cherish my moments with my children
and not take them for granted?
His message that I need to be more patient
and give my children the quality one on one time
the time we all seem to lack these days
the time that is devoted to activities and sports
after all the doctor visits
the hours and hours of research i have done
the diet changes and new supplements
is His answer really just as clear as day
slow down?
or is it more?
all we can do right now is pray.
pray, pray and pray
for our sweet, sweet asher

where do i start?

i am planning on getting back into blogging.
just for more of a journal
i find it easier to get to the computer
than jot notes down
life has just swept me off my feet the last several years.
i wish i could get those years back
and savor every moment.
but the chaos of those times was overwhelming
i look back and see how 'little' my children were
their sweet baby faces.
i hardly remember most days over the last several years
much less specifics
strangely enough i miss the days of diapers
i miss the sippy cups, snack traps
my adorable dipees and wipees
getting little people dressed.
the days where they wanted me to hold them
when brittany was like a little mommy.
now she just is utterly annoyed by them
which i have to admit i cannot blame her half the time
no more babies here
but i sure do wish i could have those moments back.
these pictures are from a year ago
wow, the boys were almost 5
and brittany just turned 10.
our last fall in colorado
i think we are all still homesick.
i have to admit
the fall is absolutely gorgeous here in charlotte.
the only thing i will not miss about colorado
fall and spring SNOW!

changes

well here we are in charlotte, north carolina!
how did we end up here?
where have the last 3 years gone?
life has been quite busy, to say the least.
i have a lot of catching up to do.
to start, after a lot of praying and sleepless nights,
we made the decision to move to take this job opportunity for mark,
here in charlotte.
it was not any easy decision.
far from.
we were so settled in colorado.
i am the first to admit, the weather drove me nuts.
and that is an understatement
austin ruined me forever
the first moment i set foot in that fabulous city,
i was forever changed.
but that is another story altogether!
i have to admit, the only thing i do not miss in colorado,
is the weather.
i miss our wonderful school more than anything.
it was my comfort zone.
yes, it was school but it was also our church home
it was where i felt peace when the moment i walked in the door.
i was a substitute nurse there and loved every moment of the time i spent there,
in a school filled with the most wonderful teachers,
staff,
parents
and children.
i have never experienced such a great combination
i will forever cherish the time we had there.
but here we are now in charlotte, surrounded by a real fall,
without having to have winter mixed in.
where i have the trees i wanted in my yard
the green grass and no rocks in the landscaping,
a driveway worthy of a street sign it is so long.
i thought it would feel like home already
i had to come to terms with
it is hard to start over with three children
probably one of the hardest things i have had to do.
at the end of the day, what i have to remind myself of,
is we are together
no more long commutes to boulder for mark
no reserve duty
we finally have the time to be a family
and that was my biggest wish of all
this will be "home" one day
for now, i am taking it
day by day