Never too early to learn

After weeks and weeks of sick kids (OK, it was actually only two weeks, but trust me, it felt much much longer!), when all the big kids finally went back to school this week, Cate and I got out of the house and went straight to the park. She loves to slide and swing and with the temperatures a bit cooler (well, they were 90 on this day), we were anxious to get out of the house!



After our fun at the park, I was rocking her to sleep and singing my favorite going-to-sleep song, "Jesus Loves Me." Cate looked up at me with her big eyes and said, "Mommy, does Jesus live in our hearts?" I said, "He does if we ask Him to, sweetie." "Oh," she said, "well, where does He live until then?"

Ah, my little one, even at just almost-three-years-old, you are asking the right questions. Jesus doesn't want to live anywhere except in our hearts. May you -- as your big kids before you -- grow in His wisdom, making the decision as soon as you can understand to let Him lead and guide you in everything you do. For that, sweet Cate, is the greatest blessing of them all.

Costumed cuties!

The Shrader's Annual Halloween Bash was this weekend -- oh, the costumes were adorable, the food all eaten (who knew 11 year olds ate so much more than the same kids at 10 last year?!), and the smiles of my foursome worth every single bit of the work!!



That's Mason in the center as Jedi Master Plo Koon from Star Wars!

And a curtsy from Claire dressed as Laura Ingalls in our little house in the desert (was that a book?)!

Football players, Dr. Seuss' Horton, cats, nerds, bats and retro-girls....the costumes covered every spectrum to be sure!!

And Benjamin as Han Solo with his best friend...hmm...not sure exactly WHAT he was...

Our little Cate would not be left out (or go to bed), she stayed right in the mix, and was passed from group to group! Dressed as Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl (she says the WHOLE name when asked!), she was the official mascot of the night!

My big kids have loved dressing up since they were little bitty. Trick or Treating never worked for us very well -- just not an accessible activity! And the kids weren't that into all the candy...but the costumes, man, that they love. So a few years ago, we decided to host a party for their friends -- a casual, chili-night where everyone could get dressed up and have a night of fun with silly games (involving lots of toilet paper!) and sugar-overloads. I know they will outgrow this silliness faster than I like. But can I just tell you, that I love watching them interact with their friends. Love that their friends show up asking about this game or that from the previous year -- as in "can we do that again?" -- even though I have stressed and racked my brain and Internet coming up with "new" ideas! Love that the food is devoured faster than we can blink. Love that the "Worm punch" I make (lime sherbet, ginger ale and lots and lots of gummy worms) always gets guzzled and giggled at! Love that by the end of the night, the punk rocker's pink wig is being worn by one of the boys, the black cat's tail is being twirled and the yodeling cowgirl can't stand up she is sooo tired!

Particularly after our week of Strep Throat and not-so-good x-rays, we needed to laugh. So today, I am counting the blessing of life's simple joys -- donning a costume and being as silly as we please for one night a year. I am thankful for children who no matter how serious the day was before, can still embrace the joy of life, and laugh their masks off!

On the roller-coaster...

The good news is that my foursome are definitely on the road to recovery -- and just in time for their annual costume party with their friends tonight!! (look for pictures in upcoming blogs!!) The hard news is that we had x-rays yesterday to evaluate the boys' hip development. It's something we watch closely -- the spasticity in their legs has caused some negative hip issues in the past. Not as much for Mason as Benjamin, but still it is important to monitor.

What you should know about me is that I prefer to live in denial. I prefer the not knowing and hoping everything is normal. Truly, it is the hardest part of Special Needs parenthood, that I have had to move beyond my normal state of denial and embrace knowledge...and through that face hard facts, periodically.

Yesterday was one of mixed answers. Yes, Benjamin has had some significant hip dysplasia. And yes, we will have to have a major hip surgery in the summer (followed by weeks of casting). BUT, his spine (which my darling husband assures me is a much more difficult surgery) looks fabulous! And so for that I will give thanks.

My dear Mason's hips look great. Not completely normal. But good. And so we are grateful. But his spine is showing signs of scoliosis -- a complete surprise. There is nothing needed today...but this will have to be closely monitored (read: x-rays that mean Mommy can't live in denial.).

I could not help but be reminded yesterday as we celebrated one set of hip x-rays, and worried about the other; celebrated one set of spine x-rays and worried about the other that is EXACTLY how these little stinkers did me in the NICU when they were all three so very tiny. We would have a day where one made great progress, one had a terrible setback and one held his/her own. And the next day it would be all mixed up with who was doing good, bad and holding steady!

So while we've been riding this roller-coaster for 11 years, can I tell you that the dips never cease to take my breath away. And so today, I am breathless, holding on tight to the promises of God to love my kiddos more than I ever could and to be their great healer. I am ever grateful for the blessing of mothering them and loving them....and yes, riding the roller-coaster with them!

Not feeling "goop"

The house is apparently contaminated. My disinfecting measures a clear failure. The fourth child fell to this awful thing known as Strep Throat yesterday. And all hope of keeping it from running through the family was lost!

The bright spot is our sweet Cate. She looks at me with her fever-swollen eyes and says in the sweetest voice, "Mommy, I don't feel goop." It is a soft "P" sound...she almost has the word right...but between me and you, I hope she thinks life is goop for a long long time!!

The not feeling goop all started with Mason and promptly attacked Cate. I didn't blame myself for that -- goodness, we all hug and kiss that little one and so who could stop the spread?! But still I cleaned, washed hands, and sprayed disinfectant! But then Claire succumbed on Sunday. And I sprayed more disinfectant and hoped beyond hope that Benjamin would stay healthy. (And okay, screamed a little that everyone should keep their hands to themselves...no touching, no hugging, no sharing spoons, cups, etc...that triplets apparently do without a second's hesitation!) But alas, the call came from the school nurse yesterday, "Benjamin has a fever." Ugh.

So, the good news is that Mason is back to school and smiling his smile, again! Cate is still a bit croupy-sounding, but seems to feel more goop this morning than she has all week! So, if I can just get Claire and Benjamin back to par...and keep Daddy from getting this....well, we'll almost be goop again!!

Blessings, ya'll!

Marshmallow Memories

Because I was receiving complaints that I hadn't posted pictures in a few posts (OK, just from my mother and kids...but they count!)...I have to share some ooey, gooey, sticky cuteness with you!

Temperatures in the desert have finally dropped out of the triple digits...and while I love anything that comes in triplicate (hee hee), I am rejoicing in cooler nights and the fun that brings! The big kids had such fun roasting marshmallows and eating s'mores at their school's Outdoor Ed that they wanted to share that with sweet Cate. She loves marshmallows (considers them a major food group!) but had never experienced the wonder that is a s'more. So, we lit our little backyard fireplace, unbent some wire coat-hangers (Hey! That's how we did it when I was a kid!) and had some serious fun!

It took Cate a minute to get the hang of it...she would roast, then eat the marshmallow right off the stick. Finally, she let me put one inside the cracker with the chocolate. Yummy. But apparently, she is a purist. After a couple bites of that, she put it down and went back to eating them straight off the stick!!

Won't you come join us? We have a few extra coat-hangers...and everything is more fun with some friends thrown in!

No real point...

I love to read the paper. Really. I used to write for one and even though I was the lone conservative in that particular sea, it was the best job I had before Mommy-hood! And today, even though I could strangle some reporters for slanting everything they write so desperately to the left that I have to lay down to read it...I still read the paper everyday. I clip articles for my kids. I clip articles for my husband (who promptly tells me he read it on the Internet two or three days prior). I laugh out loud at the lack of objectivity with which the election is covered (gee, I wonder who the media want to win this election?!). But read, I do.

So today, I have to share the best thing I have read in the paper in a week or so. Really. And if, like my husband, you read this on the Internet weeks ago...well, don't tell me. I enjoy being the news-bearer, for Pete's sake!!

Now are you ready: Apparently, the University of Illinois medical school has conducted a study on how to help people learn the proper method of administering CPR. According to this article, the American Heart Association recommends 100 chest compressions per minute to effectively help someone in cardiac arrest. This study found that singing the Bee Gees' 1977 hit song, Staying Alive, in your head while doing the compressions helps.

OK. Did you catch that? If you sing Staying Alive in your head -- or listen to it on your Ipod -- and compress to the beat, you can help someone....stay alive! (Sorry, but I had to say it.)

Now, I'm not sure what made them think of this -- that is a question I would have asked for sure! But this doctor and his students get kudos for realizing the importance of helping people become comfortable with knowing they are doing something to help -- and doing it correctly! And for finding a creative way to do that.

Staying alive, staying alive, ah, ah, ah, ah, staying a-liiiiiii-iiiii-ve!

From the van...

Some of our best moments happen in the van. No surprise to all you mommies out there -- that is where we spend the bulk of our existence (and yes, darling hubby, that is why there is food everywhere in there...we spend the bulk of our existence...and that means mealtimes, too!).

This morning, two of my big kids were headed to school, while one is home recovering (hopefully) from a nasty bug that has knocked him flat this week. As they said their good morning prayers, they were both diligent in praying for their brother, and my sweet daughter added a prayer for my health as well, as I have been up two nights caring for my sick one....she was just wrapping this heartfelt prayer when from the car seat you hear a mystified, completely indignant, "Uh, Claire, Mommy doesn't GET sick!" As in, why would you pray about such a thing when it never happens!

Ah, thank you, Lord, for the innocence of two (almost three) and for sweet kiddos who care for each other -- and their Mommy to boot; (almost always!) AND for keeping this Mommy healthy when necessary -- an absolute blessing!

On Your Hip

My baby will be three in a few weeks. She is growing up far too fast for my liking. And so, I tend to cherish each little thing she does in ways I wasn't wise enough perhaps to cherish with my trio (or maybe I was just so sleep-deprived from triplets...).

This morning she woke up a bit grumpy. Mommy and Daddy had to travel this weekend and she isn't quite sure she has forgiven me. So what is usually such a sweet time -- her waking moments -- was a bit rocky today. She fussed. She cried, even. And then she looked at me and said, "I do want to get up. And I want on your hip."

Such a Cate-thing. She likes to be independent -- don't doubt that. The little miss was out of her pajamas and sporting her favorite "Belle" sweatsuit from last year before I could blink today (You know, when those temps drop to 70, we all need a sweatsuit!). But when she wants to be held, she wants to be "on your hip, Mommy."

So today, as I made coffee with that little one situated firmly on my hip, and fixed breakfasts with her in the same place, I couldn't help but think how there are seasons where that needs to be my cry to my Heavenly Father -- and right now happens to be one. So, Lord, just nestle me right on your hip, protected in your arms, keep me and mine from harm and don't set me down until I am on your path, sweet Father.

And thank you, Lord, for the sweet blessings of little ones who teach us more than we ever imagine about you.

6th Grade looks a lot like camp...

The sixth graders at our school have been at Outdoor Ed -- a program in the piney woods of Arizona where they learn about all manner of outdoor wonders! Unfortunately for us, the camp was not as accessible as we needed it to be. So Claire went for the entire time, but the boys were only able to attend Tuesday -- with Mommy's help! (We arrived right after breakfast and stayed until those campers were headed to bed...goodness knows we didn't want to miss anything, although it meant a very late bedtime!)

Surrounded by an amazing fragrance of pine, lake and cooler temps, Mason and Benjamin tried their hands at fishing. Mason loved it and is eager to try again; but Benjamin found he much prefers laughing and talking to sitting quietly! (I don't know WHERE he came from!)

Tie-dying was a craft -- and a fun one at that. My trio had their own minds to be sure -- and it was a joy to watch them put their creativity to use.
Skit night was a hoot -- sixth graders are funny! My boys' skit is still making me chuckle -- and you know the drama team that is the Shrader Trio loved every minute of this particular activity!!
My kids by campfire-light -- what could be better! I must confess that I NEEDED to sing some praise songs to the Lord sitting around this fire with all these precious children. Oh, I was itching...

S'mores. Really. Could there be anything more delicious?!

And so we are home...smelling a bit worse for the wear, needing to do some serious sleeping, but smiling from ear-to-ear. Ah, the joys of being 11, of the smell of a good campfire, and of Godly friends stepping in to make things work and of course, the s'more. Blessings, in deed.

Prayer Request

Friends of our's from residency days are leaving shortly to serve as medical missionaries in Kenya. Thought you might want to check out their wonderful story of faith at http://dangalatkenya.blogspot.com/2008/10/project-medsend-detroit-lakes-mn.html and then add them to your prayer list! What an awesome God we serve!

Warning: This is by a proud Mommy!

Today was Student of the Month Day at school -- would you believe TWO Shraders were honored today?! It was almost a perfect day (sweet Mason was the first one honored last year...so I'm sure his day is coming this year as well!).


Benjamin was so excited about this honor. He has for years, graciously accepted that his friends -- those precious kids who help him throughout the day -- are honored as Students of the Month for their care of him. But this year, he has an amazing teacher that sees the wonder that is my Benjamin. Oh, he is 11. Rest assured we deal with the adolescent angst just like the rest of the 11-year-old populace. But can I just say how much I love this kid?! (Remember I warned you before you started reading!) Yesterday, he and I were having a conversation -- about some personal issues that I won't go into here -- and I was attempting to assure him that his aide can be helpful in these situations at school...and that she is a mom so she understands so much. He pulled his chair close to me, leaned his face over to my shoulder and said in a quiet voice, "But she's not MY Mommy." And my heart filled to bursting...in the job of motherhood, it is fairly easy to convince ourselves that we are replaceable. But my Benjamin told me otherwise, yesterday. And for that I am just so grateful.

But Benjamin wasn't the only Shrader honored today. My Claire was also recognized as Student of the Month today! She was honored in large part for the beautiful way she has jumped in and made herself available to help her brother. Only in the last couple of weeks has Benjamin received a "permanent" aide...he has had a temporary one since school began. The temp didn't know the ropes but Claire did. The staff pointed out to me the grace with which this daughter of mine would simply leave her place at lunch and go make certain Benjamin's needs were met. (Now, again, remember that she is 11 also...and possibly not always that accommodating at home...hmm...but Mommy is at home, and I am not at school so my heart sings that she steps in when necessary!).

As Claire received her award today, I was reminded of the first parent-teacher conference I attended for the trio. They were three and in preschool. Mrs. Cathy was a wonderful teacher and had great things to say about all three. But when she came to discussing Claire, she looked me in the eye and said, "We are having a problem with Claire not sharing." I was stunned. This child had been sharing since the womb for Pete's sake, what was this teacher saying?! Mrs. Cathy went on to explain that Claire would sit with her legs in a "V" in front of Benjamin and Mason and keep any toys the boys were playing with right there in the "safety" of her legs. She did not want any other children to take them from HER brothers. I told Mrs. Cathy in no uncertain terms that I was proud of my girl for protecting her brothers, and I would absolutely not reprimand her for such. So today, when she was honored for that particular trait, I stood and cheered!!

So these are my blessings today. I am thankful to be Mommy to these four -- and that is a capital Mommy, you understand.