The Blessing Counter

But she went from this...

2009-11-09T15:27:00.005-07:00

To this entirely too fast...

Today is Cate's 4th Birthday. F.O.U.R. I can not believe it. I feel like it was JUST yesterday that this sweet one joined our family.

Her Daddy says I prayed her here. He is probably right....about the time the triplets turned 18 months, I was ready for more. Eight years later, God gave us this little gift! Oh, we are all so thankful!!

She has this big guy -- her Uncle Lenny -- wrapped completely around her fingers! When she opened his gift yesterday and saw that it was EXACTLY what she had told him she wanted, she threw the gift down and threw her arms around "Uncle"!

This is the "gift" that Uncle Len gave -- a baby Ariel doll!

A family portrait with the birthday girl...it took more than one shot to get everyone's smiles...

See, this one has a higher percentage of smiles...but Pluto wasn't looking!

And my favorite shots of the day...our birthday girl with her cake...

And blowing out her candles!

Thank you God for the blessing that is this little girl, our Cate!

Don't be fooled by the cuteness...

2009-11-04T19:48:00.006-07:00

And she is cute....I'll give her that. But don't ask this little Tinker Bell to keep a secret....she just doesn't understand the meaning of that word.

Tonight, Cate and I went into Albertson's to order Birthday cakes (OK, it is a totally different post but my family and I have an addiction to bakery birthday cakes...we L.O.V.E. them!). We needed two -- one for Uncle Len's 30th birthday which is tomorrow and one for baby Cate's 4th birthday which we will celebrate Sunday.

Seriously, birthday cakes are a huge ritual for us -- our Daddy loved them and we loved them with him and so now we have to love them without him and we would never consider NOT having one -- but just to throw Len off, when we got back in the van, I said, "Len, they told me it was too late to get a cake by tomorrow so I couldn't order your's."

To which this adorable, very cute, hugely lovable baby looked at me and said, "Yes, we did, Mommy. Remember???!!!"

Honesty is a blessing. Right?!

On Mission

2009-11-01T22:27:00.003-07:00

My husband is in Honduras this week -- a week long Medical Mission Trip! He arrived this morning and the team immediately began seeing children. Surgeries begin tomorrow.

Can I tell you that I want to be with him so badly? See, I am a Garaywa girl -- Camp Garaywa is a camp for little girls in Mississippi that hosts missionaries each summer who speak to campers, interact with campers, and teach campers about their respective countries, work and calling. I went to Camp Garaywa for the first time in 1977 as a nine-year-old, then again in 1978. I returned as a counselor in 1987 and 1988. The missionaries instilled in this camper/counselor a love for missionaries and missions and a strong desire to take the good news of the gospel to any country that God deemed for me -- and if I got to wear a Sari all the better!

To date, God has sent me around THIS country but not abroad. I love the ministry God has given me -- the ministry of leading my little crew to the Kingdom -- but some days, I still dream of wrapping a Sari around myself and sharing Jesus with women in far-away lands.

So this week, I am thanking God for opening the door for Wade to use his gifts to help children who otherwise wouldn't have the surgeries he and his team will provide. And I am asking God to shine through him as he touches the lives of these little ones.

And I might be asking that one day, just one day....I get a chance to go with him. Oh, wouldn't that be such a blessing?

It is Friday...

2009-10-16T17:01:00.003-07:00

This has been one of those weeks -- it started with Monday...yeah, I know, most of them do. But this one, well, I just couldn't seem to get my head above the water. We worked through our lessons -- but school was, well, just school. There were no candle-making, bread-baking, a-ha moments this week. I may or may not have raised my voice once or twenty times. I may or may not have shed one or twenty tears after the fact. It was one of those weeks.

And then my girlfriend called. The one who has been in this home-schooling thing forever and is my role-model/source of all wisdom. She called and she told me how hard this time of year is. The new has worn off, the holidays are a long way away and every body has ants in their pants. She sent a link to a blog by Pioneer Woman where she discussed this exact same thing...THIS WEEK!

And so today, I celebrate Friday...and the blessing of friends who know just what to say when!! God did a great thing when he created girlfriends!!

Taking the good with the...not-so-good

2009-10-12T11:41:00.003-07:00

It is one of those days. The big kids had a couple of tests today -- two really tough ones. As their teacher, I could have opted not to give them both....but I really want them to be realistically prepared for the day when I'm not in charge. Whew, we are all exhausted.

The little redhead only had to do some finger-painting (which she loved) and work on the number "3" by coloring three foxes. Well....completely feeding off of her siblings she told me she just "couldn't" color them...because well, she apparently really doesn't like foxes. Oh. Who knew?

But then she brought the Panda that makes eating noises to me to say, "Mommy, this bear is antag'nizing me." I said, "What?" She said, "Antag'nizing." I said, "What?" She said, "Uh, Mommy, it is making me crazy with this noise, can you turn it off?!" Ah, antagonizing....who knew?

There is a blessing in here somewhere...but I may need a pedicure to figure it out!

Inspiration and Encouragment

2009-10-01T16:55:00.004-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a woman with three adorable two year olds. Busy did not even begin to describe her days as she kept the house running so that her Orthopedic Resident husband didn't have to worry; kept the kids washed, fed, loved; and came to terms with the fact that two of these precious little loves had Cerebral Palsy.

In this far away time, in a far away land (way way up north in the tundra), this woman had a dear friend who sensed the inner struggle and wanted to help. So when this dear friend read about a doctor in St. Louis who not only treats kids with Cerebral Palsy but also HAS Cerebral Palsy, she grabbed the entire magazine and promptly ran it over.

The doctor, Dr. Jan Brunstrum, was an inspiration. She overcame adversity in an age when very little attention was given to children with special needs. She was not cured of her Cerebral Palsy but rather she did amazing things (and continues to do amazing things) IN SPITE of her Cerebral Palsy. The article made the woman tearful, grateful, inspired and eager to cheer her beautiful boys to whatever amazing things were in their future!

Many years later, the woman is given an opportunity to meet the doctor. She cries through most of the encounter. And then a year later, she gets to spend more time with her -- and introduce her to the adorable three two-year-olds (who are now 12!) and one adorable 3-year-old (who is still 3!).

All the children were inspired and encouraged by meeting this doctor who had so inspired their Mommy 10 years before...but one especially identified with her and was reminded that he can do anything he sets his mind to do!! (Just exactly like the Mom had been saying all these years!)

Claire and Mason at the Family Forum

of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine.

Cate and Benjamin at the Family Forum of the AACPDM.

Dr. Jan Brunstrum and my two adorable boys!

The Shraders, Dr. Jan and her husband, Reuben.

And they all lived happily ever after -- now that is a blessing!

Days gone by...

2009-09-20T13:19:00.006-07:00

The Shraders are wrapping up a unit on Pioneers in our little one-room schoolhouse (OK, technically we have more than one-room....but we do most of our schoolwork in one!). For my Little House on the Prairie heart (and daughter who follows closely closely in those footsteps!), it has been a wonderfully fun way to kick off our school year! I think the boys have enjoyed it almost as much as the girls.

We started with a candle-making project that made us all smile. It was so much fun to see the candle come together from a block of wax that melted clear to a beautiful blue, vanilla smelling wonder! All at the hands of my crew!

Mason breaking the block of wax into manageable bits.

Pouring the candle.

From there we traveled to the grocery store -- in our van, much to Claire's dismay we do not own a covered wagon. Once at the store, the kids had to purchase groceries for our week that contained NO additives or preservatives. Needless to say, we came home with a lot of fresh produce!

They did however, make fresh peanut butter by grinding peanuts at our grocery store and picked up some fresh jams to try with that. It wasn't until we began fixing lunch that we realized if we wanted to try those delicacies, we would need to bake some bread! So that was our next project. I must say the fresh-baked bread was a hit with the whole household and it has been requested that we repeat that assignment....again....and again!

Benjamin was the master dough kneader!

Finally, we wrapped up our study with a field trip to the Pioneer Museum right here in Phoenix. It was hot....and of course the structure of the museum was a Pioneer Town, and there was lots of walking involved. But that just added to the reality of the difficulty of life for pioneers. Afterward, we had a lovely picnic lunch of homemade bread, peanut butter and jam! Yummy!!

Claire agrees with me that we are thankful NOT to have to wash our clothes using this wringer.

A cute deposit at the bank (as you can see from Cate's goldfish, everyone did not adhere to our preservative-free eating all week!)

Pioneer Spidey?

You can take the kids to the frontier....but water play will still be their favorite activity!

Oh, how happy are we to live in 2009 and a world with much better wheelchairs!

We have learned so much and I think we will all hate to see this unit come to an end. Hopefully, we have learned much about being resourceful and finding the blessing in living simply -- a lesson I pray won't be forgotten too soon!

My favorite part of the museum -- the little white church.

Pioneer Shraders!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Wade!!

2009-09-12T15:27:00.012-07:00

To celebrate my wonderful Wade turning 40....

These, my sweet husband, are just some of the things I love about you...

1. I'll start with the easy ones first...your eyelashes! (So thankful you passed those on to all four of our kiddos!)

2. Your dimples -- I love to see you smile!

3. The fact that you remember all the little details of our dates...even those that were 21 years ago!!

4. The way you plan our Disney trips to ensure everybody gets to do everything on their favorites list and then throw in surprises that we don't even know exist!

5. That you are my biggest fan -- from the days when I was job-hunting and you could write cover letters to make anyone give me an interview, to the belief in my Mommy-skills when we brought three tiny babies home at once and then eight years later added one more, to the support you give me in this home schooling adventure.

6. The drive and determination with which you do everything you do -- from your days of studying at MSU to Medical School, to being the best Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, I know!!

7. Your love for all things maroon -- and your unwavering loyalty to Mississippi State even though we've moved all around the country!

8. The Papa Bear you become when protecting Benjamin, Mason, Claire and Cate!

9. That people matter to you -- and you remember names of everyone you meet.

10. The fun we have together whether we are exploring the countryside of England or riding Splash Mountain!

11. That when I make Peanut Butter Milkshakes you act like I am a culinary genius.

12. The way you never meet a dog that doesn't love you -- even when owners say they are "fierce"!

13. That you treat my baby brother like he is YOUR baby brother.

14. That you believe all the woes in the world are solved when I rub your head.

15. That you seek God's face when making decisions for our family.

16. That you still remember all the plays from your years playing high school football...

17. And still hate that I never saw you play in person.

18. That you know I prefer a new book to flowers any day...and that is what you have always brought me when you bring a surprise!

19. That you recognize every song on the radio -- and know who sang it and usually when it came out!

20. The way you can call the penalty in every football game you watch before the commentators even realize a flag has been thrown.

21. The way you care for your patients and see your children in every child you treat.

22. That because your calling as a pedi orthopedic surgeon requires so many hours away from us...you refuse to participate in any hobbies that would require not being with us!

23. That I can't tell who is having more fun when you and the kids get off rides at Disneyland!

24. When you travel for work, you always spend some of the trip investigating whether this would be an accessible place for us to visit!

25. That you told me when the triplets were babies that you would be happy eating cereal for supper every night....because you didn't want to add any stress to my day.

26. That I know if I needed it, you would still be OK eating that! :)

27. Your fuzzy hair.

28. That you find information about all your kids' interests -- from comic books to American Girl dolls -- you know it all!

29. Your laugh -- especially when you are laughing out loud with some silly movie!

30. That no matter how many times you watch "Christmas Vacation" you laugh that laugh we love!

31. You are the smartest person I know.

32. That your heart was as affected by our mission trip to Mexico as mine...

33. And you have already scheduled our return next year!

34. Even though you weren't thrilled with the decision to purchase Pluto...you love him as much as anyone else in the family -- and he loves you the MOST!

35. That you do not take your cell phone or pager with us on vacations!!

36. That no matter how many times you have seen "The Fugitive", it still makes you have nightmares every time!

37. Your fear of snakes...

38. That you are FINALLY 40...and I'm not alone in this club!

39. That you are the best Daddy in the world!

40. And an absolute blessing as a husband!!

Happy Birthday, my wonderful Wade!

I love you so!

Carol

Back to School

2009-09-09T17:06:00.005-07:00

I promised my Benjamin in the hospital that we would not start school until after Labor Day. And I kept my promise. But man, I think we were all past ready! (Especially Baby Cate who kept telling me we HAD to start home school 'cause she needs to learn her numbers so she can call her Grammie on the phone!)

So yesterday was the day...and with two days under our belt...can I just say that...I need a nap.

But, I should also probably say that I love it. Love it. And the kids do, too! What a blessing to be together -- through the good, the bad and the math!!

A definite lack of hipness...

2009-09-01T20:03:00.003-07:00

I blog. I Facebook. I have a laptop. Sometimes, I even carry said laptop around -- well, technically before today I had only carried it from my kitchen desk to the kitchen table to the cuddle chair with my baby Cate (yea, the Facebook addiction gets that bad!)...but I had carried it around.

Today though. Well, today, I actually put it in a bag and carried it across town. I used it in my meetings (really, I know, I don't have meetings. But alas, today I did. Weird, right?), and then packed it back up to take to lunch -- I was after all going to be eating all alone, in a little cafe with WiFi...I thought it would be soooo hip to blog from there. Like. I. am. hip.

Computer unpacked. Salad delivered. I am all a tither.

And nothing. The laptop was dead and in my eagerness to be...um...did I say it?...hip...I didn't even consider bringing the power cord.

So alas. I feel the need to confess my utter lack of hipness, my friends. And if only I were blogging about my utter lack of hips....then I would have a blessing indeed!! If only...

Mason

2009-08-27T09:14:00.005-07:00

With so much attention focused on Benjamin for the last few weeks, it occurs to Wade and I that it might actually be harder to be the kid NOT having surgery.

This is one of my three that DID NOT have surgery four weeks ago -- Mason. And perhaps, the one that has been affected most by his brother's surgery because these two are inseparable -- talking each night until one falls asleep, and waking each morning to resume the conversation right away; they are fierce video-game competitors; challenge each other in their reading; and of course, team up against their (beloved!) triplet sister at will. He has missed all of that as Benjamin just wasn't his self for the first three weeks, and hasn't returned to their room yet as he needs a bigger bed right now.

So, this boy, this wonderful Mason, has moved on to an inflatable mattress in Uncle Lenny's room to sleep near Benjamin -- and to allow Mom to get a little sleep in her own bed (at least a couple nights a week -- B prefers me in there too!). So while this does give them some chatter time (which they enjoy), it also means that Mason gets very little sleep on the nights Mommy isn't there...because he is running back and forth to my room to get me each time Benjamin complains of pain.

So forgive me for bragging, but Mason has not complained once. He just does it and by so doing, takes care of not only his brother, but his Mommy as well!

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control..." (Galatians 5:22-23)

"Likewise every good tree bears good fruit...thus by their fruit you will recognize them." (Matthew 7:17a & 20)

Oh, Mason, the fruit we are seeing in your life is such a blessing -- not just to your family, but I know that God is rejoicing in heaven in the growth so evident in your young life! May you continue to grow in God and bear the fruit that growth will reap! I love you.

Morning by morning...

2009-08-25T12:47:00.004-07:00

We are definitely on the roller-coaster of recovery around here. There have been several moments where I think, "Wow, we are back to normal almost." And then there are moments where I am worried this may never end -- moments where my boy's pain makes him too restless to sleep, and extremely emotional. And sometimes, dear ones, we experience both emotions in the same day, same hour even.

Today, is a good day. Benjamin slept fairly well last night. He re-joined his brother and sister in going to Band this morning (sitting tall in his power chair) and then afterwards felt energetic enough to do a little shopping with his stash of surgery-monies (Such love he has felt with cards, calls and a little cash even!).

Now he is back in his knee-immobilizers, abductor pillow and reclining (non-power) chair....but he has a PlayStation controller in his hands and so, life is good!

Even in his most-emotional moments, he is an amazing kid. After a particularly restless night over the weekend (read: we were awake every 45 minutes as I tried to reposition him, or ease the discomfort in some way.), he looked at me and told me he was certain I am an angel...now, my friends, there is not much I wouldn't do for him anyway, but now that he has deemed me angelic...well, he can disturb my sleep any time!

But exhausted, weary of his pain, and anxious to have my family back to normal...I have had my moments this week. Faithfully, God brought this passage to mind:

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!" Lamentations 3: 22-23

So today, I am thankful for God's fresh mercies each day -- and for four children that never cease to amaze me!

Almost three weeks out...

2009-08-20T16:15:00.002-07:00

Benjamin had his post-surgical appointment today. As much as he loves Dr. Lee Segal, it wasn't all fun and games. The stitches had to be removed -- from all eight incisions -- and he had to have x-rays taken of his legs.

The good news: He was a trooper. There were some tears but I really think those were more related to his absolute exhaustion with this whole thing, then from pain.

The great news: His hips look great! They are healing beautifully and we can start trying to incorporate some of his normal activities tomorrow and in the coming days -- little by little!

Your prayers have been felt and we feel so blessed by your love and by God's faithful care. Thank you!

Trying to get a self-portrait of me and my strong boy...his little sister wanted in on the fun!

Just a reminder...

2009-08-17T15:13:00.002-07:00

That though life sometimes gives us rain -- whether it be a blessed son's surgery, or whatever your personal shower -- we should all put on our pink rain boots and dance, a sure-fire way to find the blessing hiding in the clouds!

Remembering to teach...

2009-08-14T09:09:00.005-07:00

I realized something this week and it was a hard lesson.

Sweet Cate wanted my attention. And she wanted it right then! I was in the middle of thanking a sweet friend who had brought dinner to us and looked at Cate and told her she was being naughty interrupting Mommy while I talked. My three-year-old was embarrassed, yelled at me that she couldn't talk about this right now and stormed to her room.

My friend giggled. But my heart had a moment -- I began to wonder if I had ever TAUGHT this three-year-old how to appropriately get Mommy's attention when I am talking to another grown-up. I know I taught her big kids. I remember working on that. Was it possible that I had completely neglected this with my angel baby?

Uh. Yea. It's not only possible, it's probable.

As the fourth child. Almost nine years younger. She gets the benefit of lots of adoration. Lots of attention. An eager audience for all of her performances. And a mommy who assumes she has taught her more than perhaps she actually has.

After my friend left, I went to see Cate -- still pouting in her room. I told her she had to learn the appropriate (Cate likes fancy words!) way to get Mommy's attention. So we went and got Uncle Lenny and began to act-out two grown-ups talking and what Cate should do. She loved our little drama! She had fun and giggled and thought it was all so much fun. And guess what? The rest of the week, she has remembered.

Oh, don't think she gets it right every time...but one glance from me (in mid-conversation) and she says, "Oh, I mean, excuse me, Mommy" and then waits for me to find a stopping point where I can give her my attention. (And one look from her and I remember that it is my job to reinforce her appropriate behavior by NOT making her wait indefinitely for a turn!)

Now, I'm left wondering what else I have assumed she knows. So if you're looking for me, I'll be poring over my parenting books, trying to ensure I've covered all the basics!

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

Oh, the blessing of Mommy hood!

P.S.
Benjamin continues to get stronger every day! He has been able to cut his daytime pain meds down to only Motrin! Please keep praying!!

Not back to school...

2009-08-11T16:24:00.002-07:00

School started yesterday in our neighborhood. Even when I came home from the gym (at too-early-thirty), the teenagers were standing at the curb waiting on the bus for the high school. I knew in houses all along our street first-day photos were being taken and backpacks loaded.

And for the first August ever...we were not among the ones getting lunches packed and children loaded. Our first full home school year won't kick off until after Labor Day (giving Benjamin some needed-healing time!) so I had some time to think about the day!

I couldn't ignore the fact that THIS year, I am not stressing about educating everyone who comes into contact with my boys; stressing about making sure all their needs are being met; stressing about the logistics of moving from room to room without Mason being trampled; just stressing period.

So, while I know stress will come as we begin work...do you mind if I relish the joy and excitement of starting our first year together at home?! I am so excited!! The curriculum makes me smile -- and I think we are going to have an outstanding year!!

Ah, and the blessing of a few more weeks of summer break...that one surely shouldn't be forgotten!!

Celebrating Benjamin as he recovers...getting everyone and a dog to look at the camera simultaneously...not so easy!

Ask and you will receive...

2009-08-09T15:42:00.004-07:00

There are things we will do when it is for our children that we would not do for anyone else in the world. Right? My kids can ask/require anything of me -- anything -- and if it is within my power, and in their best interests, I will do my best to accomplish it.

Lifting Benjamin in his leg splints and abductor pillow (picture legs spread out and unable to bend), with multiple incisions on each was daunting for me. Daunting is probably putting it mildly. I was scared to death the first time we got him up in the hospital. And fear and strength are complete opposites. Complete. I couldn't do it. I had to have help the first two times. I was furious with myself. And (did I say it already?) scared to death. Because I knew I had to be able to lift him. The third time was much better -- first of all, his epidural was gone, so I knew I wasn't hurting THAT, and I had prayed for stubborn strength. I picked up this boy I love so and gently put him in his wheelchair all by myself! I knew I could (I knew I could, I knew I could...)

Of course, Grammie (my mom) is the same way with her grands. So when Claire called and requested some White Lily flour, Grammie was determined to oblige! Now this request might seem strange to some -- but my girl loves to cook. She loves it. At her age, I was not interested in the kitchen at all. I think I was convinced that to be anything I wanted to be (the mantra for girls growing up in the 1970s.) meant I shouldn't be in the kitchen. Thank goodness for a new era -- an era where my daughters KNOW they can do anything they want to do BUT realize one of life's greatest gifts is getting to be wife and mommy.

OK, I digress. Claire loves to try new recipes. She reads cookbooks for pleasure. She adapts and changes and adds to recipes to try new things -- to amazing success! So when she read in one of her cookbooks that White Lily Flour is THE choice of southern cooks, she was determined to try it. However, we are living in the Southwest....not the SOUTH...and we have yet to find any White Lily Flour at any of our local stores. So what did this girl do? She called her Grams.

And Grammie...well, she packed two bags of White Lily Flour in her suitcase (between the boxes of grits...) and headed to the airport! I am certain that it takes a southern-speaking grandmother who also has grits packed in her suitcase to get away with carrying flour on an airplane. But she did it. And my girls could not have been any happier with a gift!

So, Claire (with Cate's help, of course) has made cookies, banana bread, lemon squares and some of the most amazing brownies you have ever tasted! I'm not sure how much longer this shipment of White Lily will last -- but we may have to diet afterward!

Girls cooking special treats for Benjamin's final meal before his surgery!

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will our Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Luke 7: 7-11

Aren't we blessed to have a Father even more willing to meet our needs than a mommy caring for her son, or a grandmother for her grandchildren? Thank you for asking our heavenly Father to make Benjamin's surgery and recovery go so smoothly! I know his daily improvement is a direct result of loved ones asking -- and a Father who answers!!

New normal

2009-08-07T18:59:00.002-07:00

Today was better than yesterday. Benjamin's pain has been kept at bay. Some of the medication definitely has more of a drowsy effect on him -- and so we are learning where in his day he should nap, and when he is eager to be with the family, playing video games, seeing visitors and seeming almost (almost) himself.

He looked at me tonight and told me I was right -- he is getting better every day. Praise the Lord!! Our road isn't short, but as long as he is pain free, I know we can handle the rest of the rehab.

Thank you for your continued prayers -- we are feeling the blessing of them in a mighty way!!

A matter of perspective

2009-08-06T15:09:00.003-07:00

Life is full of matters of perspective -- and if our sense of perspective gets distorted everything gets out of balance.

All the rooms in the hospital are doubles -- there just are not enough beds to meet the needs of all the kids in the Valley! (The new hospital will have ALL private rooms...that can't happen soon enough in my opinion, but I hope to never need one of them!) So, our side of the double room looked so small when Benjamin was first rolled in. Basically, we had room for his bed and a little chair beside him. No walking space at all. I wasn't sure how the rest of the family was going to visit.

So, you'll imagine my relief when the nurse came in and told us they were going to keep the other side empty for us. And even rolled the bed that was in there out and brought in a small sofa. We had room for the kids to visit their brother (very important as they were so worried!)!

We enjoyed that luxury on Saturday and Sunday morning....before the crisis hit and our beautiful boy was rushed down the hall to the intensive care unit. Now, my perspective was completely different and I could not even enjoy the large room with the sleeping sofa in the PICU because I knew that all that space was necessary for the team of people to get around Benjamin at a moment's notice in the event of another crisis. Suddenly, the smaller space seemed so much more desired.

After one utterly sleepless night in the PICU, and one where we both got a decent amount of rest, Benjamin was moved back to the regular rooms...and back to a double -- without the special treatment status of the whole thing to ourselves. Now, the only privacy we had was the curtain surrounding Benjamin's bed and my sleep chair. But I was thankful...that little space meant they were not expecting to need a lot of people around him. Praise the Lord.

Our perspective was further adjusted yesterday when we arrived home. I am so glad to see all my kids. So glad to be in our home. So glad to see my boy interact with his siblings.

But Mason thought Benjamin would be back to normal -- happy to see him and ready to talk and play. His perspective had to be altered -- thankfully today Mason seems to be enjoying just having him home.

And then Wade just called and asked how Benjamin was doing today...when I said, "Great!" he questioned me, "really?" And I had to explain that compared to yesterday when he was in so much pain, he IS great...and compared to Sunday, when he scared us all to death, he is absolutely FANTASTIC! I'll take it!

The bottom line -- life is going to constantly throw us curves, scares and even gifts that change our perspective of our life. But by keeping Jesus as our constant -- our measuring stick, the rod against we hold up all crises and blessings, we can discern what is true and certain!

Hebrews 12:2a reminds us "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..."

Only then can we see all life's blessings clearly!

And speaking of blessings...it doesn't take much to discern this is one...my boy enjoying his baby sister AT HOME!!

From the brown house on the left...

2009-08-05T17:00:00.004-07:00

We are HOME!!! Oh, I have my own computer, access to food, water, and beds. A real bed! (and other delicate unmentionables that this mommy sleeping in a chair beside her son had to hike down the hall for in the hospital!)

And best of all, my sweet boy is home. Free of all sundry of wires, tubes and monitors.

Thank you for your prayers. Thank you doesn't even come close to the gratitude we feel for your continued prayer cover.

While we are excited to be here -- we still have prayer needs. Benjamin will be on this road to recovery for a long time -- will you keep praying? We have a schedule for pain medication and hopefully that will keep it under control. But moving him is causing some discomfort and we need him to spend time out of bed for his continued lung improvement.

Now, I've re-read yesterday's blog and am wondering if ya'll think I was the one on pain medication? I have several excuses....first, I don't think very coherently without sleep and I've had very little sleep this week; second, my blogging efforts this week have been courtesy of Wade's work laptop and so only possible for the briefest of times and last night I was rushed (I certainly don't think clearly when I am rushed!)...so should I finish the story?!

I understand there has been lots of speculation about whether or not the REAL John Travolta called....and how that happened....

First, YES, it was really John Travolta (really!) The connection is complicated...Wade's partner, Dr. White recently met John through a mutual friend. Benjamin was questioning him about the meeting while waiting to go into surgery on Friday (Remember my movie-loving guy...and Hairspray was on the TV at the time!). So later in the weekend, when Dr. White spoke with his friend, he mentioned Benjamin and the friend arranged to make Benjamin's day with the surprise phone call!

Isn't that just cool?

Ya'll need to know though, that while the surprise celebrity encounter was so much fun, we also treasured our visits from dear friends here, cards, cookies and text messages! Benjamin especially loved reading the text messages!

Well, the three-year-old is needing some serious Mommy-time, Benjamin does too, and Claire and Mason are looking like they might like some as well. Ah, the blessing of being home.

From Room 139

2009-08-04T19:38:00.004-07:00

Praise the Lord, we are out of the Intensive Care Unit. (Although, honestly, I loved our night nurse up there and both Benjamin and I would have been content to stay there until we go home...guess that wasn't an option.)

Benjamin is oxygen-free tonight. He is however, also epidural-free so for the first time since surgery he can feel his legs...and that frankly, hurts.

Will you pray for him tonight as he gets acclimated to how his "new" legs, this soon post-surgery feel? Mommy has lifted him in and out of a wheelchair today to give him a walk around the hospital. He tolerated that...but couldn't really enjoy it because of the leg spasms and pain.

I have to share a funny story that he DID enjoy, however....

Yesterday, we were in our room in the PICU when the phone rang. Only Uncle Talley had called on the hosptial line before as everyone had used our cellphones, so I answered warily (knowing Talley was at work). I received a "Is Ben there?"

Well, again, I was wary about this...everyone who KNOWS Benjamin knows he does not like to be called "Ben." So, hesitantly, I said, "Yes." Only to receive this:

"Well, this is John Travolta and I was hoping to talk to him."

"Oh, well, sure, I think he'd love to talk to you."

And promptly handed the phone to Benjamin...who never once showed any sign of being star-struck...instead he began to ask amazingly astute questions of this mega-star. They had a lengthy conversation about upcoming movies, current projects and even future projects that Benjamin thinks he should consider.

And then I heard this:

"I have really enjoyed talking with you, Mr. Travolta. Thank you for calling me."

And my sweet boy smiled -- from pure enjoyment! (Again, if you know my boy, you know that he loves watching movies, talking about movies and planning future movies! This was a call he got excited about!)

And with that -- we are ready to go home! Benjamin feels mixed -- he wants to be home, but is also anxious to NOT repeat Sunday's episode. Prayerfully, tonight he will begin to feel more comfortable and relax and really be ready to go tomorrow.

Please continue to pray. We still have a long road to recovery -- and we know we couldn't do it without your prayers! Have I said thank you?! We are so grateful -- grateful for your prayers and your visits and your text messages!

Update...

2009-08-04T15:09:00.002-07:00

Carol send me a text message earlier: she said Benjamin was back in a private room and resting, after a busy morning. They also had a good night, the oxygen is off now and the epidural is out! Chest X-rays look better. Please Continue to pray!

From the Peds Intensive Care...

2009-08-03T10:24:00.003-07:00

Oh, I don't want to be here. Not because the ICU isn't beautiful (it is). Not because the nurses aren't amazing (they are!). Not even because there is a big glass wall with lots of people looking in (I like people). But because this means my sweet boy has taken a step back. A step I would not wish on anyone.

Saturday was about getting Benjamin's pain under control. And the doctors were able to do that with great success. Wade describes Saturday as an A+ day.

Saturday night went well at first...both Benjamin and I were able to sleep. Until 4 am, anyway.

At 4, the Respiratory Therapist came in -- see, the surgery was long, and Benjamin is a non-ambulator (he doesn't walk), so Respiratory gets involved to ensure he is keeping his lungs clear. He got very stressed during these exercises and ended up with an oxygen mask on his face blowing air to help him breathe easier. He finally went back to sleep around 6 am. Wade and I have discussed this over and over (and over) and really don't know why he got so agitated. My best guess is that the exercises were stirring up some congestion that he was then having a hard time coughing up.

Because we thought that incident was stress-related...we proceeded with the post-surgical plan for yesterday -- get him up and in a wheelchair, more breathing exercises and try to eat.

He kept getting agitated...saying he wasn't getting enough air. We kept assuring him the mask was blowing...and so the day went. Until about 3 p.m. yesterday when Benjamin was sleeping and all of a sudden his breathing changed and became extremely labored. His eyes flew open with the utmost panic and his oxygen levels began dropping.

We tried to calm him down, urging him to take deep breathes. Then Wade stepped out of the room. I immediately began to hear a page going out over all the loud speakers but really didn't make the connection until people began running into Benjamin's room.

The nurse had called a CAT TEAM alert....(Critical Assessment Team)...as the first two people came running in, Wade whispered to me, "It's a pre-code." I have walked this medical road with Wade from the beginning, so I know what "CODE" means....it isn't good. My heart began to panic, my legs to tremble and I just wanted to shout to everyone to get out. But then looking at my blue-lipped boy, I knew we needed them. Benjamin needed them.

Within minutes, they were giving him a breathing treatment to stabilize him, taking a chest x-ray and unplugging everything and starting to move...as we ran down the hall toward the PICU, I was too scared to even formulate prayers....but knew even then that scripture assures that in moments like that, the Holy Spirit will interpret our groans to the Father! I was counting on it.

Within minutes of getting to the PICU, the team had him breathing more comfortably with a nasal oxygen. It was evident to all around us that he had probably been starving for oxygen all day. For the first time, he was breathing easily and began to rest.

I won't say it was a restful night. Wade and I are shaken to our very core. We took turns napping on the little sofa in Benjamin's ICU room while the other one sat by watching him breathe. He has a new myriad of monitors....and though they scare me to death, I am very thankful for them.

His chest x-ray this morning looks better. But he still has a big hill to climb....still too much fluid there, and diminished breathing capacity.

He did, however, eat this morning for the first time. My good boy wanted a biscuit and Peaches! He is resting now and hopefully will for the better part of today.

We had hoped to be home today or tomorrow. That is obviously not going to happen. Will you pray that we get there Wednesday? My mother was scheduled to leave on Wed....will you pray we can make arrangements for her to stay longer?

And will you please continue lifting up this sweet boy -- they are decreasing his pain meds today. We DO need to start lowering those but don't want him "stressed" from pain when we need him breathing. Pray for wisdom for his entire team (so many people involved now that I can't even think of all their names. I am tired.)

Thank you, dear ones. We all felt better last night once we were able to send out some prayer alerts. Your faithfulness to pray for us is more than a blessing. Thank you.

Update!

2009-08-02T21:47:00.002-07:00

Hello Friends,

Tonight hasn't been the best night. Benjamin was placed back in the PICU. He is doing fine now. However, he had some breathing problems earlier. He is doing fine now and I received a text message from Carol saying that he was a sleep with oxygen and stable. She asked if you would continue praying.

If you would at this moment just say a prayer for Benjamin, Carol, Wade, and all the doctors and nurses that are overseeing Benjamin.

Benjamin Update.

2009-08-02T15:34:00.003-07:00

Hello Friends,

Benjamin was able to get some sleep last night. He did have some breathing problems. He seems better today. Also, today he will get into a wheelchair, so please pray for him.