Easter

Had a wonderful Easter weekend. Both sisters were able to come with their families. We decided to dress all the boys alike for pictures. Something that we have been planning for quite some time. It's rare to have everyone together in one place so we took advantage of it. I actually snapped several more pictures of all the cousins together. But, won't be able to post them all just yet. We're working on something special for someone. ;)There were several that turned out pretty cute. I thought it was so sweet to see Jorie surrounded by all the boys. :)

Family update!

Here is a little update on our family. We have been keeping very busy! Jorie is our little social butterfly and is involved in both Awana and Brownies this year. She LOVES school so much that she will actually choose school over almost anything. Even her cousin's birthday party! Her cousin from out of town had a birthday party today and Jorie had planned to attend with my parents and decided she didn't want to miss even one day of school to go to the party. Silly girl. She seems the happiest when she is with a friend. And this past weekend, attended two birthday parties of girls in her class at school. She is really becoming a little lady and growing up way too fast! I ask her to stop growing up so fast; but she won't listen!

Ryan is doing well. He is finishing up his freshman year in highschool! He is counting down the days until school is out for the summer. He has alot more freedom in the summer time. Freedom from school work, usually less illness and alot more ability to get outside to drive his chair around. During winter months, driving around outside is nearly impossible. Ryan's powerchair cannot get wet and will get stuck fairly easily in deep snow. Ryan's body also does not handle the cold weather very well. He is cooped up ALOT during the fall and winter months and summer is his favorite time of the year by far!! We are already planning a trip to Seattle to visit his best friend, Sam! And the two boys usually spend the 4th of July together. A fun tradition we started several years ago now.

Josh will turn 4 next month and is super busy! He goes from one activity to the next and keeps me busy all day long. We recently signed him up for preschool and he will start this fall. I think it will be good for him to be around kids his own age. He doesn't attend sunday school, currently. We haven't pushed the issue too much as we recently started attending a new church and anything new is very hard for Josh. He has a hard time adjusting to new surroundings and new situations. He seems to be much more reserved than his big sister is. So, hopefully preschool will bring him out of his shell a bit. And he will be attending the same school as big sister; so that helps.

As I posted below, Steve and I recently enjoyed a much needed weekend trip away. We had a great time seeing all of my grandparents and old friends. We will celebrate 10 years of marriage in just a few short days. It really doesn't seem possible that its already been 10 years! Wow. Time sure flies!

weekend trips & old friends

Every once in a while, Steve and I like to sneak away. Just the two of us (no kids!) I think we NEED that time alone together sometimes. And we usually make it a priority to get away once or twice a year. Sometimes, it's only for 2 nights and other times, it's 4. But, we try to get away when we can. Raising kids can get pretty hectic sometimes! When raising a child with special needs, getting away with your spouse can be even more rare as there aren't always very many people you can trust to care for your child. Steve and I have been so blessed in that my mom takes SUCH good care of Ryan for us so that we can get away. Steve's mom also helps out with our youngest, Josh. And Jorie usually goes along with Ryan to stay with my parents. We know our kids are always cared for as we would care for them and that makes getting away SO much nicer. We don't have to worry that our kids are okay! This trip has been extra special in that we got to visit 2 of my friends that I haven't seen in years! Kelli and I have known eachother since the age of 12 and try to get together every couple of years. But, its been nearly 4 since the last time I saw her. And Kristi and I haven't seen eachother in about 12 years!! It was so much fun seeing them both again. I have been so overwhelmed and busy with day to day life and especially, the needs of Ryan; that maintaining friendships has gotten difficult to say the least! Steve and I really enjoy getting away and this was a MUCH needed trip!!!

Happy Birthday Ryan!!

Tomorrow is Ryan's 15th birthday!!! He is my firstborn and will always hold that special place in my heart!!

I will never forget the day Ryan was born. I can still remember getting up from bed that morning and feeling my water break! Soon after that we headed to the hospital. After about 12 hours or so of labor, Ryan Andrew came into the world. He was 6 lbs and 13 ounces and so beautiful!! At the time, none of us, including doctors, knew that Ryan was affected by SMA. He was perfect in every way! He took to breastfeeding immediately and rarely fussed. He was always happy, always cheerful and was rarely sick! Being the first baby and first grandbaby, he was held ALOT! I can still remember wanting to hold him constantly! I knew that if I did not enjoy this time with him, it would be gone and I would never get that time back! I am so glad I enjoyed that time with him. I can even remember running errands and wanting to take him with me; despite others offering to watch him!

Ryan was diagnosed with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) at 11 months old. A degenerative muscle disease causing weakness throughout his body; including the muscles used to cough and breathe. He has never stood, walked or even crawled. But, he has continued on with the most amazing attitude. He is content with what he has and rarely focuses on what he cannot do. There are times, though they are few, that he will cry and tell us how he wishes he could do things for himself. Those are the times that it gets really rough. We don't always have the words to say to comfort him and sometimes all we can do is hold him and tell him we love him.

Ryan has many wonderful characteristics. One of which is his sense of humor. We all love laughing with Ryan. SMA might take away many abilities. But, not his ability to laugh and tell jokes. :) He is an amazing student and works hard, despite his physical struggles. He talked at a very young age. We beleive this was partially due to his physical disabilites. He was able to focus all of his energy on talking! We often joke about how he used to wake us up each morning by singing praise songs from his bed. This would let us know he was ready to get up!!

When shopping for his birthday recently, I realize again just how grown up he is now! :( It makes me sad that he is growing up so fast. But, also incredibley proud and happy that he has made it this far. Doctors told us he wouldn't make it past the age of 3. So, we have been blessed with 12 years past those predictions!! And we are grateful for each and every one of them with our boy! Happy Birthday Ryan! We love you!!

Cousin Elliott

We've had cousin Elliott staying with us here for the past week. The kids have had alot of fun having him here! Josh and Elliott are just 1 year apart and have alot in common. And Jorie, Josh and Elliott all slept together in the same bottom bunkbed each night. :) Funny enough, noone wants to sleep on the top bunk! They were so cute all cuddled together on the bottom bunk. Everyone but Steve is fighting a little cold. So, prayers are much appreciated for Ryan!

Brotherly love

Many mornings as he leaves for school, Ryan will ask Josh for a hug. I captured these two precious photos this morning right as Ryan's school bus pulled up to take him to school. Ryan has never really been able to give a hug unless we place his arms around our bodies. His arms are just too weak. But, he can certainly receive hugs!!!

Snow Day

Recently, we were hit with a ton of snow. And on this particular day, the sky cleared and it was a beautiful day to play outside in it! I helped Jorie and Josh build a snowman. Isn't he cute? And we enjoyed playing outside together. What a beautiful day!!