Noticed

Everywhere we go with Ruby, we are "noticed". It is hard not to look at a beautiful, little, black girl in a hot pink wheel chair being pushed by a white lady.  People look; some stare.

When I am in my own comfortable environment I don't pay attention to this as much. People know our story so when I have her with me at Zeeland Christian (the school I teach at) or at church we don't get looks or stares. People are used to Ruby.

Not the case in Montreal. We have gotten a lot of funny looks yesterday and today.  Some people have even asked us about Ruby and our story.  I don't blame people; they aren't being rude, just curious.  Hey, I would look too if a white couple tube feed a black girl in the grocery store cafe...it's only natural.

Somedays I don't mind it at all.  In fact, somedays I feel proud to be pushing around my beautiful, smiley little girl with the super tight curls. On these days I feel confident and and at peace.

Other days, I hate being looked at. It is awkward and I feel like I have be gracious, even when I don't want to be.  Sometimes I don't have the energy to explain Ruby or smile back at people when their eyes linger on Ruby's chair.

Yet, God choose us. He picked me to be Ruby's Mom. He choose Mark to be Ruby's Dad. I am humbled and honored by that truth. He wants us to take care of her this side of heaven.

So, I pray I will have the grace to tell Ruby's story.  The story of how God scooped Ruby up and placed her in our arms. He trusts us to care for her this side of heaven and it is a privilege.

I will tell people that.

Even though it is not easy, it is a privilege.

God, give me the courage to share. May I ever seek Your words, Your grace and Your peace.

ABR Trip

We are off to ABR training in Montreal tomorrow. Tabatha and Charlie are excited about spending a couple of days with Grandpa and Grandma. I am excited to have quiet time in the car with Mark and Ruby.  Although it is therapy training and twelve hours in the car, it will be nice to be with my husband for a few days.

I always look forward to seeing how Ruby's body has changed since our last ABR training six months ago.  Although the progress is slow, her core is "normalizing" and we pray that this new strength will lead to more function.  ABR is the best therapy for Ruby and we are blessed to have found it a couple of years ago.

An update about our trip to come.....

Books, Books, Books

Books, books, books...we LOVE books.

Books are entertaining, they are calming, they help us bond with our children and they are free (as long as you bring them back in three weeks).  

Charlie won't sit still for most things, but he loves to cuddle during a good story.

Tabatha is exploring the world through pictures in books.

Ruby is calmed by familiar voices when we read to hear.

Mark has read more in the last three years then all the years before that combined :)

Books, books, books...we LOVE books.

First Day of School

Charlie started three school last month and I wanted to share a few photos...

The typical "first day of school" photos...

He LOVES the fireman costume in his classroom

He also likes the "Rescue Heroes"

One of his teachers, Mrs. Den Bleyker, painting his hands for a project. 

His other teacher is Mrs. Walters.

Charlie really enjoy school so far and I am excited to see how this experience shapes and molds him. We LOVE Zeeland Christian and are so glad he will grow in Christ at school.

Seeking God

Ahhh, a quiet moment! Charlie is at three school, Ruby is at school and Tabatha is napping. I am drinking coffee and reading, what a joy! It has been way to long since I did this. It is amazing how a peaceful hour can really turn my perspective around.

I woke up feeling drained. It has a been a long month with my children. Tabatha cut four molars and had a cold and ear infection, Ruby has a cold (which she doesn't handle well) and now Charlie has a sinus infection and double ear infection. Yuck! This all results in crabby kids, less sleep and more behavior problems. I have been feeling frustrated and crabby as a result.  Several times in this last month I have asked myself, "Am I losing control of my children?" "Do I have any idea what I am doing?"  Anyone else ever felt like this?

In church the past couple of weeks we have been encouraged to strive to have a more intimate, personal relationship with Christ. Our pastors have pushed us to see Jesus as a mentor, someone who is continually shaping us and directing our lives.

I have not spent enough time in God's word lately, but this morning I used the reading suggestions in our church bulletin and read Psalm 32.  Verse 7 and 8 really hit me. David describes God as His hiding place and then God says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you."

Why does it always take me so long to go to God when I am feeling tired? Why do I always try to do things on my own? God promises to protect me and "surround me with songs of deliverance"! He says He will counsel me and give me wisdom and strength.  I NEED his wisdom and strength. I CANNOT do this alone. Sorry, Father, for the times I try to push you out of the driver's seat.

I want God directing my life.

Abba, give me the feet to walk the path you have for me and humility to turn to you when I don't feel like I have the strength to take the next step.

Quiet time with God has a way of putting life into perspective; I need to do this more often.