God's Glory in Creation

Jimmy was lying out in the field the other day. Glancing out the window I would have thought he'd dropped from a heart attack or stroke, but a slight squint of the eye revealed a camera in his hand. Now, that made sense and put my heart to rest.

Hard at work doing his favorite thing, he was busy capturing the beauty of nature up close and personal. A little click here and a quick snap there and soon he appeared with the most astounding proof that God is as intricate as He is powerful, for even a dandelion is nothing short of amazing.

(click on pictures to enlarge)

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.

Everything is uncovered and laid bare

before the eyes of Him to whom

we must give account."

Hebrews 4:13

Glory to you Lord for the beauty you bestow all around us each and every day. We praise you for your faithful love and abundant provision. You are the only true and living God. May we glorify your holy Name in all we do.

Take Flight

It was early morning and I was plugging along on the last 1/2 mile of my early morning run. The sidewalk's incline was slight but ever so tiring and all I could think about was the oasis that lie ahead, the refreshing bottle of water sitting on my door step. Like a sloshy stop watch, it's the last thing I touch before heading off and the first thing I pick up when I arrive back home. Just over the hill and one left turn, then I'd be home and done for the day.

I was tired on the last hill and a little slow as well, but steady nonetheless. I was going to finish no question about it. The sun was shining horizontal rays across my path and the birds were busy with their daily activities. One little Robin was so caught up in her early morning routine she hopped from the grass onto the sidewalk and began running in front of me. I don't think she saw me at first but once she landed on the pavement my presence began to haunt her. She ran like the wind in a wavy pattern and I couldn't take my eyes off her delicate little bird legs. How does she run so fast on those tiny little sticks?

She was about seven feet ahead of me and the thought crossed my mind she might "pass the baton" at any second. We kept pace with one another for a time, but the longer we ran together the more uncomfortable she became. I sensed her tension and couldn't help wonder why she didn't just up and fly away. Sure she was way smaller than me and I far stronger, but she had one thing I didn't have. Something that could whisk her off to safety in nothing flat...wings to fly far far way.

Little Miss Robin eventually gathered her wits and took flight. She was gone in a flash leaving me to pound the pavement that last 1/2 mile home. Our little jog together may have scared her a bit, but it got me thinking a lot. Sometimes I'm like my little fowl friend. I get to doing my own thing when suddenly the enemy is on my tail scaring me half to death. I pick up the pace but am no match for his skill and expertise. So I run and run and run, forgetting I have something he doesn't have...wings to fly away.

Paul describes eight different kinds of wings we can use to fly from the enemy when he's hot on our trail. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things." Philippians 4:8 He goes on to tell us, in verse 9, that when we set these wings in motion the peace of God will be with us. A far cry from running in terror.

God's word is full of great truth designed for our daily living. While the enemy wants to intimate and distract, the Lord is ready to protect, guide, and direct our every step. What great strength we gain in having a positive attitude and mind set on the things of God. Focusing on the truth of God's word effectively leaves our enemy in the dust, much like miss birdie left me on the hill.

If you feel chased by the enemy take flight. Meditate on all that is true, lovely, good, and praiseworthy. Then relax with the peace of God in your heart. If anyone asks where you get your peace, tell them from a birdie...Little Miss Robin.

What's Your Default?

I came to a conclusion this week. Our little dog Cocoa Bean's default is set on bad. Granted he's been a pistol since the day he was born, but this week sealed the deal.

I woke Thursday morning, let the dogs out, took a quick bath, and sat down to put on my make-up. But before propping myself in front of the mirror, I felt compelled to take a quick peek out the bedroom window to see what the dogs were doing. To my utter shock and dismay I saw Cocoa IN the garden Jimmy had just planted. The one with a wire fence around it.

Hollering Bean! into the inky dawn, I hustled to the kitchen to get him inside before more damage could be done. My shout woke Jimmy who got up just in time to witness the whole thing. I finished putting on my make-up on and headed out the door, sure the subject was closed.

Not long after arriving at work an email titled "Bean Almost Met His Maker" popped onto my computer screen. Seems Jimmy let him out again for a quick pit-stop and Cocoa took a bee-line straight for the garden and dug up a couple of pepper plants in less than 60 seconds flat. I couldn't believe what I was reading and that's when it hit me...Beanie Weinie's default is set on bad.

You and I have a default setting too and how we respond to trials and temptations determines what our setting is on. When Martha and Mary lost their brother Lazarus in John 11 for example, the first person they called was Jesus. They loved Him with all their hearts and knew He loved them in return. Even in their darkest hour they waited patiently for their Savior, the only one who could relieve their distress.

Have you ever stopped to think what your default setting is on? If not, think about about how you respond when times get tough? Do you become angry? Do you withdrawal? Go shopping? Place blame? Whatever your default is, if it isn't Christ seek to reset your system. I reset my heart each day through prayer and time in God's word, which keeps me balanced and focused on what is good and right. It's the only way to endure through trials and turn from temptations that can be so difficult to resist...like Mr. Beanie and the garden.

5K (Cholesterol) Update

It's final. I've committed to running my first 5K on May 1st and now I'm seriously training. I've consulted friends who know how to run (not just to the store) and begun implementing their advise into my life. Did you know the elderly need 50 grams of protein per day? Now, I'm not quite elderly just yet but I am facing that direction, so between running and gingerly aging I've started drinking protein drinks and focusing on food high in protein and it seems to be helping. I no longer crave sugar or carbs and seem to have enough energy to do my 3 miles. Furthermore, it might be my imagination, but weight lifting seems a little easier too. Who'd-a-thunk?

The good news is my run today went much better than two days ago. Granted Tuesday was a 80 humid degrees, I fought Cocoa Bean for a quarter of a mile and had to take him back home all to start over again, and today was beautiful dog-less 60 degrees, but it still felt like I'd made some progress. For instance on Tuesday I'd run and run and run and run all to look down and see it had only been a minute and a half! Jogging for 5 minutes was like running for an eternity as time seemed to stand still. Today, however, I ran 3 miles with 3 minutes walks in between each mile. I picked a route that had few hills and lots of shade, setting myself up for success rather than failure. As a result the dread I had before the run turned to joy seeing that little bit of improvement in just one week.

I'm finding another joy amidst the decision to run these 5Ks, others are joining me and as a result offering more help to some very good charities and causes. All of these 5Ks represent people in need and it's an honor to get in shape to make changes for the better.

Are you up to the challenge? If so check out:

Couch-to-5K Running Plan

Susan G Komen for the Cure (Breast Cancer Run)

"Kolesterol"

Well the cat's slowing but surely scratching its way out of the bag as I work on committing (as in still in the process because I can't believe I'm doing this) to run a 5K in May. For most people the "K" in 5K refers to distance. In my case it refers more to the "k" sound in cholesterol. While it's true I could lose a few pounds and yes I need to exercise more as a general rule, the real motive for getting off my keaster is this dog-on cholesterol.

Now, I've been exercising nearly all my life. I played basketball in high school (bad but played nonetheless) and when aerobics hit the scene in the 80's I hopped on the band wagon leg-warmers and all. Somewhere in my 40's though exercise began to creep down my list of priorities. Now I'm paying the price with a pesty cholesterol level...so I gotta get moving.

For me passion is driven by motive and cause, so I figured if I could run for a reason I'd kill two birds with one stone. The May 5K benefits a local family with three terminally ill children, a run in September is for breast cancer (which took my mother's life), and last but not least the Autism run will touch my heart most of all.

With all that said, if you're ever driving down the road and see a runner plugging along, think of me and pray for my 5K cholesterol. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I just had a cardioscan today which showed all my heart's arteries were clear as a bell. This tells me the two "mild inclines" I ran yesterday weren't as close to killing me as I thought they were.

Grand Simplicity

God has graciously granted one of my biggest wishes by giving Dani a fabulous teacher at her Day Hab who is also a wonderful Christian. Loretta is a spunky Italian who lives life fully each and every moment. Her deep brown eyes grab my attention every time she speaks and I can't help but smile watching her hands fly around with that good ole Italian gusto. She loves the Lord and loves our little Dani, which is why she invited us to her church last night to see her sing in a cantata.

We told Dani she'd see her teacher sing at another church and she was cautiously excited, not knowing exactly what to expect. We arrived and were immediately welcomed by those about to perform. Loretta's husband saw Dani and rushed to our side to say hello. He took us to Loretta who then escorted us to our seat and introduced us to the pastor. The church was much smaller than we are accustomed to, but as we settled in the small sanctuary waiting for the performance to begin, I began to feel something very special as tears began to overtake me. It was all I could do to keep my composure as I watched and waited. Beyond a shadow of a doubt the Holy Spirit was in our midst!

The singers dressed in black and white took the stage, as the younger helped the older and more fragile up the few carpet covered stairs. Some sat in chairs due to medical conditions, one lady gripped a cane, and they all held black binders which held their music. I caught myself praying for the elderly man with the black suspenders on the left side of the stage. Prior to the start he had shared that during rehearsal his blood sugar dropped so low he fell off his seat, scaring everyone half to death. He assured us he'd eaten well and that we could expect an emergency-free cantata.

The lights dimmed, the music started, and the Lord began to move. I couldn't get over how simple everything was, both the performance and the presentation, yet the Holy Spirit was stirring in my heart like a gargantuan wooden spoon in a big black kettle. I'd heard better singers before, I'd seen some of the most gifted actors in the past, and I'd sat before fancier scenery. But all that apparently doesn't matter when God is present because this humble group standing before me, medical conditions and all, was bringing me to my knees.

The event's purity was so gripping and refreshing I had tears in my eyes even today. It was truly grand simplicity at its very best and I walked away sensing the Lord had a good lesson for me to learn. Life can be so complicated but God is simple. Simple love. Simple grace. Simple forgiveness.

The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast

heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.

They took palm branches and went out to meet him,

shouting, “Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

"Blessed is the King of Israel!”

Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it,

as it is written,

“Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;

see, your king is coming,

seated on a donkey’s colt.”

John 12:12-15

Welcome Spring!

Today is the first day of spring! The sure sign warm weather, green grass, budding flowers, and days filled with golden sunshine are just around the corner and I can hardly wait. The weather certainly has a mind of its own, however. After all, the calendar states clear as a bell it’s spring, yet the forecast calls for rain mixed with snow. I could be upset but it wouldn’t be worth it. Spring is official and that’s all that counts.

The change from winter to spring is a fascinating thing. Warm months make their way back into our lives by a subtle inconspicuous tilt of the earth. Making its way above the equator, this mild adjustment of the sun sets this happy season in motion; something only a holy Creator could master with precision time and time again. Perhaps this is why spring is the sign of hope. It’s God’s handiwork and signal to man of true and lasting hope.

Spring also marks the celebration of another grand event, Easter, the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Just as the sun’s move north of the earth’s equator brings nature new life, so too does the remembrance of what Christ has done for us. With the same power used to create the world and all that is in it, He rolled away the stone to conquered sin and death. How awesome is God’s great power and love and what hope this brings to my heart. I hope it refreshes your soul too.

Maybe your day is a bit chilly and mixed with “rain and snow” too. If so, keep in mind where your true hope lies. Our King Jesus is slowly but surely making His way toward us. Each new day marches us one step closer to Him and soon He'll come to take us home. What a wonderful day that will be. I do declare that’s a change of season I look forward to!

Happy Spring!

Sunday March 21st. When all was said and done, according to our deck railing, we received a total of 9" of spring snow.

Closer than a Brother

When Cocoa Bean came into our lives we hadn't planned on having two dogs, but he grew on us like a little weed. Cute as a bug's ear, we just had to keep him after his mama birthed him and his eight brothers and sisters in our home. Once the decision was made to keep him I couldn't help but wonder what role God had for him in our family. The other night I got a glimpse.

Each evening when we put Dani to bed we say our prayers and always include her brother who lives out of town. She misses Drew but understands she can only see him every so often. The other night, after the amen, I look down to see Cocoa Bean standing on the foot of the bed waiting for something. It seemed a bit odd he wouldn't lay down, but I figured he was simply waiting to follow me out. I couldn't have been more wrong.

Turns out he had no intentions of leaving with me at all. He was in fact waiting for me to skedattle in order to take my place. Snuggling up close to Dani, he looked at me as if to say, "I thought you'd never leave." After a quick flash of the camera he got his wish and I left the two alone.

Beanie Weenie sleeps with Dani every night. Like a guard standing post he's with her as she drifts off to sleep and protects her through the dark midnight hours. Even though she rarely pets and by all accounts ignores him, he doesn't care. Somehow knowing she's different and in need of extra special attention, he's adopted her and accepted the job as her companion and friend. Now I see one of the gifts God has given us in our little Bean. A little brother who cares for our Dani with unconditional love.

It's good to know God loves us with an everlasting love as well. When life gets lonely and darkness threatens to swallow us whole, He is there to comfort and provide. He continues to love us even when we are unlovable and is faithful to remain by our side when we forget or choose to ignore Him. He is faithful to the end. Let us thank Him for abounding love.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles,

so that we can comfort those in any trouble

with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

86 Years

We celebrated my father's 86th birthday this week and topped it off with dinner at a place where he and mom used to frequent, Jumpin' Catfish. As we got out of the car Dani saw her grandpa pulling in with my brother and sister-in-law and took off. She's always happy to see her grandpa, take hold of his hand, and give him a big hug. This night was no exception.

At 86 years old we're grateful for the years God has blessed dad with. He's certainly a survivor having lived through hands-on combat in WWII and one of the biggest natural disasters to hit the midwest in 1957, the Ruskin Heights Tornado. This wicked twister abducted him from the family, leaving mom to search high and low for her husband. She eventually found him in an area hospital with a collapsed lung. A few good Samaritans discovered him injured in the rubble, loaded him onto a door they used as a make-shift gurney, and took him to the hospital. He not only lived to see another day, but another 53 years.

Dad tells me the invention that astounds him the most is the cell phone. The ability to make a phone call to and from anywhere using a little gadget from his pocket is nothing other than utterly amazing. I gotta say I'm with him on this one too. I love texting our son, Drew, throughout the day and not having to wait till he gets home to receive a call. Things have come a long way since dad was a kid and I came to a new realization of how blessed my generations has been as he told of life as a child in the summer of 1930.

His family, like all others, was poor. When it came to shoes they had money, but only for one pair and they were for winter. This meant they walked, ran, and played all summer in bare feet. He said during the dog-days of summer they always ran and never walked because the pavement was too hot to walk on. As he told this story around the dinner table a vivid picture of all my flip-flops, pool shoes, and sandals popped into my head. While I know how hot pavement can get in the summer, I haven't a clue what it's like to have no shoes to protect my feet.

God had blessed me with a strong and steady father. He never gives up and continues to persevere. Putting family first for all these years, he's been a wonderful example of what a Christian should be. Firm, fixed, and focused to the end. Thanks for showing me these godly principles dad and Happy Birthday!

Texting While Driving

Have you ever been tempted to text while driving? I know I can't drive and text at the same time but I have attempted to read an incoming note here or there and for me each are equally distracting.

Our son, Drew, works at a TV station that did a story on this and he was asked to be a guinea pig of sorts. Could he text or even read a text, while driving without compromising the attention needed to drive safely? The results were sobering to everyone, especially Drew.

(As you listen to the story note the voice of the officer sitting in the backseat and see if you think he sounds like Dr. Phil.)

I think I'll stick to praying while I drive. It's a whole lot safer.

Cranky Ole Man Winter

I've lived in Kansas City all my life so I hold a little clout when I say this has been one tough winter. Seems like we, along with many across the U.S., have been hit with one winter storm blast after another. Believe it or not we are amidst yet another. We started the week with...

Remnants from the last snow lingering out back.

Then some more snow blanketed the scene.

As I enter this blog it's freezing rain.

The tree limbs in the field

are weighty as they sway in the wind.

The dogs are working hard at waiting out the winter.

Modern hibernation you might say.

Cocoa Bean periodically hides his head from

cranky old man winter.

We have another cold week ahead but I know from experience Spring will indeed come when she's good and ready.

"There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven..."

Ecclesiastes 3:1

A Tough Day on Patrol

My sister works at a hospital where the security guards make rounds on two-wheeled Segways. When she told me about it I couldn't resist asking how it works if the guard has to use an elevator or "walk" down the hallway past patient rooms. "They just coast along on their Segway" she said.

We both wondered if this was truly the most efficient way to make rounds. For instance, how fast could the Segway go if the guard needed to chase someone and could it stop on a dime if a little child ran out of a patient room as the wheeled guard passed by? You have to wonder if this is truly efficient or simply lazy. Of course I don't know the answers and shouldn't judge, but the Segway scenario interred my mind again when I turned around from my computer the other day and saw the dogs "guarding" our house from the couch.


Could they be thinking about asking for a Segway to chase the Frisbee this summer?

A Princess Turn Queen

Dani's Adult Day Hab held their sweetheart dance last Friday. My husband Jimmy was the photographer so I came along for the ride. I was curious as a cat to see if our little angel would dance even one step. As much as she loves music I couldn't imagine her putting forth more energy than it takes to watch and smile at the proceedings. I didn't want to miss it for the world and I'm glad I didn't. It was oodles of fun.

With the sweetheart theme swirling in my mind, I dressed her in a beautifully delicate pink Easter-type dress, curled the ends of her long shiny hair, put on her lacy white socks and black patton leather shoes, and crowned her with a tiara atop her pretty little head. She was as beautiful as the day she was born, our little princess in pink, and who would have known she would return a queen!

The decorations were complete, the DJ was warming up, the photographer was set (and mighty cute I will say), and in came the crowd. One after another folks filed in until the room was jam packed full of people ready to party the afternoon away...and party they did. Whether in wheelchairs or holding walkers, everyone danced to the oldies, newies, and everything in between. There were songs I never heard in my life that others were singing and dancing to like it was the national anthem. I felt a bit dated till they played one of my old-time faves, the Bees Gees "Staying Alive." I couldn't resist boogying a little myself, and to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" as well. Not one person was left out. Everyone had a wonderful time and by the end of the afternoon my cheeks ached from smiling so much.

Then...it was time. Time to crown the king and queen of the sweetheart dance, to which we were pleasantly surprised to learn Dani was up for the running. Wow. Just the thought. Our little girl a queen? Sounded mighty nice and she was certainly dressed for the occasion. What great timing! But, would we get a good picture of her? She hates taking pictures and will surely cry when she has to stand before the crowd with cameras pointing in her direction. What in the world was she going to do?

When the nominees were called and had gone forward, the crowd voted via applause and what do you know Dani, her partner the king, and another couple tied. It was a wonderful time for everyone, especially one queen's mother and father. Jimmy took a few shots of her and to no one's surprise she is crying her eyes out. Beauty and fame is painful, so I hear.

King and Queen (left)

Dani and mom knocking hips

Becka and Dani (left)

A little pre-dance glide down the hall on the scooter with her teacher, Loretta.

Somehow they kept the dress clean.

Happy Valentine's Day!

His Valentine Until...

Jimmy and I believe there are lessons waiting to be taught in nearly any situation. Just give it a little thought and you'd be surprised at the different opportunities we have to teach our children, even when they are adults. With this in mind I told our son, Drew, years ago I was his Valentine until he had one of his own. As his mother I use these times of the year to teach and mentor him with regards to how to enjoy a healthy relationship with a woman so when he finds his own "one and only" he'll be the best husband, father, and leader of the home he can be.

As mothers to our sons, we are the first woman in their lives and this relationship, be it good or bad, carries a life-long impact. My goal has always been to have a healthy, strong, close, and happy relationship with Drew so he will desire the same when looking for his future wife. Part of what makes our relationship strong and healthy involves taking advantage of teaching opportunities along the way.

When Drew was a little boy Jimmy made a special point to help him remember my birthday and holidays, with the sole purpose he'd one day do the same for his wife. Now that he's older I've taken over the role of teaching him more directly. Like anyone there are times when he's failed to apologize, spoken without compassion, or acted in ways that I know would likely offend a woman. When this happens I lovingly draw it to his attention and work to teach him how to better handle himself.

As an example, not long ago something got his tail feathers in a twit. He didn't take it out on anyone but it was something that even he admitted was minor. So, before he left the house I gave him a big hug and gently whispered in his ear, "Honey, I want you to work on something." "What's that?" he asked. "Self-control. It's a fruit of the spirit that's vital in life because the world is full of glitches and obstacles. To be a godly man you must have self-control. Work on that for me from here on out will you?" He took it very well and I must say this fruit has indeed begun to flourish in him.

Life is full of opportunities to learn and in learning we are obligated to teach, especially our children. One thing I've learned now that Drew is an adult is that teaching did not end when he turned 18 years old. In many respects it began anew as he went out into the world as adult. Our job as parents of adult children is to obtain and maintain a healthy relationship with our children in order to teach in the adult setting. They will make mistakes but don't we all. In the end they'll do fine as long as they have loving parents that teach from afar and pray like the dickens for them every inch of the way!

By the way...are you dying to know what the dog on Drew's card is saying?

FRONT: "I have a confession to make."

INSIDE: "I've seen you naked."

BACKSIDE: "More than once too."

Thanks Hallmark! It's sure to give him a giggle.

Joy Comes in the Morning...it really does.

I love the motto that says, "If it ain't broke don't fix it." It couldn't be more true when it comes to blogs. After all, why rewrite an already perfectly worded blog? There'd be no point. That's why today I want to do something a little different. Since you're always hearing my perspective of caring for our special needs child, I thought you might want to hear my husband Jimmy's side for a change. Click the link below and see for yourself his and Dani's little adventure this morning.

You're a good man dear!

DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY

One Word

How many parents of 21 year old children are proud as peacocks their child wrote one word? For sure not many, but Jimmy and I are among the few because last Sunday Dani copied the Name above all names on the white board.

I'd just taken her to her new special needs class and as I spoke with the teachers the kids began to write and draw on the board. In order to give Dani a little guidance I wrote "Jesus" and a line underneath for her to copy the letters. Handing her the marker I turned back to talk with the teachers. I'd no sooner returned to the conversation when a little tap landed on my arm. She knew what she had written, for she knows His name, and was eager to show me her work.

Like a good mom I gave the board a quick glance, but instead of turning my attention back to the conversation with the teachers as I had intended, I gasped a gasp that shocked even me. Why...I sucked in so much air you'd have thought a poisonous snake was crawling up the wall. But instead of running, I stepped toward the source of my shock because there in front of my eyes was the most beautiful handwriting I'd ever seen. My little girl had written the name of her maker and it was simply beautiful.

I remember the days when I not only would have never placed Dani in a handicapped class, but been more ashamed than proud she could write only one word at 21 years of age. Those were the days when my pride was so devastated over having a disabled child that it took every ounce of energy to tend to damage control. I ate Twinkies continually to numb the pain and prayed without ceasing for God to heal her so I could survive. He never did grant my wish, yet somehow I managed to exist.

It's been a long road these past couple of decades but I've come a long way. I no longer gorge on little cakes to ease the pain and my eyes are less on me and more on our daughter. Little things like writing a word on the white board actually warm my heart and prompt me to thank God for the biggest little thing in the world. After all, if no one else notices her sparse accomplishments we know He does because nothing escapes His attention. He created her, He cares for her, and loves her just the way she is. So do I. Guess I'm finally becoming a little more like Him.

Winter Run

Ecclesiastes been so needy lately sticking to us like glue. Last night at 11:07 pm he was in my face for no good reason. Jimmy said he had just been outside to potty (Ecclesi not Jimmy) yet instead of heading off to bed he came in, put his wet nose in my face, and woke me from a fitful sleep (Ecclesi not Jimmy). If he weren't so cute I'd have popped him on his furry little noggin (of course I could never) when he then tried to get up on the bed in the middle of the night...and it wasn't even storming outside. He needed something but what could it be?

When morning came it dawned on us. The dogs have been stuck inside for days on end. Oh they get their car rides but that doesn't burn off their energy in the least. The 11 inches of snow have melted and now the yard and field is a muddy miry mucky of a mess. Even a gentle walk on the sparse grass calls for a bath. With this in mind Jimmy decided to give them a try on the treadmill and the results were great!

My baby Ecclesi smiled from ear to fury ear during his stationary trek.

Cocoa Bean took his turn and ran like he'd been a health club member all his life. The dogs are now resting as if they'd chased frisbees all day long. Now, maybe just maybe I won't be woke in the middle of the night by a big bored lab looking me point blank in the eye.

Our babies don't know it but they are dying for spring. Perhaps you are too!

For tips on running your dog on the treadmill visit Jimmy's website.

"Exceptional Family T.V."

I'm thrilled to be teaming up with Exceptional Family T.V. as they reach out to provide support and resources for families with disabled children. Shows begin airing online in May 2010 and I'm excited because this is just the thing Jimmy and I wish we had tucked under our belts 21 years ago as we launched on the toughest journey of our lives.

I can't help but wonder what it would have been like to have had even an inkling of what lie ahead. Maybe if I had been told what to expect I'd have been better prepared to handle watching my dreams shatter before my very eyes. Maybe a little knowledge of the inevitable would have not only softened the blow, but also prompted me to accept rather than fight the will of God. Only God knows for sure what a little support would have done, all I know is that even now tears stream down my cheeks as the tape of history rewinds to the early days of learning our child was both Autistic and deaf. No words can describe.

Dani's birth was like driving into a wall of dense fog. Once in it we were completely lost, yet there was nothing we could do but persevere through. I can't tell you how many times we've felt disoriented, discouraged, and exhausted on this journey, yet no matter the condition we could not give up or turn away. We are her parents and must continue to move forward trusting God is in control and has a plan that is good, even though its often cloaked in a fog.

I visited Exceptional Family T.V.'s discussion board today and read the current question, "What do you find to be most challenging as you raise a child with special needs?" Parents mentioned different things like the judgements and attitudes of others, and people either not seeing their child's disability or seeing nothing but their child's special need. Reading through the list I could relate to every single entry and my heart went out to each loving parent's challenge. Each comment touched me deeply because when it comes to parenting a disable child, I know one thing is true, "if it ain't one thing it's another." I suppose that's why when pondering my biggest hurdle it wasn't difficult to pinpoint it's that of giving my life as a living sacrifice. It's been a long and difficult road and it isn't near over. Why, just this morning I no sooner sat down for some quiet time all to look up and see Dani awake and alert staring at me ready to begin the day. I confess I was irritated but even in the frustration I was reminded that my call is clear and my job not yet complete. I must persevere and not give up, yet another thing I wish I'd known in the early years.

What is your calling? Maybe it's nothing you ever planned. If so, I can relate and encourage you to remember you are not alone. Many of us are in the same boat, it's just sometimes difficult to see one another amidst the fog. It's good to know that even a little support or the smallest word of encouragement can turn a life around. If you are a discouraged parent of a special needs child, visit Exceptional Family T.V. today and find the support you need. I'll be there too and look forward to seeing you there!

Snug as a Bug

"Did you turn on my side of the bed?"

"Not yet."

"Are you sure?"

"Pretty sure. Why?"

"Well...I went to turn the beds on and your side was on but mine wasn't."

"...that's weird."

I can't tell you how many times Jimmy and I have had this very conversation. Nearly every evening for the past month we've mildly interrogated one another trying to figure out why one side of the electric blanket will be on, leaving the other cold as a stone.

For quite some time I took the blame because I'm terminally forgetful and that's no exageration. It is not at all uncommon for me to walk into the bedroom on a cold winter's evening with full intent of turning on both sides of our electric blanket all to turn on one, get a thought, and walk out neglecting the other. It got to the point where after flipping on one dial I'd begin repeating to myself, "Now turn on the other side. Turn on the other side. Turn on the other side" until I'd complete the task. Then, I'd release my brain to flit to its topic of choice. Both sides of the bed were on and I could relax, or so I thought.

About a week ago things got really weird. I'd come home from work all to see that Jimmy's side of the bed was already on while mine remained untouched.

"Jimmy. Did you turn your bed on already?"

"No, It's too early."

"Well look...it's on!"

It didn't take a rocket scientist to see our old blanket was playing tricks on us and could no longer be trusted. (I once had a cellphone that made calls to my various contacts on its own accord and without my permission. It was immediately evicted from our family as well.) Since temperatures here in Kansas City have hit record lows we set out to find a new more competent and cooperative blanket. Without delay we found an ivory colored soft and snuggly one that taught us toot sweet we'd been missing out! While the old blanket barely warmed the bed after 2 hours, this fancy smancy thing warms in minutes, fooling even the manliest of men into thinking he's having hot flashes in the middle of the night. --- What a hoot!

Our new blanket it a modern marvel and we love it. Now we're snug as a bug in a rug and can drop the nocturnal interrogations. Sure hope you're toasty too!

Super Duper Ready for Bed

Last night at bedtime Jimmy let the dogs out to do their business while we commenced with our evening ritual of brushing teeth, turning off lights, and shutting down the computer and T.V. After finishing with Dani's teeth (thanks dear) Jimmy paused to let the dogs back in. Now mind you, the midwest is suffering a severe whipping by the most frigid cold snap we've seen in years. Snow is piled several feet high at every turn and the mercury has long since drained out the bottom of our thermometers, which no doubt explains why Cocoa Bean beat everyone to bed last night.

Like a fully fueled rocket fresh off the launch pad, he shot in the back door through the house and disappeared leaving only a faint tinkling sound of dog tags lingering in the air. His quick disappearance peaked my curiosity so much I stopped what I was doing to see if my suspicions were true. Now, if I was a bettin' girl I'd have placed a hefty bet on his whereabouts, I'd have won, and been set for life, because sure as shootin' there he sat perched atop the warmest spot of the house...our bed.

Peering at us as if we were tardy to the biggest event in town, he put me in mind of an avid theater buff proudly claiming the first seat of a sold-out movie premiere. All he needed was a heaping bag of popcorn, some Jujubes, and a large soda pop. He was so dog-on cute I quickly grabbed my camera to capture the warmest moment this cold midwest has to offer.

Needless to say he slept warm and snug with us till sunrise. Now, if I were a bettin' girl I'd bet I know what's gonna happen tonight as well.