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April 18, 2011

It WAS a Barn Burner

** title comes from one of Kevin's sayings that often perplexed friends of the kids.... as he would say that a particular movie that he recently saw "wasn't a barnburner" meaning is wasn't great. We would question..... where does that saying come from? why is barnburning a good thing? to which we never knew the reason........... before now. :)

What a special day! Nevin had the opportunity to be a fireman. He was SO excited he couldn't stand himself !! We were invited to a "barn burning". In some ways it was actually kind of sad as we watched a piece of history go up in flames, but from Nevin's standpoint it was an incredibly exciting day. There was much anticipation as several local volunteer fire departments arrived.
Nevin and his dad walked around, excitedly checking out the "cool" equipment, while I admired the "history" and the beauty of the barn with my camera.



As I returned to the group, I found Nevin with the firemen, proclaiming himself the "chief" since he had been gifted the opportunity to wear the Chief's helmet. It always amazes me the intricacy of God's plan as he gifted the world with Down syndrome. It pulls grace from within each of us........ from the chief as he allowed Nevin to don his helmet. Then from that grace, we are blessed by the chance to view pure unabashed joy returned.

Next, the fire began. Within minutes the power and heat of the flames caused us to retreat to the field behind the barn.


Nevin belly laughed as the firemen decided that they would use the fire background for a group photo, but the heat caused them to flee before a "proper" group photo could be taken.
Nevin watched closely as the firefighters began their work of keeping the surrounding areas safe, hosing down the cement foundation around the barn and surrounding buildings.


And then................

again, a hand extended ..............

a gesture the giver could hardly anticipate the extent .................

to which boundless joy would be revealed................



"Standing Together"
(the above picture brings tears to my eyes)



And I dare anyone standing nearby.............. to not feel their heart smile as Nevin completed his duties and began whooping and squealing with all the pent-up energy.






Thank you Lord, for blessing our family with an extra chromosome. Thank you for giving us daily reminders (via Nevin's Down syndrome) of how to enjoy each moment of this life you've given us.

April 11, 2011

Crafty? not so much :)

So, if you've been around me lately, you know that I've been working on some "ideas" to raise some money for Reece's Rainbow. I have big plans :) but maybe after you see my first attempt you may suggest abandoning ship.

I've been thinking that Nevin and I will start a "table" of some simple, low-cost jewelry type things that we could sell at garage sales...... and if we can find some willing hosts, maybe follow some of the neighborhood sales.

I have figured out a few things today.
*that online tutorials give you the false impression that it's easy
*that cheap tools are worth the money saved..... NOT!!
*that there is much thought that goes into the "prototype", especially if being crafty doesn't come naturally!
*that I hate being a beginner! I'd really rather be good at it without having to practice. :)
*that even though the "first" isn't exactly perfect..... it is rather endearing. LOL

Notice any "problems" with my first attempt?


April 8, 2011

Turning Blue... very scary!

So, I've been "slightly" concerned the last couple of days...... especially after Nevin's recent issues with his "heart pounding"/chest pain and the monitor, etc., because I noticed that his hands were kind of blue....... but no other signs.... so note to self to keep an eye on him. Then later, hands AND feet are blueish. :( but he's adamantly rebuffing my concern..... and off he trotted (literally trotted) down the stairs, with a couple of high karate-style kicks as he swung around the banister at the bottom of the stairs. Sooo, he seems to be doing ok? what's a mom to do? run to the doctor? My fear is that the last time he complained about his heart pounding and hurting, I took him to the doctor and he ended up with a heart monitor on for two days........ which compared to my concerns was no big deal. NOT SO for mister "no-tags in my shirt" Nevin.... oh my, if looks could kill...... I'd of been pronounced dead when I broke the news he would be wearing the monitor to bed!! I watched as the horror on his face slowly changed to resolve (i.e. "I am NEVER telling mom my heart has a pain again!!)". Really, I'm not sure he'll complain about it next time. So I just kept non-chalantly walking through, "hey, Nev.... how ya doing?" THEN, i stopped..... ok, that's it!! now he's looking a little blue around his mouth.......... NO MORE rebuffing my concern........ we are getting to the bottom of this!! So amidst complaints that his movie was almost over, I turn the overhead lights on and have him stand up...... where the light is better.
Hmm...... I know I'm supposed to feel his hands, squeeze his fingertips..... check for "cap refill", but it doesn't seem like they're blanching like they should. Look at his face, his eyes, ...... looks ok. Then ever so slowly....... slowly, it is starting to make sense.
I look down to where he was sitting, yup....... a dark blue cast is all around beige carpet in front of the TV where he was sitting.
I'm now regretting my decision to let him wear his new blue jeans before I wash them, but I am oh, so relieved that is all that it is. Thank you, Jesus!

Oh, and also......... we are very, very excited that we have tickets to go see this group in September at the Gallagher Bluedorn Theatre in Cedar Falls!! seems appropriate today doesn't it? :)



April 1, 2011

Did you hear? The Judge said Yes!!




Evan is now part of the Hook Family!! This is the same judge that denied Kirill his family. So now, our prayer is that she will reverse her ruling. The Davis family has appealed to the Supreme Court, which won't likely hear the case until mid-April...... but there is a chance the the judge can reverse her ruling before it gets there. PRAY!!