Lovin' the 80's, Lovin' the Little Tree

Do you remember the 80's?  As I write this, I realize that some readers weren't even born yet which makes me feel pretty old. I loved a lot about the 80's. The music, the tacky fashion ( minus the shoulder pads - yuck!), the big hair(love that Aqua Net), the family sitcoms.  I listened to big hair bands like Bon Jovi, Def Lepard, and Poison.  I loved Hart and Chicago too. Oh, and Bryan Adams, Tears for Fears, and Duran Duran too.  The list could go on. Thank goodness for Pandora.

Did you watch The Cosby Show or Growing Pains? Or maybe Full House or ALF?  Maybe you liked movies like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles.  Personally, I had a crush on Kirk Cameron from Growing Pains.  Yes, I did.  I admit it.  If you were a teen girl in the 80's, you can admit it too.  Come on. You know you did!

Earlier this month, I had a chance to visit the 80's once again.  "A Night at the Ezell House" was a 80's themed fundraiser for the Learning Tree and it's programs which includes Woody's Song and The Little Tree preschool (Luke's school).  It was held in a beautiful historic home in downtown Mobile.  There was some delicious food provided by Wintzell's Oyster House, Spot of Tea, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Pollman's Bakery and Twist Cupcakes to name a few.  There were over 50 silent auction items in all price ranges, including a stay at the Grand Hotel, tickets to see the Mobile Baybears and gift cards to fine restaurants,  which made everyone happy. On the courtyard,  The Wes Loper Band played and did a great job.  They aren't known for being an 80's cover band but they belted out the hits.  They had everyone singing and having a good time.  I am a fan!  The night was a success!  We raised $8500 !

The cool thing about it though wasn't the food or the music, even though they were great.  It was the fact that parents came together and worked very hard toward the common goal of helping our kids. ( And we had a great time too!) We see the impact that these programs are having on the lives of our children and our families and we know that we simply must help because that is just what we are supposed to do.  Really, we have to help. Not because we are forced to but because we are compelled to help. We want to help. That's what you do for your kids, right?   I have joked that "fundraiser" is my new middle name because it seems to be all I do these days.  But that's ok. It's for my son and his friends. They need it. Their school needs it. Why wouldn't I work hard to help them?   It's for their present and their future.

I have put away the neon accessories, at least for now.  But I look forward to the event next year. If you couldn't be there, then you missed out!  Mark your calendars for April 5, 2013 at the Ezell House . Come join us! We will do it again and it will be a blast! And thank you for your prayers and financial gifts to help Luke's school.  I have been completely overwhelmed by your generosity, your support and your love. Thanks  again!

Hello April!

Well, it's finally here! A month of blue lights, blue hair extensions, fundraising events, walks and runs all in an effort to increase awareness of autism. April is designated as Autism Awareness month but now, I am aware of it every day.

Two years ago, I wasn't aware of autism. I mean, I knew the term and knew that I didn't want my child to ever have "something like that" but I didn't really know about it. I didn't know anyone who had a child with autism. It's really amazing how much you can learn in a year and a half and still be perplexed that this disorder continues to be mysterious on so many levels. But now that my child has "something like that," I am learning as much as I can about how to best help him. I have to be seen and heard for his sake so, for those that know me well, that means getting out of my comfort zone. Not easy for me, but necessary for him.

My husband and I desire, besides providing Luke the best possible care and therapy that we possibly can, to educate our little corner of the world about autism. I hope we have done that, even if just a little. We don't know or understand it all, but we do know firsthand what it is like to deal with it on a daily basis. A saying somewhat common in the autism community is "once you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." That statement is so true. If every parent of a child with autism blogged about their child and their challenges, every blog would be so unique, just because the challenges are so varied in each case. Again, I didn't know that a couple of years ago. My exposure to autism was "Rain man." Unfortunately, that is also the only exposure many people have had to autism. Not all of our kids are geniuses. But some are. Not all of our kids have behavioral issues. But some do. Not all of our kids are nonverbal. But some are. Not all of our kids are mentally retarded. But some are. Not all of our kids are savants. Yes, some are. The stereotypes could go on. The spectrum is so much bigger than I ever imagined. I want people to know that.

Now, more than ever, awareness is key. I guess at one time the saying "ignorance is bliss" applied to me. It didn't seem that important - until it hit home. Knowledge really is power. The power to speak up and bring about change for our kids, our future. With that knowledge comes responsibility. The responsibility to be seen and heard when it matters. The responsibility to seek out the best treatments for our kids. The responsibility to educate others because ignorance really isn't bliss. This past week, the CDC released the latest findings regarding the incidence of autism and the numbers are jaw-dropping. One in 88 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and the number for boys is even more alarming at 1 in 54. Based on this, the chances of you knowing or having a child in your life affected by autism are high. And please don't forget, these numbers represent real people. They are not just statistics. They are sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, grandchildren, loved ones. So, get educated. Know the signs. Get the facts. Be aware. It doesn't just go away because we don't know all about it. Turning our heads away doesn't work.

So, would you like to know what to do? There are many simple things you can do to help increase awareness.
* Go to my blog and check out the "signs of autism" tab. Or, just google autism. (Remember, knowledge is power!).
* If you are in Alabama or in another state looking at autism insurance reform, call you legislators and urge them to support this because it is much needed to get our kids the therapies and treatments they need covered by insurance companies.
* In Alabama, go to your DMV and buy a commit to purchase autism tag before November. It costs $50 with $ 41.20 going to the Autism Society of Alabama. (They have to have 1000 commitments before the tag goes into production.)
* April 2 is World Autism Awareness day and many famous buildings will be "lighting it up blue" to recognize it. So, you too can light it up blue! Buy a blue light bulb. There are blue bulbs at Home Depot for $1.99 specially marked with Autism Speaks. (Ours is already lit up outside our front door to welcome April.)
* For the ladies and some brave fellas, get a blue hair extension. When people notice your extension, it gives you a chance to increase awareness wherever you go. Check with salons in your area. In Mobile, Bombshell Salon is offering them for $12 and the proceeds benefit The Learning Tree and it's programs, which includes The Little Tree (Luke's school). I will be sporting one soon!

April is a very busy month for our family. Autism is always with me and my family though, no matter the month. Luke is an incredible little boy and he is surrounded by love. God is teaching us so much through Luke. We have been blessed with so much love, encouragement and support and we are thankful for it. If in any way, you have learned anything about autism from my blog or other sources, then please pass that knowledge along. It can only help our kids who deserve to be given the opportunity to thrive and it offers them the best chance at a purposeful, productive future. People need to know!

Thank you!

Play Ball!

This past Saturday was a day that I both looked forward to and dreaded at the same time. It was Jamboree Day at Mim's Park. The opening day of ball season. It was a very beautiful but very long day. It was also a much anticipated day at our house. This year, not one, but both boys are playing t-ball. This is big. Nathan played last year and had a good time. Even with just one child playing, Jamboree Day is long. But now, Luke is playing too. This is new for us. This is big. Our child with autism is playing t-ball with typical kids. So Jamboree Day is even longer this year and full of all sorts of uncertainties. How will Luke handle all of this? How will we handle this? Will he make it through the game or will it just be too much for him? I don't know, I don't know, and I don't know. Am I nervous? Is this scary? Am I afraid? Yes, yes, and yes. Goal of the day: try to have fun... and survive.

Our day started early: 7:15 a.m. Luke's team had pictures made first thing that morning which was a good thing considering that his team, the Yankees, are in white pants. It may be the only time we have a picture with his pants so white! Then opening ceremonies began at 8:00 a.m. All the teams were called out on the field, the national anthem was sang, then "play ball!" was announced on the speaker. Well, so far so good.

Luke's game started at 9:15 a.m. He was excited, I think. Sometimes it is hard to tell. He went out on the field with Roger. Great thing about the 4 year old league is that parents are welcome on the field (and needed) to help instruct the little ones as each hitter comes to the plate. Luke mostly stood there with Roger and watched as his team mates tackled each other to get the ball and by then, the runner had long since made it to first base. He was more of an observer but that was ok for me. He was out there and he wasn't crying. When it was his team's turn to bat, he waited patiently for his turn, then went out there, and with instruction from Coach Shawn, he hit the ball! It was a pretty good hit too! He ran with a smile on his face to first base. He eventually made it all the way around the bases. Success! It was great to see him participate! He looked so happy. Then, he had to go back on the field. He was growing tired and I could see Roger was having to work more with him to try to get him to stay on the field. By then, it was almost 10:00 a.m. and the activities of the morning were wearing on him. He made it to the dugout with his team but by the time it was his turn to bat, he had basically had enough. He cried and cried. He kept saying "pee-sa" over and over. I couldn't figure it out then I looked outside the fence and saw Nathan drinking a Capri-Sun and realized Luke wanted one too. I tried to bribe him to go bat while I got his drink but it was no use. He was too upset and tired to continue. He finished the game sitting in the shade, watching his team, and drinking a Capri-Sun.

Next, I hurried off to fulfill my one hour obligatory concession stand duty then back to the field for Nathan's team pictures at 11:15. Luke was happy playing with Gran and eating snacks so attending to Nathan's team schedule went a little more smoothly. We had a short break which meant grabbing a quick lunch then back to the field by 1:30 for Nathan's game. Nathan did great and his team looked great. It was neat to see the progress he has made since last year. He had a good time and his team "unoffically" won - since Jamboree games don't count on the schedule. We were almost finished with the big day. Nathan told me how tired he was after the game. "Yes! We can go home and rest!" or so I thought. He reminded me that he still had one more thing to do that day: go to his good friend's birthday party. I should have previously added that Nathan had been sick most of the week prior to Jamboree and woke up at 5:00 a.m. that morning crying with an ear ache. I thought for sure we were done. Everyone was tired. But, we had just one more thing.

We went home long enough to change clothes and then headed out again for the party. Nathan had a great time with his friends and I am so glad we went. It did not matter that I was ready to fall out on the floor at Pump It Up. I had a chance to sit for a while and visit with friends while my big boy had fun with his friends. It was nice. So the day is over, right? Almost. We got home, got the boys cleaned up and into bed. Then, I headed back out to borrow some ear drops from my sweet friend just in case an overnight earache came back to haunt us. She saved me a trip to an urgent care clinic and 24 hour pharmacy. (Thanks Hope!). Then I crashed into bed. Ahhhhh....

We made it through the day. It was a long day filled with new memories and new possibilities. Luke is playing t-ball and making new friends. Nathan is playing t-ball even better than last year and he is making new friends too. Roger and I are once again out of our comfort zone and we are learning more about life and ourselves through the simple (or not so simple) game of t-ball. Maybe we will make some new friends too. Here's to a new season!

A Perfect Fit

So, it has been a while since I have been on here. I have a feeling all of my upcoming posts could begin with that sentence. It has been so busy in our household lately, just like everyone else I guess. Some exciting things are happening....

A couple of weeks ago, we loaded up in the car and headed over to Mim's Park to sign Nathan up for his second year of t-ball. He is excited and we are too. He has made such progress since last year. I think he will really enjoy it more this year too. When we arrived at the park and went in to the park office, there was a lot of hustle and bustle with parents signing their kids up for ball. There were team jerseys hanging up all around and as soon as Luke saw them, he was so excited. He started pointing to them and talking. I told the woman at the desk that we were there to sign Nathan up for ball. Luke spoke up and said "Lu pay too." He thought we were there to sign him up as well. We had talked about it. There is a Challenger league at another park that is for kids with disabilities but we thought it might be better to wait another year before pursuing this with Luke.

At Mim's, there is a 4 year old league which is more for the parents than for the kids! It is simply instructional, no score is kept at the games. Just trying to teach them the basics. To say Luke was excited is really an understatement. Another worker there that night asked if we wanted to sign Luke up too. We were hesitant but we told them about Luke, his autism, and our concerns. They were so welcoming and encouraged us to sign Luke up. The manager bent down to talk to Luke. He asked Luke if he liked to hit the ball. Luke: "I hit ball." He asked Luke if he liked to run fast. Luke: "I run fast." Then Luke said once again, "I pay too." We decided to go for it.

He had is first practice last week and I guess it went as well as could be expected. It takes a great deal of patience to be a coach, and extra if you coach t-ball, and a monumental amount if you coach 4 year old t-ball.
Luke's coach is so very kind and patient. Of course, parent participation is absolutely necessary to keep the kids focused on what they are supposed to be doing. Roger spent the entire practice with Luke on the field. He was working so hard to help Luke. All went well until he tried to put a helmet on Luke's head. That's when Luke lost it. He cried and cried and would not wear one. If he doesn't wear a helmet, he can't bat. Park rules. So, after some time, we were able to calm him and he finished the practice out in the field with his team.

This was hard. I haven't thought about what a father must feel like when he sees his son is different than other kids his age. I have been in situations before where I was so very aware that my child was different and it was so hard for me. Now, Roger was experiencing it in a very real way. This is going to be a challenge for us over the next couple of months. We know that it is going to be good for Luke, but I think it is Roger and I that will be learning the lessons the most. It's hard not to compare. We are so guilty of it. No matter how hard we try, we see others his age and think "that's what Luke should be doing now." It's not fair to him. He is precious and doesn't deserve to be compared because he is extraordinary just as he is. So, we all have our challenges ahead this ball season.

One of the first challenges is just trying to get Luke to wear a helmet. His little head, well, is not all that little. Nathan's helmet is too small for Luke and it hurts his head. So, we went to Academy Sports in search of a helmet. We just might have tried on every helmet there and it wasn't looking good. And then, there was that moment, maybe like when the slipper went on Cinderella's foot. He picked up a helmet and put it on and smiled his sweet Lukey smile, dimples and all. Eureka! We found it! Perfect fit! Roger took the boys, who were growing restless, to the car and I headed to the check out with our prized helmet. We didn't bother looking at price tags when trying on helmets, seriously didn't even think about it. We were in desperation mode. No helmet, no t-ball. That was our thinking. Then the worker scanned the helmet. My jaw dropped and I was had to take a moment. Are you serious? I bought it anyway and told the lady that I would probably be back the next morning to return it. I won't tell you how much it cost, only that if not Luke, someone in this family will be wearing that helmet for years to come. The great news is that he loves it and will wear it without crying. He has slept with it in his bed for the past couple of nights and even wore it to breakfast one morning. We may actually make it to the first game now. I can't think beyond that.

Here we are. Starting on a new adventure. We are mingling with the general population. This is out of our comfort zone. Our school friends know us. Our church friends know us. But now, our ball park friends have got to get to know us and Luke. We are exposed to new people and new things. We did this last year with Nathan and it was good. But now, our child with autism is playing t-ball with typical kids. This puts him in a new light. I try to think of it as opportunity to educate others, maybe break down stereotypes. But that is my thinking on a strong day. In reality, I am scared. That is my thinking on a weak day. I don't want him to be labeled or made fun of. I have trouble dealing with other people who may not be so kind. I want to protect him. At least, that is what I say. I guess in reality, I want to protect me. Staying to ourselves, sheltering him is not the answer. That's not always what is best for him. My sweet, social little guy is getting to experience something new, something I wasn't sure he would get to do. That is exciting! I am so happy and thankful that he is able to take part in this. He is going to learn and grow so much. We are all going to learn through this - maybe a little about t-ball and a lot about ourselves. Maybe we can teach others about autism along the way.

Trying to balance

Well, it's been almost a month since my last blog. Life is so busy and finding time to write, especially lately, has been basically impossible. Yes, there are those hours between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. but I prefer to sleep when I can.

The past couple of weeks have been nice because I have gotten to spend a little more time with my big boy, Nathan. Last week, he missed a couple of days of school because of fever, so I got some cuddle time in with him. Those moments are slowly getting fewer and farther between so I enjoy them when I can. This week his school was out for a couple of days because of a teacher conference. We have had some fun times together. Unfortunately, I have been a little under the weather this week but we still managed to have some fun. We went to the Gulf Coast Exploreum yesterday and saw the Megalodon exhibit. Pretty cool. That was one big shark! Up to 60 feet long! We talked about the possibility that Jonah might have spent some time in the belly of that big creature. Fun to wonder anyway. We had a lunch date where he told me all about his friends and school. I loved listening to him tell me in detail who was the best at running, basketball, coloring, and reading in his class. I so enjoyed my time with him. I really try to make an effort to just focus on him when we have the chance, whether it is a fun outing like the exploreum or just us at home sitting at the table reading or coloring together. I need him to know how much he means to me. I treasure this time with him.

So often, I feel guilty because of the time and attention that Luke needs. I feel like it is a sacrifice on his part and maybe in some sense that can be a good thing, but in another sense, I don't know how much a 6 year old can comprehend about sacrifice when I know that he has needs of his own. He probably understands more than I give him credit for and yet, I still feel guilty. He and I have had our conversations about autism. He knows that Luke needs his special school and he needs therapy. But it is hard when, so often, people that approach us ask how Luke is doing but not necessarily how Nathan is doing. I don't know what goes on in his mind during these conversations. Sometimes he can tell me, other times words are hard to find. Last week, we started talking about the upcoming Walk for Autism in April and how we will start organizing our team soon. Last year, Nathan asked me "When will there be a Team Nathan?" That was hard to hear but gave me a look into his thoughts on all that is going on. So much focus is on Luke. So, this year I considered changing the team name and asked for his input. We talked about "Team Broome" since it is a family event and affects us all. He thought about it then told me that he liked "Team Luke". His only request was that he could have his name on the back of the shirt again. I told him I would make it as big as he wanted it to be :-). I can definitely do that! But then, he said " I wish I had autism." This is the first time I have heard him say this. My heart sank. I fought back tears and reitereated how important he is to me and our family. I told him how grateful to God I am for him and that I am glad he doesn't have autism. I tried to tell him that he was fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving God who has given him many gifts and talents. How I want to make him understand but I know this is a process that may take some time and I am so impatient.

It is at these times that I question my balancing act. Have I done enough to let him know what he means to me? Am I doing enough? How do I help him understand? How do I protect him and yet enable him to grow into the little boy God created him to be? It's so hard. Balancing is hard. My tight rope feels like it is narrowing. How I pray for wisdom to walk and balance so that the boys can see God in my life and see how much Roger and I love them both. Luke has special needs but Nathan's needs are no less special, just different. He is precious and such a good big brother to Luke. I think, most of the time, he likes being Luke's teacher in addition to being his big brother. He is so good at it. I love the compassion and understanding that is being cultivated in his heart. My prayer is that I can be what they need me to be. I know that just as the weightiness of parenting grows with each passing day, so does my love for them. I am so glad I don't have to do this balancing act on my own. Not only do I have a loving, supportive husband, most importantly, I have a loving heavenly Father who promises to never leave me or forsake me. So thankful for God and His promises. I depend on them and can rest at night because I know His mercies are new every morning. Looking forward to a new day and new opportunities to show all my boys (Roger included) God's love as I lean on Him who is more than able to help me balance it all.

Happy Birthday to my favorite 4 year old!

Four years ago today, Luke came into our lives in a big way. When I say big, I mean big - all 9 pounds 6 ounces of him! Just 10 days before he was born, I had an ultrasound and at that time, he was estimated to be around 7 1/2 pounds. I remember thinking, "Great! An average size baby!" I was so excited! It sounded great to me considering Nathan was only around 2 1/2 pounds when he made his early arrival. I was so thankful for a full term baby! I wasn't expecting such a big boy though but, we have a tendency to be all or nothing here at the Broome house so I really shouldn't have been too surprised. Nothing average here. He was a beautiful baby with big cheeks, dark hair, and deep brown eyes. I was so nervous! It was like becoming a parent for the first time even though we already had big brother Nathan. We didn't get to bring Nathan home from the hospital until he was 2 1/2 months old so he was already in a routine. But with Luke, we got to bring him home with us when he was 4 days old. Much different. It was a challenge but such a blessing to have a big, happy, healthy baby. Didn't this all happen just yesterday? Time has flown by and keeps picking up speed! I want so much to slow it down so I can take it all in.

When I think about all that we have been through and the challenges we have faced (and overcome!), I can see God's hand in it all. He has blessed our family with Luke, and in some way, with autism too. Please don't get me wrong, I really don't like autism. But, I have learned so much along the way. Not just about autism and tesing and treatment, etc., but about compassion and understanding and finding joy in the seemingly small things in life. I have learned that with autism, nothing really is small: like when Luke puts his hands on my face and says "Ma" - big; or when Luke points to himself and says "Lu" - big; or when Luke makes good eye contact with others - big; or when Luke imitates his big brother - big; or when he puts two or three words together when trying to speak - big; or when Luke pretends like he is talking on the phone and wants me to play too - big; or when Luke laughs appropriately when watching a favorite show - big; or when Luke plays with his friends - big; or that Luke even has friends - really big. The little things are big and I have learned to appreciate them. Through Luke, God has taught me so much and I still have so much to learn, but I am thankful for this little guy.

Luke really is a fabulously fantastic little guy. He is loved more that he will ever know. His family loves him. His church family has been so supportive and caring. They love him too. He goes to a wonderful school with great teachers who love and care for him and his classmates. His best teacher is here at home - his sweet big brother. It is so fun to watch them play together and watch Luke try to imitate everything Nathan does. He is learning so much from Nathan! I sometimes listen to their conversation and can't help but smile. I overheard Nathan encouraging Luke one day while they were coloring at the table: "Oh, Lukey, that is great! You really color great for a 3 year old!" Big smiles :-)

Luke has a million-watt smile and dimples you could just fall in to. He has a way of getting to you (I mean that in a good way!). If I am having a particularly difficult day, he can get right in my face, put his hands on my cheeks, and say "Hi!" in his cute way and I just have to smile. His sweet hugs aren't bad either. And have you heard him laugh? Simply contagious. He truly is a gift. I can't imagine what life would be like without him.

So today, we celebrate him for the precious, unique little boy that he is. We celebrate him for all that he can do, for all the progress that he has made. We celebrate him and the hope we have for the progress to come. We thank God for this gift. I have been told, "Luke is so lucky to have you guys for his parents" but in reality, Roger and I are the ones who are blessed. Maybe Luke needs us but God knows we need him too. He has turned our world upside down and for that, I am thankful. He has changed our lives for the better. Our family is blessed beyond measure!

Happy Birthday Luke!

Merry Christmas !

It's Christmas eve!! There is much excitement around our home just as there is in many homes tonight. Nathan has been asking "How many days to Christmas, Mom?" every day this week. With all the hustle and bustle of the season, it has been so nice to have a "low key" kind of day. Nothing scheduled. Nothing that just had to be done today. Just enjoy my family.

For some reason, I thought I would run to the store to pick up a few groceries. Yes, I know I am crazy. Day before Christmas. Hustle and bustle in full swing. I braved the chaos that is Walmart this morning. Just a quick trip. (Is that even possible?) My list was short and so I proceeded, wanting to get home for my "low key" day. It didn't take long to hear grumbling and complaining in the store. As I am getting some yummy hot chocolate for tomorrow morning, I hear more than one customer complaining that the store was all out of what they needed. I was on the aisle with baking goods. Should it be a surprise that the store just might run out of those kinds of items around certain holidays? Well, they weren't happy. Kind of made me sad for them. Anyway, I made my way through the store, checked out, and made it home. Ahhhh....

I started thinking about Christmas, and without a doubt, the only reason we have to celebrate the season is Jesus. My Savior descended from the glory of heaven to be born of a virgin, live a sinless life, die on the cross for my sins and rise again, all to fulfill God's magnificent plan to save His people. How we have strayed so far from the awe of this miracle only to get the latest toy or more gifts than we know what to do with and stress ourselves in the process. I love Christmas. I love getting together with family. I love gift giving. In a society that focuses on political correctness (holiday tree? really?), the shopping season, and how it will affect the economy, I don't want to lose focus. I want my kids to know that gifts are not a bad thing, it is when they become the priority that is the problem. That can be quite a challenge when so many people ask them, "What's Santa going to bring you?" I want so much to show them Christ all the time, but especially this time of year.

So, what do I do? Rewind a few hours before all of this. I wake up on this Christmas eve and could have been in a glorious mood, but instead, I didn't feel so great and I chose the awful mood, in serious need of an attitude adjustment. Mommy needed some time. I went for a run to clear my head and just pray. (Oh, what a difference prayer makes! It was much needed.) I was in a foul mood before and God gave me some perspective. If anyone had reason to complain it was Mary - 9 months pregnant and riding on a donkey to go register with Joseph for the census only to give birth in a dirty stable. Perspective. I probably sounded like those unhappy customers at Walmart. I have no reason to grumble. I know what I am celebrating and I wasn't exactly focussing on Christ. I was being quite selfish. I needed perspective. God is so good to give us what we need when we need it!

This Christmas, I am so grateful for Jesus and the miracle that He has accomplished in His incarnation. My gifts include a godly, loving husband; a sweet, thoughtful Nathan; a precious, funny Luke, who has made tremendous progress in his communication skills and really in all areas. Nathan is at a wonderful christian school and has a fantastic teacher. Luke is at a great school that is making a difference in his life and ours in dealing with autism. I am so blessed that I could not possibly list all my gifts. They are too numerous. They are priceless.

Tomorrow morning, the boys will receive presents, not because they have been good or bad or haven't pouted or cried (for goodness sake), but because we have been blessed and we love them. They will be excited to see what is under the tree. I will be excited to see them open their gifts. People celebrate this holiday in many different ways, but I want them to know that the greatest gift was born 2000 years ago and that is what we celebrate. I pray that they don't become consumed with getting things but become consumed with Christ. I hope that Christ is what they see in our lives and remember when they think about Christmas.

I will close with a sweet poem that Nathan learned at school. I was reminded of it today when a friend posted it on Facebook (thanks April S.)

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would give Him a lamb.
If I were a wise man, I would do my part-
Yet what can I give Him? Give Him my heart.

Christina Rosetti

God has truly given us the greatest Gift! May you all have a blessed Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!