Atlanta's Snowpacolypse

I must say, we enjoyed our four inches of snow. Yes, we live in the area of Georgia north of Atlanta that had the highest amount of snow (even though we were supposed to get the lowest amount). We are also in the area where kids got stuck on buses and left over-night at school. Fortunately, we all work and go to school near home (indeed, I work *from* home), so when the snow started, I grabbed my kiddos from school (white-knuckling my steering wheel the whole way - yes, I am a true southerner), my husband came home early, and we enjoyed the white stuff.

I love this picture because, while Noah and his daddy aren't really looking at the camera, you can see "little man" Isaiah in the background with the Peepa. We had already sent him in because his cheeks were so red and the skin had started to swell. We watched him closely and he was fine, however, let us just say that going inside was NOT his idea.

Noah had a big time playing in the snow with Peach and Daddy.

Big Snow = Big Smile

A boy and his dog... Well, a boy and the one dog who braved the snow while the other one hung out in the heated dog house. Yes, she needs a bath.

He doesn't look too sure right here, but I can assure you, "Little Man" did not want to leave the white stuff for the indoor warmth.

Must be nice having eyelashes so long they catch the snow flakes - and keep them there.

We are finally back to normal here in our neck of the woods. The temperature got up to almost 60 today, and only the most stubborn patches of snow remain in the most shaded areas. I am glad that our friends working in the Atlanta area had places to stay when they couldn't make it home, and that they made it home quickly the next day. I'm thankful, also, for all the wonderful stories that came out of a very bad situation, and I am thankful most of all that it is over. At least for now.

Another Great Story

I've seen this story several times, and thought I'd share it. Just remember, when you see someone with this level of CP, they are often very smart. He or she may seem a little weird, but when you take the time to talk to them, they are just like everyone else. Take the time to scroll down and watch the video. Worth your five minutes.

The Two AJ's, Alabama QB and Alabama Equipment Manager With CP

We Learn More Than We Teach

I've always said that Noah has taught me more than I'll ever be able to teach him. Evidently, I'm not the only one that feels that way about their special needs child/sibling/friend (insert what works for you).

Take a few to watch this video about what this group of middle school football players, yes, MIDDLE SCHOOL football players did for their special needs friend. And see how it affected them as well.

Click here.

Not An Impossible Dream

I needed this today. I've been frustrated lately, and I needed a little encouragement.

Walking after eighteen years.

Pretty freaking awesome!

I love the little sister you see at the very end. You can see her almost willing him to do it.

Worry

I know it doesn't add a single hair to my head, it does me no good whatsoever, but I am a worrier. I come from a long line of worriers. I think (or hope, maybe) that each generation is a little better than the one before, so maybe there is hope for my kids. I try not to let it get me down, but it is still there.

When my husband is just a little late getting home from work I have to send him a text because I picture him on the side of the road. When Eli goes outside to play, I constantly have to check to see that he is okay (though getting two big dogs that adore him helps). I can't let Isaiah out of my sight for fear he will fall off something or choke on something (although I try to give him as much space as I can). And Noah. I worry about his little tight body. I worry about his unformed hip, and his little turned-in ankle. I worry about him getting sick, not growing enough, growing too much (yes, even that can be an issue for him). Worry... worry... worry.

I think there are two reasons that I worry about things now that I never used to worry about. One reason is that what happened to Noah is relatively rare -- and yet it happened to us. So now I have the reality staring me in the face that the thing that you don't think will happen to you... can. The other reason is... dang it! I can't remember. It was a good thought, too, but I lost it typing the other.

That's okay. I was getting a bit too serious for my taste anyway.

So how do I deal with it? I do the only thing of which I am capable. I give it over to God. Again and again. I have to, because it would swallow me whole. I know that life is fragile. I know that all I want for Noah - for all my family - could never come to pass. And I, we, have to enjoy life as it comes. Appreciate every moment because, especially for Noah, it really could be the last.

But for now, Noah is really healthy - we all are. I once read that ninety percent of everything people worry about never comes to pass (though it is probably higher for a worrier like me). I can't let worry steal my joy, especially when I have so much to be joyful about!

I am blessed.

Game Day -- Noah's favorite day of the week!

As I mentioned a couple posts ago, Noah loves football. Noah also loves pretty cheerleaders. And at RU, they love him, too. Due to the weather and the noise, Noah spends much of the game in his grandfather's office where there is a window that allows him a view of the game.

During the first home game of the season, the RU cheerleaders found Noah and have been making over him ever since. Today was no exception, but when they came to "Noah's" window to see him, he was outside watching warm ups. They quickly found him (yes, they had come specifically to seek him out) and posed for this perfect photo op.

I have found that when we get Noah out and about, one of two things happen. He is either invisible (he makes some people nervous, I guess), or he is a rock star. At RU, he is definitely a rock star.

Thank you RU Cheerleaders! You guys are great!

Brotherly Love

I just had to share this little moment that happened today. Isaiah adores his brothers. He asks about Eli the whole day that he is at school, and he is thrilled when Eli gets home. But he has a very tight relationship with Noah as well. He adores Noah, and he is constantly giving him hugs and kisses. Today I walked out of the room for a second while they were in their respective feeding seats, and before I walked back in, they were busting out laughing at one another. Then, of course, I was laughing... and crying.

A while later, Isaiah fell on top of Noah to give him one of the many hugs he gave him today, but this one I caught with my camera phone. They both have such happy faces.

Every once in a while I come across a person that will say something (stupid), like, "It must be tough on your other two boys having a special needs brother." I don't have an answer for that (not one that is fit for public consumption), so I usually say nothing. But my boys (all three) are kind and compassionate. They don't look at people so much on the outside -- they look on the inside. They seem to accept people as they are, and I can't help but believe that it is because of Noah that they have those qualities. I think one day the younger two will say, "He's not heavy. He's my brother." And how can that be a bad thing?