The dreaded stomach flu crept it's way into our house via Lauren.  I think waking up to a child puking is worse than waking up to a seizure.  That smell....invaded my nostrils all day.  Matt and I shared the duties.  He cleaned the bed and I cleaned Lauren.  Both of us took turns gagging and running out of the room.  I am sure had a hidden video been present, it would have been hilarious to watch.  Hopefully Lauren is the only victim of this bout with the bug.  Keeping our fingers crossed!  Of course, as it usually happens, she was sick on the day of Special Olympic bowling competition yesterday.  She was P.O.'d  and heartbroken all at the same time.  Matt stayed home with her while my parents and I accompanied Lindsey, who bowled a 56 her second game!  She had a blast and was very good about keeping how much fun she had on the down low last night around Lauren.  Lauren is still wondering when it is time to go bowling for school.  I think a trip to the bowling alley is in our near future.  Luckily, she will still get a ribbon from the Special Olympics even though she wasn't able to participate.  She is still home today recovering.  Super Dad carried her toys up from the basement so she is camped out in front of the TV with all of her "guys" and is as happy as can be.  Figured she would be mad that Lindsey is at school without her again but, not the case.  Phew! 

This week we were able to send our "samples" off to Baylor for our genetic testing.  We only needed blood samples for Lauren since they only need to test one girl.  If they do find a gene mutation, they will test Lindsey specifically for that gene.  Matt and I had to give saliva samples...that was kinda gross.  The testing takes at least four months so now we just sit back and wait.

This past weekend a good friend of ours took some family pictures for us.  Needless to say, getting six people to look at the camera with their eyes open and smiles on their faces was challenging to say the least.   It was a good experience and now that everyone knows what to expect, we are going to try it again next week.  I may have a few tricks up my sleeve next time to make things go more smoothly.  A happy pill for the teenage girl and some bribery for the others.  Below are a couple of cute ones of the girlies.  Will put some of the big kids on after our next photo shoot, pending their approval. :)

 

Milestones

Blogging 101... If you are going to quote something, at least make sure you quote it right.  My previous post should have read:  "Not knowing allows room for faith to grow.  Not knowing creates a space for miracles to happen."  Thanks to my dear husband for pointing out my error.  He did it so sweetly as to not make me feel like an idiot.  Love that guy.

 

October is here.  I love this month.  It is a very busy one for us and I think it is by far the most beautiful month of the year.  I love to see God's beauty as the leaves turn such brilliant colors.  Would love to just hop in the car and drive for days to take it all in.  Maybe someday....

 

Today my amazing parents celebrate 54 years of marriage.  As L&L would say, "That is a big number!"  It hasn't been an easy 54 years for them as they faced many trials throughout the years.  But, their love for each other never failed as they persevered through each trial.  They are the best parents a girl could ask for and have set such a great example for me. 

 

 Tomorrow, our precious girls turn 12 years old.  The tears fall as I think about each new milestone we have reached with them.  Eleven years ago when we were given their diagnosis, we had no idea how long we would be blessed to have them here with us.  I am so grateful for a faithful God who has protected them and allowed us to reach all of these milestones.  We do not take one day for granted.   I think back to when we found out we were having twins.  Matt laughed and I cried.  We still have the VHS tape from the ultrasound and the tape is very shaky as I cried and thought, "how are we going to take care of two babies?"  Delaney was 3 at the time and Mason was 18 months, still in diapers.  I still remember Delaney calling our parents and telling them, "Mommy has two babies in her tummy!"  I remember the cesarean delivery when they doctor said, "they are fighting to get out first!"  Lauren was born first with Lindsey a close 30 seconds behind.  They still fight to this day about who gets to go first at everything.  They even fight about who gets to get a shot or blood drawn first.  Thank you Jesus for our girls who have the ability to fight to go first!  Happy Birthday L&L!  

   

 

On the 12th, Matt and I will celebrate our 17 year anniversary.  It was a beautiful day with the leaves turning colors, bright sunshine and warm temperatures.  So warm that our wedding cake started to melt.  We had to hurry up and do pictures and cut the cake before it toppled over.  That was the only hitch in the otherwise perfect day to start our lives together.  I thank God for picking Matt for me and I could not ask for a better husband.  He is faithful, loving, patient, funny, hard-working, an amazing father and my best friend.  I am truly blessed. 

   

 

We close out October with my dad's 75th birthday.  Thinking of my dad just makes me smile.  He doesn't know a stranger and will literally strike up a conversation with anyone.  One day when I was much younger, he conned me into asking a mannequin for directions in a department store.  My friends used to think he was so intimidating as he has this look that could pierce right through you.  But really, he is a big teddy bear and would do anything for anyone.  He is a piece of work and I am so thankful for him.

 

Hello October, so glad you are here.  Blessed beyond measure....