Just a quick post to remember what we did this week… a big week in the Pettigrew home.  Izzy turned 9 today, and Amanda will be 21 thursday!  I am not liking it one bit that my kids are getting so OLD.

We spent the weekend home with Matt’s family (technically they are now my family too by marriage – ha!), we had a pretty relaxing day, eating and swimming a bit.

Today I have been singing and saying, “happy birthday,” to Isabelle repeatedly… I imagine she will be relieved to wake up tomorrow and not have to listen to me .  I decided to make this http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/chocolate-explosion-cheesecake-recipe/index.html.  It was delicious, but took almost the entire day to make.

Brandy, Izzy’s school para, came by to bring izzy a gift and visit on her birthday.  Mom and dad visited tonight to wish Iz a happy birthday.

Emelia and I took her for a long birthday swim in her new birthday swimming suit.  (there’s a theme here, huh?)

Overall a really nice day filled with lots of birthday wishes via phone, text, and facebook!  I read each to Isabelle as they arrived and I know she enjoyed them all.

The good news is we get to do it all again Thursday for Amanda!  Birthdays are FUN.

I realize June is only about 2/3 finished, but I feel like we are on the downhill slope… having hit most major events for the month so far.

The biggest happening in June has been Izzy’s new TLSO.   Her back brace has been made, adjusted, changed, corrected and now we are working up to wearing it.  We went for the first fitting with Brandy (izzy’s para from school) and Amanda.  We made plans to eat lunch together afterwards.  Izzy was a trooper for the appt. and even more so for the mall trip.  So much so that she was rewarded with a really fun outfit and her favorite starbucks drink before we left.  We really enjoyed seeing Brandy, especially Isabelle!

After that first day with the new brace I was feeling like it may not happen, but now as it has been padded a little around the edges and trimmed several times I can see that it is helping push against the curve .  Her old TLSO didn’t seem to do anything at all in regards to correcting the curvature, only helped hold her more upright.  I even questioned whether it was making curve worse …  We finally got it back this week and have been trying to work up to three hours a night.  Today she wore it for the three hours straight.  She wasn’t thrilled, or even relaxed wearing it, but at least she wasn’t screaming like a few nights before.

Izzy seems to really be enjoying getting into the pool this summer.  After the three hours in the tlso we took her to the pool and she was all smiles.  She really relaxes and enjoys it.  There are not a lot of things we can do as a family, meaning all six of us, where Izzy actually enjoys herself too… so it is great to have all the kids playing in the pool and enjoying the time together.

This weekend was very eventful!  Our 22nd wedding anniversary was Friday.  We cooked out and played in the water with the kids all evening.  I couldn’t imagine a better place to be or way to spend the evening.  Matt’s sister, Jane Ann, came from Dallas to stay the night and we had a “pool party” all day Saturday too.  We tentatively planned to go out to dinner Saturday night, but Matt had to work so it was another night at home.

My best friend from high school (hi Darla) had a birthday Saturday and I called her (in Louisiana!) to wish her happy birthday.  I expected to get her callnotes and just leave a “happy birthday” message, but she was home …  She is pretty much the reason I am writing this blog post because she scolded me for slacking on updating my blog.

It was so hot all weekend, over 100!  Today I mowed the front yard and enjoyed riding the mower down to my dad’s to give him his father’s day card and gift.  The best part about the mowing was more pool time with everyone to cool off and then we finally did go to dinner to celebrate the whole 22 years thing …  We just went to Zio’s and ate way too much italian food, but YUM.  I actually had my entire meal boxed up to bring home because the bread, salad and starters were too much food.  Even Matt brought food home and that never happens.

The only thing I left out was Matt’s birthday last weekend, and a visit from his mom and John.  OH, and a cookout for matt and mom’s birthday we hosted that same weekend, but Matt was called to work so I got to have it anyway.

So needless to say I have a date with the gym and the park to run in the morning, but life is good… great family, friends, food and fun!  We are so blessed.

What a sad day yesterday was… the last day of school for this year.  Isabelle will go once a day to school for a couple of hours starting later in June.  It’s funny how much I’ve grown to love the routine of the school year.  The reason it is funny is because I have never liked routine before in my life.  I’ve always enjoyed spontaneity.   The other reason it is a little sad is because Izzy’s school group have become like family.  I look forward to visiting with them daily and really having a team of helpers that love Izzy <almost> as much as I do …

Amanda has been home for almost two weeks and it has really been nice to have her around.  She had a busy school year and we didn’t see her much.  Bailey is officially a senior.  I loved Amanda’s comment yesterday when we were talking about this, she said, “where  has the time gone?”  I think he is really looking forward to his senior year, and plans to enjoy drama and is even participating in debate.

Emelia missed her last day of school because she headed south to Dallas with Gram.  They are spending the weekend with Jane Ann and have tons of fun planned for the weekend.  She went to a painting class last night and texted a pic she painted of Bones… pretty cute .

Isabelle went to Stillwater earlier in the month to participate in the Special Olympics.  She was so excited to go!  Before it was over it began to rain, really hard!  We drove home soaked, but it was worth it.  She got two silver medals that she was very proud of!  She is showing off her medals with her very special friend.

Another big event in May was our locks of love day at school.  I mentioned to Izzy’s para Brandy that I was planning to cut the 10″ off of Izzy’s hair soon to send to locks of love and she wanted to donate her hair too.  Brandy asked all of the other teachers/paras at school who had long hair and one other joined in donating 12″ of her hair!   I had fun chopping off  all that hair.  I am always sad for about five minutes when I cut Izzy’s because her hair is so long and beautiful but then I remember how fast it grows and what a good cause it is for.

We are still waiting for the call to let us know the new back TLSO is ready.  In the meantime, Izzy has been doing very well at school in her kid walk.  She has been taking some STEPS in it!!! I brought it home yesterday so she will have it for the Summer.  I pray that she continues to initiate steps.  It is obvious she really wants to move because each step really takes so much effort.  It feels so good to end the school year on a positive note with standing and steps and other good things.  Last Summer we ended the school year preparing to take her for hip replacement.  It wasn’t really a decision to have this done, it was necessary because of pain and discomfort… but now, a year later, it is all worth it.  I told Matt his morning I can’t remember much from last Summer.  I remember the surgery day, the hospital days, and the cast, but I can’t remember much else.  He said we must be blocking it out because it wasn’t a great Summer.  I really do like to stay positive and live everyday like it is a good, normal day… love the carpe diem mentality… but, sometimes that’s hard to do.  I think watching your child suffer makes it close to impossible.  BUT, here we are… a year later with fixed hips and all’s well with the world.  I guess I could focus now on the progressing scoliosis problem.  Maybe later… We are starting Summer 2011 with a smile !!!

What a crazy last couple of weeks.  I’ll start with last week… I had a doctor appointment that ended up being an all day event with more bloodwork, wind and a broken shoe.  I must say that I felt a little pride recalling my walk out of the blood lab bare foot when I was told it was Tom’s “one day without shoes,” day.  So in a weird way I was a part of that.  The real truth is I had no choice but to hobble out without shoes because walking in I tripped when the crazy wind blew my hair into my eyes and I missed a step.  My shoe basically fell apart to the point I could not even fake wearing it.  UGH.  Considering I am a huge germaphobe all I could think about was soaking my feet in bleach when I got home!  Ew.  The other bad part about that was they were my very favorite sandals.  Oh well.

The next day was Izzy’s (dreaded) orthopedic surgeon appt.   Have you ever scheduled an appointment at an earlier than realistic time thinking you would deal with it later and then when later comes you think, “what in the world was I thinking?”  This was day two of early morning rushing.  We actually made it to the hospital on time and I decided to make the most of the waiting room time by calling a pcp as directed by receptionist to get proper referral.  (The referral that was in place for a year had to be updated with newly assigned pcp from insurance which was a fun surprise for us )  I stayed on my phone throughout the waiting room, into the private waiting room, even when they came to take her for x-rays I was being told I could not get this referral back dated without having brought her in.  UGH.  So, I refused to take her to x-ray until referral was secured.  It wasn’t like we were in the ER or something with an emergency and I knew we could reschedule if we needed to.  It was all just a big complicated mess which ended up working out and the referral was made.  X-rays were taken, Doctor was pleasant (which was a small miracle), and current back brace adjusted for comfort.  We ended up spending about fourish hours all over children’s hospital getting things taken care of including a crazy walk to the basement to pick up a cd of the x-rays for the orthotist off campus.  The results were as expected, I have eyes.  Her curvature has gotten greater, and Dr. H and I concurred the back brace is not doing it’s job.  UGH.

Thursday was Special Olympics in the city.  Day three of earlier than usual departures for us slowpoke girls.  Some mornings just don’t go like we plan and getting everything done takes a little longer.  Isabelle maybe slept 30 minutes the entire night.  I wasn’t sure if she was nervous about the special olympics or if she was nervous about the visit with the dr earlier that day.  Nevertheless, Izzy was a trooper and we made it with time to spare.  The Putnam City High School gymnasium was easy to find with the posters cheering on Izzy, Nathaniel and Ariona.  So cute.  I almost didn’t take her considering she was tired and thought maybe too cranky to enjoy the day.  She competed in two events, one was basically pushing a ball off the tray on her chair and the other was picking up blocks.  These were motor activities.  She was given a 1st place ribbon, a 2nd place ribbon, and a special olympics medal.  Our group had lunch together (Iz enjoyed coke and mashed potatoes with gravy).  We have a really fun and wonderful group of teachers, paras and parents.

Friday when Izzy was in OT with Barbara they took off her medal and ribbons (she wore to school as requested for show and tell in her 2nd grade class)… and she cried when they took them off.  They put them back on her and she stopped.  So I was once again glad we went and realized it did mean something to her to participate and receive awards.  Yay Izzy!

Fast forward past the weekend that was almost uneventful except for a short visit/hair day for Amanda and a trip to see Matt’s boss in the hospital …

Tuesday was FLO day at church which means I decorate, also did the books for the past month and had Izzy’s IEP on my schedule for the end of the day.  Something happened to my brain somewhere before 2 p.m. and I completely forgot the IEP.  I guess all that hard thinking to balance out the books just wiped my mental hard drive.  UGH.  I knew when I saw I had a text from Melanie that I had forgotten the IEP.  It’s not like a small thing to forget either, the entire team that works with Iz attends (teachers, therapists, principal, etc.)  I felt so incredibly stupid for missing this appointment.  Fortunately Isabelle’s teacher, Melanie, is  so kind that she assured me the next afternoon would be fine.  I still while typing this cannot believe I forgot that!  Anyway, I picked Iz up, ran back for more decorating, came home cooked dinner, fed iz and went back for flo until bedtime.  Whew… long day!

Wednesday we had an appointment with the orthotist who originally ordered the first back brace, Bill Barringer.  He is such a nice man.  You know dealing with doctors often you notice the ones who talk to you and listen to your questions, the ones who don’t rush you but encourage you to take your time to address any concerns.  It is refreshing.  Anyway, he agreed that the back brace wasn’t doing it’s job and that we were going to go a little more aggressive with the new one.  Praying that Isabelle will tolerate that well.  It should take a couple of weeks to get it made.  After that appointment Isabelle and I went for a little retail therapy before heading back.  I got a text from melanie about noon saying, “see you in 2 hours.”  I replied, “oh, was that today?” LOL!  Not like I’d forget the IEP again, right?

I used to dread IEP days.  It is generally a lot of information about what isn’t happening etc. but because we have such a positive group of people working with Isabelle it’s like  a brag session on how smart they all think she is!  It’s a time to look at goals set and achieved.  It was really nice to think back to last year’s IEP.  My brain knew we were preparing for the hip surgery so our main goals for this year were about getting up on the feet in the stander etc.  Using those new hips!  Isabelle has done that, thanks to Camilla’s diligence, and has really had a good year.  We have lists of books that she has been tested on for points, and have a general grade level of reading comprehension from these tests (2.1-3.1).  She will go to ESY (summer school) one day a week this summer for pt, ot and st.  Last year Summer was a capital S for SPICA cast!  So glad that cast is just a memory.

Yesterday was my brother’s birthday.  Me and my parents took him to lunch and then to the mall for a bit.  He acts like a 12 year old when we are all together, but I think overall he had a great time.

Amanda is doing well, she is at a retreat tonight so she’s not coming home.  She took a big government test today and thinks she did well.  She enrolled this week for next semester and is taking 17 hours including Anatomy.  She is going to be a busy girl!

Bailey has been going to play practice every night for the spring play.  He got a lead role and has tons of lines to learn in just a few short weeks.  He likes his character and the play a lot.  I’m excited to see it!   He took the ACT last weekend and we are waiting for the results, hope they are great!  We call him Mr. Science because of his computer skills … last week he made an internet radio with a router and a sound card that he controls with his cell phone.

Emelia just finished a quilt in home ec.  A real twin sized quilt!  I remember making an apron in home ec in 7th grade but never anything as ambitious as a quilt!  I give kudos to that teacher for attempting that with so many 12-13 year olds!  She brought the quilt home today and is very proud of it!

Tomorrow is the day for Mom’s sister lunch that she has been planning for months and months!  It is for her sisters and their daughters only.  She has planned it down to every tiny detail including each mother is wearing matching shirts with their daughters.  Mom and I went a couple of weeks ago to pick out our matching tops.  Our tastes are pretty different but we settled on a shirt we both liked well enough.  I’ll try to post a pic of us matching next week.  Emelia and Matt are on Izzy duty tomorrow so it should be a fun day for everyone!

It’s been two steps forward and a few back for almost seven years now.  A couple of weeks ago Izzy was having hard days at school, crying and uncomfortable for an unknown reason.  Then last week she had a great week making progress in the dynamic stander.  I received texted pics of her two days in a row standing.  Standing may seem like such a small ordinary accomplishment, but it is something we have been working towards for so long… for her to stand again.  Last year standing became close to impossible with painful hips and feet that just would not flatten enough to support her weight.  After such a long summer, two new hips, and tendon releases in her heel cords standing became again something to work towards.  Standing is so important for her whole core.  It helps her feet, muscles in her legs, her hips and her head control.  So it’s true she started standing on a very tilted table at the beginning of the school year, and it has taken months to get to a completely upright position, but she is upright now… STANDING.  Camilla, P.T., Melanie, and Michele have been there working so hard all year to help her comfortable achieve this goal.  This is not the end of goals, only the beginning!  Now we are praying for her to initiate steps when she is comfortably standing.  Even though it is close to seven years of many of the same issues and battles we are still in the fight and have not lost any of the persistent faith we began with.

Emelia celebrated her 13th birthday Sunday, March 13th.  We had a sleepover… four girls… lots of snacks… movies… cake… dancing… nails… silliness!  and then woke up and went to see Little Red Riding Hood in bricktown.  We walked to have pizza and then for Starbucks.  It was a fun day for Emelia, she said more than once it was her best birthday ever.  She asked for (and received) a new bike for her birthday and has been really enjoying riding it since.

Bailey finished the play GREASE.  He did such a great job as the nerd, “Eugene.”  I can’t count the people who have told me how good they thought he did.  I was really proud of him, but more than that just enjoyed watching him act so nerdy!  I haven’t laughed so much in a long time.

Amanda is spending spring break on a mission trip to New Orleans.  She’s planning to come home for a day or two before school starts again on Monday.  Most of our communication is done by text messages.  She is so busy this year in class, working and being a chi alpha leader.   She texted this pic of her and Melissa (Lorenzo’s sister) hanging out in New Orleans yesterday…

The time involved in putting a great play together is incredible.  Bailey has been at drama some nights this week until midnight!  He is playing the character Eugene who is the nerd.  The play is not identical the movie, so there are a few different songs and more of  Eugene than in the movie.

The costumes started out as a challenge.  Matt and I spent a while in the fabric store comparing plaids for pants, texting them to Bailey for approval etc.  I ended up with a couple I was pleased with.  Mom had planned to make the pants.  We realized we needed more material Monday, and that full dress rehearsal was looming so while I waited for mom I ran in the thrift store.  It wasn’t exactly easy to find what I found, and I’ve never really been a thrift store shopper so I know there is an art to that…. but after sever walk throughs I found two pair of plaid pants I assumed we could alter and a vintage ugly suit for the prom scene.  The plaid pants required no altering!  They were nerdy all on their own and even fit.  Fortunately they were supposed to be too short because Bailey is way to tall to actually find anything that is long enough.  I found shirts that fit the requirements and my brother Mike found suspenders.  He has four wardrobe changes and the only thing missing as of this morning was black low top converse shoes.  We got those today (well he did) and now he is off to full dress rehearsal to show all his looks… complete with his hair parted in the middle and the nerd glasses.  I can’t wait!

Izzy is having a great week… I got a text from Camilla Tuesday (13 today!! Totally upright!! No complaints AT ALL!! Sooo good!! Had to match that dollar in her hand!!) and this picture…

Slow and steady has been the pace for standing this year at school.  Last year it was almost not possible, with the tightened ankle tendons and unstable hips.  We were all excited to start a new year with flat feet and new hips.  No one was more cautious than Camilla when beginning to work the new hips.  Aware of problems that could occur, it has been done with Izzy’s comfort in mind.  I love Camilla, Izzy loves Camilla and more importantly I trust her completely with Isabelle.  So to finally be in a totally upright position is really an accomplishment!  Today Melanie texted another picture showing Izzy at a level 14 in the stander!

Matt gave Isabelle five one dollar bills last night and she was hesitant to let me pry them from her fingers to put them in her purse.  I am amazed that dollars are such a motivator for her.  So… the plan is after a completely successful week in this stander to move to a different stander and to the kid walk.  She is able to rest a little on the kid walk and because we want all her weight on the hips and legs that is going to come last.  I can’t begin to describe how hard Izzy works, and how smart she really is.  I also can’t begin to describe the patience Melanie has to do her classwork with her, waiting many seconds between each answer and letting Isabelle answer in her own time and way.  Amazing to have Camilla and Melanie.

It’s 2011!

Christmas was fun… busy… exhausting…

Melanie planned a super fun party for Izzy’s class (all three of them) the day before Christmas break began.  There were chicken races, wreath decorating contests, snowball (aka saran wrapped marshmallows) fights and snacks.  So much fun!  Here we are at school covered in party loot!

Amanda came home for the break and we all enjoyed the week at home before making the Christmas rounds!  We sang along with glee cd  all the way to Bethany Christmas Eve… had fun watching the kids play pool at Ginger’s house… had Christmas lunch at home with gram, john, jane ann, jane ellen & ron… went to my brother mike’s house for Christmas dinner where the evening ended with fun games!

Izzy and I didn’t stay for the games at Mike’s house.  She was Christmas’d out!

Sunday we snuggled in and rested all day!

The BEST thing about Christmas was the time with family and begin together… Jesus being the reason for the Christmas season of course!

The kids have enjoyed the week after Christmas… Amanda went to SALT (chi alpha retreat in Dallas), Emelia went to a fun overnight bday party in bricktown… Bailey and I spent the day at the mall together… Izzy is loving her twinkle turtle and was ready to get back to school!

New Year’s Eve was mildly uneventful… Me and Melody had a late (but very delicious) lunch at the Cheesecake Factory! and then walked around Penn Square Mall until they closed at 6:00 p.m.

No NY’s resolutions for me… last year I joined the gym in January and have been happy to go at least three mornings a week all year.  I feel fit and healthy!  I also started reading the bible in 90 days about 87 days ago… so I’ll complete that in a few days.  I plan to do a chronological reading next.  I have enjoyed reading first thing in the morning every day.  Puts the day into perspective.  Some friends have mentioned resolutions like getting fit, or being a better wife or mother which are all great goals, but I am just going to enjoy 2011 as much as possible and enjoy the blessings all around me because there are many many many to count!

Happy New Year!

Here’s the whole group…  This picture is taken at the lodge at Suncadia.  The view out the window behind us was spectacular!  It was an instant bonding session with all 11 of them.  The life we now have is so similar and unless you live it, you can’t really understand it.

We’re eating lunch here, or getting ready to eat lunch… Such a fun day!

Tiffany placed the lei pictured around my neck followed by a farewell hug right before I left.  I was so sad to be saying goodbye… Funny how a token can mean so much.  Izzy’s little friend at school (Grace) gave her a water globe she made for her.  It was a kit she was given for her birthday and wanted to make it for Izzy.  It is orange and she shaped letters to spell I Z Z Y inside the water dome.   It was so sweet.

Izzy has been having a good week at school.  My absence last weekend didn’t seem to affect her at all, which is good.  I think Princess (the dog) is the only one who REALLY missed me. Ha!  She has not left my side since I got home.

I love her!  Such a sweetie.  Don’t we look tired?  I think it will take a month to get back to normal!

Bailey went to another drama competition for a duet last weekend while I was gone.  He and his partner placed second which takes them to regionals.  I have been searching for dress pants long enough for him.  He is officially TALL!  We had to retire all jeans not longer than 34″!  Finding 36 or 38 inseams is difficult!  I have been to several stores trying to find pants this week with NO LUCK .  I had his dress clothes ready for him when I left for the weekend and Matt called Saturday to tell me I needed to replace them! HA .  Poor guy.   Short people say we are lucky to be tall, but you can’t add material on… you can hem.  I am not complaining, being 6’1″ is great.

Emelia is a MESS!  She has been having conversations about buying stocks (she is 12!) with her history teacher and now has arranged a meeting with someone (with parental supervision of course) that the teacher knows to spend some of her babysitting reward money on stocks.  I don’t think the amount of money she has will buy much, (LOL), but she is sure getting an early start with a small amount will be good.  Matt pays her one dollar to debate current events in class.  He really shouldn’t encourage her.  :)

Amanda is so busy with school and activities we rarely see her.  She is planning a birthday party for Lorenzo this weekend at her house.  Tomorrow night they are having an 80′s skate party.  She called to ask if I had any old 80′s clothes…. I said, “I just cleaned out my closet, I barely have any 2009 clothes.”  HA.

I was shocked to realize next week is thanksgiving!  Which means only a month until Christmas!  Izzy is usually the hardest to find gifts for that I think would be good, so I’ve been watching for things and have ordered her presents!  That’s one down… I would be panicked about it but I usually don’t get busy shopping until after Thanksgiving.  I have Amanda’s list and Bailey is working on his… Emelia only wants an IPHONE.  I told her there was a 12% chance she would get it but I don’t think it will happen.  If I had an upgrade available it might work, but I don’t so I doubt it will.

I would post a pic of the turkey cookie creation Izzy made at school today with Michele and Melanie, but right when we walked in the door Emelia asked if she could eat it and Izzy’s yes hand went up instantly.  She was happy to share.  I walked into her classroom and found her with a chocolate mouth from frosting so I guess she had her fill.

I decided to do a semi fast recap on the weekend… because I want to remember it for a long time!  It was such a fast paced fun weekend.

I left Friday night around 8 p.m… the first flight to Denver was such a little plane that I was nervous!  I think there may have been 20 people on the completely full little plane.  An interesting older lady sat beside me and talked non-stop.  I was actually happy to have the distraction from the bumps in the air.  She had a lot of stories to tell… she was from San Diego, had a 7 bedroom, 4 kitchen house that she rented out rooms, her husband is a pilot, and her son has a traumatic brain injury.  I had a two hour layover in Denver and then happily boarded a much larger plane to get to Seattle.  I was so excited there was no way I could nap!  We landed at close to 1 a.m. and Sue’s friend Lori picked me up in front of the airport.  She was sweet to text her pic to me so I knew her right away.  We chatted the long 1.5 hour drive to Suncadia.  She was such a nice lady!  The house looked so dark I assumed everyone was sleeping (I was the last to arrive at 2 a.m.).  First I saw Sue and then Tiffany!  It was so overwhelming to meet these two, after more than six years.

Saturday morning we all had plans to head into Seattle for a day of fun!  Here’s the group before heading out.

We started the day off at Ivar’s

There were crazy seagulls outside that snatched food out of people’s hands!  It was a fun and chilly lunch.  We then headed to the market.

I got to see the fish throwers in person …. and see a lot of interesting things like beautiful flower bouquets made of cabbages.

Next we drove to the space needle.  A quick elevator ride brought us to the top where we all walked around and looked at the gorgeous views of Seattle.  It is such a pretty city.

We rode the monorail to downtown Seattle and had Starbucks and shopped… Tiffany and I headed over to Cheesecake Factory early to sit down.  The others joined us for dinner at 7 p.m.  It was a fun evening visiting with Tiffany, Jill and Peggy during dinner.  I don’t think anyone could find room for their cheesecake.  I took a yummy piece of pumpkin back to the house.

We were all ready for the hot tub after being cold all day.  When we got in the temp wasn’t much warmer than a warm bath, so we all tried to adjust the temp and waited for the water to warm up for about two hours!  We had so much fun talking and laughing.

Sunday morning I went into town with Tiffany, Joanna, Teresa, Sabine and Kehau.  We went to the sweetest little non-denom church in Cle Elum.  It reminded me of what the church in Mitford may be like.  Such a neat little town and interesting people.  The music was folky and the songs were very appropriate for our journey.  I’m not sure which was more touching… sitting in service with my friend Tiffany; the words of the songs that just “fit”, or just being in church after two nights of almost no sleep making everything a little amplified.

We took a brisk walk in the beautiful mountains of Suncadia to the lodge and then to the winery.

Such beautiful views every direction!  We decided to have a snack at the winery in their restaurant.  It was so pretty and cozy.  I had a spinach salad and mushroom soup with truffle oil.  Yummy!

We walked back to the house and all gathered around and talked about what therapies we thought had been most productive for our children.  The group has always been a wealth of information and I really listened to all of the information.

Sue had planned for us to play bunco after dinner.  By this time I was getting a little loopy from lack of sleep, but also knew I had to stay up all night to start home.  Bunco was hilarious.  I was confused the whole time but somehow came out the winner!  Ha.  You switch partners constantly and I really enjoyed laughing with everyone.  It was a blast.  I had to start trying to get my bags packed.  Not an easy task!

Several of us gathered for some time of prayer late Sunday night.  It was profound to be in a group of ladies who were walking the same path and knew the road.  I knew time was ticking away and was already sad to be saying goodbye to this group.

Tiffany brought in a lei and placed it around my neck… to say aloha or goodbye.

Sue’s friend Yoli (who stayed the weekend and helped out with food etc.) took me to the airport at 2:30 a.m.!  It was a crazy drive through the pass which was snowy, windy, and completely foggy!  I fought to stay awake and felt like a zombie walking through the airport!  I had put a gift bag of goodies from Sue in my carry on not realizing it had liquid things like lotion… and forgot to remove my hand gel and lotion from my purse and laptop bag.  Let’s just say the security group wasn’t pleased.  After four runs through the line I finally got clearance.  Yikes!  If I hadn’t been so sleepy I may have been nervous …  I slept a few minutes but woke up to turbulence and stayed awake until we landed in Denver… then again couldn’t sleep on the next leg of the flight.  By the time I got to OKC I stumbled out to the car and just kinda fell in while Matt loaded my luggage.  HA.

I am so glad I didn’t miss this weekend!  But I am thankful for…

Matt… who stepped up to take care of Isabelle for the weekend and practiced feeding her leading up to it.  He learned how to vacuum and run the dishwasher!  He even raked the leaves out of my flower bed.

Emelia… who fed Izzy and fixed her hair and played makeover and was a mini me the whole weekend.  She did a great job and I am proud of her!

John and Paula… who shared their United cash to help with my flight.

Mom… who cooked special food for Matt and Emelia.  She brought them any and everything they requested.

Sue… a fellow ND mom who had the idea for a retreat and planned it so well!  She put so much into the retreat and making it so special!

The people who donated food and money to Sue to make the retreat possible.

Tiffany… another fellow ND mom who offered the use of her vacation home in Seattle for us to meet.  Such a beautiful place to stay!

Melanie and Michele… Izzy’s teacher and para who offered to feed Izzy if there were problems.

Ruby… who brought dinner over while I was gone, just because she wanted to.

You… who prayed for my safety and for the trip!

Thank you all!