Days of Thankfulness #20

On this day, I’m thankful for Snuggle Time. Every night we have a routine: homework, supper, baths/showers, snuggle time, then off to bed. We’ve had this type of routine for years. It’s a time we all look forward to every day. Snuggle time is when we all pile in our bed and watch T.V. together. We mostly end up talking or reading together. The kids like to pick a video on YouTube and we’ll watch and discuss what we’re watching. Sometimes one child will choose to read a book while the others take turns picking a video to watch. This time of the day is a true blessing to me. I love the fact that we all come together as a family and spend time with each other. Even if Jason is on TDY or deployment, we keep up this routine. Some nights this is when he is able to call or facetime with the kiddos before bed. Some nights I’ll have to console children as they’re missing their daddy. Some nights we all just lay there and watch videos or a show in silence. Snuggle time is an important time for us as a family.

I’m truly grateful to the Snuggle Time we have as a family. I feel it helps us stay connected and in tune with each other. Even on the bad days, Snuggle Time is the one time we know we can just relax and be together.

Days of Thankfulness #19

Today I’m thankful for a crowded bed. My husband and I have always been on the same page when it came to children in the bed. We both feel that as newborns they need to be in our room close to the bed in their bassinet when they first fall asleep for the night. If the child woke in the middle of the night then we’d bring them into our bed and I’d nurse them back to sleep and keep them in the bed with us. As they grow older and the need for nursing ends, we always put them in their own bed. If they wake up in the middle of the night, they were allowed to crawl into bed with us and sleep the rest of the night. We’ve never sent them back to their own bed, unless they were tossing and turning to the point of keeping us awake, then we’d walk them back to their bed and tuck them in.

When Jason goes in a TDY or deployment, the kiddos are more likely to crawl in to the bed with me during the night. Sure it gets crowded, but I love it. I love the fact that even at 9, 7, and 3 they feel secure enough to know that it’s OK to come to me or their dad to feel safe. During thunderstorms, sickness, or insecure times, both my husband and I know that at one point during the night, a child or 2 will be joining us. It’s truly a Blessing to us both knowing that our children feel loved and secure in our relationship as a family.

Days of Thankfulness #18

Yesterday and today the bigs' school had a Thanksgiving Feast. Parents were able to join their student at lunch and enjoy a turkey plate. I love events like this. The best part of the experience is seeing the happiness on the kid's face as they scan the room to find me. Sitting with them and talking about what their day has been like so far, them showing me their bands and vest that they made, and announcing to their friends that I'm their mom. It just warms my heart. I cherish the hugs and "I Love You"s once the event is over. I'm so grateful for these moments with them. I know how lucky I am to be able to take part in these events at their schools. I try to always be there for the parties, the art shows, programs, etc. I know not every parent is able to attend these events and that one day I will not be able go to them anymore. I'm so thankful that my children still want me to be a part of their experiences at school. I'm thankful that they aren't embarrassed to let the world know I'm their mom. I'm thankful for the pure joy and excitement on their face when they finally find me in a crowd of people, knowing that I,m there. I'm truly a very lucky and Blessed woman.

Days of Thankfulness #17

I must extend my gratitude to an amazing woman. This woman has been so kind and helpful when it comes to helping me with Madison. We first met almost a year ago when our daughters joined the local cheer team. We got to know each other and our daughters became friends. She would keep me in the loop as to what type of cheer camps were going on, help me with school choices, and she’d take Madison to and from the practices when the time changed and the darkness came earlier. Her oldest daughter was attending the same Karate center as Matthew. She’d help Matthew during class and would include Kaylynn in play times during the cheer practices.

During the winter hiatus of cheerleading, the mom let me in that her daughter wouldn’t be joining the local cheer team anymore and instead doing to another cheer team on the East side. As we were talking about the reasons of the change, she very kindly offered to continue to give Madison a ride to and from the cheer practices and to help me know what information I may miss during the meetings. As a mom with night blindness, this offer was so kind and selfless. She didn’t have to make this offer at all. It’s so hard as a mother who has to ask for help due to my limitations. I never want this to stop her from achieving her dreams. It was a hard pill to swallow to know that I couldn’t be at the practices with her, I couldn’t drive her to and from the practices once the night comes early, that I couldn’t be the mother she deserved. I truly believe that God sent this beautiful soul to help me be the mother she deserved. While I can’t always be at the practices or the meetings, I can be there when the times allow me, she can go to the practices and achieve the goals she wants to achieve, and I can trust the family she rides with.

To this wonderful friend who is helping me help my daughter achieve her goals of being a cheerleader, thank you. From the very bottom of my heart, I appreciate you and your kindness towards Madison and me. You’ve helped us in so many ways and we’re so very grateful to you.

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Days of Thankfulness #16

Today we celebrated my son’s 7th birthday with his friends here in El Paso. We were so thankful to all of the people who showed up to share in our joy of our precious son. We went to a bounce house place. All the children played as the parents watched and shared conversation. He was so excited to see his friends take time from their busy Sunday to join him in pizza, cake, and fun play.

The joy on his face as we sang Happy Birthday to him was priceless. I saw my baby boy’s face just look around and smile. It truly warmed my heart. To our friends that took the time out of their day to join us, thank you! We’re truly grateful and thankful for the friendships.

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Days of Thankfulness #15

This evening, my youngest wanted scrambled eggs for supper, so we decided why not? She loves to help me cook and always likes to stir and mix. This is what I'm thankful for today. I'm blessed to have 2 daughters who love to help me cook or bake. While we cook we'll talk about anything and everything. I'll show them how to measure, read the recipe, and whatever else they need to know when cooking. It does get a littler messier and stressful sometimes with the "help" I get, but in the end I always enjoy the time we spent together.

My oldest, who is 9, loves to help cut up the veggies, shred the cheese, and the other "big girl" things needed to do for the night's supper. My youngest, who is 3, loves to help stir, help me pour, and help me find the utensils needed. My son, who is 6, has no interest in helping in the kitchen unless it's for a smoothie or something dealing with desserts. The kitchen seems to be a central location for my family. It's where we come together to talk, eat, or sometimes just dance. These times with my family cooking and sharing our days truly mean the world to me.
To my precious children who like to help me in the kitchen, I'm so thankful for the times we've spent so far together there. I look forward to many more times cooking together. The talks, the random hugs, and fancy footwork that's been seen makes my whole world complete.

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Spinach Lasagna

I'd like to share a recipe with ya'll! This is a hit with the family. We usually will make this about once every few weeks and feeds a family of 5. Due to having 3 children 9 and younger, we'll usually have leftovers for lunch the next day. Give this one a try and let me know what you think!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 lb. mild Italian ground sausage
• 1 – 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes in tomato puree with Basil
• 1 – 6 oz. can tomato paste
• 1-2 TBS. parsley
• lasagna noodles
• 1 – 10 oz. bag of spinach leaves
• 15 oz. ricotta cheese
• 3 cups grated 3 cheese blend
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Ingredients for the Meat Sauce

Ingredients for the Cheese Layer 

Prep/Baking Directions

• Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan
• Add the chopped onions and cook over medium heat until they’re translucent then add in the garlic and cook just until fragrant
• Add the sausage and brown the meat while breaking it up into small pieces
• Add the spinach leaves and cook until the leaves wilt down
  

• Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley
• Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes
• While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package

• In a medium bowl combine the ricotta, 1/2 cup of the cheese, and an egg
• Preheat oven to 400°F
• Spoon some of the sauce into a 9×12 in. baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish
• Next, place a layer of 1/2 the noodles on top of the sauce
• Spoon 1/2 of the ricotta mixture on top of that
• Sprinkle some cheese next
• Top the cheese with another 1/3 of the sauce
• Continue to layer until you use all of the meat sauce/cheeses
• Your last layer will have the rest of the sauce evenly on top and sprinkle with the last bit of shredded cheese
• Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling

Before Going into the Oven

The Finished Product!

I hope ya'll enjoy this yummy dish. Have any yummy lasagna recipes you use? Leave a comment or link to the recipe. I love swapping ideas and recipes! Make sure you leave credit to the author or creator of the recipe you share.

Days of Thankfulness #14

After having a rough day, let's be honest, a rough week. I struggled hard to find something to be thankful for. It took most of the day until all of a sudden it hit me. I had my children and 2 of the neighborhood kids running around and playing in my home. As I'm getting supper started, thinking of what my next blog would be about, and straightening up the kitchen, children are playing and laughing with each other. They're playing school, then a squeal of laughter from a child. I stopped and smiled to myself. I took a moment to exhale and just enjoyed the joyful sounds of the kiddos playing and running in and out of the back door. Watching Daisy, our dog, run back and forth playing with them too. Hearing them come to me and asking for a drink of water or milk, feeling little arms wrapped around my leg saying, "Thank you Ms. Stephanie," and watching God's gift to me in that moment reminded me I had so much to be thankful for. My children's friends feel safe and comfortable enough to come over and play. To ask me for a drink. To give me hugs and share their precious smiles with me.

To my children and the neighborhood kids that came over to play, thank you. Thank you for making me stop and notice the joy. Thank you for helping my day become so much better. I'm grateful for your kindness and joyfulness.

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Days of Thankfulness #13

Some days it’s hard to see the beauty of the world around you. It’s hard to think about a positive thing in your life. Today is one of those days. So many thoughts swimming in my mind. Even with my negative thoughts this morning, I finally figured out what I’m thankful for:The mornings with my children.

Every morning, I wake up early to get my coffee and a moment to get myself together before the day starts. I see what’s needing to be done during day and get the weather report. I get backpacks and lunches ready. Some mornings I get my grocery list and coupons ready to go. Others, I get projects, homework, and anything else the kiddos need ready to go before school. As the morning goes on, one child will come down the stairs looking for me, smiles and hugs me. I admit, sometimes I don’t take the time to just enjoy that hug. I get the breakfast started and keep going about my morning. As I wake up the other children, I’m getting clothes and socks and shoes gathered up. Breakfast gets eaten, children dressed, teeth brushed, and the we’re ushered out of the door to head to school. I kiss the bigs and wish them a great day and an “I love you!” as they walk to their school, then I get the little one in the van and drop her off at her classroom. Again it’s a kiss, a hug, and “I love you!’ Then I head off to whatever errand or back home to do chores. It’s a routine.

This morning, I forced myself to stop. I stopped whatever I was doing to cherish the beaming smiles shooting at me when they came down the stairs. I cherished the hugs and let them linger a little longer before getting to the next step. We laughed and talked to each other as I helped them get dressed, tied their shoes, and brushed hair. I forced my thoughts to just focus on my time with my children. I realized that I’m a very lucky woman to be able to have the mornings with them. I know many other parents aren’t able to have these mornings. I know that tomorrow isn’t promised, so I could lose these precious moments with them. Even on the chaotic mornings, I’m grateful for them. The hugs, the I love yous, the what’s for breakfast?, the kisses goodbye, and everything that goes with it. I miss them when they’re gone and look forward to the time they come home. I’m truly a Blessed woman to have these 3 children to care for every morning.

Days of Thankfulness #12

Today I’m thankful for my grandparents. I am Blessed to have known both sets of grandparents and have such precious memories of them. My Nana is still here with us and for that I’m grateful. My grandparents on my Momma’s side are passed, but I think of them daily. My memories of them are fond and keep my heart full. I remember driving for hours to see them for holidays and random visits. My Memaw would always wait up for us as we strolled in the wee early morning hours with a smile on her face. She’d always have my favorite oatmeal and peanut patties. My granddaddy had longhorns hung above the fireplace and all us grandchildren would take turns shooting a rubberband to hook the horns. They had a rotary phone hung on the wall with a cord that would stretch the whole entire house. One of my favorite times spent with my Memaw would be to sit on the potty while she did her hair and we’d talk about anything. I miss them so much, and always wonder if I’m making them proud. I so wish they could’ve met my children, but I know that we’ll all be together again one day in Heaven.

My grandparents on my Daddy’s side plays(ed) a big role in my life as well. My Papa had the best laugh. He’d always share his candy with me. He’d hide them in the couch cushion and sneak some as he’d watch TV. He’d take me treasure hunting with him and we’d sit at the bar and count out the pennies and other coins we found to roll and take to the bank. When I grew into my teens, I’d go over on Sundays to have lunch with them. Papa and I would go to the local market and grab some tomatoes and onions while Nana would cook up some beans and cornbread. Thank God my Nana is still here with us. We’ve stayed close to each other even though I’ve moved all over the country. She and I talk through our family history, cook with each other, chat over coffee. My children have been Blessed to know her as well. She loves them and looks forward to seeing them. Nana calls and checks on us several times during the week. I’m very excited to get back home with my family for many reasons, but this year, my Nana said she wanted to bake desserts with me for the Thanksgiving Dinner. I looking forward to being back in the kitchen with Nana.

To my grandparents, I love you. You’ve given me so much love and guidance. Ya’ll have given me such fond memories and laughter. I’m so very grateful to God for allowing me to know and love you. I continue to share your memories with my children. Thank you Granddaddy, Memaw, Papa, and Nana for showing me love, guidance, and the importance of family.

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Days of Thankfulness #11

Today I’m grateful for the heater in my home and van. It’s cold outside! Last night and this morning the temps dropped to it’s lowest here in El Paso, 31 was the low. I’m not complaining too much because thank goodness, no snow and wind. I’m grateful for my home that has heat in it to keep our animals, children, and us warm. I’m grateful for the heat in my van, so I don’t have to be cold while driving the pets to their comprehensive exam across town. I know how fortunate I am to have the warmth around me for there are so many who don’t have it. As I sit here in my warm home while it’s cold outside, I’m reminded of how Blessed I am to have it.

Days of Thankfulness #10

Today is Veterans Day, so of course, I’m thankful for the men and women who stepped up and sacrificed so much for our country. These veterans stepped up and vowed to defend our Nation against all enemies foreign and domestic. These brave men and women sacrificed their times with their families, missing birthdays, anniversaries, births, school plays, first tooth lost, and so much more for a Nation that seems to want to trash it and throw it all away. These amazing men and women signed the dotted line to keep the enemies who want to destroy our freedoms, our rights, our whole way of living on their turf and not ours. We have people in the government who seems hell bent on helping destroy our nation from within, but these amazing men and women in uniform continue to serve our nation.

I’ve been blessed to know many veterans and have family members who’ve served. These people have shown me just how important it is to do what we can to help and protect our veterans as well. These brave men and woman sacrifice so much to help keep our nation safe and freedoms intact. Sure there’s a few bad apples in the bunch, but for the 98% of our veterans who’ve served, they deserve our respect. Think about it, are you willing to give up family time, birthdays, anniversaries, and more to help serve your nation? Are you willing to go overseas for months at a time to make sure you and your soldiers have what you need to keep the bad guys over there and not here? Are you willing to give up sleeping in your bed at night knowing you’re safe? Are you willing to give up the rights to protest? The rights to freedom of religions? The right to complain about the government vocally? If not, then stop being so disrespectful and hateful to the veterans. Whatever your political views are, don’t take it out on the men and women who’ve sacrificed and signed the dotted line to help protect you and the country you live in, because you aren’t willing to do it.

Days of Thankfulness #9

I’m grateful for my children. All 3 of them. They’ve all truly taught me what it means to have unconditional love, patience, and a fear that I’ve never felt before. Before having children of my own, I never truly knew what it meant to love a person so much that you’d give your life up without blinking. No questions asked, my life for theirs. I prayed for each of my children before they were growing in my body. The moment I knew they were on the way, I thanked God. I did everything in my power to make sure I was being healthy, so their little bodies could grow. My whole mindset changed. This is when my anxiety kicked in. I never really experienced anxiety until my first born was in my arms. I wasn’t just my life I was responsible for, I was now responsible for a tiny little human. This human is now going to depend on me for EVERYTHING! Sustaining their lives depended on me and my decisions. Am I going to be a good mom? Will my babies know just how much I love them? Would I make the right choices? What if I picked a toy or food that would hurt them? What if I didn’t see a car coming and we got hit? What if I looked away and couldn’t see or hear them if they needed help? Would I be able to protect them during the night if someone broke in? I can’t hear without my hearing aids, so nighttime was hard on me. I gladly endured ear aches and lost sleep due to not being able to take out my hearing aids in case they needed me during the night. My fear of bridges and water intensified due to all the what ifs. As they grew into school age, a whole new set of fears set in. How safe are they going to be? Would they be protected in danger? Are they going to be bullied? Are they going to be the bully? Did I prepare them enough for school? Will I be able to help them through the homework? Can I console them through the pains of growing up?

Through the 9 years of being on this parenting roller coaster, I’ve learned so much about myself. I learned just how much patience I can have when the no good, horrible, very bad days pop up. I learned just how much peace I can have when the feel the tiny little arms wrap around my leg and hearing, “I love you mommy.” I learned just how much it hurts to watch my heart walk off to school, knowing I wouldn’t be able to protect them from the hurt they may experience. I learned just how nothing else in the world matters when you’re sitting in the middle of the kitchen with a crying child in your lap because they miss their Mimi, Poppy, Aubree, or other family member. I learned just how frustrated angry you can be at a choice child makes. I learned that it’s OK to walk away for just a moment to cool down and come back to the situation. I learned that love is unconditional between a child and a parent when they continue to come to you and hug your neck, and tell you they love you, even when you had to discipline them just 10 minutes earlier. As a person I’ve grown. I’ve learned just how rewarding being a mother can be. I learned just how much I look forward to them returning home after letting them spread their wings a little bit. As much as I love to have them tucked up underneath me, even though they can make me crazy, rather than allow them to go out into the big ol’ world, I know I have to let them slowly assert their independence. I have to allow them to experience and learn from those experiences. I’ll be their safety net for their whole lives. I’ll allow them to fly, to learn, to grow as amazing people, but they’ll always know that as long as I draw breath on this Earth, I’ll be here to catch them and help them through it.

To my beautiful babies, I love you. You are my whole reason for being. You shine a light in my world. You taught me so much. Throughout all the good, the bad, the ugly I’ll always be here. I’ll be waiting and cherishing every hug, kiss, snuggle, and everything else you have to give me. No matter how bad things can get, I’ll be there to help you. I love you more than words can say.

Days of Thankfulness #8

Today I write of the beautiful day the good Lord Blessed me with. The sun is shining, a gentle breeze, and cool temperature. It’s been a long time since I actually just stopped and enjoyed the sun on my skin and the breeze just blowing in my hair. In this world of chaos and constantly being bombarded with things that have to be done, I sometimes forget to just stop and see the beauty of the world that God has given me.

Thank you dear Lord for reminding me to just stop. To just breathe in the air given to me. To see the beauty in the mountains behind my house. To feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. To allow myself to just stop for a minute to remember the world is a beautiful place.

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Days of Thankfulness #7

On this day of Thankfulness, I want to thank the ladies in the Bootcamp Challenge group. We started together 3 weeks ago. We didn’t know each other and were nervous about this new journey we were about to embark. As the first week commenced, we begin to lift each other up and encourage each other through the runs and weight lifting, We learned about our bodies and what they were capable of. Throughout the second week, we encouraged the ladies on their test and job interviews. We pushed each other to keep going. We began to laugh and talk to each other as we’d struggled to get through the set. As week 3 came to a close, a friend I gained and I in the group decided that we would continue on to the next session of the Bootcamp Challenge in December. We talked about our families and possible future plans and what the Army had in store for us.

Our coach for this group is an amazing woman. She’s encouraged us and pushed us to try a little more each day. She believes in our abilities and adjust the exercise set to benefit us the best. She challenges us when we feel like giving up. She doesn’t take our crap and forces us to “woman up” and push through the run or exercise set. I’m truly grateful for her patience and encouragement while she dishes out the tough love I know I need.

To the ladies of BootCamp Challenge, I’m truly grateful to ya’ll. I look forward to our exercise sessions. Ya’ll have encouraged me to be better, to keep going, to believe in myself a little more. Ya’ll have helped me to realize that it’s ok to want to do something for me. I’m truly looking forward to the next 2 weeks and seeing how far we’ve come

Days of Thankfulness #6

Today I’m thankful for the friends I’ve made on YouTube. I know this may seem strange, but I am truly thankful for the people I’ve met on YouTube. I’ve met a variety of people through livestreams and they’re all amazing. These people lift each other up, help when times are hard, laugh with each other, and so much more! The paranormal community have been the most welcoming group I’ve come across. They have the most interesting conversations and perception on the world around us. I’ve met people who have incredible voices that sing, people who share inspirational messages, the straight truth, and laughter. They’ve helped me with my questions, made me laugh, and help me feel less lonely on the days Jason is gone on TDY. Some of them even support our channel! It’s a place in this world that helps me to see that not everyone is an evil selfish person. It’s so refreshing to see s corner of the world where there people who want to help others and spread positivity.

So to all my YouTube friends, thank you! Thank you for being a positive light in my life. Thank you for all the laughter, love, and help you’ve given me throughout this past year. I’m truly grateful to you all!

Days of Thankfulness #5

Today, I write of my Best Friend. She’s amazing. Absolutely beautiful on the inside and out. If you know me, you know I’m speaking of Vanessa. This woman has gotten me through my ups and downs. She knows every single inch of my soul and still loves me. We met in Savannah Ga, about 10 years ago at a mutual friend’s house. We didn’t know it then, but a couple years later, we’d become so close that even our first 2 children would be born within weeks/hours of each other. As we grew in our friendship, we realized that we had a lot of things in common. We’re also very different.

We really bonded through us each trying to conceive our first child. The both of us were having some issues getting pregnant and we were there to support each other through all of it. We’d talk about every single thing that was going on with our body, things that we were feeling, we’d laugh and cry together. Once we found out we were finally pregnant, the only better thing to make it better was that we’d get to go through our first pregnancies together. Then amazingly enough, we found out we’d be going through our 2nd pregnancies together!This amazing woman accepted me in the beginning for me. She has encouraged me when I felt like giving up. She’s held me up when I was falling. She loves my children as if they were hers and I love hers as if they were mine. She’s seen me at my worst and still stood by me. Even when I know I made her absolutely nuts, she stood by me. She keeps me in line. Tells me the truth. Helps me with fashion advice and tries to torture me with an eyelash curler thingy. We’ve laughed and cried together. We can go weeks without speaking, but watch of us knows that if we’re needed, all we gotta do is call or text. We don’t have to be in the same city or even in the same state to remain close. I love that our families are so close.

So to my Soul Sister, I’m so very thankful for you. You are truly my light in this dark world I sometimes find myself in. I thank God everyday that He brought us together. I love you so and can’t wait till our morning coffee chats in the nursing home together!

Days of Thankfulness #4

On this day of Thankfulness, I must write of my Sister in Law, Jenny. She and I have known each other for at least 20 plus years. She staterted dating my brother during my sophomore year in high school. Our first meeting wasn’t exactly a pleasant one. I was coming out of the shower and wrapped in a towel walking towards the laundry room. Apparently, I gave a dirty look and walked past her. I don’t remember this encounter, but she does. We laugh about it all the time. As the years went on, she stuck around. We included her in our family traditions and hers included ours. We got to know each other, but wouldn’t really consider ourselves friends. It was more of she’s dating my brother, so we’d see each other.

It wasn’t until she was in college and I was offered a job in the same town. We decided to live together to help with the costs of living, that we became close. Our friendship developed as we learned to live with each other. My brother and her would include me in their softball teams, college parties, and football games. I was just out of a very bad relationship, so I wasn’t keen on getting out or really making friends. She’d encourage me to get out, make new friends, and would help me when I needed it. We had fun playing Mario Kart, sitting on the back porch talking, or cooking supper. My brother and her became engaged and I was thrilled. I was gaining a sister!

We’ve had our ups and downs, but we always came back together in time as friends. Texts here and there checking in on each other, phone calls just to chat, Facetiming to include each other in activities due to being so far apart. She’s flown one way just to drive me and my children back home for holidays when my husband wasn’t able to. She’s included me in family parties when we couldn’t be there by video calling us, she’s called just to talk to my children and see what they’re up to. She is a very busy woman with her job and her child, but she’s always made sure to take the time to cal or text. Our children are very close, so many times during the week we’ll lose our phones due to the Facetime or texting each other, and for that I’m thankful.

To my Sister-in-law, I love you. I’m truly thankful for your friendship and love. I’m thankful that you love us warts and all. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but we never gave up. I cherish the friendship we’ve developed over the years and I look forward to many more. God has Blessed us with each other, and I’m so very thankful that He did.

Days of Thankfulness #3

Today I write in Thankfulness of my husband, Jason. This man came into my life when I least expected it and took me on a journey I never knew existed. We met through mutual friends while he was serving in Iraq. I was in my first year of teaching, a friend of mine’s husband was serving overseas with Jason. We began writing e-mails to each other, then using Yahoo Messenger to video chat with each other. I had no intentions of falling in love with this man, and he had no intentions of falling in love with me. We soon found ourselves staying up all night to talk to each other, waiting on the rare phone call, and looking forward to the next email. When he returned to Germany after serving in Iraq, we kept up the friendship. During Spring Break, he invited me to fly to Germany for the week, and I accepted. We spent the week getting to know each other. No pretenses, no masks, no pressures. Just friends getting to know each other. I left the week with a new boyfriend. We both were having feelings for each other, but he was brave enough to say something about it. During our dating period, things were hard. We were never in the same place for more than a week. We would plan trips every three months to see each other. I would go to him, then him to me. This was a learning curve for me. I’ve never dated anyone in the military. I’ve never done the long distance thing before. We both had baggage and insecurities from our previous relationships. We were both very independent people who had our ways of leading our lives. Neither one of us really knew what it was to truly trust and live a life as a couple. There were arguments, brief periods of a break, but we always came back to each other. The love we had kept pulling us back to each other. I was completely in shock when he proposed. The day we got married was perfect. Even with the rain, we still talk of our wedding with joy and laughter. After we were married, we truly had growing pains. I was moved miles and miles away from my family. He was learning how to share his life with me, I was learning to share my life with him. The reality of having a wife who’s Deaf and limited sight kicked in for him and it was hard for him. The reality if having a husband in a town so far from my comfort zone was hard for me. We worked through it and all the other hard times. We’ve come out of the storms stronger and closer than ever. We trust each other, we talk to each other, we lean on each other. It took us about 8 years of ups and downs, countless separations due to the Army, us maturing, and a little bit of therapy, but now we truly like each other again as friends. We truly enjoy being around each other.He sacrifices his time with his children to make sure they have what they need and are able to do their extra curricular. He works, so I can stay at home with the kids and the home. While doing this, he’s achieving his Masters degree. He supports me when it comes to all my crazy ideas like gardening, doing jellies, my essential oils, boot camp challenges, and all other things I come up with. He holds me up when I fall, helps me realize my potential, and helps me when I can’t see. He helps when I can’t hear. He takes the kids when I need a break. He helps me when I don’t get the house chores done. He and I are truly a team. We still have our moments as does any couple, but now we are truly “in it to win it” We look foward to our forever home with our children. We talk of possible business plans. We laugh, cry, and grow together as husband and wife. 

To my husband, I love you handsome. Thank you for being my rock when I need you. Thank you for being my eyes and ears when I don’t know I need them. Thank you for protecting the children and me. Thank you for providing a home, food, clothes, and a life that been Blessed by the hand of God. Thank you for serving our great Nation with such professionalism and grace. I look forward to the next many years with you as my partner, my friend, and my rock. I love you more now today, than I did yesterday.

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Days of Thankfulness #2

My brother always did little things to help me feel like I was the same as everyone else. He knew music was a big thing in my life, but I couldn't always hear the music. I'd always fake it with my friends, but he knew I wanted to know. He would write out the lyrics of my favorite songs or tell me what they were, so I could sing along with the radio or with my friends. His hearing was better than mine, and still is. When we were out and about and I didn't hear something, but he did, he'd sign it to me when no one was looking. He still does that for me now as adults sometimes. He protects me from the bad guys when I need him to or even when I didn't know I needed him to. He would console me when I was scared.
As adults, were still close. He was my Man of Honor at my wedding. He checks up on me and the kiddos. He helps me when I'm down and feeling discouraged. He makes me laugh when I'm sad or missing my family. He loves my kids and includes them. I know I can call him at any time and if he's able, he'll help. He even drives over and kills the bugs when I'm too freaked out and Hubby is away. God gave me the best man to be my brother and my best friend.
So to my brother, I love you and I'm truly thankful to you. Thank you for loving me inside and out even when you didn't like me. Thank you for being there for me, even when I made it hard on you. I know I don't say it much or often, but I'm truly Blessed and proud to be your sister.

Days Of Thankfulness #1

I've decided to write something that I'm grateful for during the month of November. I know I'm starting a day late, but I'll make sure to catch up on the days. I'm interested in know what you're thankful for as well. In a world where it seems like there's more bad than good, I'm hoping a daily reminder of thankfulness will help lift to a state of happiness and contentment.
For my first day of thankfulness, I'm choosing for the support of my parents. From day one of my life, they tried their very best to provide the best for me. They were young parents and didn't have much to their names. They both worked hard to make sure my brother and I had what we needed to be successful human beings. When they found out my brother and I were Deaf, they worked and fought hard to make sure we had the equipment and accommodations we needed. We were encouraged daily to be the best we could be. Our deafness was not to be used as an excuse for anything. We were able to do anything we wanted to do or be who we wanted to be, even if it seemed impossible. We were encouraged to learn to be a part of the hearing and deaf world. We were to learn to speak and sign if that was our desire.
My parents worked with our family members and friends of the family to make sure we didn't feel left out or not normal. Not once in our lives did my brother and I feel as if we weren't included or wasn't able to be successful. Even when I would cry and ask why? I want to be hearing. I want to be deaf. I don't want my interpreters. My parents talked with me through the hard times. Even when I was a difficult teen, they didn't give up on me. Now as an adult, my parents still support me in my dreams. There isn't a day gone by that I don't know how proud they are of me and how much they love me. My parents are my heroes. They fought for me when I wouldn't. They held me when I felt alone. They gave me tough love when I needed it. I'm forever grateful to them for giving me a life. A live that I can honestly say was a good life. No it's a great life. They gave me tools to be a successful, kind, respectful woman, and productive member of society. To my parents, thank you. I'm most grateful to ya'll and the love you gave and continue to give me.

Living with Usher's Syndrome

Usher's Syndrome is a rare disease that has 3 different types:Type I, Type II, and Type III. It's a disease that affects the sight and hearing of a person. Each type has different characteristics, but all three will eventually lose sight and hearing as they grow up. Type I characteristics include deafness is present at birth, vision problems start around 10 years of age, and eventual blindness. Type II characteristics include a moderate-severe hearing loss, retinitis pigmentosa begins during the teenage years, tunnel vision. Type III characteristics include normal hearing and vision at birth, blindness by adulthood, deafness begins in adulthood, retinitis pigmentosa begins in adulthood. It's discovered by a DNA test. Both parents must have the recessive gene for Usher's Syndrome. If the parents have 4 children, 1 will not have the recessive gene or present US (Usher's Syndrome), 1 child will have US, and 2 will have the recessive gene, but not present US. In my family's case, Both my brother and I have US Type II.
The reason I want to share this information is because as a person who has lived with this condition my whole life, I'm hoping my experience will help others. I didn't know I had US until I was 36 years old. It's determined by a DNA test. I was born passing the newborn hearing test. By the age of 3, after many years of my mom telling doctors that I was hearing things, I was given my first pair of hearing aids. My parents put me in an Early Intervention Program at the age of 3. It was a program in the public school that helped me learn Sign Language as I was learning speech. Everyday I was given spoken and signed language during the school day, and at home everything was spoken. No one in my family signed but my brother and I. We struggled with fitting into both worlds, but our family never treated us as if we were different. We were expected to have respect, have manners, follow rules, make good grades in school, play in little league sports, and to never use our deafness as an excuse to not succeed. I had interpreters in my classrooms during the 1st grade, but I felt like I wasn't "normal" so I asked not to have any during my 2nd grade year and beyond. A decision I would later regret. As I entered the 5th grade, my vision was bad enough that I needed glasses. It didn't bother me too much, as it was something I couldn't change. As I entered my middle school years, I was still trying to fit in and be "normal" and still refused an interpreter, even though I knew I wasn't hearing everything. People would sit behind me and whisper or say my name, then when I finally heard them, they would laugh. I would walk into signs or walls sometimes. I wasn't exactly a behavioral problem, but I wasn't outspoken either. I was ok with blending in with the crowd, yet I really wanted to be accepted with the popular crowd. My parents were always very supportive and always made sure that I knew I wasn't broken. Even when I wanted to quit, they wouldn't let me. During my 7th grade year, I wanted to compete in the UIL Listening Team. It's an event where a person transcribes what's being said on a tape recorder. I couldn't hear the words being said. My parents knew there was absolutely no way I'd place. You know what they did? They helped me practice, my dad drove me to the competition, he waited for me to finish, and then with a smile on his face asked me how I did. I told him I had no idea what the heck was being said. We laughed and he told me how proud he was of me for going for it. I never felt left out or unloved by any member of my family. I tried out for cheerleading, and I choked. I probably could've made the team. I had an interpreter helping me, but I choked. My parents encouraged me every single step of the way. My freshman year in High School, I made the flag corp/drill team. I didn't have an interpreter for that. My mom helped me with the tryouts, learning the dances and the steps. My friends on the team would help me know when the music was starting. On the field, I would be put in front of a band member who would nod or tip the instrument for me to know when to start. During all this time, I didn't use my signs. I would only use them with my brother or with my Deaf friends. I wouldn't really acknowledge my own Deafness. I learned to adapt by watching the people around me, reading lips, and doing a lot of reading. My vision didn't really bother me, I knew that having glasses wasn't considered an abnormal thing.

As I entered my sophomore year, I decided to take American Sign Language as an elective. Boy did that class change my life. I began to realize just how much I needed the signs. How "normal" signing can be. How much other people were willing to learn sign to communicate with other Deaf people. My teacher knew me from my early years in elemetary school. She helped me find my voice. She helped me to fully accept and gain pride in my deafness. I embraced it. I asked my parents to please use signs at home. I still wasn't willing to have an interpreter in my classroom and after school activities yet, but I was slowly adapting to having signs in my life. My mom was all on board. She began learning ASL, began working as an interpreter in the schools for other deaf students, and interpreting the prayers at family events. I would begin to socialize with the other Deaf students in the school. I was learning how to be a part of both worlds and get comfortable in it. I also worked while maintaining an A/B GPA and being on the Drill Team. I made the typical teenage mistakes and went through all the emotions of being a teenager, but through it all my family supported me every step of the way.
We started realizing that my vision was getting worse when I started driving. There were clues as I was growing up that my vision at night and peripheral vision wasn't what it was supposed to be. We always just chalked it up to me being clumsy or not paying attention. When I would drive at night, I wouldn't see certain things or not be able to judge the sped or space of the cars. After 2 wrecked cars that happened at night, I started to adjust my driving. Only drove routes I knew by heart. Drove by reading the lines on the road. I would park when I could just pull through. Again through out all this, it never crossed our minds that my Deafness and vision were connected.
When I started my Senior year, I was semi-forced to have an interpreter in my classrooms. I was hesitant at first, but it only took one class to realize just how much I needed it. How much I wanted it. I fianlly was able to know why the other classmates were laughing, I fianlly realized just how much I was missing on instructional teachings, and that not everytime someone laughed; it wasn't at me. I began to interact more in the classrooms. I began to socialize a little bit more. I began to realize that I was "normal". Even during my college years, I made sure I had an interpreter and a note taker in everyone of my classes. I lived in my own apartment. My did help me with paying the bills, but I focused on my studies and worked a part time job as an assistant to the secrtary. I went on to earn a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I graduated with top honors. After this, I earned my M.S. in Deaf Education. I did all this in 5 years.
After graduation, I secured a job as a Deaf Education teacher. I wanted to share my experiences with other students and encourage them to live up to their potientail. I wanted to show them they could do whatever they wanted to do. Deafness wasn't an excuse to not succeed. They have rights and abilities to help them succeed. I was still having trouble seeing at night, but wouldn't really accept it, even when I would hit a pole due to not seeing it as I was pulling out of my parking space. My family still supported me 100 percent. There was no holding me back. Even when it seemed I wasn't fully thinking through the situation with my driving. I did start making some adjustments though, I would drive less often at night unless I was forced to. I would ride with friends or let them drive my car when we'd go out. It was during my first year of teaching that I met my future husband.
It was a learning experience for my then boyfriend, Jason. He accepted my deafness from day one. He started to learn sign, he made sure to look at me when talking to me, and he made sure others knew to look at me when talking to me. He would be my advocate when I wouldn't say anything. He never made me feel like my deafness was an issue. We struggled as a couple as many others do. He was in the Army, so we were never in the same place. We would take turns about every 3 months flying to each other for a week. We'd call as often as we could. We have arguments due to my insecurities and his selfishness. We'd work through it. We got married and lived together for the first time. In addition to 2 independent people coming together as one, we were also adjusting to my limitations in my vision. We both wouldn't accept the severity of it and basically just ignored it. Jason would think I was ignoring the mess on the floor, or not wipe down a spot on the table, or ignore him just to piss him off. When in all actuality, I honestly didn't see the mess on the floor that I missed while sweeping. I didn't see the water spot on the dark coffee table. I didn't hear him calling for me from another room. Neither one of really communicated well with each other.
It honestly wasn't until the last 4 or 5 years, after being married 7 years, that we finally started really communicating with each other. He started realizing just how far my limitations were. We adjusted once again. He would help me "see" what I missed, guide me gently when we were in a dark room. I started setting up the house in small ways the way a blind person would do. When we found out we were expecting our first child, a whole new set of worries set in. How would I hear my baby crying? How would we handle it if our child was born deaf? Would I be able to parent as a Deaf mom? Funny how my vision never really entered our minds. Jason was gone a lot due to field exercises, deployments, and TDYs. As much as he'd be gone, I'd be doing a lot of this on my own. Jason's mom found me a monitor that would vibrate when the baby cried. We found a video monitor that we could use. I learned how many steps would take me to and from the baby's room to my own.
During the first years of my children's lives, we all adjusted together. We use signs and spoken language in the home. We developed friendships with people who accepted me and my limitations unconditionally. When Jason would be gone, I knew who I could call to help me with things in the house, with things going on in the neighborhood after dark, help me keep an eye on the kids, and would pick me up and drop me off at home for Girl's Night Out. It was during this time I learned what true friendship was. What unconditional friendships that will last a lifetime was. I thank God every single day for these people.

We discovered I had US Type II. For some reason, this hit me so hard. I struggled and grieved for so long. Before knowing the diagnosis, I just went with life and adjusted as needed. I avoided driving at night, I slowly set up the house as a blind person would, I'd make sure the kids would look at me when talking to me. They of course take advantage as most kids do, but for the most part they're very respectful of the fact that I'm trying my best not to let my limitations affect their lives negativly. It's harder now that their in extra curricular activities. The video below will explain it more.

Even with all the hardships, with all the disappointments, and all the struggles, I wont sit here and say I haven't been blessed. I have been blessed. God may have chosen me to have this condition, but He didn't leave me to do it alone. He Blessed me with a family that accepted me unconditionally and made sure I was never treated as if I was different. He Blessed me with friends that are considered family. Friends that helped me and continue to help me. He Blessed me with a man that loves me unconditionally. A man who does all he can to make sure we have what we need. He Blessed me with 3 children who are amazing. Who are able to accept and see everyone as their equal. No matter their condition or disease. They see the person and adjust. God gave me the tools to be a successful person. A successful daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, and woman. Even though I fought this life many times, cried and asked why me?, wondered what in the world is my purpose, I still wouldn't say I'm not Blessed. I have my hard days and to be honest still struggle with my lack of peripheral vision and night blindness. Most days, though I accept it as it is and adjust accordingly. US is not a death sentence. It's a part of life and will not stop me from living it.
Feel free to connect with me if you have questions or comments.

Some links to learn more...

• https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/usher-syndromehealth/usher-syndrome
• https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/usher-syndromehealth/usher-syndrome
• https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/usher-syndrome