Bust our Buttons......

This is the week of the 8th anniversary of when I met Katie for the first time. In a hotel room in China, a little fireball came barrelling in and changed our lives. 

We had no idea the depth of the struggles she would face. No idea that the first 4 years of her life and the circumstances she endured (of which we aren't certain of the details, but imagine the worst - then more) would forever present challenges to her that she would battle daily.

We were told when she was 4 by her teacher "she will never learn to read; it's an unrealistic goal - that's why we are proposing all goals that will be life skills oriented." That day an uphill battle began, but God led the charge, for he placed some amazing teachers in her life that got her to where she is today. 

Today, she received a district award for students that have perservered and overcome great obstacles. 

Katie's teacher, Mrs. Villa,  said in the award ceremony "No matter what challenges life has thrown her way, she has found a way to overcome. I couldn't be more proud!"
(us too - I have needed more than a few tissues since I found out she was receiving this award) 

Every parent has moments when they are "bust their buttons" proud of their child. This was that and all some - because 8 years ago, no one thought this was possible. 

Lots of the people who have been instrumental in Katie's progress came to celebrate her today - which was beyond amazing. Katie is so loved by so many, and we are so blessed to have education professionals for whom this is a calling and they pour themselves into our girl. 

Miss Karen who was her first one-one aid (uofficially, officially!) - who loved Katie and our family so much she helped with horse camp one year, and I"m not sure she even likes horses! But she loves Katie - and Katie likes horses, so that was good enough for her! 

Her first teacher after our lawsuit when she got her new placement; she helped Katie to see that she could be successful and learn which was a gift beyond measure. 

Miss Jamie, who has helped develop Katie's althletic abilities...and her love of Ariel! 

Her current teacher and school team - who nominated her for this award. There simply aren't words to describe how their confidence in Katie's ability has changed her life. The believe in her, and go far above and beyond the call every moment of every day to help her be the very best she can be. 

Katie's life verse - we see it every moment of every day. 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and couragious. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your GOD, is with you wherever you go."

joshua 1:9

Happy New Year

Those words bring with them a lot of hope - that might be why people make such a big deal about New Year's Eve. Not us necessarily - other people - we generally let the evening pass without any fanfare! 

It's not that we don't like hope here - hope is a place we live in daily; it's just we can't stay awake until midnight. Plus, our people stress about "big deals' so we try to limit them as much as possible to necessary ones and NYE just isn't. 

However. we did take a little trip to Arizona to hang out with family - I didn't do a great job at getting any family pictures this time, so the candids are it...

Car #1 - because its good to have a back up, and quite frankly, sitting 5 people in 6 seats in the mini-van for an 8 hour ride is plain stupid! 

A random rest area - Arizona has much nice rest areas than California, so we stop just because! 

Reid Zoo in Tuscon - I braved it by myself with a toddler, two kids and Katie - and didn't lose anyone or my mind! 

Katie got a new bathing suit for Christmas - who cares that its 65 out and the water is freezing if you are a real mermaid! 

Christmas toys......

We brought an extra child home with us. She is going on the American Heritage Tour with Cami's school in March, and there are a couple of "pre-trip" details we needed to take care of - like dress fittings! 

Lunching at the Bowers Museum - I love these girls and I love that they love museums! 

Our break was not all fun. Right before we left, we lost one of our dear friends Jeff. I worked for and alongside Jeff for almost 10 years when I was in the sailing business. His wife Tracy hosted my baby shower before we brought Becky home. We did sailing and Porsche's and Jesus together with them. They are the friends you don't see for several months because life gets in the way - then you see them and all is right in your world again. 

Our lives are so much richer for having Jeff as a friend and we will miss him terribly. He is in glory right now with Jesus - and those of us who are left behind have a void and just a little less laughter in our lives. 

But hope - I started this entry talking about hope. There is no better hope than that found in the resurrected life of Jesus and because of that, this goodbye is a just a temporary one.