Yes, I know, I know - it's been a while. Not only have a not blogged, I have not read any blogs in over a month. We've been busy doing "stuff" that has taken all of our spare time. I miss you all and I feel so much more in contact when I'm able to email and blog. So, here it goes!
First, we have to thank EVERYONE for their continued prayers for Bryce. He is doing so well that he will no longer need any therapy services at the end of this school year! It is such an answer to prayer. I can't believe how well he is doing. Last fall we were beginning to think that his progress was beginning to plateau again. Lately, though, spring has sprung new growth in his personality. He now comes home from school telling me more social details, like "girls are mean" and "I want to be a fireman when I grow up". The other day he was upset because a little girl called him "smarty pants". I think most parents would be mortified at hearing their precious child called bad names. We however rejoiced and delighted that he understood that the little girl was being mean. Then, of course, we were mortified that someone would call our little darling bad names. We tried to explain that he could consider it a compliment and next time tell her "thank you - I know I'm smart" but he couldn't quite get that concept. Baby steps, right? His writing is improving and the other day he wrote Mom on the sidewalk with chalk without me spelling it for him or giving him a visual cue. I think he'll be ready for kindergarten! It's been a long haul and I know we may face more issues with learning deficits in the future but for now we are so excited with his progress and continue to thank God every day for this special child.
OK, now to Brendan. Hmmm, let's see, stubborn comes to mind. He is going through another difficult refuse to listen and obey phase and is driving us crazy. He doesn't like preschool as much as he used to and we're not sure why. His preschool just announced that it is closing this year so we've enrolled him at First Covenant where Bryce attends now. He used to go there with me on Bible study days and really liked it. He seems excited about the switch for next year and tells me he won't cry when I drop him off. He continues to be the funny guy and always likes to be silly. Sometimes we like it, sometimes we don't. He still hates buttons, and on Easter morning we woke him up and said "Bren, it's Easter!" and his first comment was "I don't want to wear my buttons". He is a typical little brother and continues to knock down anything that Bryce sets up which makes for interesting, long days. Most of the time Bryce and Bren get along very well and really enjoy playing together. When one's in school, the other one's constantly asking me how much longer before we get to pick the other up.
On to Jeff, I suppose. He is busy at work these days which is great. Last year things were a little slow and that's not a good place to be. Wells Fargo is taking over the brokerage where he works and soon the logo, business cards, etc. will all change. We were really fearful about the takeover but it seems that at this point there are no layoffs and in fact Jeff is picking up more business. Church is also keeping him busy as he coordinates all of the adult classes by himself. Every time he thinks he has a quarter all figured out someone calls and wants to add or cancel a class and he's back to scrambling to put it together. He does a good job, though, and I know he doesn't feel like it's much of a ministry for God but I'm constantly telling him it is.
Last, but not necessarily least (although it may feel like it sometimes!) -it's my turn. I have to confess some of the reasons I've been so busy aren't all bad. First of all, we decided to buy a new couch for the family room which escalated into a complete room makeover. I had no intention of doing so much furniture shopping last month but at least I can say we're done for now. I picked up our ottoman today and we have completed the furniture phase. Paint, art work, window coverings are all to follow but we are out of cash and so I'm done. I can honestly say I hate furniture shopping, especially with 2 boys! I feel a big sense of relief to have it done, though, and to finally have a couch I can sit on without back pain! We ended up getting a leather sectional and some Target accent chairs (who knew!) and I love all of it! I can now sit on the couch to fold laundry instead of the floor! I have also been busy working, picking up some extra Saturdays (gotta help pay for that couch!). My 9-10 pm hour of free time has been spent doing chart audits for the private practice clinic where I sometimes fill in. Again, picking up some extra couch cash! My other big news is that I'm going to Guatemala on a medical mission trip with some members of our church in October. I'm pretty excited, Jeff is hesitant. My mom and other family members have offered to help out with the boys. I will be gone for a week and will be attending a general surgery/gynecology clinic which means I'll be helping mostly with post-op - checking vitals, mobilizing patients and whatever else is needed. I've always wanted to do medical missions and feel blessed to be able to use a little of my medical skills for God! I pray that all of my paperwork/passport is processed and that the timing for travel to a third world country will be as safe as possible.
Well, I guess that's it. I need to get going, Bryce's leggos are calling for some help. I wish I had better Easter pics of the boys, but obviously the button shirt didn't last long on Brendan. Everyone is wearing a new outfit except me, I was wearing Easter Godiva on my hips but hopefully you can't see it. We love you all and hope to hear from you soon, in fact I think I changed the setting so that you can leave comments even if you don't have a Google account.
Take care until next month, and thank you again for all of your prayers for Bryce!
Love, Dani, Jeff and the B boys
