God is Good All the Time!

God is Good All the Time!

     I am sure by now you know that I am Christian and I love God.  I am not ashamed to call out to Him and reach out to those who I know will pray for me.  Without my faith in the Lord, I don't know how I could have gotten through these past two weeks.  Our son, Cole, has been quite the trooper and had to have surgery, without truly understanding why he was in the hospital.  My husband and I have gone through so many emotions this past week, but because of our strength and trust in God, we have been surrounded by so many blessings.  You may ask yourself at times, "Why God?  Why did this happen to me?" and that would be totally normal.  However, instead of asking why, replace it with thank you.  I asked God for so many prayers and blessings this week, that I knew when our Cole went into surgery he was going to be better than ever, but that didn't take the worry away.  I followed up with, "Thank you God for chasing me down and returning 100% health back to Cole".  My mom instinct was kicked into high gear on Tuesday, November 8th, because that is when our Cole lost his coloring and was violently ill.

     I think I have told many parents and families do not check your brain at the door when your child is sick.  I feel I should have listened even more to that maternal instinct when we first took Cole to the ER on November 8th. My husband and I both questioned the doctor and asked him if he thought Cole was having an appendicitis.  Little did I know that we would be sent home with some medicine and watch our son throw up for 12 hours straight.  I knew it was more than a stomach bug, but I too came down with this awful illness, so I checked my brain at the door the next day.  However, by Thursday evening, we knew Cole was not getting better, so we took him back to the after-hours care facility and they just sent us home with Z-Pak and a note to return to school on Monday, November 14th.  My husband and I are still filled with guilt, as we took Cole to the doctor twice before being admitted to the Children's ER at Medical City.  Within 6 hours of being seen by his amazing pediatrician on Monday, November 14th, Cole was undergoing surgery and was going to be released from his constant pain.  Do I feel guilty for not asking more questions when we were at the ER on Tuesday, November 8th?  Yes.  However, because of my faith in God, we were surrounded by angels the day of Cole's surgery and still are.  Cole is a gift from God.  He has changed so many people's lives because he loves unconditionally.  Many of his friends called us, texted us, stopped in to say hello, and brought us food.  I knew in my heart my son was going to live to see his 15th birthday on November 28th because how could God take away so much joy from so many people on this Earth?  Truly, Cole has this amazing gift of looking people in the eye, asking them their name, and then follow it up with, "How old are you?"  How could you not love someone like this?

     I have been incredibly blessed by our church family at Highland Park United Methodist Church, as well as our family at Highland Park High School.  I am overwhelmed by the generosity, kindness, and care our friends have given us these past two weeks.  I am in awe of our son, Cole, because he absolutely hates needles and shots.  We were able to walk Cole through what was going to happen next because of the amazing staff at Medical City Children's Hospital in Dallas.  I am not a nurse, so I applaud those in this field.  I have never been cut out to be a nurse or a doctor (no pun intended) because of my fear of blood and needles, but because of my son, I have been able to take care of him like a nurse.  Sure, I have wanted to throw up a few times after seeing his stitches and other things, but God chose me to be Cole's mom.  

     The reason I am writing this blog post today is because it is cathartic for me.  I am healed mentally because of my strength in God, but I am also spiritually alive because of His love for me and my family.  I never knew the strength I could muster when it came to being strong for my family, but I truly believe because of God's amazing grace, I have a clear mind and healed heart.  I thank my parents, my nanny Comp. and granddaddy for giving me the tools to succeed as a Christian, mom, and wife.  My family gave me an incredible education in life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.  My family also gave me a firm foundation built on God's word and His love for us.  You do not have to live in fear because of how our world has become.  Become a steward of faith, plant your feet firmly in the ground, and declare God's word.  The only way I can live life each and every day, even when it's full of chaos and heartache, is because of my love for God.  Everyone, have a blessed Thanksgiving!  I know we will.

Educating the Whole Family

     Educating the Whole Family

     I am saddened, disturbed, and confused about this election. How can we make America great again, in terms of receiving a world-class education? Do you see what I just did? I wrote a statement about education, but then spun it so you would see my point of view. As an American, I voted the second day of early voting, and I am so glad I did! I am not pleased with either candidate for the Republican or Democratic ticket, but I voted with my heart, insight, and how our next President and Congress will enact a better workforce for teachers and provide a world-class setting and curriculum for students. Do not ask me who I voted for through social media, because I won't tell you. I truly believe our country is great, but we must realize in order to have peace and serenity in the classroom, we first must educate parents.
     I have been in a behavioral classroom setting for over a week and it is maddening to think a magnet school can have a behavioral program. I would say 95% of the students at this school want to learn and be educated. My job was not an easy one, but I am so glad I had the option to leave before I was stabbed or punched in the face. I truly feared for my life yesterday because of the situation I was put in. Many parents, grandparents, and guardians of kids who receive special education services have written off their child. Shocking, I know, but it's a reality. The disgust I have for the families who refuse to educate themselves about their child's education goes beyond the classroom: it is a reflection of who they are at home and in public.
     My plea is this: if you are reading this right now and you have parents that cared about your education, call them up and thank them. As a teacher, I am supposed to teach the whole student, but I was not allowed to do this at my current school because of a student who exhibited violent tendencies towards me and other students. Due to federal law, I can't go into what this student did; however trust me when I say our country is doomed if we keep going down this path of no responsibility. There needs to be accountability at home in order to achieve what our nation needs: responsibility and accountability of parents, students who choose to behave badly, and respect for law enforcement. I have been told middle school is the hardest age to teach, and I believe it.
     Teachers, I commend you for giving your life to better this world, but once again, I need to take a break. Parents, DON'T BE IGNORANT. Kids don't need a friend or a pacifier, they need a parent who will take them to the doctor, listen to their needs, hold their hand when their heart is broken, but most of all, unconditional love. My students have been written off by their parents except one. I thank his grandmother for loving him, but also giving him a set of rules to follow at home.  I am a parent and wife first. I refuse to put myself in harm's way, just because a student thinks I am too white and need to be taught a lesson. Yes, these are the exact words one of my students told me when I was trying to teach him social studies. Our world is doomed if parents and students don't wake up and take responsibility for their actions. God bless America and let's make it great again!

A Life-Changing Decision

     A Life Changing Decision

     I was a Senior Vocal Performance/Music Education Major at SMU, Meadows School of the Arts. I thought I had life figured out. I had completed my junior recital, auditioned for Banff and Santa Fe Opera houses, and was preparing for my senior recital. I had finally found my voice. I also was overwhelmed with the idea that I didn't want to be a music teacher, but realized this was my path I had chosen. How was I going to tell my family that I didn't think teaching was my calling? I wanted to be a professional opera singer and wanted to attend LSU for more training (Master's degree in Vocal Performance). I had made my mind up and I was on my way home from SMU to tell my mom I was breaking up with my fiance, moving to Louisiana to pursue a Master's degree in Vocal Performance at LSU, and then it happened: I was hit directly into the side of my Blazer (think small SUV), and I lost consciousness. I don't remember getting hit, but our neighbor was out in his front yard and saw everything. I literally had pulled up in front of my house (we lived on a corner) and a sweet, little old lady did not see me. This car wreck changed my life. I am not bitter, but I am a better Christian because of this life-altering experience.
     I was 23 years old and I thought I knew everything. I was rushed to the hospital, due to this car wreck, but I was going to be okay. I was supposed to sing the next day for a wedding, but luckily, if you are a singer, you always know to have a back up plan. I don't remember who was getting married, but I remember it was going to be a large wedding. I felt bad for the bride, as I had been in a couple of weddings (as a bridesmaid). I knew the stress of planning a wedding and not getting what you paid for, so this was my first thought after the wreck. The reason I thought I knew it all was because I thought I had my life planned out, or so I thought. This car wreck changed my life, and I honestly don't know if I would be a professional opera singer now, but I do wonder "what if".
My brain was mush after this wreck. I had lost vision temporarily in my left eye, due to the pressure on my brain from this injury. My symptoms did not show up (slurred speech and trouble walking) for 3 days. Unfortunately, the ER didn't think to check my brain for internal bleeding, so I went home after this experience. The hospital was negligent and I blame them for not checking my brain. They did x-rays of my knees, ankles, and chest, but they "forgot" to do a CT scan on my brain. I kept asking the nurse why I couldn't see out of my left eye and she said it was only a scratched cornea, due to my glasses breaking my skin and cornea. She was WRONG. This experience changed me as a daughter, sister, and eventually a mom. I was NEVER taking NO for an answer, when it came to my health. How in the world could an ER nurse and doctor not see the pain I was in?
     I had an eye appointment 3 days later to check my cornea, and this is when I was sent back to the hospital. I fell asleep in the chair, woke up, and my speech was extremely slurred. The doctor thought I had a stroke in his office, so once again it was back to Presbyterian Hospital and the Emergency Room. The only thing I remember at this point is the wonderful Katherine Glaze Lyle praying over me and my mom. Katherine stood over us, took my hand, and prayed to God to heal me. From this moment on, I knew God was with me. I knew if I hadn't had my mom fighting for me, I would have ended up a statistic. My mom is a strong Christian, and because of her strong faith, I truly believe she found Katherine right when I needed God's healing grace. The reason I am telling you my story is because without my faith in God, I don't think I would have the life I currently have!
     I now sing for God. I don't sing for anyone else, because without my faith in God, I don't think I would have found my voice again. I had countless people praying for me, and because of them, I am stronger than I have ever been. I never blamed the lady who hit me because she had a lot on her plate. As it turns out, she was on her way home from Presbyterian Hospital and had just gotten her cast off from a broken arm. Her husband had Alzheimer's and she couldn't send him to a nursing home, so she was driving too fast when she hit me. The lesson I learned from this accident was always look ahead, pray for others that don't know how to pray to God for mercy and grace, and always realize that life can be taken away in an instant. Love your family, friends, and pray for those that don't know God. Without my faith in God, I don't know if I would have been healed. I had a major concussion and temporary bleeding, but because of the prayers said for me, I am a fully functional human being. I no longer have migraine headaches and I have the most beautiful 14 year old son from my first marriage (yes I am divorced and now have the most amazing and supportive husband). I don't look back; I thank God for giving me a second chance at life. My biggest accomplishment was going back to SMU and completing my degree in Music. I graduated from SMU, Meadows School of the Arts, on December 16, 2009. This date is significant to me because December 16th is my parent's wedding anniversary. This year, they are celebrating 52 years of marriage.

     God is good ALL THE TIME!!!!!

Growing Up with Autism

Growing up with Autism 

     We have learned just in the past month how people react to those living with a disability.  I can honestly say we moved to a neighborhood that not only embraces Cole's autism, but loves him because he is one of the sweetest, funniest, and intelligent young men I know.  God says don't limit your thinking, which I take to heart.  I have never limited Cole or his thinking, so I feel very fortunate to have finally found peace in my life.  This may sound cliche, but finding that inner peace is so important to maintain balance and harmony for daily living.  I feel very blessed to have found my voice as a singer once again, and it is because of listening to God.  I realized how much I missed singing, and because of an amazing choir at my church, I have been able to re-connect my spirituality through music.  I was trained as a classical opera singer, but I rarely have time to sing professionally, due to my commitment to Cole and my husband.  Family comes first, then career.  I love my life, but I also realize my son is growing up, and I need to let him be independent.  Most parents don't realize how hard it is to let go of the apron strings when having a child with a disability, but the reality of having a teenager in the house makes me want to pull out my hair at times.  Yes I said it.  Cole is a teenager and wants his independence.  I never gave up on Cole, and I sure am glad he has never given up on me.  I can honestly say I am one of those helicopter parents, but because of my faith in God, I am slowly letting go of my apron strings.  

     My granddaddy, Roy Compton, was the reason I never quit singing.  Grand daddy loved opera and because of my love of singing opera, he always wanted to hear me sing.  I never knew the classical song "Summertime" from "Porgy and Bess" would be the song that would comfort him when he had Alzheimer's disease.  I feel this song was a welcome respite from the outbursts Grand daddy would have, due to his Alzheimer's.  I also feel my grandfather's illness prepared me for motherhood.  I have never once questioned God about Cole's autism, but I have wondered at times, why there is so much illness in this world.  Through the test of time, God has always been there for me, but sometimes I just didn't want to hear Him.  I feel because of my faith in God, my life is incredible, as well as Cole's.

     Motherhood is hard.  The time God gives us here on Earth should be cherished and not wasted.  I have been tested by the devil many times, but my faith in God causes me to pause when life throws me a curve ball.  Listening to my inner voice has always served me well, and I continue to pray every day that I listen to my inner voice.  Cole's autism has defined me as a mom, but because of my never-give-up attitude, I press on and thank God for giving us Cole.  I find myself wondering what life would be like without autism or understanding the complexities of this neurological disorder.  However, the teenage heartbreaks and the other worries of motherhood don't really bother me as they probably should:  drug use, sex before marriage, the first broken heart are things that won't affect Cole because of his autism.  I am grateful for God's love, but I am also so very thankful for understanding that God doesn't mess up.

Life and Death

Life and Death

     How do you explain death to a typical person?  I have been struggling to understand how to explain my grief to Cole because a very good friend of mine died this week from cancer.  The reality of death stings in a way that I can't explain because I don't know how to address this difficult "elephant in the room".  I understand death happens, but sometimes sadness overwhelms me in a way that I can't explain.  Cancer has affected me in different ways because I thought I was going to lose my mom to this horrible illness when I was just 14 years old-- the exact same age Cole is now.  I find myself examining my life in ways that I never thought I would:  1. What would I do if I died tomorrow and I couldn't explain to Cole that I am never coming back? 2.  How would my husband carry on without me?  3.  Why is this world so cruel?  4.  How would my parents deal with my loss?  I have come to the realization that maybe, in some small way, my life would live on in Cole, my husband, my parents, and those around me I hold in high esteem.  When I write this blog, I truly want to educate those about autism, but today, this post is about grief and how to deal with it.

     I knew my friend, Linda, was going to die because her husband said it was just a matter of time.  Linda had fallen into a semi-coma due to cancer a few weeks ago.  Her husband, an incredible man of strength, courage, and compassion called my mom a little over a week ago to let us know she was not going to make it.  The ugliness behind cancer is that it doesn't matter if you are rich, poor, white, black, Republican, Democrat, straight, or gay.  I have cried many tears this week over Linda's death because she was such a kind, gentle, giving, and loving soul of a woman.  She never once asked, "why me?".  I know when her doctors gave her two options to try to cure her cancer, she decided to stay in Dallas and kick it to the curb.  The sadness that overwhelmed me is something I wasn't really expecting because we all knew death was knocking at her door.  However, the finalization of Linda's life here on Earth showed me that after death, there is life in Heaven.  I am a woman of very strong faith, but what really scares me is the fact that when I die, how will my son, Cole, understand that I am never coming back?  I know many parents worry on a daily basis about their children that have a disability, because I am one of those parents.  I have many questions that may never have an answer, simply because I love my son and husband more than my own life.  However, each question that lingers in my mind does have an answer.

     Cole is an only child, so he doesn't have a sibling to share things with.  I believe Cole is an only child for a reason:  God picked me and my incredible husband to be his parents.  I wish I could have had a baby with my amazing husband, but truly Cole is our gift from God.  I realize some of you know our story, but if not, Cole was adopted by my loving husband.  I divorced my first husband because of the abuse I endured for seven years.  However, that being said, I decided not to be bitter and find something better.  Our love story is truly one made for the movies:  1. man meets woman at church through the singles ministry, 2. man and woman fall in love, 3. man wants to adopt woman's son, no matter what type of disability son has, 4. woman falls madly in love with man, 5. mom marries man and son walks mom down the aisle at the church where we all meet, and 6. man officially becomes dad six months later through adoption.  My husband is my super hero.  All people should find this kind of love in their lifetime, because if not, you truly are missing out on God's greatest gift.  

     I feel my friend, Linda, found her true love not once, but twice.  She was a widow and met her second husband through dancing at our church.  I will miss Linda every single day, but her memory and legacy will live on through me, my mom, her family, her Red and Pink Hat Sisters, and her husband.  Cancer sucks.  I know there is a cure for cancer.  I feel there are cures to a lot of debilitating illnesses, but I strongly feel these cures will never be unleashed in my lifetime until the American people decide to vote out their congressmen and congresswomen.  How does this all relate?  I strongly believe 99% of our politicians are out to make money for themselves and their family.  I also strongly believe if drug companies weren't making millions of dollars off of the American people through lobbyists in Washington D.C., we would see less greed and more drugs become FDA approved.  That being said, go out and VOTE and make your voice heard.  Politics aside, there needs to be more accountability for those who hold office in federal and state government.  I don't know if I only speak for me and my family, but if we demand change, we will see it happen.  I pray there will be a cure released in my lifetime for ALL illnesses.  God bless you Linda and all of those that have gone before you.

Back To School: The Reality of Living with Autism

     Back to School:  The Reality of Living with Autism

     I will be the first one to admit I do like having a routine.  Cole thrives on a daily and weekly schedule and it gives him comfort knowing what comes next.  I, on the other hand, must have a written schedule to survive.  I haven't written a blog post in awhile because I have been enjoying summer with Cole and my awesome husband!  I am writing this blog today for two reasons:  1. I find it comforting to know there are good people out there to help Cole during summer and 2. I need to write to help me calm my mind.

     We have mostly good days, but there are some days that are just awful.  Yesterday was one of those awful days.  Cole was tired, but we pushed on and went to the gym.  I didn't see what happened because I was doing aerobics, but suddenly Cole's trainer opens the door and says he needs me.  Cole had gotten upset because he spilled water on the treadmill and was in a rage.  I felt awful for Cole and his trainer, but I was very thankful for the fast intervention of getting me.  When Cole has meltdowns, they are terrible.  I know if you are parent or a care giver to a person who has autism or other disability, then you can relate to this meltdown.  However, yesterday was extremely scary because Cole wanted to run down the stairs without me.  The stairs are very winding, open, and are 3 stories high.  I was finally able to calm him down after 30 minutes, but I don't think I have ever been as scared yesterday as I have ever been.  Cole is strong and when he is mad, he is extremely powerful with his strength.  I was embarrassed at first by Cole's meltdown because there were so many people watching, but after a minute of trying to calm Cole, I no longer became aware of the stares.  The unfortunate reality of Cole having autism is the worry I have each day that he will find someone to help him when I am gone (die).  I am truly blessed by an amazing support system with my husband, parents, and friends that love us.  I couldn't get through life without them. 

     Cole is fourteen years old, six feet tall, and weighs 265 pounds.  We received a wake up call in March when he had his yearly physical.  I knew in the back of my mind his doctor was going to be disturbed by his weight, but I thought it would be just one of those visits where I would say, "Oh, we are doing better!  We moved, he exercises every day in P.E., and he eats healthy".  I was wrong.  I was terrified by what I was told next:  Cole is a candidate for weight loss surgery and we have a wonderful pediatrician who is now certified.  You see, I have always battled with my weight since I was a college student.  I never had to worry as a child or teenager (but was obsessed with my weight to the point of becoming anorexic) about how much I weighed on the scale.  However, the scary part of being a parent to child with autism that doesn't like to exercise is a part of daily life.  I have seen with my own eyes loved ones suffer with their weight (too heavy or too skinny) and it truly scares me.  

     Cole's top weight rose to 282 pounds before we (me and my husband) got serious about losing the necessary weight naturally.  We exercised, hired a personal trainer, walked, started eating better, and now Cole has lost nearly 20 pounds.  However, due to family history Cole has high triglycerides, so more blood work is required in six months.  I am baffled as to why his repeat blood work didn't change that much from March, but after much research and reviewing our food journal, Cole eats too much fruit.  I was shocked when I read that fruit can cause high triglyceride levels.  Cole eats blackberries, strawberries, 3 types of grapes, cherries, raspberries, an orange, banana, cantaloupe, watermelon, and baby tomatoes every day.  I didn't realize too much of a good thing could have ill-effects on our health.  I now realize I have to cut down his fruit consumption and add more protein.

     The main reason I write this blog is to educate those who don't understand the complexities of autism.  I am truly amazed by the progress Cole has made since kindergarten.  I am incredibly blessed to have an amazing church that gives us so much for Cole and others who have disabilities.  I am also no longer as scared about his future life because of our church, Highland Park United Methodist Church, and all they are doing for the special needs community.  I still worry about the day when my parents are gone and I no longer have that mental and physical support from them.  I am also, for the most part, at peace with my life because I know Cole is the most incredible son I could ever have.  I thank God each and every day for giving me the insight to find an amazing man who loves me and Cole and supports us in any way he can.  Living with autism is hard at times, but with my faith in God, I truly have the most incredible life.

An Incredible School Year!

An Incredible School Year!

     I have been wanting to write this title, "an incredible school year" for a very long time, but it has eluded me until now.  I write this blog tonight because it truly has been an incredible school year for both me and Cole.  For many of you who read this blog, I started writing because I wanted to change the face of education and all that encompasses those who receive Special Education services.  I can finally say I am beyond happy with the education Cole is receiving.  I didn't have a clue what Cole was learning in the classroom until this year.  I saw very little work from outside the school walls, so I had no idea what kind of education he was receiving until this year.  I can now see as a substitute with my own eyes the curriculum (or lack there of) he was learning from, and I knew he needed more.  Cole and I worked at home, we worked during school when I was his subsitute, and I made sure Cole was being challenged in school, even if it meant staying there to work with him one on one as a volunteer in his classroom.  I felt in my heart that Cole was receiving a F.A.P.E. through 5th grade, but after his wonderful teacher and principal left right after 5th grade, our lives changed.  I shared earlier in the week on Facebook how we were affected by an incident when he was in the 6th grade (you can find it in a prior blog post), a non-compliant Principal, a brand new teacher that didn't understand Cole's learning abilities, and a school that felt like a hospital-- Cole's exact words.  Reflecting back and seeing how far we have come in just two short years is a miracle.  I say this because we have changed our lives drastically in one short year.

     I love Cole's former Principal at his middle school and his former teacher.  I have tremendous love and respect for them, so this made it hard to move.  We were faced with a job loss and a possible move to an entirely different state (New York), which made me evaluate my life.  What did I want as a mom, wife, and educator?  I wanted to be happy and make sure Cole was getting everything he needed, so I researched, called, emailed, and reached out to friends that I knew could help me if we were moving to New York.  After doing a ton of research, we realized staying in Dallas was the best option for us, even without a possible job.  I had no idea an apartment in New York (think 500 square feet) was going to cost us a minimum of $3000 a month, without an elevator, one bathroom, and no laundry facilities.  However, this also made me realize we didn't need our huge house in Dallas (3,300+ square feet) for three people. Facing a move to New York, the place that Cole absolutely loves to visit, was a revelation for me and for my husband that we actually could downsize.   

     I have had two people ask me recently why we moved to such an affluent neighborhood, and my answer specifically has been, and will always be, "why do you need to know?".  I feel people ask pointed questions and are rude for asking me why we moved, but in all honesty, it has really helped me find out who my true friends really are.  I am extremely thankful for all the research I did on a move to NYC.  I feel if I hadn't thought through living in New York for a very long time, we wouldn't have been able to make the move to University Park.  We live in a very quaint duplex in UP and I love it!  Cole can stay home when my husband and I decide to have a date, Cole walks to the grocery store, walks to his personal trainer 6 days a week, and can even walk to church.  We downsized because we felt we had to, and I am beyond grateful for this life-changing experience we had to make for the betterment of our family.  How did our move change my outlook on life and Cole's education?  God has given us the tools to cope with anything, including a serious health issue and a potential job loss.  We had faith God would see us through a layoff and He did.  

     Altering our vision helped us realize that even though life may seem impossible at times, God is always there for us.  We stand strong in our faith, continue to pray on a daily basis, and give thanks to God for all we have.  Life hasn't been easy at times, but it has been extremely rewarding to see Cole flourish at school, have work that is challenging, and make new friends.  I will always believe God saw us through these challenges and brought us closer together as a family.  We were scared, but we made adjustments to make sure we weren't in debt if and when my husband was going to be laid off.  I can see now why God saw us through these difficult times, because Cole is receiving the most incredible education he has ever had.  I never expected to move and I never expected my husband's company to close, but because of our faith in God, our lives truly are the richest they have ever been.  My incredible husband was never laid off, I saw firsthand as a substitute what Cole could receive in HPISD, and I love teaching again.  I don't do negative, because that's not what I am about.  I culled and even blocked a few friendships on Facebook because of their nasty attitude or disposition.  I am happy and my life may look like a fairy tale, but it has been a long road to find that dream come true for Cole's education.  Cole is happy and will continue to thrive because we have found a place and an incredible school system that truly embraces Cole and his learning abilities.  We love our old friends from our former neighborhood and still keep in touch with them, thanks to technology.  However, because of having a broader mindset and vision, Cole has received the most invaluable Free and Appropriate Education (F.A.P.E.) I could have ever dreamed of him having.  Thank you God, for giving us an incredible school year, filled with so many blessings and surprises!  I am one happy mom and wife!