There is something I must confess to all of you, my blog readers...it's not really a secret, those of you who know me well are aware, that I am 100%, unequivocally, helplessly, unapologetically, thankfully, so in love with a man named Brandon Paschal. This guy, quite honestly, since the very first time I "spoke" with him on instant messenger 9 years ago, had my heart. After just a few dates with him, I knew I loved him. He was 18 (oh my) and I was 21...so young...honestly, sometimes now, it seems crazy to me. It wasn't too long into dating that I knew then that I wanted what I have now, and that's a happy marriage and a family with him. We've been through a few trails of our own in our 7 years of marriage, and I am thankful that only by the Lords grace and mercy, and his perfect plan, those trails have only strengthened our marriage.

The weekend before Christmas, all 3 kiddos headed back to the Lafayette area for a weekend with grandparents. One night with one set of grandparents and another night with the other set and Aunt Sarah. We had, holy cow, and entire 48 hours to ourselves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We Christmas shopped, grocery shopped, saw a movie, got new cell phones for free, did a few things around the house....we even ate at the Cheesecake Factory. We've had a gift card for there for 2 years!!!...and we finally got a chance to use it. Brandon also surprised me with a carriage ride downtown Indy. I've never done that before and it was so neat.

Here we are about to start the ride.
A shot of the Circle.
7 years ago on December 21st, I scored. I remember that day as unseasonably warm for December and being so thankful for the sunshine. I don't remember a whole lot about the day, as it was such a whirlwind, but one thing I do remember is the feeling of peace. A peace of knowing that only God had brought us together, that God had purposed Brandon for me, and I for him from even before we were born. A peace in knowing that God would use us. Who knew that less that 2 years later Aubrey would arrive, and 2 years after that Adelynne would arrive, and then in 9 months we would move, and 6 months after that God would bless us again with Nolan? It's been a great ride with some trying times, but I am so grateful to have been able to experience it all with him. Happy 7th anniversary, Brandon Levi, the love of my life.

No words needed

MIA

I have been somewhat MIA in the blog world for a few months now. I'd like to tell you that we've been busy, and that's true, but, it's really because I've had somewhat of a writers block. I've had in my head that I shouldn't blog unless I have something worthwhile or witty to say. But, I've decided that just ain't so. So, I'm going to try and update everyone on our life the last few weeks with pictures.We spent the few days after Thanksgiving decorating the house for Christmas.

We tried to take some "at home" family Christmas pictures.
Aubrey performed in a Christmas program for preschool. She was "that kid."...and "that kid" would be the one who picked their nose in front of everyone. :)
And of course, we celebrated Christmas with family. We've been to 6 thus far, and have one more next weekend.
Aubrey loves her new Tag Reader and books that grandma Ellen and papaw Dave got her.
Grammie Susan and papaw Scott with all the gradkids
All the Paschal kiddos: Aubrey (5), Adelynne (3), Autumn (2), Blake (5), Nolan (18 months)
Nolie bug enjoying the wrapping paper
These are all the Freeland great grand kids: Lilia (6), Ella (11 mo.), Drew (4), Aubrey (5), Nolan (18 mo.), Ty (5), Adelynne (3), Dylan (2)
Nolan enojyed watching the snow fall :)

Nolan update

Nolan is having surgery on his eyes' muscles Thursday. The surgery will hopefully strengthen the muscles so that he doesn't cross his eyes. The glasses he's been wearing were helping some, but his doctor wasn't happy enough with the progress.

On a more encouraging note, Nolan had struggled with 4 ear infections from October to late November. We were looking into having tubes put in. But, in a last ditch effort, we decided to go back to Nolan's chiropractor to see what he might think. Well, after 2 adjustments, 1 pill of Anthronex (a natural antihistamine) a day, and 2 drops of L-trans (a natural gland drainer) in his milk a day, his ears have been clear for around 3 weeks! Yippee.

While discouraged about this upcoming surgery, let's reminisce...

This is Nolan 1 year ago...expressionless (he hadn't smiled yet at 7 months), limp, weak, not sitting up...not even close really, but sweet...

Today, he's full of expression, hilarious, mimicking, signing, jabbering, naughty (caught him eating toilet paper out of the toilet last night...eeeewwwww:), busy, into everything, ready to walk any day, perfect, perfect for our family, a joy doesn't even scratch the surface...someone we can't live without...ours...

Thanking the Lord for Nolan today.

So, my prayer last night was, "Lord, make the Williams syndrome go away." Is that terrible? Part of me thinks, He is the Almighty, and he could, so why not ask? On the other hand, I feel like a terrible mother asking the Lord to change Nolan...sweet precious Nolan. I can't help sometimes the sneaking insecurity that comes up when I think about the next few months, years, or when someone asks how old he is and we say, "seventeen months," and they say, "oh." I know they think he's younger than he is, and when they find out his age, I can see the wheels turning in their heads....Why isn't he walking? Why doesn't he talk more? Do I really care what someone else thinks? Not really, but, it's almost a reality check of what life is likely to be like with a child with special needs. When we're at home in our little bubble, I begin to drift back into denial. I suppose it's good to face reality, but it does present the moments of sadness and desperate prayers that the Lord will heal our boy. I don't feel that it's the Lords will for Nolan to live life without Williams syndrome. Sometimes in our weakness, we ask for what we want, knowing that the Lord will choose what's best, even if we don't understand it. What I do understand however, is my unconditional, crazy, teeth gritting love for this boy, and I know that's nothing compared to God's love for me.

Purple stars

I'm not sure why, but for about 3months I would ask Adelynne what type of birthday party she would like. I was expecting responses such as, "Little Einsteins or Cailou." I would have even considered a princess party knowing she would choose that because she knows her sister would like it. But, instead, each time I asked her the reply was, "A purple star party." Really? Uuuhhh, ok? So, I submitted to the idea as I found it so cute that she knew exactly what she wanted. Her birthday isn't until the 16th, but we celebrated this past weekend. If she wants a purple star party, then, that's what she's going to get.

It's perfect

Those were Aubrey's words when she saw our tree!