When unpacking the Christmas decorations, I couldn't find Mary anywhere. I don't remember her not being there when Christmas 2012 ended. All I know is that she has left the stable...and I'm not sure I blame her.
Raising boys is hard...even if yours is perfect. Mine are not.
While decorating the house, I began to feel somewhat guilty that we have very little Christmas decorations. Like none. Everything we have I think came from Chris' mom (thanks, Dee!) before we had kids. It's pitiful. But as I began pulling things out, look what I found...
A decapitated Crimson Tide Santa and a one armed nutcracker. These peeps are hard on our decorations. Take for example this one....
It was a beautiful bell with a Christmas tree on it. I remember it being given to me when I was around Philip's age. Every Christmas Eve, my family went to the Pierce's Christmas party after church. Dr. and Mrs. Pierce are Mom and Dad's only closest friends. For as long as I can remember, we went to their house for a small party after church on Christmas Eve.
Now Dr. Pierce is Elizabeth's godfather and Mrs. Pierce is Susan's godmother. And every Christmas the sisters received a present at this party. And every Christmas I was jealous. But this one Christmas, this sweet couple had pity on me and gave me a present too! The bell. And ever since, I have loved it.
William's tears when he told me what happened were enough evidence that he need not be punished. He knew I loved that bell and he felt terrible. I reminded him that it's just stuff. I told all of them the story of the bell one more time. The memories live on!
But back to the stable. I love my nativity set. People if you have children, you need to get one and you need to let them touch it. I love to see my children work with the figures. Tonight, it was all John...or Batman.
He was concerned that the mother was missing. I watched quietly from another room as he took the baby Jesus out to the "field" where he had the shepherd and the sheep. He's heard the Good Shepherd lesson only once, so it may be chance but I couldn't help but think of the Good Shepherd in the field with the shepherd and sheep. It just seemed so right.
I'm adding one more decoration that I know will be a treasure in the years to come.
My friend, Caroline, sent this one in a care package for Philip. The angel is to remind us of this special Christmas in Philip's life. I found this so touching and thoughtful. Thanks, Caroline!
What are your special decorations and memories? I'd love to hear them!
Fixed a little hot chocolate and drank it by the fire...
We picked out a tree...despite only about ten being on the lot at that time...we're easy!
And then decorated inside and out...
We capped the weekend off with William's Christmas program that is held during Westminster's church service. Oh how I love to see him sing...he loves it!
It was so nice for the boys to have the week of Thanksgiving off from school. It is always nice to have a carpool break, but given Philip's situation it was wonderful to have a carpool break!!
We didn't do a whole lot...given that we can't really get out and about much. We did have some visitors (the McElvy's and the Weekley's) from out of town. I didn't take a single picture :( !
We hung around the house and found ways to keep busy. Here's a few...
loving the Rainbow Loom
when all else fails...a cardboard box helps fill some time...
Brain Quest is a new favorite game!
the weather was chilly and we loved having lots of fires
we tried to get out everyday...younger three would ride bikes while I pushed Philip in the stroller!
Chris did manage to sneak in two trips to the hunting camp. First a weekend with just Daniel...
Uncle Cameron proudly supporting the Auburn bracelet that Daniel made him!
and then a night with William and John...
Daniel loved his weekend away and it was well deserved. Of the three other boys, Daniel has probably been most affected by Philip's condition. He's had to transition to going to school alone and being more of a help to both me and Philip around the house. He has risen to the challenge and made us so proud. He definitely deserved sometime with his Dad!
He was thrilled to report that on Saturday evening he chose the stand and they saw 19 deer!
William and John on the other hand simply love all things 'camp' related. They love the woods, love hunting, and unlike their brothers really wanted their Dad to shoot a deer. When a doe stepped out, they told him to shoot! They had a great weekend away too and are already begging to go back.
Finally on Saturday night the McCalls came to watch the Iron Bowl. What a game! While the final outcome wasn't what we were hoping for, it was the first game of the season that actually held my attention. The boys loved having their cousins around to play with!
It was a great week and I sure will be sad to see my boys off on Monday morning. In a blink of an eye, though, they will be out for Christmas!!
We had a great Thanksgiving at home. We burned a fire in the fireplace all day and had a wonderful lunch with Dee, GranGran, PopPop, Susan, Rob, and Campbell. Everyone pitched in making hosting quite easy!
Love that the two Daniel's dressed alike!
Good times...very relaxing...not many pictures! Sorry! Hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving too!
Bear with me (or don't) as I journal my thoughts and memories of the past week.
I love my husband's perspective. Last Wednesday, I was filled with anxiety. It was affecting me badly. He reminded me that all of this was just an adventure...one that we would come out on the other side of. I love the way he thinks. Here's how our adventure went...
Early Thursday morning we said good-bye to our three youngest and headed to Atlanta with Philip. Philip is a pleasure to travel with. He's easy going...doesn't complain...carries on entertaining conversation at times and quietly reads/watches videos at other times.
Our first stop was Dr. Schrader's office. After a few x-rays and a range of motion examination, Dr. Schrader told us he was changing the plans yet again. You see first we were told he needed the core decompression surgery (least invasive). After the MRI, we were told he was between the core decompression and femoral osteotomy (much more invasive). At a doctor's visit after Elizabeth's wedding, Dr. Schrader made the decision to do the core decompression. Back and forth it seemed...each time I prepared myself mentally.
The x-rays showed that Philip's femoral head was already compressed and flattened...not great news...but it meant that he was pass the core decompression helping. However, his femoral head was well contained and his range of motion was good so the osteotomy was not necessary either...very good news! He decided to still put him under anesthesia and do another detailed x-ray that would check his cartilage and then simply cast him. We were still anxious due to the anesthesia but thrilled that surgery was avoided.
After a visit to orthotics to get fitted for the brace he will wear after the cast and a visit with the physical therapist, we headed to Elizabeth and David's for Philip's favorite part of the trip! Elizabeth fixed a great dinner and we enjoyed spending time with the newlyweds!
Early the next morning we arrived at Scottish Rite Hospital for Philip's procedure. There are no words to describe the quality of care we received from all parties involved. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is a first rate deal. Everyone was so kind and helpful. We checked in and met with several nurses, doctors, fellows, etc. Some 'goofy juice' to relax him (I wanted some too) and before we knew it he was off.
Saying goodbye was hard for me but Philip seemed relaxed at that point. He wasn't gone for even an hour before Dr. Schrader returned to say that everything went well. He was satisfied with the cartilage and was able to cast him. Once Philip began to awaken, they returned him to us.
At first, he wasn't bothered by the cast...just the IV. Thank goodness for the iPad! It was a good distraction.
We stayed for a bit to make sure the anesthesia wore off okay, and then we were released.
Dr. Schrader wasn't quite comfortable releasing us to travel to Mobile, so we stayed one more night at Elizabeth and David's. Philip was a little uncomfortable. His stomach couldn't get settled and despite trying all sorts of foods he couldn't find something that tasted good. His spirits were a little down.
Two things brought him out of it....Uncle David got him ice cream...
and Daddy suggested a phone call to his brother, Daniel...
Both worked! He slept pretty well that night...just waking once a little alarmed that he couldn't roll over. The next morning we were happy to be headed home. The trip was long and uncomfortable for him, but believe me when I say this kid does not complain.
watching live college football on Dad's phone in the car!
Once in Mobile, we were happy to be back together with all the boys.
We watched lots of football on the porch and even discovered that Philip could still throw a little too!
We have continued to do well at home. We have had tons of help from friends with food. I haven't cooked a dinner this week! Philip has been showered with gifts! The basket from his classmates alone looked better than a Santa Claus visit to this house!
While it is a little physically taxing carrying him around the house, I have to say that it is a little special having all this time alone with Philip. He is such a pleasurable kid to be around. I truly think that when I look back on this ten years from now, I will feel so blessed to have had some uninterrupted time with just him. He never complains...only thinks positively. Wonder who he gets that from? An adventure, indeed.
