We meet again...

Chair bed, my old friend, we meet again.  It's been a long time, 331 days to be exact.  I can't say that I've missed you.  I'm sorry, but it's true.  Though I love your lovely shade of purple, I would much prefer my bed (a real bed) and a well baby.  Let's make this reunion a short one.  You know what they say...absence makes the great grow fonder.  I need to appreciate you a whole lot more so let's make this next break a really long one. 

Sincerely,
The Mommy On A Mission

Brinkley had to be admitted to the hospital today. We were so close to one year free of sick admissions (September 23rd).   This morning a round of respiratory crud hit him hard and fast.  He quickly started struggling to breathe normally and his body temperature shot up just as quickly.  All of this happened during his therapy sessions.  We left and headed straight to the pediatrician.  She then sent us to the ER.  After getting a breathing treatment and a chest xray, the ER doctor decided to admit us.  He may have a touch of pneumonia and they want to observe him overnight as a precaution.  We're praying for a short stay and a decent nights sleep.   

2nd Grade Confession

It's the first day of school for Reese today.  2nd grade here we come!  This was our obligatory picture to document the occasion: 

Looks great, right?!  He's happy and we're a wonderful family bopping out the door for a great first day at school.  That is what the majority of the photos you will see look like.  Let's be real though.  This is what our morning actually looked like: 

There was a lot of yelling, rushing, and frustration moving through this house.  At this moment, he was saying something rude and disrespectful to me.  That's pretty typical for mornings and evenings in this house.  Honestly, most mornings feel like a war zone and the enemy we're battling is ADHD and anxiety.  Unfortunately, we sometimes forget that and turn our frustration on each other instead of the problem.  No family is perfect and don't let all the staged perfect photos fool you into thinking that your family is the only one with struggles.  Your struggles may be different, but we all have them.  We all need a little grace to make it through the battles.  

My prayer and intention every day is to make it through the morning with everyone knowing they are loved and feeling that love, not the frustration of the morning's battle.  I pray that we can find the plan or system that will help cut the frustration and tension level in our home.  I pray that my boys would know that above all they have a Heavenly Father that loves them despite their quirks (He gave them those quirks) and despite the fact that I don't always reflect that love very well.  I pray that I would be the mom these boys need and that I would trust the Lord to equip me with what I need to do that and that he would convict my heart when I contribute to the chaos and frustration.  

Here's to praying for a great school year for both boys (Brinkley starts in three weeks) and for the teachers and staff that get the results of our train wrecks every morning.