Weekend Catch-up

Photo from today:  Porter while pretending to be an astronaut was summoned to the kitchen to load the dinner dishes.  Unfortunately we only had one caterpillar/butterfly net thing, and so Jack had to resort to a bag over the head for his astronaut helmet.  After about two seconds he realized that it was a terrible choice in astronaut gear.

Saturday Sophie completed her Book Report project.  I just love my children's drawings!  How cute are those sheep!!!

This weekend was my overdue catch-up weekend.  The drawers in our kitchen hutch and basically my whole office area were in desperate need of attention.  I am a little obsessive when it comes to cleanliness and organization and so when I was finding notes and papers from last December I was frankly shocked, but then it donned on me that December was when Porter was diagnosed.  Looking back everything just had to be put on hold for a few months while we adjusted to our new life and this learning curve that had been pitched to us.  It all of the sudden made perfect sense why I would have paintings by Sophie of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer stuffed on the shelf.  

It has been 9 months and I can actually say we have almost found our "new normal"... 
Most days we handle things quite well.  Frequently testing blood glucose, calculating carbohydrates for meals, injections, recording and analyzing numbers, planning ahead, being prepared with supplies, etc. (and all with positive, cheerful attitudes)!
But that being said, even being "used to it" doesn't make it easy.  In fact it's hard, really hard.  You have to think about it and manage it all the time.  It's part of every day and every hour. It's the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing before bed.  It's at meal time and between meals. It's during activity and inactivity.....  
Somedays porter and i get burnt out.  Being so responsible 24/7, 365 can do that I think. Somedays we just cry and want to wish it away.

But I know we are learning and growing.  The Lord is stretching us for our benefit and for his purposes.

And it has been so wonderful to watch Porter grow and teach others.  It has been wonderful to interact with understanding and helpful teachers and friends.  It has been wonderful to watch Sophie encourage Porter and hear Jack's interest in the whole thing- always asking about foods, "Mommy, does this have carbs?"  
I have learned so much about myself.  I have learned to operate more by faith, rather than fear.  I have learned to trust others and turn things over to the Lord when I just can't do anymore or have no control over the circumstances of things. 

Ryan has a close friend that was diagnosed this week with cancer... Lukemia.  He did not doubt or feel sorry for himself for even one minute.  He is moving forward with faith and hope relying on God for his strength.  His attitude is inspiring.  Aren't our trials interesting.  They are designed specifically for us.  They are blessings in disguise... sent for our learning and growth.  They are interwoven throughout our life and often look messy and unattractive like the underside threads and knots on a quilt top.  But if we rise to the challenge, hold fast to our faith, and endure well, one day we will see the top of the quilt, and it will be a beautiful masterpiece... the masterpiece that God could see for us all along...