An Arm and a Leg

Changing the sheets on a bunk bed is an arduous process. Generally the kids will ask me for assistance when it comes time to put the fitted sheet back on. Tonight, Calais came to me and asked if I would put the sheet on for her. "You bet!" So I went in to take care of it. She was waiting in her wheelchair a couple of feet behind me. For those of you who don't know, I had shoulder surgery on October 15. While I am definitely recovering, it is a very slow process and my range of motion is still quite limited. So I'm sprawled across her bed, trying to pull up the corner of the mattress with my strong arm and stretch out the corner of the sheet with my recovering arm. I just can't do it. The arm won't reach. In frustration I say, "This is really hard 'cuz my arm doesn't work!" Pause. Pause. Cali, in her sweet little voice with her slightly broken English, "Well, my legs doesn't work." Doh! She definitely recognized the humor in her remark, but she was also reminding me to suck it up!

-Jeremy

Reflections

I love this beautiful performance. Most of the time our kids with special needs are so strong and independent and capable and able to take on everything life throws at them. But once in awhile tears come as they pour out their hearts to us with the struggles and the pain. Oh how I love them. I am grateful for my strong belief in the resurrection and all that means to our family.

Cool Asians

As a parent of a diverse group of kids, I find great joy in watching them find role models that they can relate to. Lexi and Conner loved meeting Blessing Offer at one of their USDB camps. Sophi has had the opportunity to meet Tisha Unarmed, Jessica Cox and others with limb discrepancies. Parker saw Ed Sheeran in concert 😂. Lately, Sophi has really honed in on her identity as an Asian. Last night we were watching America's got talent as a family. I absolutely love this show. I love the diversity of talents and the diversity of the performers. When one particular act came on stage, Sophi said, "Hey look-they're Asian!"  Then the performance began and they were A.Maz.Zing! At one point during their act, I was blown away and said out loud, "I don't even know what I just saw!" Sassy little Sophi said, "Um, you saw a bunch of Asians doing cool things!!!" Parker quickly responded with, "No biggie. Dad sees that every day."

I love my family!!!

Here's the AGT act:

New Year's Resolutions

Sophi has a way of filling up my heart every single day. She's pure magic. Every day I find evidences of her cuteness scattered around the house. A few days ago I found this little gem. #1 melted me. I wish I could freeze her at this age and with this spelling. (;

Christi

The Lily Challenge

Here is Christi's Facebook post introducing our new commitment for this year.  We're so excited for the memories we're going to make. We already completed experience number one! Check out the website: www.lilychallenge.com.

Happy New Year's Eve! I have something fun to share! Our kids have been asking (begging) for years to have a vlog. I keep coming up with all the reasons we shouldn't, but they have persisted. And if you know Sophi, you know she is particularly insistent. (; In the meantime, our family sat down months ago and decided that we needed to use our time more wisely (ie, stop being glued to our screens so much). After lots of discussion, we came up with a fun idea that helped with both problems. We brainstormed 100 experiences we wanted to have during 2019 (starts tomorrow!) and decided to make a vlog of sorts (youtube channel/website/whatever you want to call it) to help us stay motivated and share the fun. We're calling it the "Lily Challenge" and the kids would love if you want to follow along, or have your kids follow along. Even better, you can create your own Lily Challenge-- a list of experiences you want to have this next year. If you do, tag us or let us know so we can follow your journey too!!

You can read more about it and see our intro video on our new website (still needs some tweaks) at www.lilychallenge.com. #lilychallenge#liveintentionally #2019goals #happynewyear