Plugging along

Another week is behind us here at the Mischnick house.  I think it was a good one, but it's always hard to go back and remember what has happened specifically.  We try very hard to live in the present moment, without worrying too much about the future or focusing too much on the past.  Sometimes the present moment is good, sometimes it's challenging, but at least it's only one moment to deal with at a time :)

One of those moments last week included Kate introducing Ethan to some of the classic snow activities ... rolling around in the snow, eating ice chunks, filling buckets with snow.  I remember Anna introducing Kate to some of these same things a few years ago; now Kate gets to take on the role of the big sister.

In reflecting on where we were as a family even a month ago, we are certainly adding more and more into our daily life and routines each week.  In addition to the morning toddler events that Ethan and I attend, we added Kate's gymnastic class to the after school weekly routine back in early January.  Then a few weeks ago we added into the mix an open gym time one afternoon a week at The Little Gym.  Anna has joined us each time in the gym area without her wheelchair so that she can sit and play, or scoot around a bit.  The opportunity is perfect for all three of the kids to get some physical activity on cold, winter afternoons.

Friday after school the girls stayed for a reading/pizza party.  Even a month ago, I wouldn't have put much hope into having Anna stay for an activity like that, but this time she seemed to have enough stamina to enjoy her time there.

In addition, we think we might be ready to stay for Sunday School after church someday soon.  Anna really misses it and Kate is looking forward to going into the rotation part of the program, instead of the preschool area where she has been in years past.

But this last Sunday wasn't the day for it.  The meteorologists predicted 6-10 inches of snow throughout the day, so instead of worship in the morning and swimming in the afternoon, we stayed home.  Part of the day the girls spent with lots of pillows and toys on the living room floor; it's awesome that Anna can do this kind of thing again.

On days like this when weather or circumstances prevent us from going to church, we like to have our own "worship time" at home together.  The girls have always enjoyed that particular tradition.

I managed to get a few pictures of our growing boy recently, too.  He's certainly looking more and more like a kid, instead of a baby, these days.

He's a great companion for our Mommy-Ethan trips to the grocery store, and he genuinely likes to help me put all of the groceries away when we get home.

But life isn't always serious with him; his goofy side is a special addition to our family :)

Time for Prayers

Thanksgiving
Please thank God that Anna is continuing to gain strength and mobility each and every week.
Please give thanks for everyone who has helped us in the previous 12 months.  Doctors, nurses, therapists, educators, family, friends, neighbors ... the list is endless.
Please thank God for the warmth and comfort we feel in our own home, both physical and intangible.
Please give thanks that Anna's treatments are OVER!
Please thank God for the incredible stretch of good health our family had in January ... barely even a sniffle.

Requests
Please ask God to allow Anna to experience success and enjoyment with her eating and swallowing.  We know she is making progress, but it's hard for her to see the difference.
Please pray for wisdom, patience, strength, and flexibility for everyone involved in the newest transition for Anna ... in-home to out-patient therapy.  Those affected by the change will be family, therapists, educators, and Anna.
Please ask God to continue to bless Anna with such a positive and motivated spirit.
Please continue to pray for wisdom, peace, patience, and rest for Matt and I as we work to juggle all aspects of life.
Please continue to pray for all those who are working with our family in one way or another.

Thanks for the continued support!