The Body | Family Camp 2012

Memorial Day Weekend brought our 4th Family Camp with friends from church. Chris, Luke and I spent 2 nights at Higher Ground conference and camp facility. We felt like we had our best time ever.

This year focused on how we all have a special role in the "Body of Christ". Lots of opportunity to connect with our family and others. We love it all!

Here we are part of the Brown team, "The Honey Badgers" - yes inspired by the You Tube classic unbeknown to Chris and most of the children. We were fierce in our own minds. The games throughout the weekend are a ton of fun - from relays to tug of war to egg tossing.

There's also time for worship and singing. And other reflective time. We "marked" the body with a family tattoo on a mannequin at one point. And wrote words of encouragement to all the families we know well who were also there. So much to do it's actually quite tiring!



I tend to like the party Sunday night the best. This year's theme was Carnivale. We dressed up in colorful clothes, masks and feathers. Limbo-ed, ate snow cones and other activities. The party was followed by a night hike through the woods. We really love how our friends organize this. Great memories!

You're probably wondering what Mitchell was up to while we partied, sweat and swam. Mitchell had an opportunity to stay for the weekend at a respite home specifically for disabled people. It was quite pricey, but it was good to try it out. He seemed to enjoy it, but was absolutely exhausted by the time we brought him home. The nurses said he did better than most first-timers. They also said he was "nosy", especially at night. When they came in to turn, change or check in on his roommate, he seemed to wake up calm, wondering what was going on. It's always so funny to hear how others describe Mitchell's personality! I've never thought of him able to be nosy. Then again I grew up with my mom calling me "Nosy Rosy" so it should not surprise me that he's more like me than I thought!

While we would have loved to have our whole family at Family Camp, the temps were in the 90's...not good for Mitchell. And being more free to come and go really gave Chris and I the chance to connect with people better. I know I was able to be more present and relaxed not having to always have to be managing Mitchell's needs. Having Mitchell be well cared for for the weekend really worked out.

Well, he's singing/squeaking now in his chair. Better go check in on him!

Last year's Family Camp highlights HERE.

psalm 139. 13&14

It's Memorial Day Weekend and we have big things planned. Something special for Mitchell (more on that later). I came across this scripture and  it soothed my soul to consider this about Mitchell.
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.   psalm 139. 13&14

He's perfect to God and to me. Love you Mitchie Moo!

Young Author Night

Young Authors Night is an annual tradition at the boys' school. Luke's room theme was the rain forest. He wrote a book called, "The Shy Snake". The snake was shy until he met a man and a boy who taught him there was nothing to be afraid of. It was so sweet for whom his book was dedicated! Mitchell had a book too. His teachers helped him make a book with textured pages that Mitchell could enjoy. It was a fun night seeing the boys in their school environments. But only 4 more days to go before summer break!

Brussels Sprouts

I have been on a Brussels sprouts kick for oh, I don't know...a year or so now. I make them all the time. I buy them fresh and I buy them frozen. I take them for lunch, I make them for dinner. I have Chris grill them in foil, I roast them in the oven and I heat them in the microwave. Generally the easiest, best way I prepare them is by following this recipe on the stove top. I often skip the salt and pepper and add a packet of Stevia - I like the way that changes up the balsamic vinegar.

If you have not yet found an appreciation for Brussels sprouts, here are some places around Cincinnati you might try them out. As the Brussels sprouts expert I'm purporting to be, I've also included my ranking. If you by any chance have a different restaurant to recommend, by all means, let me know!

P.F. Changs (1 star out of 5) - too much butter and way too much lemon
Via Vite (3 stars out of 5) - a great dish, but they are not that off from what I can make at home
Christian Moerlein Lager House (4 stars out of 5) - the cream sauce they come in is so unique, I literally wanted to drink/lick every last drop of it
BOCA (5 stars out of 5) - their scallop with Brussels sprouts starter is amazing

Mitchell's Hands

The school year is coming to a close. And with that Mitchell's time at preschool is ending. It's been 2 great years. I'm always amazed at how the team of teachers, therapists and administrators support and engage with him. Plans for his start in kindergarten are already underway. We know who his teacher will be and most of his therapists will continue working with him.

A very special Mother's Day gift came home this week from Mitchell. It's his hand prints on a page with this poem. These past 2 years we've really gotten to know the teachers and I'm flattered they would take the time to make something so personal. They understand my heart.

Mitchell's Hands

When you look at me,

You will measure me

...by my awareness

...by my response

...by my age

...by my development

And you will find me lacking.

But for me, you are measuring

With the wrong cup.

For I have one possession

Which brims and overflows

Beyond all others.

I have my mother's love.

This cup she give me holds also her

...agony and helplessness

...waiting and hoping

...tears and pain

...aloneness and fear.

But in the end, all these are swallowed up

In the deepness of her love.

Which now, in the same moment

Both lets me go

And never lets me go.

So measure me, if you must,

But measure me too, with my cup

And you will find me

Full.

Refashionista

I've been sewing.

I always surprise myself when I engage in something crafty. I'd say it happens about 4 times a year. My mom is incredibly crafty so whatever skill I eek out must come from her. So yes, I've been sewing.

I've recently lost some weight (said subtly because while I want to scream and cheer, "I'VE LOST WEIGHT", I've realized I'm a sugar-addicted, carb-loving stress-eater and I can never fully declare victory on my overindulging tendencies.) I'm down 42 pounds (42 POUNDS) and a few sizes (FEW SIZES) and so my clothes do not fit. I came across some blogs that show before and after pictures of refashioned clothes. I thought, why not try that on some of my clothes?

So out with the sewing machine. My abilities are simple, but I've taken in 3 pairs of pants, 1 top and 4 skirts so far. I'm pretty impressed with myself if I do say so. Here is the link to Refashion Nation blogs for your own inspiration.

I didn't feel comfortable taking my own before and after photos. But I will include pictures of a couple scarves I made out of T-shirts - last quarter's DIY efforts. No sewing involved for those!

Ruffle scarf (red) instructions here
Fringe scarf (blue) instructions here

"Mito Kids"

"Mito Kids:" Little soldiers fighting a deadly disease - AmericaNowNews.com
This video includes a really easy to understand description of the disease that Mitchell has. Both boys are around the same age and seem to share a love of "Twinkle Twinkle".

Storms were coming after work/school yesterday so I asked Mitchell rhetorically, "Hey, do you want to go with me and Luke to walk around the mall?"

Unexpectedly from a far, Luke replied for him, "He says yes, he wants to go to Nordstrom's."

The Power of the Powerless

I am a little obsessed with this book. I found it at Half Price Books the day Luke and I left to meet Chris in San Diego for our spring break trip. You won't be surprised why it grabbed my attention when you look at the cover - the boys, particularly young Oliver on the pillow, sure do remind me of the Browning boys.

I finished it that same travel day. Maybe it wouldn't have the same effect for you as me, but gosh it portrays so much about what it's like to experience what it's like to have a son/brother like Mitchell. It's poignantly written from a brother's perspective. And remarkably the writer's perspective is overwhelming positive - he focuses more on the joys and teachings disabled people bring. He sees how God works through them giving "power to the powerless." Of course I pray for Luke to be that well adjusted, loving and Christ-centered in his understanding of Mitchell's differences.  Personally, I will read it every year for encouragement. If you want to review it more or order one, click the book cover to the left. Or I have a few copies if you'd like to have or borrow one.