siblings

Nicole, pouring water on Troy's head as he sleeps...

Growing up, we have to put up with our siblings.  We have to endure whatever form of torture they feel like submitting us to.  I was teased relentlessley, left out, manipulated... Just like every other kid.  I sometimes thought that I must have been adopted, and that the real family that loved me, would show up any day to get me and we would live happily ever after.   I am sure every single one of my siblings felt the same way at one time.   We had fun together too.  I loook back on some of the chores that were done together as the best times of my life.   Now that all of us are grown up, and I get to see who my siblings really are, I am amazed at the amazing people I grew up with.  I know Jared feels the same way.  Some of our brothers and sisters are fighting off huge dragons everyday.  We watch them go through what is happening to them, and what has happened to them with awe.  Each of them have great courage, and strength, and it is amazing to see people that we already thought were great become even better through their hard times.  I am so glad for each one of mine and Jared's sibblings, and want them to know that we do notice your courage and admire your ability to smile against the odds.  Thank you for being our family!  

Questionable Therapy

As a preface...  I am posting this at the urging of Jared, it is not my idea. 

We have alot of therapists come to our home.  Today the vision specialist who comes three times a month needed to bring her professor for an evaluation  to get her Master's degree.  Usually these vision therapy sessions include stories, looking in the mirror, and playing with different textures, sizes, shapes colors at different distances to help strengthen Israel's eyes.   Today's session was much the same, except for the addition of the visiting proffessor.    The therapist and professor each, in turn brought different toys out of their bags, let Izzy play with them , wrote down the response.  The therapist pulls out metallic tissue paper, Izzy loved it....  Blah Blah... Until.... the professor pulls out... a vibrator.  I don't mean a toy that vibrates.  I mean a full blown adult novelty toy.  She says to my baby... "this is a vibrator!"   Then she turns it on, and hands it to him.  I was so shocked.  The therapist eyes about popped out of her head.  She kept trying to look at me to see my reaction, but I was fluctuating between asking if I was on candid camera, asking her what in the world she was thinking, and laughing my head off.  I just focused on Izzy's face, and hoped she would put it away soon.   As my son played with it she asked me, " do you ever let him play with a vibrator?  You should! "   What on earth!  NO! I just said... no, not really.    After a minute or so... I got my wish because it stopped working.   She said, " oh, it should be working, it was working just a little while ago!"  Once again.  I just looked straight forward.