The weekly

 I’m not sure if I’ve written about this adventure book we got over Christmas.  It was the pickle gift we had chosen, which Hailey won!  Any way, it’s a family challenge book.  It’s really a lot of fun.  

https://www.theadventurechallenge.com/products/family-edition-book?currency=USD&variant=31199952470147&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&utm_term=&utm_campaign=General_Smart+Shopping_Shopping_U.S.&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=2233757441&hsa_cam=8844147599&hsa_grp=91895847991&hsa_ad=410962811253&hsa_src=u&hsa_tgt=pla-1015600039663&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=Cj0KCQjwi7yCBhDJARIsAMWFScMtIQYtWLqeFiDkEWCn_1dS6euaBUeDlukFcWGcX0uhMLV_IPpMZvcaAjbsEALw_wcB

So we decided to do a challenge this weekend.  We had to buy fruits and vegetables, create two teams, and then each team had 60 seconds to throw as many fruits and vegetables into a bucket of water and each type of fruit/veggie was assigned a certain number of points.  The Sean, Ryan, Addison, Hailey team won.  By a lot!  It was fun, though.  We took the kids to Starbucks after and then laid low the rest of the weekend, as Jessica had a fever on and off and just seemed to be feeling pretty puny.  

I had a pretty stressful week with grad school, but I am welcoming the start of spring break this week.  :). 

Last week brought more pediatrician appointments for yearly checkups so Hailey, Hunter, Addison, and Natalie have all officially been and all look great, which I am so thankful for.  We’ve got some tall kiddos!  Lucas rounded out doctor appointments with his cardiologist visit on Friday, where an echo and EKG and exam showed that his heart is functioning well and he is doing well, too.  I am also thankful for that, even though it seems hard to say that, which brings me much guilt and shame as his mother.  Our family, namely Sean and I, are really having a tough time with all things Lucas.  Lucas and his physical health.  Lucas and his Down Syndrome.  Lucas and his slowed development.  Lucas and his eating or lack thereof.  Lucas and his favoritism towards Sean.  Lucas and his distaste and lack of affection towards me.  Me and Lucas and no bond.  Lucas and so many questions about Lucas.  Any way, it’s been putting a strain on us emotionally and with our marriage.  Praying to see God’s power and love in all this.  His redemption.  His restoration.  Hoping I can trust the Lord.  Hoping I can forgive.