Happy Monday to you all.  I hope you had a good weekend.  Ours was, thankfully, a little calmer seizure-wise.  Cody had about 6-10 a day and has slept better overnight the last few nights. 

Yesterday Don and Cody ran together - training for - dum dum dee dum:  THE SEATTLE ROCK N ROLL MARATHON this Summer.  HELP!  Haha.  It's actually not that taxing until it gets closer to the event.  They did a short run together saturday - Cody in his new sammysack provided by the creators.  Check out www.sammysack.com - it's a neat Northwest couple who came up with an idea to keep kids warm while in strollers.  It's a really cool cover that straps to your stroller so you don't have to put your child in 10 layers and fear your blanket will fall under your stroller wheels.  Sammy's parents were kind enough to send us one and Don just loved it!  So did Cody.  It would make for a great Christmas present for someone who uses a stroller! 

Last night we got a layer of snow - and Casey tasted his first snow flakes!  He was so cute.  We took him outside and daddy grabbed a handful of snow...and Casey took a chunk and put it in his mouth.  His little eyebrows furrowed because he had no idea what to expect and it was COLD I'm sure!  After a few lip licks, he said, "Mo!" which means "more!"  He liked the snow!  We piled in the car and went looking at Christmas lights which Casey loves to do.  He makes us roll his window down and as soon as we drive by a neat house, he says "Mo!" and keeps saying it till we find the next lit up house!  This activity works for us because Cody likes car rides.  Unfortunately Cody's oblivious to the lights, but he does like the sensation of riding. 

Today we went to church which is always bolstering to our spirits.  Cody has a rotation of 5 people who watch him on Sundays.  Because of the snow people got a late start today and I couldn't find the person who was to watch him - so as I was walking through the sanctuary looking for her - another friend said, "do you need me to take him?"  I just love that.  Here's someone (I won't name names, Cathy Dulin!) who was walking in to attend church herself - and after seeing me look a little confused - approached me to ask what was up.  I said I was just looking for Cody's "person" and Cathy instantly said, "I'm happy to be with Cody if you can't find her."  I could tell she really meant it because she said it again as I left.  That's what's so wonderful about Calvary Chapel Eastside...among many things.  It is a true family.  And Cody is everyone's child.  And we feel that, and are warmed by that love and care every time we go to church.

As I continued to walk the halls looking for Cody's helper, Richard stopped me to tell me his wife wanted to come over next week and clean my house.  Every corner I turn I see another familiar, helpful, caring face.  Such is our life.  Amidst the crazy, painful, mess of seizures and such - God constantly reveals Himself - through His people, through His word, through Cody and Casey.  Just when we feel totally depleted, our tank is filled to overflowing again.  His timing is impeccable.

I did find Cody's helper, Teri, and I told her he was asleep in the car but I'd go get him and bring him to her.  "Why don't I just sit in the car with him until he wakes up?" she said.  "You wouldn't mind?  That would be great because we hate to wake him when he finally is getting some rest."  So Teri trotted out to our car and just sat there while Cody slept - no doubt probably praying for him - and then she met up with us after service.  He'd woken up and she brought him into the sunday school class and all turned out well. 

After that I went to Kim's house who put out a table full of craft supplies and invited me to create gifts for those on my gift list.  She made a few things too, but spent a lot of her time helping me.  We spent 5 hours painting, stamping, glueing, and laughing.  We drank coffee, ate dessert, listened to music, and made stuff.  I forgot how much I need that outlet - art.  I was an art major in college before I went into journalism.  I have always *loved* painting, drawing, creating.  I never get a chance to do it anymore and today was really a great outlet for me to be creative.  Before Cody, I took art classes, made home made cards, had a "scrapbooking and cardmaking" station in my home.  After Cody I gave it all away.  But today I realized I really need that fix - that creative fix.  When I'm making something, it takes my complete concentration.  I am completely focused.  And I got that for 5 precious hours today.  Thanks, Kim.  And p.s...I know you'll figure out how to attach those beads to that silver fork and spoon set perfectly!  :)

That's our news for the day - busy therapy week ahead.  So must go and prepare the materials!  Love to all!

Shawna