Thailand

Dear Marisa and Ethan,

I swear that time is going by way too fast!  Been home now for a week and I am desperately missing being with you guys; however, I am happy that you both are able to spend another two weeks with daddy in Thailand.

Although we've had plenty of opportunities to travel back to Thailand, this was our first family trip with just us.  I hope that the memories that we've created will be etched in your hearts and minds.

1.  Shopping
2.  Sleeping in one room
3.  Elephant rides
4.  Food, food, and food (sick, sick, and sick)
5.  Car ride to Northern Thailand with Ethan dancing his heart out
6.  Squeezing into a Tuk Tuk in Bangkok
7.  Watching the sun set over the Chao Phraya River
8.  Watching fireworks from our hotel window overlooking the Chao Phraya River

Here are some pictures to remind us of what we've shared:

Moments

Dearest Marisa and Ethan,

I have been absent from writing because I have been so consumed.  Not that I have not thought about what I want to share but honestly, it has been pretty hectic for us.

Since my last entry, we've moved.  It was a difficult decision for our family to move so far from what you both have grown to know.  Since the move was completed during your senior year, it was extremely important that we kept you in your school.  It was a sacrifice that you and your brother had to bear in having to wake up so early to make certain that your brother is in school by 7:30 am.  Despite having to get up earlier, you two have been such an inspiration to mommy!  I have enjoyed our early morning commute and our breakfast at Panera but even more so, I loved that you have been so selfless in helping mommy care for your brother.  One of the greatest gift a mother wishes for is for her children to love one another and what an overwhelming joy I feel from witnessing this with you and your brother.  Thank you my dearest daughter...you are my precious gift!

Gosh, where should I start?  So that I may not forget...the following list is what I want to remember to share with you guys:

1.  Your graduation

2.  Your great aunt's visit for your graduation party (my father was the oldest of 12 children & your great, great grandparents' names were Bunh and Mali)

3.  Your senior beach week (Atlantic City with Amanda, Christina, Asha and Gabby) and even more special, your dad, your aunt and cousins.

4.  Your prom (dinner at McCormicks in Reston) and finding the perfect dress.

5.  Our 4th of July celebration (best time with family & your brother's first to NOT be scared from the noise) & YOU and your cousin spending $100 on fireworks.

6.  Your 18th birthday (can not believe that you are 18!)

7.  Your brother's IEP process (it took four meetings, a Laotian translator, several written correspondences and you keeping your brother company to finally have issues resolved).

I have to run right now since your baby boy is fusing to listen to his "Ma Tum Mai" Thai song by Bird!  

Love,

Mom

Traditions

Dearest Marisa and Ethan,

I know that at times I get a little worked up by trying to keep traditions going on behalf of you two.  I guess it's because growing up with a mother in the hotel service business, I don't remember that we did very much with my own family.  What I remember is spending Christmas and New Year's Eve doing something else with other folks.  The only Christmas that I remember most was when my family first moved to Virginia from Montana.  Even then, we spent it with my Aunt Mai's family.  I remember that I was dressed in a long dress that Mommy Larsen (sponsored my family from a refugee camp in Thailand) had made and that I received a real life size doll.  I guess I just want so much for you both to feel that magic, that innocence, that hope that all things are possible, that for a brief moment - life is perfect.  This is why I love this time of the year - where I know that our Heavenly Father truly see us and I'm reassured that I am loved.

After hearing a comment from someone so dear to me this past week of how she "hates the holidays and how alone she felt", it made me so sad.  Sad because I too understood how she felt.  Behind the smiles, behind the words, behind the laughter,  behind the hugs and the kisses...true happiness is only yours when you are with those who have your best interest at heart.  Remember, family is not just blood but those who you don't have to explain yourself to or pretend to be someone else that you are not.  Mommy responded by telling her that she is so loved and that she too will overcome.  She will find her true happiness because truth is on her side.  This is one of the reasons why it is so important for me to have our little family together during the holidays.  

It matters not what we do, just as long as we do them together...yeap, that's my motto!

Marisa, remember your comment about how much you love having all of us at home in one room even though we are all doing something different?  You, watching "Law & Order"... Ethan, dancing to  "Madagascar or Baby (what Ethan named it)"... daddy sleeping on the couch & mommy knitting scarves & hats for you, your friends and daddy?  This is what I want you two to have...memories of us being together.

I understand that there will be times where you guys will have your own special things to do, but for your dad and I, we hope that you guys will always know just how much you are loved & that we will always want you both to be home to create new traditions.

Happy new year my sweet babies!  May life lead you both to pure love, true happiness, and great health & wealth. 

Hope & Faith

Dear Marisa and Ethan,

Oh my goodness...I guess it's true that good things come to those who wait!  After running around all day today, my children and I went to pick my husband up from work.  It's rare that I allow my children to stay out late, especially, on a school night but having one mode of transportation is really difficult.  Maybe it's just my excuse to have us all together.  Imagine if we were not together, we would have missed this awe-inspiring day.

My precious son said "eat".  My daughter, my husband and I laughed because every time we pick up my husband, it never fails that my son will ask to eat.  Since we were next to Costco, I asked if he wanted a pizza or a hot dog...not too great of a selection since every time this little boy asks to eat, I will react quickly.  He responded by saying “pizza”.  

Without a blink, he looked at his father and said "daddy I want to eat pizza".  I freaked of course and began my celebratory hugs and kisses towards my baby boy while my daughter shrieked with happiness to hear these precious words coming out of her brother's mouth.  My husband was stunned but cried out with pride telling his son that he was going to get him his pizza!  It was perfect.  I repeated to my family for them not to forget this moment 12/11/2012 at 6:03 PM in front of Costco in Fairfax, Virginia.

My cup runneth over

My dearest Marisa and Ethan,

Always remember that no matter where we are or what we are doing, Thanksgiving is never complete without our loved one.  This year is no exception!   I'm always thankful to our Heavenly Father for watching over you two and for surrounding you both with people who loves you.    

Although Ethan spent the entire Thanksgiving Day (3:00 am til 2:00 pm) in the ER & was going to be admitted into the hospital...Heavenly Father heard mommy's prayer and breathe strength into Ethan.    The difference was night and day for Ethan!

After spending almost 12 hours in the hospital and another 5 hours driving back home, we were so thankful to be with our family especially when my sister-in-law out done herself this year. 

                   With these folks, my cup runneth over!  Thank you for making this day even more special.

♪♫♪♫♪♫ happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you ♪♫♪♫♪♫

Being a part of something special eventually defined how worthy I feel as a person...thank you my dear baby for making our lives so deeply blessed!

Fall in love with autumn

 

My favorite time of the year where no matter what's going on, nature's showcase of vivid colors seems to just put me in a great mood.  Even the smell of autumn brings forth a promise…a new hope that no matter what has happened in the past or is happening in the world that life is full of surprises, opportunities, miracles and unconditional love. 

I met a lady who gave such a great advice about being happy.  She said that although we are limited in that we can’t change others or events, what we can do is rely on the fact that we will have to answer for our actions and choices when we reached Heaven’s gate.  She said that the only way that we can be happy is to do what is right.  

So, what is right to me is to be the example that I can be proud of.  I have to nurture and teach my children to become responsible, strong, and loving folks.  I hope for them to not waver on their standards and to empathize with those whom others’ have forgotten.  I hope for them to see the beauty in this world and always feel that with God, all things are possible.

Random thought - Just Do It!

My dearest Marisa and Ethan,

Friday, 6/22/2012:       I think mommy has too much time on mommy's hands if I can sit here & watch the clock ticking by.  It's the start of another hot summer day, which makes it really hard to get a jump start on the day.  HOWEVER, when you get to be my age, you will want to take in every moment that you have to do what you want to do.  Even if you don't have any idea on what you want to do for the day, sometimes the best thing in life is the "unplanned" stuff just like yesterday!

Daddy decided to make his work day short.  He came home & spent the rest of the hot summer day with us.  It was really funny when all four of us lay laughing in the bed while Ethan tried to decide on which "middle" he wanted to take.   Your brother was quite smart when he decided to squeeze on top of you to be smack in the middle.  Marisa, do you remember how you've always said that being in between mommy and daddy was YOUR spot?  I love watching how you and Ethan try really hard to be THE one in between mommy and daddy.  Hearing you, daddy & your brother laugh just made my day!  Although it was hard to leave the comfort of an air conditioned home, we ventured out to make more memories.  It started out with you driving for once while we are all together!  Daddy sat in the back with Ethan & mommy was your guide.  Without a plan of where to go or what to do, you just drove.

Our 1^st stop was Chick-fil-A for your cookies & cream milk shake & Ethan’s French fries.  Daddy did not get a treat since he had fallen asleep.  When he finally woke up, we were in Manassas on our way to Potomac Mills.  He asked if we were near a Chick-fil-A.  Ahem, you snooze, so you lose!  Daddy asked how could anybody sleep with mommy talking non-stop.  Hey, I was giving directions & keeping Ethan company…. He mimicked mommy’s directions “100 lights from now, you have to take a right & make sure when you have a chance to move to the right lane to do so & oh did you give a signal so that you could move to this lane & do you want some French fries, mommy can get them for you, don’t be too close to the other car”…what the heck?  Me?  A back seat driver?  Not a chance…it’s difficult to have you or your daddy drive because I’m always the person to give directions.  It would be super when you are able to familiarize yourself with the area…now, if only I can get your daddy to do the same.

Random thought ~ Oh yes, I love it when mommy pick a piece of clothing for you to try on; you would always hesitate & at times would say “no”.  I’m not too old that my taste in clothes is not up to par!  But oh, to have your daddy picked the same outfit for you to try on; you would gleam from ear to ear.  What’s up with that?  

You know what though; I am extremely happy that you are that close to your daddy.  I remember what it was like to believe that your daddy is the entire world to you.  This helps to remind me of how much I loved & adored my daddy too.  Although he passed away since I was ten years old, I still remember the feelings that I had experienced when my daddy was around.  Watching you & daddy has really helped mommy to continue to have such fond memories of your grandfather.  Thank you!

I guess driving around town doesn’t bother your daddy much when he knows that it’s for you.  From Woodbridge, we ended up at the Eden Center in Falls Church.  We just had to finish off the day with bubble drinks.  By the time we returned home, your brother had had an hour nap before his bedtime & mommy ended up having to stay up with him until two am when he finally was ready to go to bed!

The point of this message, my darlings is that sometimes you just can’t plan life…just do it and see where life will take you!

Blog Hop: Say Cheese!

Dearest Marisa and Ethan,

Darlings, mommy’s been feeling that the past four years we’ve have been living in a bubble.  For the longest time, I felt that we were the only family living with special circumstances.  There were moments where mommy felt an overwhelming fear that tomorrow would never come.   I felt that smiles would never come after moments when you guys get so sick.  It’s a bit scary (although, mommy may not have looked scared) when you guys are not feeling well.  It is in that moment that mommy needed to have faith & hope that our Heavenly Father would carry you both and all that mommy needed to do was pray.

When mommy started writing this blog, it was one of the avenues that mommy felt would capture mommy’s thoughts & feelings and hope that one day, you two could read them.  After many entries, mommy’s been able to connect with others who were experiencing some of the same joy of motherhood, some struggles & fears of being a mother, many trials & triumphs of having children (let along having a child with special needs), and some with awe inspiring experiences that they were willing to share their stories & pictures. 

With that said, today is a day to share and this is a hop for bloggers who are advocates, people with disabilities and/or have a connection with disability through blogging.  Meriah at With A Little Moxie and Rebecca at The Bates Motel are two of the ladies who are passionate about sharing.  They’ve inspired mommy to do the same so this week, we will say “CHEESE!”  

Pictures, lots and lots of pictures!

Family Time at  the Theodore Roosevelt Island (a national memorial located in the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.)  Ethan decided that he was a pitcher for The Washington Nationals & threw his daddy's red Ray-Ban sunglasses into the river.  It was awesome to watch this in slooooowwww motion, or so it felt for daddy.  Boys will be boys...

The National Museum of National History.  Ethan loved being able to roam around and explore.  I love taking him there so watch his face shine!  Marisa and Gabby were great sitters or chasers.

Our visit to Richmond with one of Ethan's favorite cousin, Amanda.  Well, she found out how fast this little monkey can go!  Run, Amanda, Run...she also saw Ethan's other skills...singing & dancing, which reminds me to get her recording.

Lunch with daddy...puts a smile on all of our faces!

 
This is a Blog Hop!

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1. Just a Cool Dude | Visit blog	2. Summer Photo Clear-Out | Visit blog
3. Ouch! Our grandson decides to be a skateboarder : ) | Visit blog	4. Baseball Baby Pictures from What A Team | Visit blog
5. Riding the Crazy Train: Diary of a Delirious Mom. . . Enthusiasm in Pictures | Visit blog	6. Chunky Chicken, Youre My Tuna of the Sea | Visit blog
7. Just Like a Movie Star. . . | Visit blog	8. 10 special needs of special needs parents | Visit blog
9. Every day life at the Purdy house is purdy crazy.  Follow our journey on our blog. | Visit blog     10.  Wednesday Special Needs/Disability Blog Hop:  Say Cheese! | Visit blog

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