I Love My Kids

And wish I could've seen their reactions when they saw me on tv today.

Miss Amanda (BFF Madelyn's Momma) said that Flynn looked shocked & looked around, while Madelyn confirmed for her, "Flynn! That's your MOM!"

Papa said that Gabe just sat & took it in. And when I got home & said, "Gabe, did you see Momma on tv?"
He said, "Me did dis"; as he showed me a very shocked expression.
"And me do dis" as he showed me tears (which we later figured out was watery eyes).

Later, we were downstairs when Gabe pointed to the 'famous' tv star orange basket & said something as he pointed to the tv.

Before leaving for the 'big debut', Flynn asked me, "Mom are you nervous?" & asked Daddy if I had a hard time sleeping because of my excitement.

Flynn & Gabe, have I mentioned lately how much I love you??

More Love in the Air, at least that's what I think it is

Gabe's treat at his party was certainly NOT dairy-free (as was Flynn's).
The parent in charge of that made them heart-shaped THICK brownies which were not only iced & decorated, they featured a white chocolate prince frog AND a full cup of vanilla ice cream (a la mode, only a la carte).

He could've cared less about the art project.

Was quick to pose.

And was done w/ hot potato about 5 minutes in (they played it forrrever).

Flynn spent what seemed like hours at her party, with her project (which was decorating a bag).

Strategically sat by her BFF.

And enjoyed the game that BFF's mom brought, tossing strawberry (pink) marshmallows
into a heart-shaped opening in a cutely wrapped gift box.

Waiting for the game to start,
hot potato w/ a flair.

Not sure how she ended up between two boys! ;)

Checking out their loot!

Showing off some moves.

And we did a post-party party (kinda like the after-party after the grammies)
at the playplace; because it was gorgeous outside & we didn't want the celebration to end.

Right after he went backwards into the slide & bumped his noggin.

"Oh my achin' head."

Love in the Air

What the heck is Gabe doing in this photo? (and why the heck is that hyperlinked?)

They were opening their Vday gifts from Momma & Daddy
(a couple of clearance things I'd bought over the past few months)Getting dipped (or holding on for dear life??)

Me & Papa catch a jig

With niece, Vanessa

With my girl who looks like she has red lip gloss on

We got to enjoy a fun party at church on Valentine's night. So fun. Have I mentioned that I love my church?

Bathing Beauties

Alternately Titled: Our Church Rocks

These are some photos of my two beauts. But also, nearly as cute, are the boats they made in each of their classes (Gabe is in the 3-yr old preschool class at church & Flynn is in the 4-5-K class at church).

I love that they aren't put in a room with a movie. Or given crappy coloring sheets to color.
They're taught God's word, in a very real & relevant way, that makes sense to a child --- and that's not a whole group I'm referring to. I mean, Gabe's class is taught different than even Flynn's class.
They sing praise & worship. They are told a lesson, sometimes through drama or puppets. And sometimes play instruments. Their learning is then extended through a project...and play, of course.

And that's what we did when we came home from church. That evening, at bath time, we floated the boats we made at church. And Flynn told the story.

And that is what church is about.

Thankful

I have a really long list that would apply, but tonight am especially thankful that Gabe has been accepted into the Walker-Scottish Rite Speech Clinic.
He will receive services twice each week, for an hour each time.
After just one session, I kid you not, I already see an improvement.

And here, are some other things I'm thankful for...

• a car that I can get in & start -- without worrying if it really will start
• healthy kids
• friends, good ones...and my kids having good friends
• a job that has allowed me to be a full time momma
• a job that has allowed me to make an impact on the Kingdom
• a husband who is an incredible father
• a safe environment for my allergy girl, who we once thought would never be in large group settings
• knowing that my husband's eyes are always on God
• being raised to 'fight' for the things I think are important (& fight for my kids)
• a church that allows us to be part of a heterogeneous 'community'
• food on the table & full bellies
• heat & a/c
• hand-me-down clothes & toys
• new & old friends & the fact that mid-thirties, I'm still making new friends
• that my family now worships alongside us
• a Pastor that realizes the importance of relevance
• a Pastor's wife who is full of integrity...that I admire & respect
• having a sister who is my best friend
• having extended family who support us
• anti-bacterial gel
• a potty seat in our car
• medicine & prescriptions
• fruits & veggies
• a working computer
• a dvd-player in our mini-van
• a new filling in my cavity
• the ability to laugh, no matter what's going on
• a really smart husband, who has thoughts of his own
• smart kids, who also happen to be really cute

And that, my friends, is just the tip of the iceberg.

Winter Fun

No need for sleds, Flynn figured out that sliding down on her skinny behind, was just as good!
Sun Snow bathing

Freezer-burned

Tractor Tipping

Helping Daddy shovel the ice

Part of my motive behind posting these photos from LAST MONTH's snow, is a sort of bidding adieu to winter. Sianara cold air (altho today's high is only 37) & welcome to you Thursday's high of 67 (fingers crossed!).

I finally got busy editing some photos, so I'm back to my FIRST PRIORITY which is documenting my kids' firsts, cute sayings, photos, & crazyness of our life. It takes priority over my other little 'site' of course. As that won't be around in 25 years, when my kids want to look back & read about how much I adore them.

Check out Flynn's frozen listening skills:

Big Momma & Lil Flynn heading down the giant width of the yard, yes I am crazy:

I Love - I Love - I Love My Calendar Girl

I've made mention of Flynn's administrative skills. How she keeps a running "days 'til" total in her mind, for any given holiday. She was thrilled when PePaw gave her a little dayrunner & wrote everyone, and I mean everyone's birthdays in it...every last aunt, uncle, & cousin.
She carried it around & made notes in it & loved to reference it.

A couple of weeks ago, we were having a little private Valentine party at McD's with Flynn's BFF (& apparently, Gabe's "tister" too, according to him), 'Madamine', when a worker came around & handed out a ruler, a little pamphlet, along with a mini calendar.
And Flynn struck gold.

So, I hung it on her french memo board in her room.

And yesterday, sometime before 7 am, my bedroom door flung open & in came busting a very very AWAKE Flynn,
"HEY Momma!!"

She bolted straight to my bed & was pointing to the first day of spring,
"How many days 'til this?"

And so that went on until I had identified for her, every single holiday listed on her little free McDonald's calendar. Along with filling in every important date like "Dad & Me Night" at preschool.

Save for her hour at dance, she carried that calendar around most of the day.

Maybe I should start keeping my appointments & important dates on her calendar??

Gabe Must Be One of my Faithful Readers

After I posted that, he hasn't went #2 since. (yes, since Tuesday)

Thomas = Hemorrhoids

This is the 'poop-only-on-the-pot' incentive for Gabe, who has been perfectly potty-trained for over a year, yet has no prob just taking a dump in his night time (or nap time) diaper.

We figured, bribery was in order. Because there's nothing nastier than big kid poo. Enter, "Pump & Go Thomas", found on clearance at Target for $4.98 (altho the site where I found the photo is still selling him for $14.95 + s/h!).

We introduced Gabe to PnG Thomas & he lit up like a Christmas tree. He was ready to rip into the package & try it out. 'Not 'til you've pooped on the pot 10 times' & we showed him the glass where each marble (representing said BM) will land once he does the desired task.

It worked like a charm. Two days into the challenge & he only has 2 remaining marbles left. Yes, you heard me right, the kid has done the duty EIGHT times in the past 48 hours. He's obsessed. He catches the glimmer of Thom's bright blue exterior as he walks by the fridge (where Thomas is just out of his reach) & suddenly gets 'the urge', then will high tail it to the bathroom shoving his pants down while he shouts, "Momma, gotta go poo-poo!!" & will strain & push 'til he produces something.

So, I'm just wondering...
is this working a little too well??

As If A Parting Gift For Me

I'm headed out of dodge. And because my scrumptious hubby (upgrade from hot) loves me so much, he has given me his blessings to go away for the night & be blessed.
So, lots of the ladies from church & I are retreating. There is sure to be chocolate, lots of laughter, & if I'm lucky, a pyramid or two.

Scrambling around, after a day of subbing middle school (ah chee wa wa), the kids are never busier than when you are. I'm throwing things into this bag & that. And Flynn & Gabe The Princess Ballerina & Spiderman are running from something imaginery in the basement. Their lightning-speed pitter-patter gets them up the steps in no time. And when they reach the top step, Gabe swipes away at his imaginary perspiration,
"Shoo, dat was a cose one."

Just Call Me Big Head

I was strapping Gabe into his car seat at school. The sun was very obvious in his oh-so-sensitive eyes & he started to whince. I moved to cast a shadow over his face, to make him more comfortable during the duration of our 'strapping in session'.
He was apparently, quite appreciative of me doing so,
"Tank you Momma, for cubbering de sun wi yor hed."

Parade of Cute

If I had a better turn around with taking the photos & getting them into the computer & on here, I'd do it more often. But half the time, I admit to myself that said photos would be just like the others (kinda like the great snow photos from last month), living on the memory card for mos & mos.

Back to the parade. Which consists of my 2 cutes. Who are dancing-marching around the house. Flynn has the stapped drum, which STILL has some instruments inside (but she likes that, as altho heavier, it makes more sound). She is leading the parade (of course). But Gabe doesn't mind, as he is following closely behind, doing a jester sorta thing, with a tamborine in each hand. But don't tell him, he jestered by me & shouted, "Merkakas". I didn't bother telling him that those were actually tamborines. Chances are he wouldn't have heard me anyway.

The parade's route is directed around Lua's seat at the table, where she sits & eats a muffin. Call it a dinner breakfast show.

Letterman Gabe

Something cute Gabe has been doing lately is making letters with his fingers, then showing us & saying what that particular letter is for.

Now Gabe starts with a 'G', but if you ask him what his name starts with, he'll tell you a 'B' (for Bubby). And the lowercase 'b' is Gabe's favorite letter to make with his fingers.

His second favorite?, 'O'..."Wook Mom, 'O' for 'Owen'!" (Owen = BFF)

He also makes a 'D' for 'Dad', 'F' for 'Fyn' & has even made an 'M' for 'Momma.'

Friday the 13th Isn't Creepy

Won't you be our Valentine?

Thank You

The other day, I pleaded with you again, to vote for Hot Hubs.

A handful of you obliged....another handful already had obliged.

I wanted to be sure to tell our awesome family & friends that voted, THANK YOU.
When you do corny little annoying things like that, it doesn't go unnoted. I have a mind like a steal trap & I keep track of things like that.

You always know who will really come through for you when you need them.

THANKS!

Go HERE *TODAY* to read how to vote for Hot Hubs, who is hanging onto third by the SKIN of his SEXY TEETH.

The Cute Things They Say

Yesterday, right in the middle of drawing & writing, Flynn pipes out,
"Thomas really is a useful engine."

We scored big not only with Madagascar 2 from the Redbox, but also with a code to rent it free. Gabe watched it only once & had already mastered the song. Right before dinner, a tune (with a good beat that you can really dance to) came on the radio & I of course, started busting a move. Gabe, an apple that doesn't fall far, joined me in the jive. That kid can really move... anywho, his moves were accompanied by his own song,
"I wike ta moob it moob it...I wike ta moob it moob it..."
Now that's funny (esp if you heard it with your own ears) but not quite as funny as later, when Jeff started to agg him on, "Hey Gabe, I like to move it move it....I like to move it, move it...I like to move it, move it...I like to-"
and Gabe came in with the big ending,
"MOOB IT!"

Heading to one of our many weekend adventures (I actually think it was church), Flynn beckoned to me from the backseat,
"Hey Mom?"
ME "Yes?"
FJ "Do I have to grow up & get big?"
ME "Yep, we all grow older."
FJ "'Cause I just want to stay your baby."
If she only knew how much I wish it could be that way.

Flynn took a quick trip to Schnucks with her daddy this evening. She had the brain power enough (compensating for her parents?!) to remind daddy that momma had run out of cinnamon earlier today while making heart-shaped tortilla crisps.

Did I mention that Gabe calls Mrs. Schmittgens, 'Micka Mickens'? Because everytime I hear him say it, I get a serious sharp ache in the pit of my empty uterus.

And when I laid him down for his nap today, he caught me trying to make my routine quick escape,
"MOMMA!? -- Me wun give you hug."

I think they're keepers.

Private Eyes

When we were younger, my big sis & I slept in the same bed ... actually, the same room. We were roomies, in a room with bright pink shag carpet & swiss-dotted sheer drapes.
I loved it.
I loved sharing a room with my big sister. Probably moreso when I was older than the crying baby in the white baby bed next to her, that she used to shush with a desperate yell.

Do you know, when I was old enough to have my own room, I would go to hers & ask to sleep with her? All those years I wanted my own room, only to sneak to her room like a crybaby, "Ang, can I sleep with you?"

And we would lay in bed, like a slumber party, listen to "Pillow Talk" & laugh at the people who called in. And once, when "Private Eyes" (Hall & Oates) started playing, she slid her hand under my pillow while singing it. And for the strangest reason, we died laughing.

To this day, it's an inside joke.

Speaking of Private Eyes (no, I'm not going to talk about Jon Oates' fro), I'm contemplating something that I've went back & forth on for a few months now:
Going private with my blog.

When I posted, in beggary (is that a word?), for my faithful readers (er, uh, lurkers) to vote for said Hot Hubs, it got me thinking,
There are lots of you. You come faithfully to the blog. But I don't know you. And you seldom de-lurk, and I don't like that.
I'm just being honest.
I mean, you read my inner most thoughts... my feelings & my frank ideas.
You know my kids.
Their cute stories.
And that I think my Hubs is hot.

And I don't even know your name.

And call me crazy, but I don't like that.

So,
if you log on one day, and my settings are set to private, you'll know why.

Meanwhile, if you want to be added to a list of approved readers, email me:
theorangefamily AT yahoo DOT com

I may or may not have approved readers. I could just decide to do what I set out in the beginning & that's write for pure documentation's sake...as a rememberance & sorta-scrapbook about our family. So that the cuteness goes noted.

Private Eyes (ch'chu)
are watching you (ch'chu)
They see your every move
(oo ooh)

We Need Your Vote!!!! (contest ends THIS THURSDAY!!)

Help! Hot Hubs is getting stomped in the HOTTEST HUBBY contest! Unfortunately, neither of us works in an 'office' type setting...w/ tons of co-workers, on tons of computers... so we need YOU.
I have a sitemeter, I know you're out there. For whatever reason, over 50 unique readers think this insane-enough-to-be-a-reality-show family is entertaining. You read my stories of poop & bunny tails & cute things my kids say.
By golly, at least vote since I help you pass time at work?

Would you vote?

One vote per email address... that means, YOU can vote on one computer (say your desktop PC) & your hot hubby can vote from the laptop w/ his email address.
Or if your dog Fluffy has an email address (Hey, I've seen stranger things), we welcome her vote.

A couple of weeks ago, I posted this link...and if you are among the few who successfully voted for Jeff, please forgive the repetition AND THANK YOU!!!!!
I fear that the link I originally sent a few weeks ago, had my log-in info in it somehow & a few of you replied to me that when you tried to register or log in (for those of you already members of the site), it automatically logged you into my I.D.

Here is the link, which I'm confident is a 'good' link, free of my info:
http://stlouis.momslikeme.com/members/ScrapbookActions.aspx?m=3622390&g=740356

Will you please go there & vote for Jeff? I logged in one week, to go to the mom forum, which I do semi-regularly, when I found this contest, THE HOTTEST HUBBY. I've been calling Jeff 'Hot Hubby' for years now, so it was a no brainer for me that I would nominate him...and that he would win. ;) (positive thinking!)

I won't lie, you do have to go through a few steps to help us out with a vote.

1. Click here: http://stlouis.momslikeme.com/members/ScrapbookActions.aspx?m=3622390&g=740356 (or cut/paste the web address into your browser)

2. It should take you straight to Jeff's photo* & by scrolling down, you'll find the REPLY box, which is HOW YOU VOTE (your reply = your vote).

3. I don't think it will even let you write in the "Reply Box" without logging in (or registering) first. THEREFORE, you must do one of those two things: log-in OR register.

4. To REGISTER, Click on REGISTER. It will take you to a page with just a few blanks to fill in (user id/email address & password, plus your zip code) -- BE SURE to un-check the three boxes (otherwise you give them permission to update you w/ email addresses each time ANY OF THE OTHER dads are voted for).

5. At that point, it should tell you that it's sending you an email w/ a confirmation link. DON'T FREAK OUT!, Don't give up!... just open your emails, specifically the one from ST LOUIS MOMS LIKE ME & click on the link they include.

6. That link should take you STRAIGHT TO Jeff's photo again & your opportunity to vote for him, by simply writing something in the REPLY BOX. You can write anything you want, "Jeff's hot" or "Amy's hot" (just kidding on that one). But by simply replying, you are voting.

7. That's it! And we appreciate it!! Not only will Jeff earn the title of HOTTEST HUBBY (which would be rightfully deserving), but we could win a pretty sweet prize to boot!THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*If by clicking on the link, it doesn't take you to Jeff's photo straightaway, simply do this:-be sure you're on the homepage-watch for a purple box which displays 4 current contests (which scroll through)-wait for HOTTEST HUBBY CONTEST-click on SEE MORE-click on VOTE-click on MORE PHOTOS/IMAGES-scroll through the pages to find Jeff's (last I checked, page 3)-click on his photo & proceed w/ the above directions

If we win one of those prizes, I'm off the hook for getting Jeff a present this year. And believe me, we can not afford gifts this year, so it would end up being a potholder made of twist ties... or I would find something I've already given him & re-wrap it, not that I've ever done that with my kids or anything, for crying outloud, that would be absurd.

It's Friday & the Sun is Shining

2 wonderful things, so how could we go wrong?...

And,
Flynn asked me this morning, "Hey Mom, are people going to be saying 'Happy Valentimes Day' next week?"

And,
I've recently set up my laptop at the bar in the kitchen. We have some nifty (free & madeover) stools that sit at the bar. They had wrought iron in the back, with slats about every three inches & a space below those, that opens into the seat part...apparently, just enough space for the fat on your butt to 'ooze' through.
So imagine Flynn's delight when she came around the corner & saw that oozing,
"Look Gabe! Mom has a bunny tail!!"
Awesome, nothing says, 'Lose 25 more lbs & do BUNS OF STEEL' quite like hearing that.

And,
Gabe is swell at accessing every nook & cranny in the kitchen. But nothing's cuter than seeing his Cars Undies-clad behind bent over the snack jar.
"Me wun pena bunt cackes Momma."

And,
Flynn's been wearing her monkey costume (Halloween 3 years ago) ALL morning. I keep asking her if she's sweaty & she keeps saying NO.

And,
Jeff is in third place in the HOTTEST HUBBY contest. I will be posting next week on how to vote for him, in case you missed the post the other day. He definitely deserves the official title (altho I've given him the unofficial one) :)

Fed Up with the System

I'm just now calm enough to talk about this w/o bursting into tears.

Before I get all dramatic on you, I'll back up.

I blogged about Gabe's speech issues here, and here. And to get the real low-down on my boy's down-low, type SPEECH into my search bar, up there.

Long story short, he's always struggled & because he can't communicate, it ends up in tantrums, or crying, or someone not being understanding because he can't be understood.... long story short, FRUSTRATION (for all parties).

He's only 3 & he's already been made fun of by peers & even an adult or two.

It probably hurts me worse because of my education & experience, knowing that window of development is closed & even the drapes are starting to close.

So, when he had an IEP meeting in Dec., which led to further testing, and another meeting today, to explain what he had qualified for, I was anxious. This has been AN EIGHTEEN MONTH PROCESS, I kid you not. I have been actively pursuing therapy for him since he turned 2. In 2 weeks, he will be 42 months old. Three and a half years, and he has yet to say his sister's name correctly, or even able to tell me what he wants for dinner.

I've bent over backwards to make it work. We've spent about $1,000 (that we DON'T have) to get him evaluated & get him therapy. He was referred by the pediatrician exactly a year ago. And 10 mos ago, one of the two children's hospitals in St Louis did an extensive eval on him (as well as a hearing test) & deemed him very much in need of help.

The Scottish Rite (masons) provide a free service for speech. I pursued that. Took him to an evaluation for that (which happened to be 1/2 an hour away DURING NAP TIME) in which he qualified. I had to jump through more hoops to be put on a waiting list. We received the call that his name was finally on the top of the list THE DAY WE GOT THE CALL FROM THE SCHOOL DISTRICT that Gabe's referral had been received...I foolishly told them to give our spot to another child, as we were going to receive services from Special School District (or 'Special Services' as it's called out here in the sticks).

When I showed up for the IEP meeting in Dec., as I blogged, the SLP (speech/language pathologist) wanted to do further testing. This should've made me happy, only I felt very unsettled about it. During the whole meeting, I got vibes from her that perhaps she didn't want to take on Gabe's case.
I passed the feeling off to just being overwhelmed w/ the process.

Last month, after filling out about 7 packets, getting the DR to fax 2 forms, making copies of birth certificates, immunizations, & other necessary papers....
making it to 3 meetings.,
pulling him out of school TWICE,
having Jeff miss 2 mornings of work,
Gabe was evaluated again.

And today, we reconveined to get results & find out what Gabe qualifies for.

Big.

Fat.

NOTHING.

Yep, you read right. We went into this meeting, that started w/ the other party claiming that although Gabe showed such progress that his numbers didn't qualify him, (which alone SHOCKS me), that we would talk & come to a consensus.

We talked. But there was NO consensus. Matter of fact, I hesitated to sign the paper stating I was present & given a copy of the report.

TIMELINE:

24 mos (aug '07) Dr acknowledges Gabe's speech being behind & tells me to call in six months if he's not forming a 3-word sentence.

30 mos (feb '08) I call & tell ped's office that he's still not talking. A referral is made, meaning, they give me the number to special school district.
I call SSD & they tell me I"m out of their district.
They give me the number to Sensory Solutions.
SS is 45 mins away & isn't covered by the insurance.
I call the insurance co. & argue. Cry. And get mad.

32 mos (apr'08)
We decide to have Gabe tested anyway w/ the understanding that we'll be paying for everything otu of our pockets.
Results show that Gabe needs several hours of therapy each week.
At $150/hr, it's not something that we can pay for, since insurance won't cover it.

33 mos (may '08)
I make an appt w/ scotish rite. I collect/copy/fax necessary paperwork & drive both kids there. Gabe is evaluated & found to be in need of therapy.
I write the necessary letter to plead for help & am accepted by the S.R.
Gabe is put on the 6-mo waiting list.

Same month, we call Christine, who was 6 mos shy of receiving her Masters in S & L. We talk to her about hiring her to do some private therapy for Gabe.
We pay her what we can, she lovingly & sweetly visits as often as she can & we see real strides in Gabe.

36 mos (aug '08)
Christine must stop therapy to finish her schooling.
Within the month, everyone in Gabe's life notices his speech regressing.

38 mos (oct '08)
P.A.T. visits & refers us to have an evaluation done through their program. Tells us PAT will call us.
Later that month, I still haven't heard from them, so I bother my PAT educator again. Within a week, we receive a call to make an appt.

39 mos (nov'08)
PAT screening. Gabe is referred to Special Services Co'op for his speech delay. Within days, we receive a call from the SSC coordinator. She makes the Dec appt for us to meet for Gabe's IEP.
Within days, I receive a call from Jacob, Gabe's would-be therapist from the Scotish Rite. I thank him kindly for the offer, but give up Gabe's spot, as I foolishly felt we should just pursue therapy through the district (I'd heard it was probably higher quality).

40 mos (dec'08)
1sst meeting w/ SSC.
SLP expresses more concern (after just hearing me talk about gabe's frustrations & habits) than SL. SUspects Sensory issues. Recommends further eval by PT & OT.
I grungingly consent.

41 mos (jan'09)
Gabe spend the morning being eval'ed by PT, OT, & a bit by SLP. After lots of prep at home, bribery, & praise by me, Gabe performs excellently. So much so, they say they're shocked at how well he does.

42 mos (feb'09)
At Gabe's IEP meeting, we're eventually told he does not qualify for help at this time. Despite our pleads & debate, we're told that they can not make a professional judgement that he receive therapy, as "DESE just wrote us a letter 2 weeks ago, that we must stick to the numbers." We are also told that Gabe's hyperactivity most likely is the culprit to his speech problems & that he most likely is dropping off beginning & ending sounds on account of his lack of attention.

I cried the whole way home today. I yelled & possibly said a bad word or two. I got mad that I have in the past compromised my job by stretching things & numbers so that a family receives the services I know they deserved.
I just want the same.

Jeff & I are praying. That the SSC coordinator will feel convicted. And that she'll revisit this case & do the right thing. Because waiting another 6 mos for him to be retested means another 1/2 year of him being frustrated that no one can understand him.
We are also praying that despite their rules state that once you've given up a spot on their list, you can not be reconsidered, that S.R. will accept Gabe back onto the list, for therapy through their system.
We're also praying for patience, not only w/ Gabe (believe me, sometimes I'm just as frustrated as him!), but w/ those involved in this trying process. I want to have grace & mercy, even when the things I hear break my heart.