S-U-R-P-R-I-S-E!!

Okay so I have never been so surprised in my LIFE! We have had a really busy month and I had already planned on going to the beach with my mom for my birthday weekend. So Mothers Day weekend we went that Friday to see my younger brother graduate! Ya Chad! The we went to stay with some really good friends of ours. George and Misty. Woke up that Saturday morning Misty and I along with some really good friends walked in the Breast Cancer Walk that morning. Then we headed back into town and got ready to go to dinner with a couple here in town.

We met for appetizers and drinks and then we were going to another restaurant for dinner. In the meantime Jv had tummy issues. Which happens sometimes and we have to leave right then and there. So he walked back from the restroom and said guys I am so embarrassed but I have to go back to the house for a little while and then we can both meet you at the other restaurant. Which I totally bought!

So we left and on the way my husband is still acting as if his stomach is bothering him and stating how embarrassing that was for him. So we pull up at the house. No cars in sight. He runs in ,which was something I had never seen him do. I was thinking to my self. Man this is pretty bad poor fella!

So I get out take my time and come into the house and everyone yells SURPRISE!! It took me a second to figure out why everyone was saying surprise. I guess b/c my actual birthday was the next weekend and the fact that I was scared out of my mind. I forgot to mention several people had these really loud poppers! Sounding like a gun shot! So I have to give it to my husband he had been planning this for months and needless to say I threw several kinks in his direction! Planning things left and right. He still seemed to find ways around them.

Thanks Sweetie for planning such a great 30TH! It turned out to be the best birthday yet! I also have to thank my sweet and wonderful mom-in-law which you all know and love along with Amy B and Charissa for helping get it all together and made every ones tummy very satisfied with all the yummy food!

And a BIG thanks to Sarah and Justin for playing along with my husbands joke and restaurant hop.

Here are the pictures that were taken that night. My sweet little Griffin sang Happy Birthday to me which was the hit of the night. Bringing some to tears!
During the song he said Happy Birthday to Amy which I thought was too cute!











The cake said "To the best wife and mommy ever!" I am so glad they think so! So sweet and thoughtful! I must say I have had a great 30 years!

Soaking in God's Glory

It has been a while since I last posted! I think it is the longest to date!
Just like the title says I have been drenched in God's Glory!

I sent out a mass e-mail to all my close friends and family asking for donations for a yard sale that I am having in a couple of weeks attached to it was my post titled Prayers for Griffin. Since that e-mail God has really showed me his Glory. Not that I was surprised. Afterall, He is very powerful. There is only one word that comes to mind and that word is UNDESERVING.I have doubted. I have been bitter. I have yelled, cried and not to mention, when do I ever find time to spend time with him? I have two children, house duties, therapy sessions and work? I have put him on the back burner and yet he still sends me these envelopes full of his Glory and Grace.

Sharing Griffin's diagnosis has been the best thing I could of ever done. I had anxiety about sharing. Mainly anxiety about how people would treat him and look at him. That was the enemy trying to attack and yet again God's victory stood in the way.

Since the post I received so many emails from so many people pouring out their hearts to me assuring me that we would be in their thoughts and prayers. Assuring me that Griffin is and will ALWAYS be loved by them. I received emails from strangers saying that they wanted to donate things for the yard sale and that the post humbled them ,made them choke up and encouraged them all at the same time.

I then got a call from one of my dear friends who lives out of town asking me what Griffin's favorite color was and this is why she asked:





After finding out what his favorite color was. She got the RED shirts made and the whole family walked the Autism Walk in their town. Yes when she told me I cried like a baby and then when she sent me the picture it happened again. We are all going next year and walking together! Can't wait! Love you Lauren!



I have met two amazing women that are going through the same thing but have older children. One lives close by and I actually got to have a lunch date with this week. The other woman will be an email pal for life. They have shared their stories with me good, bad and some really funny.

I have shared my story with 2 of my clients. Not something I was planning on doing but it was already in God's plan. The first time was with a mother and daughters. We started talking about children and for some reason I felt led to share it with her Griffin's story. Come to find out I mentioned that we needed speech and that there was a long waiting list for the local speech place in town and she called me the next day with an appointment! She worked there!


The second client was a Dad who has two boys. He was just asking if my oldest was in school and I said yes he goes to an Autistic school here in town.( Would of never said that in the past. I would of just said the name of his school and left it at that.)
Come to find out his youngest son has a speech delay. He asked me a million questions about Griffin and was headed home to share with his wife in hopes to find answers.

It is truly amazing to see his hands in all of this! He has taken this entire month and has showered us with his love!

I am truly blown away at what God is teaching my family and I. The only word that comes to mind is Grateful. I am truly Grateful for his mercy. I am experiencing overcoming love which is out of a book I just finished.
Overcoming Love refuses to give into hate, but instead chooses to trust God- that his ways are righteous, his timing is perfect,and his goodness ultimately powerful.


Thanks to all who responded to the email. They are words that will never be forgotten! Love you all!

This is another passage that a friend emailed to me that I think sums up this post:
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 "So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."