Full House

Five children. A handful.

This birth was a little extra special to me because I am the 5th child.

I made Tom a t-shirt with 5 playing cards on it. I put our 3 sons' photos on 3 kings and put our 2 daughters' photos on 2 queens.

Then I printed: "This Daddy has a Full House!"

I was so happy Rachel had a sister to grow up with.

Brothers are special, but sisters are too. Rachel loved helping me with Leah. She had a lot of fun picking out clothes for her little sister.

Brandon's tics continued - and after a year of seeing our neurologist, he told us he was going to have to diagnose Brandon with Tourette Syndrome. The one thing that really bothered me was the way the doctor said it. He told us in such a way that made us feel like our world was coming to an end. That and just this doctor's overall personality really had us thinking of finding a different doctor. We finally did. Brandon's new doctor was amazing! He talked to Brandon and found out how Brandon felt and what Brandon thought he needed. He was really good with him.

One day while I was googling I found a support group near us for TS and a camp nearby for children with TS.

We went to the support group once. It was for parents. The other parents were sharing their frustrations with their children's schools and everything was negative the whole night. Tom and I were blessed with support at Brandon's school and we were always trying to stay positive. We decided not to go back to the meetings. Plus, it was pretty far away. And not being allowed to bring our children just made it difficult to go.

The camp we found was wonderful!

Brandon went for a weekend in the Winter and for a week during the Summer. Children come from all over to this camp - and everyone has TS. The children, the counselors, the leaders,...So inspirational to see others doing well.

This camp was a blessing God had given us.

One night my dog, Justin came and sat on my lap. He had been acting different for a few days. He put his nose up against my ear, then just stopped. He passed away right there in my arms. Tom had just come in the door from working late. I was an instant mess. I had had Justin since college - along with my 2 cats, Spike and Simon.
Spike went to kitty Heaven when Brandon was around 3. That is when we got Moose. Simon is still with us.