Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Burns!

Last night, my little brother, Erin got married!!  We were so thrilled to be part of their special day.  We're even more jazzed about *officially* welcoming Beth into our family!  

All of the wedding festivities were wonderful. Everything went off without a hitch. The bride was beautiful - and the groom looked pretty good, too ;)


My kids did a great job as ring bearers and flower girls - and were adorable (or so I thought!).  I can't wait to see some pictures.  Somehow in the hustle and bustle of it all, I didn't get a single picture on my camera (or phone)  :/  Hopefully, I'll have some to post soon.

I hope they had a great time and will always remember the love and devotion they felt yesterday.  Even on the days they don't particularly like each other.  :)  I know they can't imagine a day like that right now, which is just as it should be.

We were so honored to be included and are so thrilled for them as they begin the amazing journey of marriage. 

Congratulations, honeymooners!  We love y'all and are very happy for you!

2010 from the rearview

I'm cracking myself up over the title of this post.  This year has felt a bit like a rear view, ifyouknowwhatImean. 

For those of you who only visit my blog once a year, here's the recap ... if you'd like the abbreviated version, check facebook for my 'year in status updates.' 

For the ladies, here's the longer, slightly more detailed version:

We won’t be sad to say goodbye to 2010.  Even though a new year can't change circumstances, there are just some years that seem more deserving of a swift kick in the pants, ya know?

We began 2010 excited about Sustala baby #5 joining our family! We learned we were having a boy and named him Jackson Erin, after Ed’s grandfather, Pawpaw Jackson and my youngest brother, Erin. Sadly, Jackson was stillborn at 24 weeks due to a cord entanglement. As you can imagine, it has been a difficult journey to grieve the loss of our little boy. As always, God has been present in every detail. His hand has been evident at every turn. I’ve tried to write about our grief and the journey of faith it has required on this blog in hopes that it may one day minister to someone else. This has been the loneliest journey of my life – even though I know I'm not alone.  Ed and I are both surprised at just how difficult losing Jackson still is – even eight months later. The pain that lingers is not something we could have anticipated. Our children have struggled through this in their own ways – they mention Jackson frequently and say often they wish he had lived. Jadyn got upset when I was talking with a woman I didn't know.  When she asked how many children I have, I answered, "Two boys & two girls." (I don’t feel comfortable burdening everyone I meet with what happened)  Jadyn exclaimed, “MOM! You have THREE boys!!!” Awkward…but precious nonetheless.   It warms my heart how they embrace him as part of our family.  In the picture above, Jordan is holding our "Jackson-bear" because we wanted him represented somehow.
This year also marked having three official homeschoolers! That has been quite the adventure, but still remains a beautiful, wonderful fit for our family. I have enjoyed the time I get to spend with each of the kids one-on-one as well as the time we have together as a family. The flexibility it provides has come in very handy (again) this year as well!

The kids have had a busy year. Jordan (10) joined a homeschool choir called Joyful Sound! I continue to be amazed at the doors God opens for her! She gets to do her two favorite things:  sing and dance!  She has also had a lot of orthodontic work – which will continue next year with braces, as we work to correct her under bite and hopefully improve articulation.
Jacob (8 ½) has taken his soccer interest to a new level, playing junior select soccer. He loves the professional coaching and the seriousness of the players.  If he sees a ball, you can bet his feet are on it - juggling, kicking, something!  He continues to excel in academics, especially math. He is in his second year of cub scouts, as a bear. 
Jadyn (5 ½) is in Kindergarten and is into all things creative. She has been lucky enough to participate in one of the Joyful Sound! show choirs with Jordan as well as taking gymnastics.
Jace (2 1/2) is a short and stocky, happy, extremely busy little guy who loves music, trains, balls and anything his big sisters and brother are doing! He makes us laugh every single day.  It took him a while to start talking in more than single syllable words, but now we can't shut him up! 

Despite (or more likely because of) the heartbreak this year, we have been able to get away a little.  Ed and I went to San Antonio a couple times, went to Dallas and made a trip to Chicago.  We also rented a beach house in Galveston with the kids in May, which was just heavenly!!  It was so wonderful, we're hoping to make it an annual event. 

We are ending this year bitter sweetly...
Bitterly, we are saying goodbye to Ed’s sister, Stacey & her family as they move to Southeast Asia. It’s a wonderful opportunity for their family, so we are excited for them, but sad for ourselves!
We are also working on repairs to our house after a recent flooding episode. You can read more about that here.  :/
Sweetly, we are looking forward to my brother, Erin’s wedding in three weeks!! We are honored to participate in the day as a bridesmaid, groomsman, flower girls and ring bearers :)  We look forward to ‘officially’ welcoming Beth into our family!

As difficult as this year has been, we know God only has good plans for us – and He will be faithful to bring good even out of our suffering. We pray that you will sense His blessings and provision in your lives as well!

Merry Christmas, blog friends!

Family Pictures

A few weeks ago, we had our family pictures made by Joe Heiliger.   He will forever have a special place in my heart.

In addition to having his own photography business, Joe is also a volunteer photographer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep - a worldwide organization that ministers to parents suffering the loss of a baby through free professional photography services.  Our family was blessed in a way I can't even describe by Joe and NILMDTS! 

Getting family pictures made was bittersweet for me, but we included our "Jackson-bear."  He is a favorite with the kids and it seemed appropriate to represent him.  We could not have asked for more beautiful weather and the pictures turned out great!  These are a couple of my favorites:


Our beautiful family

 

Adorable kiddos
Jacob, Jace, Jadyn, Jordan

Oh, how I love my family!  I feel immensely blessed and thankful!

"Journey with Jordan" 2010

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  If you read my blog, you're probably already aware of Down Syndrome.  Our goal is to make everyone aware of what is possible despite Down Syndrome. 

October is also that time of year when we start looking forward to the annual Buddy Walk!

We had an incredible "Journey with Jordan" team last year and I'm hoping we can pull it off again this year!

This year the walk is FREE to participate in!  We would be honored if you would join "Journey with Jordan" Saturday, November 6, 2010 @ 1pm at Jones Plaza in Downtown Houston.  Even if you aren't available to walk, please consider supporting our team through a donation!

Check out our Buddy Walk page here to register to walk and/or donate:  https://www.syssolutions.com/fr/DSAH/2010BuddyWalk/JourneywithJordan

Thank you for supporting our beautiful Jordan and in helping us raising awareness about Down Syndrome! 

10 Years

I can hardly believe it.  I have a 10 year old! 

 This beautiful, amazing, silly, wonderful, smart girl came into my life 10 years ago today and while sadness and grief reigned for the night, JOY came in the morning!
She is, in many ways, a constant reminder of God's goodness.  Of His provision.  Of His mercies and love.  When I think back to this day ten years ago, I am reminded of the immense sadness I felt about her diagnosis.  But, I'm also reminded of the love for her that washed over me.  A powerful love like I could not have imagined before that day.   I'm so blessed to have experienced the power of that love with four more children.  But, my sweet Jordan was the beginning of it all. 

I love you so much, Jordan-bug!  Happy 10th Birthday, Beautiful! 

Jackson

Here are my favorite images of our brief time with Jackson


Its hard to believe we buried him 2 months ago today ...

These photos are courtesy of Joe Heiliger, a sweet family friend and volunteer photographer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep!!

Jace turns TWO!

Jace turned two a few weeks ago!! He is a FUN 2-year-old and really pretty easy. He is rough-and-tumble, all-boy, super cute, loves music and dancing, balls, cars, The Backyardigans and food! He is our worst talker to date, but has mad motor skills for his age. He walks up and down the stairs without holding on - which usually makes me crazy (especially when I find him climbing up the OUTSIDE of the stair case)! :) He loves the tampoline and can jump right along with his big sisters and brother! He can kick the soccer ball like nobody's business and shouts "GOAL!" every time he kicks it (whether it actually makes it in the goal or not!) You can't help but smile (or laugh) when you see his stocky-short-legged body doing the toddler dash! He is a squealer - and a very high-pitched one at that. I'm fairly certain I've lost a good amount of hearing.
He is a grunter and generally speaks with only one syllable per word. He says "thank you" without prompty, but has yet to master "please." :) He gives the biggest puckered-lip kisses you've ever seen (frequently accompanied by drool). He is a sweet-hearted little guy that gets very upset when someone is hurt or crying. He is a delight and has been the source of great joy for our family - and precious heart-healing therapy for me.

Here are some pix of our very small celebration!
"Happy Birthday to Jace..."

Make a wish

Unlike his first birthday, the cake was a hit this year!

Pure DELIGHT over videos with The Backyardigans from Gummie!

New tricycle from Grandma!

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the very best Daddy ...

Ed is not only an amazing husband, but such a good daddy as well. I am so blessed to have him as my partner in life and in parenting. He is committed to our family - and he works hard at being a dad!

I love you, Babe! Thanks for being the kind of dad and man that made Jadyn say you are her hero ;) You really are! I hope you never doubt how adored you are by all of us!

Beach Therapy

Our trip to Galveston ...

Ed's therapy was the fishing

The kids' therapy was playing in the water

...and building sand castles

...and eating ice cream

...and catching crabs

...and bike riding down the seawall

And my therapy ... was just getting away!

I'm gettin' a new sister!

My little brother, Erin is getting married!

I'm so excited for him and for our whole family! His fiancee, Beth (who my kids already call "Aunt Beth") is wonderful! We all adore her and are excited to be "officially" adding her to the family!

Jordan & Jadyn will be flower girls and Jake & Jace will be ring bearers in the wedding! I can't think of a bigger honor and what treasured memories for all of us!

I'm also honored to be a bridesmaid ... even though I'll be waddling down the aisle since the wedding is slated for late June! :) I'm thrilled to be included!

It will be a whirlwind 6 months for the two of them! Lots of fun in store ... wedding planning and beyond!

Merry Christmas!

Watch closely ...

The Sustala Six is becoming The Sustala Seven!!

Journey with Jordan!

We had so much fun at the Buddy Walk this year! Jordan had 22 people on her team!!! Thanks to everyone who participated with us!

Team "Journey with Jordan"

Jordan was on cloud-nine and loved having everyone there just for her! We wore leis to make our team look cohesive. They looked good, but they sure were scratchy. I really liked that the Buddy Walk T-shirts were navy except for the folks with Down Syndrome - theirs were red. It really made them stand out!

Jordan spent most of her time on Uncle Erin's shoulders. He was a really great sport!

His shirt says "I AM ... ALL THAT IS MAN"
The 'boys' riding in the wagon

Uncle Erin with Jordan and Beth with Jake

Jadyn & Jace in the wagon, seconds before Jace passed out :)

Medals at the finish!

Kylie & Jace takin' a snooze
Stopping for a snack

Eric leaves for the Army

My little brother, Eric came home from the Marines a few months ago and has now joined the Army! He wants to do special forces with the Army.

My mom had a going-away party for him which was a lot of fun!

Eric with my kidsMe with my "little" brothers, Eric & Erin.

I'm standing as high on my toes as I can get!
Being silly with his cake and Jace's sippy cup

My Dad

My dad passed away Sunday night. He had been sick for a long time and had been in Hospice for about a month. It was a long road.

My relationship with my dad wasn't the typical father-daughter relationship. It didn't even begin in the typical way. That's to say that he adopted me when I was 11. Not that he EVER treated me as anything but his own flesh and blood. He loved me and adored me. I never doubted that.

It wasn't the ideal, but it was what I had. At the end of it all, he was my daddy. And I loved him very much.

Happy Birthday, Kylie!

Kylie Today is our niece's 2nd birthday. Happy Birthday, Kylie!!

It seems like just yesterday that we were flying down from Iowa to meet her for the first time.

Saturday was her birthday party. At a park. With 102 temps. It was brutally hot, but my little red-faced kiddos all had fun in spite of the heat.

Kylie & her mama, Stacey

Taking a break to eat!

Jace with Ed's cousin, Audra's little girl, Natalie - she wanted to sit by Jace to eat and was so cute with him!

Hot & sweaty birthday girl

Happy Birthday, sweet girl! We love you!

A Day in Pictures

Our new toy ...

A favorite Saturday morning activity - pancakes by Daddy!

Tissue paper flowers in Jadyn's new room

Jace walking behind a push toy - getting a little closer to walking.

He may be our earliest yet. :-)

Jadyn playing dress up - the costume is on backwards! :-)

Some of my favorite pictures of my kids are around this age, playing dress up.