Hello. My name is...

Hello. My name is Lockland. I'm the most handsome three year old in the entire world, and I have sensory processing disorder. I also have stereotypic movement disorder & mixed developmental disorder. BUT I am NOT autistic.
                 
 

{Lockland and I at the Schmeiding Center during one of our breaks.} 

"The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy!" Psalm 126:3

Keith and I are feeling so blessed by Lockland's diagnoses. While we would have loved and embraced Lockland if he was autistic, no parent wants that for their child. That being said we still have a long journey ahead of us and many mountains to climb. But now we have a place to start! His wonderful doctor feels his hand stimming is probably triggered by his sensory issues. Her hopes, and ours as well, are that once we get his sensory issues under control that his stimming will decrease. She gave us many articles to read as well as book recommendations! 

Just like you, we have many questions! I wish I could thoroughly explain to you what each diagnoses means for our sweet Lockland--but I can't. I am going to happily share the in's and out's and up's  down's of our journey right here on the blog though! 

Please continue to pray for our sweet, loving little boy!!

this little light of mine.

"This little light of mine, 

I'm gonna let it shine. 

This little light of mine, 

I'm gonna let it shine. 

This little light of mine, 

I'm gonna let shine, 

let it shine. let it shine, let it shine.

I adore this song. Every since I became a mother this song has become something that inspires me.

Hide it under a bushel- NO, 

I'm gonna let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel- NO, 

I'm gonna let it shine. 

Hide it under a bushel-NO, 

I'm gonna let it shine, 

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

You see, this world is dark. This world desperately needs Jesus. I often question why I wanted to have children in such a dark world. I am often completely saddened by the things I see and hear about. It brings tears to my eyes when I think about the youth of this world and the things they have to endure, to tolerate. I'm young, twenty-three, but the things they go through now are much different than the things I went through just a few short years ago. 

Won't let Satan blow it out, 

I'm gonna let it shine. 

Won't let Satan blow it out, 

I'm gonna let it shine. 

Won't let Satan blow it out, 

I'm gonna let it shine, 

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

&& then I remember this song. If I don't have children, who will be a light in the darkness for the future generations? If I don't have children to raise to be God-fearing, God-loving, Christ-like individuals how much more will the darkness close in? Granted I don't think raising that kind of child will be an easy task--the devil is everywhere. But it's Keith and I's job and one that I absolutely love. So every night when I tuck my precious little babies in to their warm, safe beds I sing...

This little light of mine, 

I'm gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, 

I'm gonna let it shine. 

This little light of mine, 

I'm gonna let it shine, 

let it shine. let it shine. let it shine.

froze in

It is bitterly cold here in Arkansas and the roads are still icy so the babies and I are froze in. But that doesn't mean we lacked fun! 

 

Lockland and I played with his new playdoh from his Grammie and did lots of sensory activities! Lila Mae was her usual self and in to everything. Recently she has learned to open cabinets! But my favorite thing we did today was make cookies! I recently found a chocolate chip cookie recipe I love, so I will share it with you! I wish I remembered where I found it, but I don't. If you know the creator please let me know so I can give them credit (and personally thank them)! 

You'll need: 

1 cup butter, softened 

1 cup white sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons hot water

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups all purpose flour

2 cups chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

2. Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add the baking soda mixture to the batter along with the salt. Stir in the flour and chocolate chips. Drop by large spoonfuls unto ungreased pan (I love using my Pampered Chef stoneware!). 

3. Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven or until edges are nicely browned. 

Enjoy! 

twenty fourteen.

hello 2014. hello new goals. hello change. and hello blogging. 

THIS IS IT. My year to be successful, to accomplish goals, and fulfill dreams! I am READY. 

one- time to read my Bible. My whole Bible. 

two- time to read books. One every month.

three- time to blog. Monday through Friday. 

four- get my body in to shape. 

five- pay off debt. All of it would be nice but I'll take some! 

six- two dates every month with my husband. Make my marriage a priority. 

seven- budget. EVERY MONTH.

eight- pray more. A lot more.

nine- keep a clean house. 

ten- proverbs 31. Enough said.

eleven- drink more water. 

twelve- learn to say NO. NO NO NO! 

thirteen- bring friends to Jesus. bring strangers to Jesus. 

fourteen- do something for me every now and then. 

fifteen- keep a prayer journal. 

Ambitious much? Of course! 

What are your resolutions this year?