Tripp Roth- Brave Little Soul

Being that is the holiday season, I have been reflecting alot on how much I have been blessed with and how there are not words to described how thankful I am for my angels. At the same time, I think of all those who have so much more to worry about than what to get their kids for Christmas- their worries are how to take their kids pain away or whether they will make it to CHristmas at all. There is one such family whose story has really spoken to me over the last year- Tripp and COurtney Roth. Tripp was born with a rare genetic disorder- EB- which causes his skin (and everywhere else) to blister upon any friction at all. It leads to eating, breathing and every other kind of problem imaginable. When he was born his mother was told he would probably not live to be a year- he is now 2.5. His survival is attributable solely to the care and love his mother provides (and grandmother). There is a link to their blog on the side of my wall- "EBing a Mother". I pray for this family daily and ask that you do the same, for them and all the children like them you are suffering and their parents who have to find strength and faith they did not know they had. Below is post I read from one of Courtney's friends which is a beautifully written poem about why there is so much suffering and reminds us that God's plan, although it may not be our own plan, does have a purpose.

The Brave Little Soul By John Alessi

Not too long ago in Heaven, there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day, however, the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, “Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?” God paused for a moment and replied, “Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people’s hearts.” The little soul was confused. “What do you mean?”, he asked. God replied, “Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.” The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, “The suffering soul unlocks the love in people’s hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their hearts, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity.” Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, “I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people’s hearts! I want to create that miracle!” God smiled and said, “You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you, and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.” God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, “Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.” Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God’s strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people’s hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys - some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Love changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.

Love Amy

more pics

here more pics as promised - enjoy

Long overdue update

Here are pics from all the way back to halloween- pics are in reverse order but they are from thanksgiving with mimi and paw paw, halloween program and halloween itself- sorry for the delay but otto has been gone alot (I love shore tour- ha) and we had company and holidays- yada yada yada and I have completely neglected the blog. But that is also a sign that we are having a lot of fun because I just don't have time to stop to update- more pics coming but Blogger was not cooperating and I lost patience- enjoy

Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday was beautiful so we headed out to the pumpkin patch. Otto is leaving for 10 days at the end of Ocotber so we have to get in our fun times before he leaves. It was 60 degrees and perfect for exploring the pumpkin patch. We fed the animals, rode the pony, swang, went on a hayride (ellie was not impressed with this), explored the grounds and had a fabulous time. It won't be long before our kids are over going to the pumpkin patch so we are trying to fit in as much as possible and put these memories in our mind forever. Enjoy the pics!

Tripp Walking!

Yesterday was a big day at the Piedmont house- Tripp took his first steps, ellie went pee pee on the potty on her own and Auburn beat South Carolina all in the last two minutes of the game- and did I mention this all happened during a 2 hours period- WOAH. Here is a video of tripp walking - I spared you and did not take a video of ellie peeing- ha ha! But if you knew how hard potty training had been for us you would not be surprised if I had. And today she actually stopped me grocery shopping to go in the store-first time that has happened- BIG DEAL- enough about pottying. enjoy the video- editing and music by Otto/Mike- I think he may have a future in the video industry after the navy- what do you think!

Day at the Park

We had the first nice day since May here in Oklahoma- it went from cool to HOT all summer to cool again- no gradual transition here but I have no complaints about our current weather- it is beautiful. we spent the whole weekend outside at the park. we fed the ducks, played at the playground and had a wonderful time. Enjoy the pics (and the weather).

Ellie's First Day of Preschool

We have had alot of firsts in the last couple weeks- first dance class, first day of school, first year molars for Tripp (this last one has not really been a first that I am enjoying!). Ellie had her first day of preschool last thursday and it could not have gone better. She ran from me into the classroom- not even a goodbye. Some moms may be upset by this but it made me so proud to have such a confident little girl who knows that mommy always comes back so there is nothing to be scared of. Also, tripp clung to me screaming and crying when I left for work so I know one kid loves me- ha ha. She had a great day, learned all about the color red, sat on the potty and even had a playdate with a friend- she slept til 5 in the afternoon for her nap so I know she had fun. looking forward to a great first year.

Ellis's birthday, first dance class and other fun August events

Once again I have gotten behind in posting but sometimes making memories is more important than documenting them (or at least that is what I tell myself since I have not even started making a baby book for tripp- bad mommy). We have been having so much fun for the last couple weeks so I have not gotten a chance to sit down and share.

First, my sister and two neices came to visit in Oklahoma. it was so great to see ellie and tripp with their cousins and be able to go shopping with my sister- I wish so badly we all lived closer but for now we will just have to make every minute of our visits and skype ( what did people do before computers). eventhough we all got a stomach bug as a result of the visit I still think it was worth it not sure jenn would agree since it was her child that got sick on an airplane.

next we went to michigan our heaven on earth and it was perfect as always (minus the day I had the stomach bug) the weather was perfect and ellie and tripp both instantly took the beach and water- tripp had no fear which is not really a surprised since the only thing he seems to be scared of is eating what mommy gives him- he is all boy. it was so fun to be with gramma, granpop, emmie, bryan and all our family and we had a special treat because mike's bushia- ellie and tripp's great grandma was in town at the same time. we had a family party for ellie and she just ate up the attention- it was once again the perfect vacation and we look forward tot he day we can stay longer.

when we returned we celebrated ellie's 3rd birthday- not sure where the time has gone- she is no longer a baby and is definitley becoming a big girl- attitude and all. but mostly she is sweet and a loving big sister and although she has her moments I would not trade her for anything. As you can see from the pics she started her first ballet/tap class and loved every minute of it. When I asked if she wanted to take dance her response was and I quote "yes mommy, I want to be on stage" this girl was born to be a star or at least the center of attention! I wish I could tape her classes as I know it is memories I will never get back- she is so adorable and follows directions incredibly plus she is so tiny- I never realize how small she is for her age until I see her around other girls her age- she was about a head shorter than everyone but you would never know it as in my opinion (and I am not biased) she stole the show.

next week she starts preschool and we are both so excited. my best friend mary kay is one of her teachers and it is just such a blessing to know that for her first class she will have someone there who already knows and loves her- not to mention that marykay is one of the best people I know and I am positive will be a wonderful influence on ellie. I promise to post pics sooner

On a final note, as I write this blog and post these pics I am once again reminded how incredibly blessed my family is. We are all healthy and happy and my children are angels on earth. It seems so amazing and unreal when I know there are others who are suffering so much. Last week my best friend April lost her brother in law in a tragic boat accident. It is her husband's brother and best friend and he is the father of three small children. it is just so heart breaking to imagine a family suffering such a loss and I just ask that you all keep the Shafer family in your prayers. And I pray that we all can stay safe and protected and know that God is with us in good times and bad and that no matter what we are faced with he will give us the strength to survive.

We love you all!