Why I skipped Christmas Cards this year

I didn't send out 1 Christmas card this year. I didn't really have a great family photo and figured no one would miss us this year. But, I missed us this year. So, here is my electronic greeting card. A picture can't describe what 2013 meant to John and I. 

Our family's hardest moment of 2013 was in February when Maddie went into septic shock and we spent some time in ICU. It was a bleak time for us. I (Rhonda) remember a few days later, I sat in her room and we waited for her blood pressure to basically come back. It was a moment where God showed us that this child is not ours-she belongs to God. 


Maddie survived. She was in the hospital a lot but, now she is doing well now. Life is different. She lives in Pediatric Nursing Home Care in North Little Rock. We thought her coming home was going to be an option. But, we have learned that her health is fragile and can turn on a dime. She needs full time nursing assistance that John and I can't provide. The great news is she is happy and doing better than she has done in a while. She is in a protected environment and she is not exposed to much. She still wins the hearts of many with her killer smile. Maddie has sotos syndrome and with additional diagnosis of severe sinus problems, epilepsy and developmental delay.

Lauren is 9 and she has continued to thrive. Lauren has autism. Lauren joined i Can! Dance team this year. She loves dancing!She is still quite the electronics guru! She is currently learning about videoing (everything!) on her iPad. Lauren counts to 30. She knows her ABC's and with the use of her talker she is on a preschool level. Lots of improvement. Lauren participated in Special Olympics Bowling this year! She is happy and loves to travel with us. Lauren attended Camp Barnabas and Camp Aldersgate this year.

If you read this blog, you know I had weight loss surgery in the summer.I also started back to school and will finish in Spring 2014. Surgery, along with working out and therapy has improved my quality of life so much! John joined community band. He enjoys his music. We returned to Seattle to see John's family this past year in the Spring. We enjoyed the trip and needed the time away. John spent some time in Seattle again before Christmas too. 

We have a lot planned for 2014 including mailing out Christmas Cards. Till then follow this blog and keep in touch with the Bensen's.