Several years ago, my mom ran into the mother of my friend Missy, who told her that their family was in need of some prayers.  Missy had recently found out that she was expecting twins, and that they were conjoined.  As the pregnancy progressed, Missy spent several months in the hospital as they monitored the progress of the girls and awaited their arrival.  Missy's parents, Dave and Joan, went to Virginia to stay with her family and we waited hoping to hear about a safe delivery.  The girls were born (after a c-section that took place BEFORE the anesthesia had a chance to kick in) and have had a miraculous life ever since.  The girls were successfully separated just over two years ago, and have faced a lot of difficulties as they've grown and developed.  As if all of this isn't amazing enough, their family has gone through all of this more positively and with more strength than I would have thought possible.  They've allowed ABC Primetime, Good Morning America and the Discovery Channel to follow their family, making it possible for many people to learn about and be inspired by their family.

Last week, I was finally able to meet Missy's girls as we shared one of our favorite childhood memories with our kids - the turtle races.  It was hot, hot, hot and we had five kids between us (along with two grandmas and an aunt) so we didn't get much of a chance to catch up, but it was wonderful to meet everyone and to see how my friend has grown into a terrific momma.

Here are Erin, Jade & Missy... with Sophie melting away in her stroller on the side in the hot potato heat.


Missy's older daughter Taylor and Martin wait on the sidelines as the preparations for the turtle races begin.


Missy's sister Dee Dee tries to explain to the kids how to hold their hands so that they can handle a turtle without getting scratched.  I don't think Martin ever actually held the turtle, but he did keep his hands in this position for quite awhile.


The 1-hour special on Erin and Jade is running this week on the Discovery Channel, check it out if you have a chance.  Or, visit their website to see some beautiful photos of their family and read about their progress.

And to Missy and her sister Dee Dee, thank you for sharing your turtle.  Martin loved it, especially the part where he ran around "like a turtle" instead of waiting on the outside of the circle with everyone else.  I hope that the next time you're in town, we're able to get together for a longer visit.