Our little Froggie Pool with sprinkler
climbing ladders
roses blooming
first popsicle!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Project 365::183
Boys Day Today--playing in our new Froggie pool-- while Breanna went to the farm with Anne to feed the ducks and get an ice cream. Girls night tonight-- while the boys went to swimming lessons--Breanna and I played basketball, got the mail, watered the flowers, took a bath and went to bed (ahhh-getting one-on-one time with a child is just HEAVENLY sometimes!)Monday, June 30, 2008
Red Storm baseball camp
Tommorrow is the last day of TRevor's baseball camp which he has been attending each morning for the last week. He has learned a lot and especially has liked playing with the "big boys" and "hitting home runs". Baseball is #1 on his list of his favorite sports right now and he is loving it! We're so proud of you Trevor!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Lightle's visit
Even though they brought the rain with them (seriously, the sun came out 5 mins. after they drove out of the driveway!).....as always, it was a REALLY fun visit. I hope we find kitty :( !!Our favorite memories were:
Even though they brought the rain with them (seriously, the sun came out 5 mins. after they drove out of the driveway!).....as always, it was a REALLY fun visit. I hope we find kitty :( !!Our favorite memories were:
- All the kids just ADORING Lucas!
- All the kids playing so well together
- catching frogs
- Josh's AWESOME grilling dinners and waffle breakfasts
- going to the beach in the rain anyway
- The campfires (in the misty rain)
- the kids making s'mores
- enjoying a glass of wine and girl talk
- taking pictures
- playing dress up
- The guys (and Breanna) playing HORSE
- wedding crashers
- LOBSTER!
- bowling
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Project 365::178
Today, a knife fell from the counter and hit my foot while I was making up some strawberry smoothies for lunch. It was pretty scary b/c blood was gushing everywhere, but a few minutes of pressure and it was under control. It was just a tiny (but deep) slice, but it still hurts! Luckily Trevor was there with his Spiderman band-aid!Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Love this....
Stress
>
> A lecturer when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of
> water and asked
> "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.
> The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how
> long you try to hold it.
>
> If I hold it for a minute that's not a problem.
> If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.
> If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.
> In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it
> becomes."
> He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management.
> If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes
> increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. "
> "As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before
> holding it again.
> When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."
> "So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down
> Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow.
> Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can."
> So, my friend, Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now.
> Don't pick it up again until after you've rested awhile.
> Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
> * Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
> * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
> * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
> * Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
> * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
> * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth
> it.
> * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply be kind to others.
> * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't
> have a leg to stand on.
> * Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
>
> * Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
> * The second mouse gets the cheese.
> * When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
> * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
> * You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one
> person.
> * Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
> * We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some
> are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have
> to live in the same box.
> *A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Stress
>
> A lecturer when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of
> water and asked
> "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.
> The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how
> long you try to hold it.
>
> If I hold it for a minute that's not a problem.
> If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.
> If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.
> In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it
> becomes."
> He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management.
> If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes
> increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. "
> "As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before
> holding it again.
> When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."
> "So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down
> Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow.
> Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can."
> So, my friend, Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now.
> Don't pick it up again until after you've rested awhile.
> Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
> * Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
> * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
> * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
> * Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
> * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
> * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth
> it.
> * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply be kind to others.
> * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't
> have a leg to stand on.
> * Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
>
> * Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
> * The second mouse gets the cheese.
> * When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
> * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
> * You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one
> person.
> * Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
> * We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some
> are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have
> to live in the same box.
> *A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Strawberry Picking
Today we went Strawberry picking at Maxwell's farm. The berry's were ripe and juicy and delicious. We picked like 12 pounds in less than an hour. The kids had a blast and Breanna even got to pick (and eat!) the whole time (b/c Anne was there); she just didn't want to let go of that box. Trevor was so thrilled I don't even think I heard a single complaint from him ALL day! It was a beautiful, warm day to be at the farm! Enjoy the pics!
Today we went Strawberry picking at Maxwell's farm. The berry's were ripe and juicy and delicious. We picked like 12 pounds in less than an hour. The kids had a blast and Breanna even got to pick (and eat!) the whole time (b/c Anne was there); she just didn't want to let go of that box. Trevor was so thrilled I don't even think I heard a single complaint from him ALL day! It was a beautiful, warm day to be at the farm! Enjoy the pics!
Thank You.
Thank you, Thank you. To those who left comments on yesterday's post. I was a little nervous about putting it out there, but I'm so glad I did. Michelle, you were so right about the DS being SO big sometimes. It was almost as if I felt like I had something to prove with the potty training. It wasn't fair to me or Breanna-she is just not ready. Who really cares-if she is 4 or 7 or 8 when she is fully trained, or with learning anything for that fact--we need to love her just the same. You are also right about a lot of it being that the three kids being HOME and all needing me (they are ALL really HIGH needs kids). WE are a really active family and they are just not fans of sitting and coloring. SO at the end of our days of bike riding, rock finding, fruit picking, beach going (and a tiny bit of coloring), we just FALL into bed. It IS hard, but I know I'm doing right by them by making each day fun and new. They ARE LEARNING, that is the best thing about their ages--everything is about LEARNING, and nothing is really BORING yet. SO--aside from a big meltdown today by Breanna (more about that later..) Today was just one of those days that I can feel good about, that I was a really good mom. :) Good night:)
Thank you, Thank you. To those who left comments on yesterday's post. I was a little nervous about putting it out there, but I'm so glad I did. Michelle, you were so right about the DS being SO big sometimes. It was almost as if I felt like I had something to prove with the potty training. It wasn't fair to me or Breanna-she is just not ready. Who really cares-if she is 4 or 7 or 8 when she is fully trained, or with learning anything for that fact--we need to love her just the same. You are also right about a lot of it being that the three kids being HOME and all needing me (they are ALL really HIGH needs kids). WE are a really active family and they are just not fans of sitting and coloring. SO at the end of our days of bike riding, rock finding, fruit picking, beach going (and a tiny bit of coloring), we just FALL into bed. It IS hard, but I know I'm doing right by them by making each day fun and new. They ARE LEARNING, that is the best thing about their ages--everything is about LEARNING, and nothing is really BORING yet. SO--aside from a big meltdown today by Breanna (more about that later..) Today was just one of those days that I can feel good about, that I was a really good mom. :) Good night:)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sad..
I guess ever since In-home-support started with Breanna, I've been really sad. I can't even snap out of it sad. She (Breanna) is draining every bit of emotional energy from me. I knew this time would come-it's like we have taken that ever giant leap FAR AWAY from normal family life. Today, Trevor wanted to try to learn how to ride a two wheeler and I didn't have the patience to deal with it b/c of the potty training. I helped him while the other two kids were screaming in the stroller, accidentally let go of the bike, Trevor fell and it was all over. He wouldn't try again. I know deep down that Breanna is not ready for potty training. She doesn't care and she doesn't get it at all. Deep down, I guess, I really wanted to hope that I could see her learn something from me. I guess my sadness is part of me always expecting too much from everyone-even my own kids. Anyway, Two days and I think we are throwing in the towel. Maybe it will be easier when she gets to K. I was so hoping to be done before then. I don't want to seem ungrateful, someone locally just lost their little baby girl with DS. We ARE grateful to have Breanna here. It is just hard to face the fact that God has different plans for her that we did. It is also hard to see normal families with their bunches of healthy kids going places and having fun when I so JEALOUS that we can't be that. (I know I shouldn't be JEALOUS)/ It's just hard being thirty something, real life and tradgedy just seem so much closer than it did in my twenties. When will I get to acceptance?
I guess ever since In-home-support started with Breanna, I've been really sad. I can't even snap out of it sad. She (Breanna) is draining every bit of emotional energy from me. I knew this time would come-it's like we have taken that ever giant leap FAR AWAY from normal family life. Today, Trevor wanted to try to learn how to ride a two wheeler and I didn't have the patience to deal with it b/c of the potty training. I helped him while the other two kids were screaming in the stroller, accidentally let go of the bike, Trevor fell and it was all over. He wouldn't try again. I know deep down that Breanna is not ready for potty training. She doesn't care and she doesn't get it at all. Deep down, I guess, I really wanted to hope that I could see her learn something from me. I guess my sadness is part of me always expecting too much from everyone-even my own kids. Anyway, Two days and I think we are throwing in the towel. Maybe it will be easier when she gets to K. I was so hoping to be done before then. I don't want to seem ungrateful, someone locally just lost their little baby girl with DS. We ARE grateful to have Breanna here. It is just hard to face the fact that God has different plans for her that we did. It is also hard to see normal families with their bunches of healthy kids going places and having fun when I so JEALOUS that we can't be that. (I know I shouldn't be JEALOUS)/ It's just hard being thirty something, real life and tradgedy just seem so much closer than it did in my twenties. When will I get to acceptance?
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
What's New (this week).....
- Breanna's Support person started on Tuesday-and we love her (even though it is an adjustment to the routine)....
- We had Breanna's PET meeting for summer services and found out that she will be going to school 4 hours a day (instead of 3) next year
- Trevor had his last day of Kindergarten and brough home a TON of papers and artwork.
- TRevor found out his teacher for next Year (Mrs. LY) and it's GOOD news!
- I fell behind in the laundry and felt a little stressed/anxious about ALL the upcoming changes.
- We had some icecream at the beach, Lucas discovered seaweed, rocks (and DEAD crabs), and Trevor and Breanna discovered writing in the sand with sticks.
- We mowed the lawn and sprayed for the mosquitoes
- We got a little fence to support the pea plants in the garden
- Trevor shaved the #9 in the back of his head
- We figured out how we were going to re-do the front steps
- I talked to my Dad (twice!) and Kevin on the phone
- I ordered Trevor's birthday party invitations
- I was asked to give a work reference for someone (that I couldn't give)--which reminded me how I probably sometimes expect too much from people and how I HATE confrontations.
- Josh worked until midnight-2 in the morning every night
- Lucas had his 15 month doctor's appointment and got two shots.
- We scheduled a BBQ with the Day family for this weekend (it's been a while)
- I'm looking forward to a few extra days off work in the next few weeks to celebrate summer vacation!
- I bought some NATIVE strawberries at the grocery store and I'm really looking forward to picking some!
- It's going to be a REALLY busy weekend!
Last Day of K!
We Remember......
- How excited and confident you were to be a big boy and ride the bus for the very first time (and you didn't even look scared!)
- walking (or driving ) to the bus stop every day, and how it became such a routine
- the smell of the air and the knot in our stomachs on that first day when we were wondering if you would know where to go, and what to do, without us there.
- you calling Daddy (so excited!) and us writing down every detail of your first day (in your own words) at the end of your first day.
- how you ALWAYS wanted to climb the tree after getting off the bus every day
- how We couldn't wait to see your face as you got off the bus everyday (it never got old)...
- Your goofy bus driver Mike, his hats, his music, and bus #34
- "We will, We will, Rock You!"
- How hard you played, how much you learned, and how TIRED you were at the end of every day
- How you suddenly LOVED to sit down and draw and how we HAD to have our very own "finished box"...
- The lunch from day one was always school lunch. You had two chocolate milks alternating with white milks ("in a pattern") and grilled cheese every day for the first half of the year and PB&J for the last half.
- The ONE day you got in trouble at school and how much we hated taking away your favorite sneakers (but you NEVER got in trouble again).
- How excited we were to open your backpack everyday and see what you had brought home.
- how you loved library day and bringing home new books to share (mostly books about race cars, sports, and bugs and lizards and stuff).
- How you always wanted to be a "pick up" every day so you could play with your friends on the playground after school.
- How you loved to "meet us at the end of the driveway" in the morning.
- Tales of your football games (and the Superbowl on your last day) at recess and how you were so proud of your "catches"
- The general anxiety related to our first born going off the school for the first time. Would you make friends (of course! Zach, Max, Jackson, Joseph, Nick etc...)?, would you learn and keep up with the class?, would you listen to the teacher and behave (most of the time)?, would you be kind to others?
- The long winter this year and you having to carry all those snow clothes to school (we eventually bought a new backpack with wheels!).
- Mileage club every Thursday and how you were so proud every time you brought home a new "toe token". You ran 21 miles this year (most of it in heavy boots)!!
- How you always remembered to bring your show and tell and return your library books every Wednesday without us reminding you.
- Volunteering in the classroom, meeting your friends and teacher and seeing your learning process.
- how you went from not being able to write your letters to reading some words and writing sentences in less than a year!
- how we missed you at lunchtime everyday.
- how proud we are of you.
- how you NEVER, not ONCE said you didn't want to go to school.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Feet planted firmly.
We are like a well oiled machine lately. Meals are planned, workouts are fit in, errands are run, House projects are getting done, laundry is folded and put away and there is even time for playing and going to the beach! I finally feel like our feet are coming closer and closer to the ground ever since the time when Lucas was born. 15 months must be the key age, not that it's easier, but I guess we just have a routine. It is a great feeling-Bring on summer Vacation (tee Hee!)
We are like a well oiled machine lately. Meals are planned, workouts are fit in, errands are run, House projects are getting done, laundry is folded and put away and there is even time for playing and going to the beach! I finally feel like our feet are coming closer and closer to the ground ever since the time when Lucas was born. 15 months must be the key age, not that it's easier, but I guess we just have a routine. It is a great feeling-Bring on summer Vacation (tee Hee!)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
To measure the man, measure his heart.
~Malcolm Stevenson
Father's Day 2008~
~Malcolm Stevenson
Father's Day 2008~A rainy day, but filled with Fun things-a waffle breakfast, wrestle mania, fixing up the garden and fire pit, a trip to Home Depot, a steak dinner, making our third annual stepping stone, out for your favorite chocolate shake (TREVOR PAID!) putting up the outdoor speakers, and maybe a little relaxation.
{it has been a true honor watching you be a Dad to these three, it's amazing to be married to a man who just always knows what the important stuff is, Happy Father's day--WE love you!}
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Meeting Anne
Yesterday we met Breanna's new In-home Support person who will be in our home 15 hours a week. I'm a little nervous about the whole process (It's kind of like admitting that someone else can help your child better than you). Anne seemed MORE than qualified. She is a former Speech therapist who has a sister with Down Syndrome. She also has a two year old at home so she's living what we are going through here. I REALLY hope this works....if not, hopefully there is a plan B.
Yesterday we met Breanna's new In-home Support person who will be in our home 15 hours a week. I'm a little nervous about the whole process (It's kind of like admitting that someone else can help your child better than you). Anne seemed MORE than qualified. She is a former Speech therapist who has a sister with Down Syndrome. She also has a two year old at home so she's living what we are going through here. I REALLY hope this works....if not, hopefully there is a plan B.
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