tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144448392024-03-14T03:38:20.468-07:00A Joyful LifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.comBlogger436125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-41611097924253717422014-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:002014-01-24T09:28:56.262-08:00Not Gone! The blog is still going to be active, a little crazy just got in my way! It's been a completely crazy life lately! Getting back into the groove of the daily schedule. Working on my plans and goals for this year...not getting very far yet, but making progress....<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is a bit of crazy that's been going on....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First we've had lots of birthday parties to attend! So thankful for wonderful friends and that my kids have such great friends! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Week 1 back to school and routine was a bit challenging. I have a post about that I've been working on, as I was having a very discouraging week. That is hard for me, since I'm generally a glass half full kind of girl. So, needless to say, the last 10 days has been a bit of a roller coaster...physically and emotionally. I'm still choosing HAPPINESS and JOY, so back on track! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Peanut J started out with what appeared to be a little cold. He had a clear runny nose and a slight cough...by Sunday night, he had 103 temperature and was coughing like crazy! We kept him comfortable and resting on Monday due to the holiday. At 3am he woke up from coughing and said he wanted to go see Dr. Mika...he said he was so very sick. It just broke my heart! By Tuesday's visit to the doctor, he had really bad Bronchitis. So he is on an antibiotic and an inhaler for the cough. Wednesday, Princess J complained of a little tummy ache, but she didn't have any fever so we sent her off to school. Peanut started turning the corner and feeling much better. We picked up the kids at school and Princess J was not looking good. Took her temperature when we got home and it was 101! I felt so bad for her! By bed time, she was coughing like crazy as well. Headed to see the fabulous doctor and thankfully, she is not as severe as her brother, but the fever still persists. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If all that was not enough, our heater went out. Thankfully, the company we bought it from was able to get someone over to see us on short notice. I was a bit nervous that we'd be heatless for the night! I explained to them that we had two kids sick with bronchitis and Little J's inability to always control his body temperature or keep blankets on....thankfully they were very responsive! It appears to be a simple switch that is defective and we are under warranty still...so YAY! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, these last 10 days were just a minor setback....be back soon! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-85794681979579839002014-01-13T09:45:00.001-08:002014-01-13T09:45:05.516-08:00Moshi Monday<a href="http://www.moshimonsters.com/home">Moshi Monsters</a> is the current craze in our house! We had a Moshi Christmas and everyday since is filled with Moshi Monsters! We read Moshi magazines, we read Moshi books, we play Moshi games on the computer, we play Moshi games on the Nintendo, we draw Moshi Monsters, we sing about Moshi Monsters, we dance with Moshi Monsters.....there is nothing that goes on in our house that a Moshi isn't somewhere nearby or directly involved. Princess J....LOVES HER MOSHI MONSTERS!<br />
<br />
How did this start you ask? It all started with a Happy Meal....what brilliant marketing! I was reading a little bit about Moshi Monsters which initially started in the UK. They have a Moshi Monster amusement park for goodness sakes! Well, they wanted to roll out their cute little monsters to the North Americas.....and they caught us at lunch time! HA! The Happy Meal toys were good for awhile....and then Princess J spotted the Moshi Magazine at Safeway....it's been Moshi Madness here ever since! Good thing Moshi Monsters are cute! Now if they would finally release the Moshi Monster Movie in the US all would be good for this Princess...she says it's taking forever!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9WEc8XMT8o6XrodetBGN-4nYxSZ097pkvg4B3joOY90W-Wdy1ZPoxvX8RcgpjnA05HQpHZ0wkFUDu70uMYU8O06rsbFuu0xlnJuWlM7kBx_98X7iIV3BCsP3odYt0lcIz_hR/s1600/moshicrazy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9WEc8XMT8o6XrodetBGN-4nYxSZ097pkvg4B3joOY90W-Wdy1ZPoxvX8RcgpjnA05HQpHZ0wkFUDu70uMYU8O06rsbFuu0xlnJuWlM7kBx_98X7iIV3BCsP3odYt0lcIz_hR/s320/moshicrazy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-36724589669304434112014-01-10T06:30:00.000-08:002014-01-10T06:30:01.021-08:00FAST Friday #2<br />
We were given Josh's devastating diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome when he was 17 months old.<br />
We were told he may never walk, he would probably never speak, he would have sleep issues and most likely have seizures.<br />
We were told he would need lifelong 24 hour care.<br />
Josh took his first steps when he was almost 5 years old.<br />
Josh began to walk independently (after surgery to correct tight heel cords and hamstrings) at 7 years old.<br />
Josh is beginning his journey of learning to use an iPad to communicate.<br />
Josh has had to work so hard for every milestone, every physical movement we take for granted.<br />
Josh is the bravest and most determined little boy.<br />
<br />
Today, Josh is 9 years old and today, we have hope. We have hope that treatments will be realized that will assist in making his daily life easier. We have hope that one day, a cure for Angelman Syndrome will be found. We have hope because of The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Theraputics.<br />
<br />
Their Mission Statement (taken directly from their website)<br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, impact, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics</span></i><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, impact, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> (or FAST) is an organization of families and professionals dedicated to finding a cure for Angelman Syndrome and related disorders through the funding of an aggressive research agenda, education, and advocacy. The Foundation is committed to assisting individuals living with Angelman Syndrome to realize their full potential and quality of life. We are confident that our goals are now within reach and together, with your help, we will change lives. You are our driving force; please donate generously and bring us one step closer to realizing our mission.</span></i><br />
<i><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, impact, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, impact, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">FAST is run by an all volunteer staff and board who dedicate their time and expertise towards finding a cure for Angelman Syndrome. Our operating expenses are generated through our annual Gala and through donations specifically for that purpose. FAST does not have any paid staff. Donations otherwise generated throughout the year go directly to supporting research aimed at finding a cure.</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, impact, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, impact, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, impact, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Our goal is to bring practical treatment into current medical practice as quickly as possible. It is our hope that grants we fund will lead to additional research support from government agencies and other funding sources.</span></i> <br />
Take a moment and watch this short video. Then go visit FAST at <a href="http://www.cureangelman.org/">www.cureangelman.org</a>. Take a moment to read about Angelman Syndrome, read about ongoing research, read about why there is hope for a cure, read how you can be a part of that hope!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FHtesPGtM4k" width="480"></iframe><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-85490029446303378802014-01-09T06:30:00.000-08:002014-01-09T09:51:28.959-08:00So Many Books, So Little Time......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35mVQ1_A1zG9LRGlRTabGezLAsLsRjqZx1pG8msbe19dmqaWQCROF0y-1svoLPVLuSszCJVvOfoBYHVkAELDtN2_kW81-E_28BBxw6etR8n9yIbdl8eJ4iEKZepzsqu3xePKX/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35mVQ1_A1zG9LRGlRTabGezLAsLsRjqZx1pG8msbe19dmqaWQCROF0y-1svoLPVLuSszCJVvOfoBYHVkAELDtN2_kW81-E_28BBxw6etR8n9yIbdl8eJ4iEKZepzsqu3xePKX/s1600/books.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love books. I have always loved books. I get tons of emails of different book lists. New Release lists from Barnes and Noble, New Release lists from Amazon in the United Kingdom, Book Club selections from the library, independent books stores and a few other private groups, Oprah's book lists and many others...I collect lists.<br />
<br />
I make lists.... I love to visit book stores, or even the book aisle in Target, Costco and even Safeway. Since I now have an Nook, I no longer load up my cart with books....now, I load up my iPhone with photos of the covers of books so I can make my own lists......sigh....<br />
<br />
<br />
I have shelves of books, I have boxes of books and I now have a Nook full of books. The only thing I'm lacking is finding the time to read!!!! That is going to change......it must....<br />
<br />
Here are the next books on my list to read:<br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/notorious-nineteen-janet-evanovich/1111294831?ean=9780345527769" target="_blank">Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/takedown-twenty-janet-evanovich/1115378323?ean=9780345542885" target="_blank">Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gone-girl-gillian-flynn/1105608095?ean=9780307588364" target="_blank">Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book-thief-markus-zusak/1100189892?ean=9780375842207" target="_blank">The Book Thief by Markus Zusak</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bridget-jones-helen-fielding/1115435451?ean=9780385350860" target="_blank">Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy by Helen Fielding</a><br />
6. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ive-got-your-number-sophie-kinsella/1103849997?ean=9780385342063" target="_blank">I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella</a><br />
7. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wedding-night-sophie-kinsella/1113191192?ean=9780812993844" target="_blank">Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella</a><br />
8. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/valley-of-amazement-amy-tan/1112918691?ean=9780062107312" target="_blank">The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan</a><br />
9. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nanny-returns-emma-mclaughlin/1100329363?ean=9781416585688" target="_blank">Nanny Returns by Emma Mclaughlin</a><br />
10. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hunger-games-trilogy-boxset-suzanne-collins/1114862388?ean=9780545626385" target="_blank">The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins</a><br />
11 <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/divergent-series-complete-box-set-veronica-roth/1114681001?ean=9780062278784" target="_blank">Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth</a><br />
12.<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/labor-day-joyce-maynard/1103371484?ean=9780061843419" target="_blank">Labor Day by Joyce Maynard</a><br />
13. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lake-banana-yoshimoto/1100240765?ean=9781612190891" target="_blank">The Lake by Banana Yoshimoto</a><br />
14. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-fault-in-our-stars-john-green/1104045488?ean=9780525478812" target="_blank">The Fault in Our Stars by John Green</a><br />
15. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Following-After-Trek-Jarrett-Ingram/dp/0985595833/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389252503&sr=8-1&keywords=following+after+trek" target="_blank">Following After Trek by Jarrett W. Ingram</a><br />
<br />
I'll stop at 15 because I could go on FOREVER!!!<br />
The last book on my list will actually get read closer to the top...it is based on a true story. You can read about Trek Ingram on his mother's Chelsea Ingram's blog <a href="http://oursonnylife.com/" target="_blank">Our Sonny Life</a>. Trek's journey with his beautiful family is emotional in many ways, but is amazing.....<br />
<br />
Now, since I like to collect lists, I thought I'd share this one with you:<br />
<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/ariellecalderon/books-to-read-before-they-hit-theaters-this-year" target="_blank">16 Books To Read Before They Hit Theaters This Year by Buzz Feed Books</a><br />
<br />
Since I like to make lists....What books are on your list to read? What books did you read that you just loved loved loved!! Help me make a list! LOL!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-20943778941639022042014-01-08T06:30:00.000-08:002014-01-08T06:30:00.764-08:00#jordansleepsanywhere<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peanut J is a bundle of energy....he rarely stops moving from the time he wakes up, until the time he goes to bed. We started noticing quite awhile ago, that he will fall asleep just about anywhere if he is ready. Initially, as an early toddler, he would tell us when he was ready to go to bed. There came a time though, when he decided that he didn't want to take a nap anymore and would fight the urge to go take a nap. Well, eventually, his body gets the best of him....and he just falls asleep. I've collected all sorts of photos of his random sleeping places and positions. My favorites are always the falling asleep with the iPad, or right in the middle of his room. My plan is after we collect some more photos, I'd like to make a photo book for him. It will make a hilarious gift some day.......Here is a very small sampling of what we've collected so far.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNSz7U4z3yiQeOO9RYzkIP6Ozw6pkpxor0q2VKSaRzrQqQBvskJ1UFRs8LKexopxACC89AZ_NXoHWWsEv7dK5sxX_rwN3jK_bHHx2Y2akGkd6Xf5cNzs-_y-nu97w4kgsIaAK/s1600/jordansleepsanywhere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNSz7U4z3yiQeOO9RYzkIP6Ozw6pkpxor0q2VKSaRzrQqQBvskJ1UFRs8LKexopxACC89AZ_NXoHWWsEv7dK5sxX_rwN3jK_bHHx2Y2akGkd6Xf5cNzs-_y-nu97w4kgsIaAK/s1600/jordansleepsanywhere.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibytzZ7KHAGu99pjQYljUp9Nci-mqQS-NzOO0u2-RIbxE03xxyF8MSl2E7VfyLxg3kfhGdosVerKIyh0OW_ee4fSoR-vrwtglnH1LGT_k1HAa4o-fokU8TtAEuZFkg_Oc0zXqq/s1600/jordansleepsanywhere2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibytzZ7KHAGu99pjQYljUp9Nci-mqQS-NzOO0u2-RIbxE03xxyF8MSl2E7VfyLxg3kfhGdosVerKIyh0OW_ee4fSoR-vrwtglnH1LGT_k1HAa4o-fokU8TtAEuZFkg_Oc0zXqq/s1600/jordansleepsanywhere2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDRLyBhV2RXzJq3GiMGQBeYM9YX9a_GJZVEH60T-kjSe6Vl6WlE35A-ma7BtIEZ33Stf33fChr8rDe1Wuiw9y1TnLe1l_AU7Kwp2KaOJoGGqNcRiaFYcT9DDgFJvFjYLdeZ2J/s1600/jordansleepsanywhere3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDRLyBhV2RXzJq3GiMGQBeYM9YX9a_GJZVEH60T-kjSe6Vl6WlE35A-ma7BtIEZ33Stf33fChr8rDe1Wuiw9y1TnLe1l_AU7Kwp2KaOJoGGqNcRiaFYcT9DDgFJvFjYLdeZ2J/s1600/jordansleepsanywhere3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgnxHeo2k0rU3e1aCZCYhFUlf0W8qiyh9AW9HCj4EkCh5WlPTKhvG4XikVzePfyGbLOGWaLKvv-HeULv1UaricdxwIQhpQxscVuKTUtVH9C5oP8od2G7TxzVzNkotRIbLegYR/s1600/jordansleepsanywhere4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgnxHeo2k0rU3e1aCZCYhFUlf0W8qiyh9AW9HCj4EkCh5WlPTKhvG4XikVzePfyGbLOGWaLKvv-HeULv1UaricdxwIQhpQxscVuKTUtVH9C5oP8od2G7TxzVzNkotRIbLegYR/s1600/jordansleepsanywhere4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-7966295461712795722014-01-07T06:30:00.000-08:002014-01-07T06:30:00.978-08:00Impact<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>There are days, when I really wonder how my life and how everything that happens is really part of God's plan. I really believe that God has a plan for me, my family and for our life and that somehow some way it is going to do good in the world. I have to admit though, there are days that I look up in the sky and just say "Really?" or "Seriously?" When do I have these thoughts? It can be something so small as Little J spilling his drink all over himself just before we're headed out the door for school. It can be all those times that Peanut J doesn't want to do #2 on the potty, or even when Princess J is upset because a silly (to me) code on her Moshi Monster game doesn't work. Sometimes I wonder just how much God is going to pile on our plates before even he says to himself...."I think this is enough!"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I am not complaining one iota here. Honestly! I am after all a "glass half full" kind of girl! I believe things can always be worse, I always know that someone out there just wishes they had what I have. So, I guess you wonder why I'm thinking about this.....well....I just want to know! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Little J's diagnosis was devastating. First in that it completely changed what I (we) always thought our life would be like. We had this picture in our head of what our family was going to look like. When Little J was born, we looked in his eyes and saw an amazing little boy who we loved with every ounce of our hearts. Once he was diagnosed, we were a little frightened, but we still saw this amazing little boy. Secondly, in that there are always things in the here and now that we worry about. He cannot tell us if something is wrong...is he sick, is someone not treating him well, is he just in a bad mood? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>When we got Josh's diagnosis, we were told several things, we were told about the medical issues in percentages that might or would affect him. We were told the things he may never do...like talk (how heartbreaking that was to hear that I may never hear his voice say "I love you, mommy). Then on FB today a mom posed a question in a group about how we recieved our diagnosis. I saw some really painful diagnosis stories, and I saw some very sweet and uplifting stories. Our story was pretty straight forward, but as all the other parents, I remember every little thing about our Dr.'s office space where we were seated for the results. I can still see the photos that were on her desk, I remember a few of the books that were nearby, but most of all, I remember seeing our doctors tears as she told us the news. She was definately ahead of us as she had a plan in place for us to meet with specific doctors and specialists to ease us in to the transition of becoming a parent of a child with special needs. I am still to this day touched by her kindness and compassion and extra care. I still have the card she sent us a few days after our diagnosis handwritten with some sweet words. One of the specialists we saw was a genetic counselor and the one thing that stuck with me that she said was that children with AS appear to continue to learn in to adulthood. There does not appear to be a plateau for learning. This was good news to me! One of the diagnosis stories from another family online I read, I thought was brilliant. This doctor told this family that it was not good news, but your child has not read a book saying what they can or cannot do because of AS and kids surprise me everyday. BRILLIANT! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So back to my thoughts....I saw this bible verse on Saturday and then today I saw this diagnosis story and it just kind of fit together for me. Little J surprises me every day. Loading his IPad today and introducing it briefly tonight made me think what a gargantuan task we are about to embark, but I know he can do it....it might take a long time...but I know he can do it! His impact on our lives is not always easy, but I see his impact on his brother and sister and see what kind and empathetic people they are becoming. They are both constantly trying to "help" Little J with different tasks. Princess J understands that words hurt people's feelings. She hates the words stupid, dumb and any other version she comes across. She asks me why people are not being nice when we're watching a show or she sees someone say something at school. I see Princess J actively helping other kids she comes across....especially those with disabilities. So, I see God's work everyday in the simple actions of my children or the small forward steps Little J takes towards goals. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>It keeps me going everyday to know that all three of my children are going to make a difference in the world someday. The smallest action can make a big impact and that's how I see all three of them.</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQspubdKlIYhtCG_rhZo65JF0qtzeiXBlo_q7CoEltpliBLzeKvnmvF-Jj89oGiDszpAJyGwz_zZMhiMrjr1XRIHBV5o8UbTJrvVgus_1uTNYvK_Q6XHIsNGPdb2fO7EMO3Qgr/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQspubdKlIYhtCG_rhZo65JF0qtzeiXBlo_q7CoEltpliBLzeKvnmvF-Jj89oGiDszpAJyGwz_zZMhiMrjr1XRIHBV5o8UbTJrvVgus_1uTNYvK_Q6XHIsNGPdb2fO7EMO3Qgr/s1600/062.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrF2EnDSnUX-D4iI0pmjKdKCpWJQ9ZGH3pmE7SAntPPUPy71Ul4UXReF6V30ilgzLhWOPWw00lAFyMfzhZ5pSU65P4p8Nv_-3ZUMDA883V3bg2i950V_PuMLowupbQupcUGy5/s1600/iphone+december+201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrF2EnDSnUX-D4iI0pmjKdKCpWJQ9ZGH3pmE7SAntPPUPy71Ul4UXReF6V30ilgzLhWOPWw00lAFyMfzhZ5pSU65P4p8Nv_-3ZUMDA883V3bg2i950V_PuMLowupbQupcUGy5/s1600/iphone+december+201.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Dtq-lFv-e1eg83O3J94l2Ceyz-nGjIVG2Aeb2eIcISLE5nFT2M37gIq8BKK9Ojkv4P7QO77B3-X83iTclP5cKvgf9uaLskg_sfu-dQuXMyA6kr9Ljy1wYieO5dvCfFbyCPlr/s1600/iphone+december+209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Dtq-lFv-e1eg83O3J94l2Ceyz-nGjIVG2Aeb2eIcISLE5nFT2M37gIq8BKK9Ojkv4P7QO77B3-X83iTclP5cKvgf9uaLskg_sfu-dQuXMyA6kr9Ljy1wYieO5dvCfFbyCPlr/s1600/iphone+december+209.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-10534237969664573902014-01-06T06:30:00.000-08:002014-01-06T06:30:00.831-08:00Work it!We've had a fabulous winter break, but it's definitely time to get back into the swing of things and get back on schedule! The kids go back to school today....I'll miss them...but YAY!<br />
<br />
I will finally have a minute or two to get our new electronic toys up and running! Josh got a new IPad which we hope will help him learn to communicate more. I know he's got a voice in there just dying to tell us a thing or two! I've got a few things to get done to get it ready for him to use...so that will be my first order of business after the kiddos are dropped off at school and I've gotten my Starbucks fix! Then it will be my turn and I will put together my new Nook HD+! I am so excited! I've had my Nook Color for about 4 years and I love it...I have to say it's probably the best material present ever! That said, I've been eyeballing those Nook HD+'s for awhile now and am super excited to get it up and running!<br />
<br />
This week will start a few projects I have in mind....I really need to get my craft area organized and in a usable condition. Right now, if truth be told, it looks like a hoarder lives there without all the food containers and nasty things that bring critters....it's just a mountain of disorganization. I have not decided what day I'm going to do it, but I am going to post a photo here on the blog of my disaster of a space and try to chronicle it's progress at least once a week. I'm thinking it may be on Monday's so I can be catchy and call it modify Monday! There are a few other spaces in the house that I plan to work on this year as well....but none are worse than my crafty space!<br />
<br />
After I am able to clear a space in the crafty zone, my plan is to also get on the ball with Project Life and back to card making! Being crafty makes me relaxed and happy and since once of my goals this year is to be happy no matter what life throws at us this year...I think I have to do it!<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a photo that pretty much describes their relationship over the winter break! They love each other bunches, but they both definitely have their ideas of what they want to do throughout the day. Peanut J loves his big sister a whole bunch and pretty much wants to do whatever she's doing. He wants to be with her constantly....Princess J is not really on board with that. She loves to play with him, but she wants to be in charge and Peanut J, is not one who easily gives up control.....she also has her times throughout the day when she just wants to either play or read alone....Peanut J is not really on board with that....so there was a lot of calling Mommy or Daddy to mediate...and this is what it usually came down to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4GI7JZr7ohV14x26kftpWY-_f3romzn54xRaGSPbQJnFzYAx_JamgrmZ6ZKd0dQQyZbbBKtkmI73unsi0vfzXSvx6ORTmS-a-cUSqZ82ywzIFRK3UIvv4JIUzF0S7ZD6XHjB/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4GI7JZr7ohV14x26kftpWY-_f3romzn54xRaGSPbQJnFzYAx_JamgrmZ6ZKd0dQQyZbbBKtkmI73unsi0vfzXSvx6ORTmS-a-cUSqZ82ywzIFRK3UIvv4JIUzF0S7ZD6XHjB/s1600/078.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-64430012535800293472014-01-03T22:24:00.000-08:002014-01-03T22:24:01.004-08:00Life Always Throws the Good with the Crazy!Since I'm starting this whole blog thing again, I think I would like to have certain days where there is a theme. Fridays theme will be one of two things. On some Friday's I'll be calling it FAST Fridays and other Friday's it will be Five on Friday.<br />
<br />
Today will be a FAST Friday-<br />
<br />
As many of you know, our beautiful boy Joshua was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome when he was 17 months old. If you'd like to know more about Angelman Syndrome, please visit <a href="http://www.cureangelman.org/" target="_blank">Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Theraputics (FAST)</a>...and now you know why I'm calling it FAST Friday! While Joshua is a happy and joyful little boy with a zest for life and one of the bravest little boys I know....Angelman Syndrome is a devastating diagnosis. It's mind blowing and life altering. I'd like to use these FAST Friday's to keep you posted on what Josh is up to, any current fundraising going on, developments in science (and there is a ton), or introduce you to someone I know and love because of Angelman Syndrome. Please...Please...Please, if you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me! If you found this blog because you are newly diagnosed, please contact me! Now, if you have 4 minutes, watch this video! The families in this video are near and dear to me, and like us, their child has been diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WWlrafptbTM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
-DISCLAIMER: I am not in any way affiliated with Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Theraputics other than being a proud supporter of their mission and the work they are doing on behalf of those with Angelman Syndrome. This Foundation is very near and dear to my heart along with many of the people involved. I am beyond grateful for all they are doing!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-72982224139833294062014-01-01T21:38:00.000-08:002014-01-01T21:38:43.181-08:00HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014<h2>
<em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">"Life Moves Pretty Fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it" -FerrisBueller</span></em></h2>
<br />
Happy New Year long lost blog readers! I know it's been over 6 months since my last update, but we're starting off the new year and getting this thing going again. <br />
<br />
I love the movie Ferris Bueller's day off, and I just happened to hear this quote again the other day while I was thinking about what I want to do in 2014. Life is pretty busy around here with the trio and some days I'm sure I am missing a lot! Mostly, I am missing pictures and documenting moments. I am determined to change that! This blog will help me do that. It is ridiculous to think that I can do all the documenting with the photos everyday, but I can post my ramblings here which can serve as a reference point.<br />
<br />
Here is where we are right now:<br />
<br />
Joshua- He is doing amazing! He is walking so well since his surgery and physical therapy. He is hard to keep up with now! He has mastered walking up stairs independently (although mommy is never far behind out of nervousness!) He is getting pretty good at going down stairs too, but with some assistance! He is in the 4th grade now and doing really well. He has an amazing teacher who I'm glad I can call my friend. His aide Matt is still with him and really is his best friend! We just bought Joshua an IPad and hope to get working on his communication and literacy! He's a smart cookie and he just needs to let it out! I know he will do amazing!<br />
<br />
Jocelyn- This girl is so beautiful on the inside and out. She is in 1st grade now and doing really well. She is a very good student and still loves school! She is such a caring and kind little girl that it makes my heart super happy! She loves to read, she loves art, and she loves....MOSHI MONSTERS! She took an afterschool art program that she enjoyed and is taking a Yes for Chess class. Her favorite show is Moshi TV and her favorite movie is Frozen.<br />
<br />
Jordan- What can I say about our little honey badger.....he is giving us a run for our money. He is currently attending preschool in the 4 year old classroom and is working hard on his classroom skills. He has lots of friends and is a sweet little boy....just full of unmatchable energy! He loves hotwheels, emergency vehicles and trains! He loves to get on Youtube and find videos of train crossing lights and of all things elevators! His favorite show right now is Caillou (sigh). His favorite movie is Despicable Me 2.<br />
<br />
Jocelyn and Jordan are still participating in AWANA. They love it and I love that they are learning about God and Jesus. <br />
<br />
So, what do I want to do in 2014.....<br />
I love volunteering at the kids school. I'm currently volunteering in Jocelyn's classroom 1 hour a week as well as being a co-room mom for her class and Josh's class. I am also doing library for Jocelyn's class....along with being a member of the Parent Club board. I really enjoy being a big part of their school. That said.....here are some other things I'd like to get done this year.......<br />
<br />
1. Get started on Project Life and document in words and photos our everyday. <br />
<br />
2. Read more! Currently I'm reading Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich. I recently finished the Shades of Grey Series.....and I gotta say it sucked the fun out of reading after book number 2. They really could have finished it off in book 2. (JMO)<br />
<br />
3. Be more Crafty!!! Oh my...I miss my crafty time! Jocelyn and I took some mommy/daughter paper craft classes at our local scrapbook store and it was so much fun! So...I gotta make it happen! <br />
<br />
3 Clear the clutter! Thanks to a few awesome ladies at my MOPS group, we have a decluttering group going on Facebook. I hope after the regular schedule kicks in I can get back to decluttering! <br />
<br />
4. Lose the weight and get it together to do a 5K in March! Let's go!<br />
<br />
5. CHOOSE HAPPINESS! Even when I'm feeling down or not happy about something, I wanna choose to be happy! Get through it! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvoLJFvbnjE7bPnLjJ72T4u-PGiUjQRotQ39scySbbmzeUvd93SDFNM43LjJj5DLRxNkjYr6uJ94WYAZJOAATSXTBhydzT3S_u2BwDmokYdErGTmYD4LknVvCE6dQYcYzgP0N/s1600/iphone+141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvoLJFvbnjE7bPnLjJ72T4u-PGiUjQRotQ39scySbbmzeUvd93SDFNM43LjJj5DLRxNkjYr6uJ94WYAZJOAATSXTBhydzT3S_u2BwDmokYdErGTmYD4LknVvCE6dQYcYzgP0N/s320/iphone+141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIcs1uQlRWylTHCNt5BBPBvXPtDiUtRd_oq1zzxnOEzku_fO-NpFLZQYNON082tEEs-Ov14YFCrYbGJWvpD1nbP4NU4HFqybOEoyfsDD98Pm6XVJuvCe-izj4xfNa039nMycr/s1600/iphone+december+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIcs1uQlRWylTHCNt5BBPBvXPtDiUtRd_oq1zzxnOEzku_fO-NpFLZQYNON082tEEs-Ov14YFCrYbGJWvpD1nbP4NU4HFqybOEoyfsDD98Pm6XVJuvCe-izj4xfNa039nMycr/s320/iphone+december+008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tDCuuAWogQngUYFi5WFSfoMdieBst1IUiICJyweqC1h-HCk8sKWPCAFyZHm4RgmiraANer_bfasQUMBC6DwiX2O8TZBWlIooCatbJCeVy66tg2Rf-BRBf54gSm8gxFNNbYeM/s1600/iphone+december+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tDCuuAWogQngUYFi5WFSfoMdieBst1IUiICJyweqC1h-HCk8sKWPCAFyZHm4RgmiraANer_bfasQUMBC6DwiX2O8TZBWlIooCatbJCeVy66tg2Rf-BRBf54gSm8gxFNNbYeM/s320/iphone+december+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-4957465430695256962013-06-23T06:30:00.000-07:002013-06-23T06:30:02.221-07:00Yet Another New Begining....Sigh....I cannot seem to commit to this blog again. I really want to commit, but I have not yet been very successful. Life seems to be moving too fast for me these days. We seem to be bouncing from one activity to another. I thought with school being out for summer that things might slow down a bit, but these kids can't sit still for a second! They are always on the move! In an effort to make a better commitment with not only my blog, but with other activities I love that have been neglected, I'm putting it right here.....I WILL COMMIT to this blog, reading books more often, organizing my craft space and actually getting crafty with the mountain of supplies I have.....there I said it! My first goal is to get some semblance of clean in the scrap space....there is stuff....well EVERYWHERE! Ugh! <br />
<br />
Sooo...it's out there, I am going to get clean and crafty....<br />
<br />
This next week will be busy, Hubby is off work for the next week, Little J started summer school and Princess J is participating in Vacation Bible School! She's gotten through week 1 and said...it was FABULOUS! Pictures to come! Princess J and Peanut J (who will hereafter be called Honey Badger), signed up for the Summer Reading Game at the Library too! <br />
<br />
I won't promise a blog post in the next week, but I'm going to try....Next Saturday night though, I will post an update on my progress with the clean and crafty plan as well as my reading plan. Maybe I'll finally finish the book I've been reading for what seems 6 months! OY! <br />
<br />
Off to rest up for a new day tomorrow......a new day to start over! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUudj0Fcjz-8Ilh79rLP2820AHIj_5i1suoYOhyMwWZKfhe9ElnjF-mELG1cqKht0PJ_Mv4d5f5uXfdZWk1_AvaBnMmxcH4DYqSIH8wj0V9Icuyp6bTXWgFjyIKMaaRhnJPTWP/s1600/D223BB03-A802-4200-987C-845184FD1752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUudj0Fcjz-8Ilh79rLP2820AHIj_5i1suoYOhyMwWZKfhe9ElnjF-mELG1cqKht0PJ_Mv4d5f5uXfdZWk1_AvaBnMmxcH4DYqSIH8wj0V9Icuyp6bTXWgFjyIKMaaRhnJPTWP/s320/D223BB03-A802-4200-987C-845184FD1752.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-96563462796527952013-01-07T22:24:00.001-08:002013-01-07T22:24:29.067-08:00Getting Back Into the GrooveThe holidays are over, winter break is over and the kids are heading back to school and their regular activities. The blog will back tomorrow (Wednesday). <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7so-IrguXsE20dKsTCU-QzKjz0Lzfe_Qv2X1vPicX2njVOkWNSAlxNkULS7aNFg4c6fFY58WbyE8fkx4ggux89d5-ZxLPDQTzYpo0Mx6ngLIrztDPHD6IN5eiE1P6Q9j0s_Zz/s640/blogger-image--2105384412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7so-IrguXsE20dKsTCU-QzKjz0Lzfe_Qv2X1vPicX2njVOkWNSAlxNkULS7aNFg4c6fFY58WbyE8fkx4ggux89d5-ZxLPDQTzYpo0Mx6ngLIrztDPHD6IN5eiE1P6Q9j0s_Zz/s640/blogger-image--2105384412.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-63718208025454648072013-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-04T06:00:04.752-08:00Bowling with the TrioToday we tackled one of the things on my New Years list! Plan more things with the kiddos no matter how daunting or tiring the outing may seem. I hope this doesn't sound like we hate to go out or that we hate to take our kids anywhere. That is the furthest thing from the truth. There are many things that keep us from doing some of the things we want to and changing that is a work in progress. It's one thing to no longer have a man on man defense when it comes to the parent to child ratio, but it's a whole other ballgame when you have a child with disabilities. While Little J is doing great walking, he still can't manage long distances and he can't walk in random environments unattended. Peanut J is a firecracker and there is a reason we call him honey badger as well. Honey badger don't care. Honey badger wants to do what honey badger wants to do when he wants to do it, so managing him is another matter. Thankfully, Princess J is great out in public and does a great job listening and staying close at hand. She is however 5, so keeping an eye on her for her own safety is just as important as managing the boys. <br />
<br />
Today, we decided to take the trio bowling! It was lots of fun. I thought we were in trouble when after Peanut J's first turn, he didn't want to stop and screamed at the top of his lungs when we pulled him off the alley for Princess J's turn. Once he figured out that every time mommy bowled that his turn was up next, he did great! So proud of him! He even cheered for everyone during their turns as well! It was Peanut J's first bowling trip and as time went on he even bowled a spare in one frame! Of the trio, he got the highest score....bowling shark?<br />
<br />
Little J had a great time! He loved pushing the ball down the assistance ramp and watching and waiting for it to knock over the pins! He was giddy everytime it was his turn! <br />
<br />
Princess J, had a great time! She's still striving for her first strike, and I think we sang the Yo Gabba Gabba! song...Keep Trying a few dozen times. It didn't happen this time, but she'll keep trying! <br />
<br />
After a bowling game, we headed over to McDonalds for some well deserved Happy Meals! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSL1y2FKQug/UOZyOw6w94I/AAAAAAAABnI/g4BF_4yWEzI/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSL1y2FKQug/UOZyOw6w94I/AAAAAAAABnI/g4BF_4yWEzI/s320/13+-+1" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut J Bowls for the first time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBL5FOzyV10/UOZyO8nsGJI/AAAAAAAABnQ/3qRHSMXhNMM/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBL5FOzyV10/UOZyO8nsGJI/AAAAAAAABnQ/3qRHSMXhNMM/s320/13+-+2" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut J bowling with daddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-giPFhD-f0cg/UOZyO0OH5cI/AAAAAAAABm8/rarWrtiMIyE/s1600/13+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-giPFhD-f0cg/UOZyO0OH5cI/AAAAAAAABm8/rarWrtiMIyE/s320/13+-+3" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little J (who's not so little anymore) loves bowling!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DoA6pgIfeko/UOZyO-B7BRI/AAAAAAAABnE/NZHPzsNpi5E/s1600/13+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DoA6pgIfeko/UOZyO-B7BRI/AAAAAAAABnE/NZHPzsNpi5E/s320/13+-+4" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess J waiting for the the ball to get to the pins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-71784610579944910052013-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-03T06:00:02.523-08:00Catch Up on Reading! So, one of my New Year's Resolutions is to read more! So, every month on the 4th, I'll be checking in on my reading list and hoping that some of you might leave book suggestions too! <br />
<br />
This last year was not my best year for reading. I found it hard to carve out time to read. Usually the times I could carve out were short and were hit or miss. When it's time to pick up Little J from school, I usually get there early so I don't have to fight with the pick up line or feel rushed getting in to the parking lot for disabled student pickup. Most of the time in the past Princess J and Peanut J would fall asleep and I could use that 30 minutes being parked to read up....the naps are becoming hit or miss...so the reading has become the same. Sooooo....I've been trying to make a better effort to find other moments in the day to read...once we're back to the usual schedule, we'll see how this works out. For now though...here's what's on my list of reads....<br />
<br />
Here are my next 5 books on my reading list:<br />
<br />
1. Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich<br />
<br />
2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Following-After-Trek-Jarrett-Ingram/dp/0985595833/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353478493&sr=8-1&keywords=following+after+trek">Following After Trek by Jarret W. Ingram</a><br />
-This is the link to the paperback on Amazon, I do have it on my Nook, but for some reason it's no longer showing up as available...If you'd like to follow this family's story you can follow Chelsea Ingram's blog <a href="http://oursonnylife.com/">Our Sonny Life</a>. This family is AMAZING! I couldn't wait to read about their adventures and Chelsea's words will touch your heart as she shares her family's story and that of her youngest son Trek Atlas.<br />
<br />
3. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ive-got-your-number-sophie-kinsella/1103849997?ean=9780679644682">I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella</a><br />
<br />
4. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/girl-who-played-with-fire-stieg-larsson/1100160513?ean=9780307454553">The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larson</a><br />
<br />
5. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nanny-returns-emma-mclaughlin/1100329363?ean=9781416585893">Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus</a><br />
<br />
6. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gone-girl-gillian-flynn/1105608095?ean=9780307588388">Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn</a><br />
<br />
7. <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-night-at-chateau-marmont-lauren-weisberger/1019426424?ean=9781451611755">Last Night at Chateau Marmont by Laren Weisberger</a><br />
<br />
So, there are my first 7! I have quite a few more on my list, but as I cross some of these off, then I'll add more and just keep the list short. It might get a little longer in blog posts on occassion. So, what's on your reading list? Please share! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-10313684905444572982013-01-02T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-02T06:00:00.679-08:00A Quick Catchup with the Trio!This last year has been a crazy and wild ride! I don't even know where to begin really. <br />
<br />
In the last year, we've had a 2nd grader turn into a 3rd grader, a preschooler turn into a kindergartner and a toddler turn into a preschooler! Lots of milestones there! <br />
<br />
Little J is still at the same elementary school doing very well in the same class. He has been assigned a 1:1 aide which has helped him immensely! He loves his aide so much! What a great guy! His aide has worked so hard with him on so many things over the last year and a half! Little J did very well after surgery (which was my last post, last year). He is pretty much back to pre-surgery walking....except that now he is walking FLAT FOOTED and not on his tip toes! Yay! While it was a great commitment on our part to have the surgery done and deal with the casts and getting him back to walking, his aide has been essential in this as well. His aide did his excersises at school with him everyday and kept him motivated to keep going! THANK YOU MATT! Matt is the perfect match for Little J, he gives him just enough fun, just enough friendship, and the perfect amount of keeping him on task! Little J has been thriving at school and is beginning to see more time for mainstreaming! He's got friends at school and even went on a field trip with his peers.....and did awesome! <br />
<br />
Princess J graduated from preschool in June and started kindergarten in September! She is at the same school with Little J and loves it! Since the school that Little J goes to is not our home school in the district, Princess J only knew a few of the kids going with her. As luck would have it, none of them were assigned to the same kinder class as she was. She was a bit disappointed at first, but found her new group of friends in class and maintained some of her friendships on the recess yard. We had her parent-teacher conference and Princess J was described as a hard worker, who is kind and caring to her classmates and friends. She's also an excellent reader! She loves to go to school, she loves to do her homework and she loves her teacher! She also joined an AWANA club at a local church, that she sees many of her friends from preschool at she is really enjoying her time there and learning lots about the bible, Jesus and God. <br />
<br />
Last, but definately not least....Peanut J, also affectionately called honey badger! He is one wild boy! OH MY! I love this little boy, but I think that if he'd been #2 in the lineup, there would not be a #3! He keeps us on our toes and he has one speed......FAST! I was a bit worried when we signed him up for preschool (and I think the teachers were too).....he never stops going! In September, Peanut J started preschool at the same place that Princess J went. The teachers there are AMAZING! Peanut J has done so well! He loves to go there! He is great at following directions, knows the class routine, lines up when he's supposed to and sits (for as long as he can possibly stand it) when he's supposed to. He loves his teachers too! He loves to pretend to call them on the phone and say "Teacher (insert 1 of 3 names here), I love you! I'm coming back!" He's too cute! He was in the angel choir for the school Christmas pageant, and stayed put on the risers the entire time....I was sure he was gonna bolt and run for us! LOL! He's working on potty training....but it's a slow go for him. He loves to sit on the potty, but still no success....it'll happen and you'll hear about it here though! He graduated to his toddler bed. Right now, daddy has to go in and lay with him until he falls asleep....otherwise he'd be up all night climbing in and out of it! <br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-81445739044801947452013-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-01T06:00:02.104-08:00Bringing the Blog Back....Take 2So, it's been almost a year since I checked in on this thing after claiming I was bringing the blog back...sigh...epic fail! <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Here we go with TAKE 2! Since it is January 1, 2013, what better way than to start the new year off right and get those New Years resolutions down on the blog and begin catching you up to where we are and where we've been.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
We'll start here with my personal New Years resolutions. I definately have a lot going on and a lot on my daily plate. Some of it I do really well, some of it I don't do well, and some stuff has been on an unplanned hiatus. Thankfully, everyday is a new day, a new beginning and a new day to start over trying to get it right! So, here we go with the New Years resolutions!</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
1. Bring the blog back! </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
2. Read more!</div>
3. Get Crafty more often! I sure miss scrapbooking and other crafts, so I'm going to make an effort to make time for this!<br />
4. Project Life! This ties in to #3, but it's a commitment, and I'm jumping on board.....1 week at a time! <br />
5. Be more patient<br />
6. Plan more experiences with the kiddos.....no matter how daunting the prospect of getting out there to do it seems.<br />
7. GIVE UP SODA....AGAIN! <br />
8. Get rid of CRAP!<br />
9. Drop some FAT! <br />
10. Run a 5K in the next 6 months!<br />
<br />
So, that's where it starts. Those are things that I want to do for me! There are other things I want to work on, but those will stay in my pocket for right now....<br />
<br />
<br />
What's a post without photos of my sweet littles? There will be a catch up post coming up tomorrow, but for now, here is Little J who just turned 8, Princess J who is 5, and Peanut J (Also now affectionately called Honey Badger) who is 3! <br />
<br />

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8toXZEyDwKI/UOKLo59SRXI/AAAAAAAABlo/YLRagGj2raQ/s1600/12+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8toXZEyDwKI/UOKLo59SRXI/AAAAAAAABlo/YLRagGj2raQ/s400/12+-+1" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little J</td></tr>
</tbody></table>

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrOPESRgC8g/UOKLODvswPI/AAAAAAAABlQ/6ZGi11Nhrkg/s1600/12+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrOPESRgC8g/UOKLODvswPI/AAAAAAAABlQ/6ZGi11Nhrkg/s400/12+-+1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut J and Princess J</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-76644469506289323052012-01-23T20:12:00.000-08:002012-01-23T21:28:21.883-08:00Finally! Bringing back the Blog!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYCMOoPtUEgaLejdHsIB0E9ERG3A5qFT4_KW1vcpode3M2SEeVjJYrIJNXfRND0Rei38LfWLXQbJJaiUYwlSKX7cXyMqQgv3sCuSGnCQPwp1TGjOzy4fM-U-LL-Qqm4ag-u5h/s1600/iphone+503.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701052842568412930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYCMOoPtUEgaLejdHsIB0E9ERG3A5qFT4_KW1vcpode3M2SEeVjJYrIJNXfRND0Rei38LfWLXQbJJaiUYwlSKX7cXyMqQgv3sCuSGnCQPwp1TGjOzy4fM-U-LL-Qqm4ag-u5h/s400/iphone+503.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Honestly.....I've missed you! I can't believe it's been over 6 months since I've posted on this blog! I am sure that no one is coming by anymore...and maybe no one even misses it? Things got crazy busy for us the end of last year. Our biggest undertaking was Little J's heel cord and hamstring lengthening surgery. Most of you know that Little J took quite awhile to begin walking. Once he began walking he became a toe walker. This kid could navigate the most trecherous terrain on his toes! The only problem with that is that as he got older, his feet would likely become deformed and eventually it would be so painful that he would not be able to walk at all.<br /></div><br /><div></div>This photo was taken in September after his second set of casts were placed.<br /><br /><br /><div>This surgery was our only option to give him the best opportunity for successful walking for a long time to come. It was a huge undertaking and still 6 months later it's still a work in progress. I knew it was going to be a lot of work going in, but it was far more than I imagined.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Little J went into the hospital in mid-August for his outpatient surgery. They did a small nick in his achilles tendon and hamstring and casted him up. Poor little J woke up from sleep with these two huge casts that went from his toes to his knees. Initially coming out of anesthesia he was doing well. The more he woke, the more distressed he became. This poor little boy was wailing like I've never heard before. At first, we thought it was the strange environment and the other kids crying in the recovery room, so we opted to take him home. Our poor sweet boy wailed from the time we left the hospital at 10:30 in the morning until 5pm! We were entertaining the thought of taking him back to the hospital, but after discussing it with the nurse and the thought of having to wait in admissions for a bed with this wailing child, we decided to try a few more things at home and if necessary we would have taken him to the emergency room. We just didn't know if he was in pain, if it was a side effect of the anesthesia, or just the confinement in the casts. Typically, this surgery is not known to be painful, but when you're talking about a child with Angelman Syndrome, you just never know. Thankfully, he was finally able to get some much needed rest and he adjusted to the casts.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>The things you don't think of as being work are probably the most difficult. Carrying around your 7 year old is no easy task....it wasn't my biggest concern in the surgery until I had to do it. Just the day to day care was physically daunting for us. Little J went to physical therapy twice a week and worked really hard at walking in the casts with assistance, and building the muscles that he had never used before.<br /></div><br /><div>After 3 weeks, they took Little J back in to remove his casts, make some adjustments, cast him for his post surgical braces and replace the casts. Thankfully, this time he came home in a much better mood.<br /></div><br /><div>After another 3 weeks, Little J finally got his casts off for good! Now the really hard work began! Since he was walking on his toes, there are a lot of muscles including the ones in his ankles that had never built up, since they were not being utilized. His braces were fitted and after numerous adjustments including one to stop it from causing a large painful gash on his leg. He was going to physical therapy twice a week and working really hard at relearning to walk and just building his muscle strength. His school staff met with his physical therapist and worked really hard with him on exercises through out his school day to help him even more. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Four weeks after his casts came off, we saw his orthopedic surgeon who was quite impressed with his progress. He is walking independently and mostly flat footed.<br /></div><br /><div>Fast forward to 6 months post surgical. Little J is doing really well. He still a bit weak in some of his muscles. He can walk independently while wearing his braces. When not wearing his braces he requires almost 100% support. We recently saw his rehabillitation doctor, and we're switching his braces now. Hopefully, the new ones will be more comfortable for him and help him with his progress. He's still doing physical therapy once a week plus all of his excercises and strengthening at school. This kid is working so hard! There is a possibility that we may do some botox treatment on one of his hamstrings as it's still a bit tight. We'll be meeting with his orthopedic surgeon and rehabilitation doctor in May to see which direction they want to go. Overall, Little J is doing amazing! He has been such a trooper going through all of this. He gets up everyday with a smile on his face and works like a rockstar at school and at his therapy sessions<br /><br /></div><br /><div>This really was the bulk of our end of the year craziness. If you read this far, thanks for being interested in what we've been up to. I have so much more to update you on. There is our diva Princess J, our goofball Peanut J and their adventures along with a lot more on Little J as well as new and exciting news in research for Angelman Syndrome. I have a few rants and shares coming up too if you're interested! </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-87700778599629211592011-06-20T22:56:00.001-07:002011-06-20T23:12:23.732-07:00Surf's Up Dude!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZVkFuq-mow1tHdD_ns3IgIIHqUoqO4J3__jIQ1vdtiapdYLx3ME7h3plRRioKVa-QEYdxKE5JHLVOBKIK4lw5h32JXdUFp7YHPrz9bh9y7l6Xhyc1fW_CFt9MGlWGDvWtNYl/s1600/Santa+Cruz-Ride+A+Wave+230.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620548900259218674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZVkFuq-mow1tHdD_ns3IgIIHqUoqO4J3__jIQ1vdtiapdYLx3ME7h3plRRioKVa-QEYdxKE5JHLVOBKIK4lw5h32JXdUFp7YHPrz9bh9y7l6Xhyc1fW_CFt9MGlWGDvWtNYl/s400/Santa+Cruz-Ride+A+Wave+230.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpixKkob-t5ZBCiliqt-f7QRXF_Y9EzZb9h7X-01h7SOKP-DcjUG6QsREKua7s72yPcgzK25k73n-M2NAiJeGj8qNZ7cElU5TMp8bKFRzYrqRa0yDMYpSC_LDbAsX_cWsxmdq/s1600/Santa+Cruz-Ride+A+Wave+193.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620548891224395762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpixKkob-t5ZBCiliqt-f7QRXF_Y9EzZb9h7X-01h7SOKP-DcjUG6QsREKua7s72yPcgzK25k73n-M2NAiJeGj8qNZ7cElU5TMp8bKFRzYrqRa0yDMYpSC_LDbAsX_cWsxmdq/s400/Santa+Cruz-Ride+A+Wave+193.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpAqpmNx99Fq2WMonenEF79N20BkjWkaqkG_FxHI8W89YXOkNmAIxJ9MjpwLGQkWF8icd-KKz24nj0ulCZ2QeJh6omjWWO-2vkF-34b_fOB5nN_SNGpDa-FZ2-QjvRdP477Vl/s1600/Santa+Cruz-Ride+A+Wave+183.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620548885962428898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpAqpmNx99Fq2WMonenEF79N20BkjWkaqkG_FxHI8W89YXOkNmAIxJ9MjpwLGQkWF8icd-KKz24nj0ulCZ2QeJh6omjWWO-2vkF-34b_fOB5nN_SNGpDa-FZ2-QjvRdP477Vl/s400/Santa+Cruz-Ride+A+Wave+183.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx6Jz6HA8moEnehSScPt-z-ABxiIgacJLCJFblZ5hnjg9E4cfp-xkVH9tGvAbaFAg-X4ySfKnO8X0gx09_t9CtNQG0tLKjpNBo0u4zqn4sKUyK1VayBpmcwmlvB8Awy3PRoaP/s1600/Santa+Cruz-Ride+A+Wave+042.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620548876643700130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx6Jz6HA8moEnehSScPt-z-ABxiIgacJLCJFblZ5hnjg9E4cfp-xkVH9tGvAbaFAg-X4ySfKnO8X0gx09_t9CtNQG0tLKjpNBo0u4zqn4sKUyK1VayBpmcwmlvB8Awy3PRoaP/s400/Santa+Cruz-Ride+A+Wave+042.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZxs7lUrZFQ4pJOQjiNGnBppZ-AktXTCgqj8jP75br-Wawi_grp9OMMTCGrtbds_E5CVmNo0CzGoNP1-Mrn7WvLtyn6BIoXHfGL3z-ZAq1emDo39S6ND157JJ3Was9zyhkq-P/s1600/Santa+Cruz-Ride+A+Wave+048.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620548869739615442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZxs7lUrZFQ4pJOQjiNGnBppZ-AktXTCgqj8jP75br-Wawi_grp9OMMTCGrtbds_E5CVmNo0CzGoNP1-Mrn7WvLtyn6BIoXHfGL3z-ZAq1emDo39S6ND157JJ3Was9zyhkq-P/s400/Santa+Cruz-Ride+A+Wave+048.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On Sunday June 19th, Little J got to participate in Max's Day with <a href="http://www.rideawave.org/">Ride A Wave</a> in Santa Cruz.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I cannot express in words just how amazing this day was for Little J. This is his second year participating, and this year was just as fabulous as last year. Little J got to kayak and boogie board, he also got to surf.....STANDING UP! Last year they put him on a special surf board equiped with a seat, but this year they got him up on that board standing tall! Anytime he was in the water, his face was just a big bright smile and lots of giggling! The added bonus to this day was that several of Little J's classmates and fellow angels participated as well! </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The people who put this event together and all of the wonderful volunteers really are beyond amazing! Little J was assigned 2 beach buddies, these two young men chatted with him, got him from one activity to the next and took him back to his favorite boogie boarding at least 15 times! It is just so amazing to see your child do things that you never in your wildest dreams imagined they could do much less would get the opportunity to do.....this organization and all of the volunteers out there made it happen! My heart is full......</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Did you see the Vivnet Give Back Project link on my sidebar? Please take a moment to click on the link and vote for Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Theraputics to win! Angelman Syndrome has been cured in a mouse.... a few clicks of your mouse could bring us one step closer to the cure for Angelman Syndrome in people! </div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-91091730082637433662011-06-16T08:15:00.000-07:002011-06-16T08:59:07.781-07:00Princess J Update!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfNbqgBQTKLdjfMqNcRMvsZvm0mXk6rUciWMErUpqh3ocL8D0H8OMR2ycIuhJhoevMzUuFIK3Crl3CuIPjz1m45GT27fgG9mimnnO5eBpba5SP6JyBQ4j_f2XyJCCQhgJZ2-_/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618671436519350466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfNbqgBQTKLdjfMqNcRMvsZvm0mXk6rUciWMErUpqh3ocL8D0H8OMR2ycIuhJhoevMzUuFIK3Crl3CuIPjz1m45GT27fgG9mimnnO5eBpba5SP6JyBQ4j_f2XyJCCQhgJZ2-_/s400/007.JPG" /></a><br />This last year has been amazing for Princess J! She has been enrolled in a speech immersion program since her 3rd birthday. She started out barely talking and has just come so far! We can't stop her from talking now! The school has been a wonderful experience for her and she just loves it, her teacher and her friends.<br /><br />Just before her 4th birthday they tested her to see how she was progressing. Apparently they kept her in while the other kids went out to play. She did so well concentrating and thinking about her answers and trying to make sure she got everything right. Her teacher told me that in all the time she has been teaching, Princess J is the first student she has ever given the entire test to. She passed with flying colors! As soon as she was done, the teacher told her she could go outside to play....just as the teacher said that, the bell for the end of playtime rang. Our sweet Princess J balled up her fists and put them on the table and said....awwwww! I missed playtime! Her teacher said it was so cute and she felt so bad making her miss play time!<br /><br />Anyway, with the results of the test, it means that Princess J no longer qualifies for the speech immersion class at the school....so today, will be her last day in the classroom. She will still continue to receive weekly speech sessions just to keep her progressing for kindergarten. We are now on the hunt for her next school. We have her on a waiting list (she's #1) at a school that was recomended by friends and that after visiting, Princess J really liked. We won't know if she makes it in until August.<br /><br />Princess J's current favorites:<br />Food: Mickey Chicken and French Fries, Cheetos and Pretzels (She's still a super pickey eater!)<br />Movies: Cars and Toy Story<br />Toys: Ham and Buzz Lightyear (from Toy Story) and Lightning McQueen<br />Colors: Green and Pink<br />Wearing Ballerina dresses and sparkley shoes<br />Cartoons: Pocoyo<br />Songs: The Duck Song 1, 2 and 3!<br />Favorite Friends: Nathan, Samantha, Elizabeth, Luis, and Brian<br /><br />Current Phrases:<br />Not too much<br />Just a little bit<br />That's sooooo silly!<br />Jordan can I borrow it?<br /><br />Wearing size 2T and sometimes 3T<br />Shoe size 6 or 7 toddler<br /><br />Loves being read to and is beginning to read on her own!<br />Before we leave the house, she has to tell her toys staying home not to talk to eachother!<br />Unfortunately not potty trained yet!<br /><br />And, because you know I have to mention it.....have you voted in the Vivnet Gives Back Project for Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Theraputics (<a href="http://www.cureangelman.org/">FAST</a>)? Please take a moment and click on the link on my sidebar and click to vote and help find a cure for Angelman Syndrome!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-91836292332550393692011-06-15T08:00:00.000-07:002011-06-15T08:00:01.339-07:00Angelman Syndrome-Finding a Cure<object width="400" height="324"><param name="movie" value="http://d.yimg.com/nl/movies/site/player.swf"><param name="flashVars" value="vid=25247734&"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />...<br /><br /><br /><embed width="576" height="324" allowfullscreen="true" src="http://d.yimg.com/nl/movies/site/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="vid=25247734&"></embed></object><br /><br />As many of you know, our son Little J has Angelman Syndrome. Life with an angel can be very challenging, but along with the challenges come the amazing blessings that Little J brings to our family. As of today Little J is a first grader...soon to be second grader! He is doing so well in his class at school. He loves it so much! It's so nice to see that amazing smile on his face everyday when we take him to school. It's a testament to how wonderful the teachers and aides at his school are!<br /><br />Little J is becoming quite the ladies man! He is in love with the girls! He is smitten with one particular classmate. Another angel who recently moved to our area with her angel brother and family....and who would have thought that they'd end up living 8 doors away! While his heart belongs to one.....he is not opposed to having an audience of ladies...I picked him up from school for a neurology appointment one day and he happend to be on the playground holding court with 4 adorable young ladies who were chatting with he and his aide. He was very happy to have their attention and was not too please when mom dragged him off the playground.<br /><br />Little J just finished up his little league season with many of his friends from school. It was wonderful to have family come out to see him play and his teacher was at quite a few of their games this year too! It was a fabulous season with G and I volunteering as team organizer and coach....all while keeping Little J out there and managing Princess J and Peanut J! Thank goodness for our friends (and you know who you are!) for helping us out with the two smaller J's at games!<br /><br />Later this summer Little J will be having a heel cord lengthening surgery. Currently he is a toe walker. He's very accomplished at it, but unfortunatly over time it will be become painful for him to walk and eventually he won't be able to. We are not looking forward to this, but it has to be done. He will be in a double cast for 6 to 8 weeks! Yikes! What is my active little angel going to do! I see a bit of grumpy angel time ahead! We welcome any prayers and good thoughts as this gets closer, that mommy and daddy can handle the anxiety and the recovery and that the surgery will go smoothly and recovery will be uncomplicated and quick! We also pray that the outcome will be Little J walking flat feet on the ground and for a succesful end result! We'll keep you posted on when the surgery will take place and how it goes...but start those prayers now if you don't mind!<br /><br />I hope you will take a few minutes to watch the video above that I've shared. Foundation for Angelman Theraputics (<a href="http://www.cureangelman.org/">FAST</a>) has been working hard towards finding a cure. The science is there, the research is there, but the only thing missing is money! Vivnet has been running their Vivnet gives back promotion on Facebook and currently FAST is in the finals to win a $250,000 grant! This would mean so much to the work that FAST is doing! Here is a description of FAST (taken directly from the Vivnet Gives Back Project website):<br /><br />The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (or FAST) is an organization of families and professionals dedicated to finding a cure for Angelman Syndrome and related disorders through the funding of an aggressive research agenda, education, and advocacy. The Foundation is committed to assisting individuals living with Angelman Syndrome to realize their full potential and quality of life. We are confident that our goals are now within reach and together, with your help, we will change lives. You are our driving force; please donate generously and bring us one step closer to realizing our mission. FAST is run by an all volunteer staff and board who dedicate their time and expertise towards finding a cure for Angelman Syndrome. Our operating expenses are generated through our annual Gala and through donations specifically for that purpose. FAST does not have any paid staff. Donations otherwise generated throughout the year go directly to supporting research aimed at finding a cure. Our goal is to bring practical treatment into current medical practice as quickly as possible. It is our hope that grants we fund will lead to additional research support from government agencies and other funding sources.<br /> <br />You can visit FAST by clicking on the link I've shared above! You will find all kinds of information on Angelman Syndrome and their quest to find a cure!<br /><br />Ok, so now that you've caught up on Little J, read a little bit about FAST and Angelman Syndrome, I need a huge favor! See the Vivnet Gives Back Project banner on the side of this revived blog? Please take a moment and click on it and vote for FAST! This program will be running for the next 10 weeks and you get one vote per day. Please bookmark it and go back and vote every single day! The little clicks of your mouse everyday for FAST could mean a cure for Angelman Syndrome and provide a roadmap for cures for may other disorders/diseases. They really believe that finding a cure for Angelman Syndrome could lead to some answers for other disorders and diseases including Alzheimers and Autism! Please help us! I know that one day I could potentially hear the sweet sound of my Little J's voice!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-64470490404560227062011-06-14T21:49:00.001-07:002011-06-14T21:57:02.613-07:00Reviving the Old Blogity!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGSrPfBg8ADQfxbpuian7XsAQe3XXXMv91C2OM1y4bHsdzSu1VS9GMEXwainrHlTJyiC2ePoE_vB0RkoUEUkc9xW_7Fi7nIyfNgp0VONnGQoftd1ircn0giMwrDBO2koys0ix/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618304881611324882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGSrPfBg8ADQfxbpuian7XsAQe3XXXMv91C2OM1y4bHsdzSu1VS9GMEXwainrHlTJyiC2ePoE_vB0RkoUEUkc9xW_7Fi7nIyfNgp0VONnGQoftd1ircn0giMwrDBO2koys0ix/s400/025.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Ater a very long hiatus....I'm bringing the blog back! There really needs to be at least 36 hours in the day, but I miss this blog and hope that a few of you do too! The blog will be back tomorrow with a very important post about how you can help find a cure for Angelman Syndrome.....all it takes is a click or two of your mouse! If you'd like to get a head start on helping us out you can support Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Theraputics (<a href="http://www.cureangelman.org/">FAST</a>) in the Vivnet gives back project by clicking on the link on the side of my blog! Check back tomorrow for an amazing video about FAST and Angelman Syndrome...and an update about our sweet angel Little J and how this could greatly impact him! </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-89779790992727584652010-12-20T07:00:00.000-08:002010-12-20T07:00:04.359-08:00The Trio visits Santa! (and what I've learned this year)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs062VQEDSNGEGOxn63ewF1RZmw3Nr9UZbOs2vfejv_9foApuZfYLUsPDpChzPj6WG58f4Xy8rnuQXAAxQfr8dB5LzuNAZRuq_JLWVEAIBpVjMJj9vYOgUUtgfl7KbNtwTorXG/s1600/JoshSanta2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 272px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552679022392282754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs062VQEDSNGEGOxn63ewF1RZmw3Nr9UZbOs2vfejv_9foApuZfYLUsPDpChzPj6WG58f4Xy8rnuQXAAxQfr8dB5LzuNAZRuq_JLWVEAIBpVjMJj9vYOgUUtgfl7KbNtwTorXG/s400/JoshSanta2010.jpg" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyJb3k33NWHT2C3fTKe3PO4hAGJG_FW5IpSKXAI3oFbRVkniINXm9fxCaw_IMA-gzDjFgFJq0C_PkWC5GNmTZzBaTS2habcVoNxk1-zuBqEM12rBBhx6uu3I0SNYWjK_h1j80/s1600/STONERIDGE_20101210_000019.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552679015347302722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyJb3k33NWHT2C3fTKe3PO4hAGJG_FW5IpSKXAI3oFbRVkniINXm9fxCaw_IMA-gzDjFgFJq0C_PkWC5GNmTZzBaTS2habcVoNxk1-zuBqEM12rBBhx6uu3I0SNYWjK_h1j80/s400/STONERIDGE_20101210_000019.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLjp7gvSYhQkOSnBtNAK5aNax_XPKwxnygpRkQqzGh3xa5LStaBjO2QHfTet5ikuZM7P9K0Ms_GFf1IlBHQuoWPpjT-kSwuF9ABQJ6ycvoxH7IZCa_8bWhqbJsWd6pP8EdeKo/s1600/STONERIDGE_20101210_000023.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552679017597273826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLjp7gvSYhQkOSnBtNAK5aNax_XPKwxnygpRkQqzGh3xa5LStaBjO2QHfTet5ikuZM7P9K0Ms_GFf1IlBHQuoWPpjT-kSwuF9ABQJ6ycvoxH7IZCa_8bWhqbJsWd6pP8EdeKo/s400/STONERIDGE_20101210_000023.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Every year I learn something new when taking the kids Santa photos. This years list:</div><div> </div><div>1. I think I look forward to the Santa visits more than the kids do.</div><div> </div><div>2. Peanut J is definitely following in Princess J's footsteps and will be giving me more screaming Santa photos to add to my collection.</div><div> </div><div>3. Little J gets to take his photo at a special holiday party put on by the United Cerebral Palsy of the Golden Gate. It's a fabulous party for children with special needs. Every year they have Santa along with "Santa's Elves" who happen to be beautiful ladies in cheerleader uniforms....last years "elves" were the Raiderettes....this years "elves" were the Warrior cheerleaders. Every year it becomes more apparent that Little J is more interested in the ladies than he is in Santa.....notice his eye gaze is not at the camera this year.</div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-33807452930743016162010-12-19T23:57:00.000-08:002010-12-20T00:19:53.901-08:00What a Princess wants for Christmas when she's 3.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MGVnSZtmDMiTZP79Hya8q0s3gFVBpWIzoe1UzG9zarxqNWtbtyxdiCngFsIqo1UrG-V3G-_7JWBvfD1sqjh7GjiHCAJjBD-njBSMjhlPvW5IgywlE3cK2YLtX3fdC9gcH_un/s1600/029.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552670820941485522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MGVnSZtmDMiTZP79Hya8q0s3gFVBpWIzoe1UzG9zarxqNWtbtyxdiCngFsIqo1UrG-V3G-_7JWBvfD1sqjh7GjiHCAJjBD-njBSMjhlPvW5IgywlE3cK2YLtX3fdC9gcH_un/s400/029.JPG" /></a> Princess J is all about Christmas this year. She completely understands the concept now and is really enjoying all of the decorations and fun things going on this month. Everyday she has to look at the Christmas tree at least 100 times. This girl does not miss anything either...she notices any new present that makes an appearance.<br /><br />She wrote a sweet letter to Santa this year.....<br /><br />On her wish list:<br /><a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Playskool-Alphie/14528648">Playskool Alphie</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10954698">Dora House</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mypillowpets.com/pages/pillows/zebra2.html">Pillow Pet Zippity Zebra</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mypillowpets.com/pages/pillows/pterodactyl.html">Pillow Pet Dinosaur</a><br /><br />Her letter was so cute and we had our postman come to the door to pick up her letter, she was so excited to send it off to Santa! Sadly, I didn't take photos of her handing her letter to the postman, since he was running behind and it was so nice of him to come to the door for her letter.<br /><br />She was not so thrilled to actually go see Santa this year. The minute we got to Santa's visiting area at the mall, she started crying. Thankfully, we were third in line when they opened. She stopped crying long enough to snap a photo with Santa....even if she had a look on her face like "please mama get me outta here!" Santa was so good to her as well. He did very well keeping her calm during the photo and then really engaged her after the photo. She took the time to ask him if he got her letter and he told her he did and that she was definitely on the good list! She was so happy to hear that!<br /><br />Princess J had a school holiday party and I have photos from that coming soon!<br /><br />Santa photos coming soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-44979360090801304212010-11-02T20:05:00.001-07:002010-11-02T20:50:54.150-07:00Happy Halloweenie!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDuLBKNg9YuMcYNBL0He9c8t4x-IVNqftMXHC_vXLEHbEks6ZIE0IKD_q0D-oc0kfnuMeQjVHQAYUEED5p4QxQNcounDPzVpBk-JFmXqCFLi2jhJoaF0kjGwW0IpW540L3fi3/s1600/042.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535156302098804642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDuLBKNg9YuMcYNBL0He9c8t4x-IVNqftMXHC_vXLEHbEks6ZIE0IKD_q0D-oc0kfnuMeQjVHQAYUEED5p4QxQNcounDPzVpBk-JFmXqCFLi2jhJoaF0kjGwW0IpW540L3fi3/s400/042.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaINT-7tL1vhTmo9cXURyF01H09iIdvlBk1CHamcRnAY1rrQ6Nb3H-oQjpqNX7yuVkMEwKWLWw5lfrwNIYQDKentvT-5ebrZ4-O2V5DY2uBAOUtHJQVrkGIqKIim6ABmnnQqP/s1600/061+(2).jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 271px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535155514769247634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaINT-7tL1vhTmo9cXURyF01H09iIdvlBk1CHamcRnAY1rrQ6Nb3H-oQjpqNX7yuVkMEwKWLWw5lfrwNIYQDKentvT-5ebrZ4-O2V5DY2uBAOUtHJQVrkGIqKIim6ABmnnQqP/s400/061+(2).jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Whew! What a busy week Halloween was! Yep, I said it....Halloween has now officially become a week long holiday event! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKqpBAB0EedsYyRxbdHUHlnS7GHa4_R_gZ342o1c0fQ1GdUroetQepa9xWBXBZ9uY_F4ehfelASMMG1Yk9yyvXm-pM8GdlD_LyNASZHzLXd8zwtYflxhDFHi601G8Rd36Ww7v/s1600/107.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535155508839289506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKqpBAB0EedsYyRxbdHUHlnS7GHa4_R_gZ342o1c0fQ1GdUroetQepa9xWBXBZ9uY_F4ehfelASMMG1Yk9yyvXm-pM8GdlD_LyNASZHzLXd8zwtYflxhDFHi601G8Rd36Ww7v/s400/107.JPG" /></a> Between making treats for the kiddos to take to their classes and making sure we had candy for trick or treating and costumes that fit it was a whirlwind! </div><div> </div><div>First up, Princess J had two costumes! Her preschool had a little trick or treat event at the school district offices. They didn't want any costumes that were too elaborate or had any pieces to carry and keep track of. Soooo, I was very lucky to have a Tinkerbell costume in our arsenal! Grandma had purchased it for her last year to play dress up with and it hadn't fit quite yet....it came in quite handy this year! Thanks Grandma! Then, when Halloween costumes first came out, she saw this Strawberry butterfly princess and decided that was what she wanted to be. She had so much fun! She loved wearing both of her costumes and loved telling people what she was....and if they guessed wrong she loved making sure to correct them! We didn't trick or treat too far, she was done after about 10 houses. She had just as much fun handing out candy to the gazzillion kids that came to our door. It was as if someone brought a bus to our neighborhood....<br /></div><div> </div><div>Little J finally got to participate in his school Halloween parade! Yay! Last year he was so sick! He wore his Superman costume and he wore it well! Super kid, super strength and super smile! Loved his parade! Those teachers and aides work hard for those kids! Eight kids in the class and dressing all of them and keeping them all occupied while they wait their turn for the parade. They did lots of art projects leading up to Halloween too! We have lots of Little J created Halloween decorations now too!<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFS7mvDS1ja8SsdCD8FCFO6TCf3UclXCOv5ugRsSdTmFt7mLw6gu_zGHldvGaKOsFQXbt7i9aSsbYl0VIBlWkLKO6BNQG1D-Bhi_iEuwr6LLqqtTHrF0xsvq7iUkNWwf7SMJPK/s1600/102.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535154819399358658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFS7mvDS1ja8SsdCD8FCFO6TCf3UclXCOv5ugRsSdTmFt7mLw6gu_zGHldvGaKOsFQXbt7i9aSsbYl0VIBlWkLKO6BNQG1D-Bhi_iEuwr6LLqqtTHrF0xsvq7iUkNWwf7SMJPK/s400/102.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />The photos were soo hard to capture this year. Peanut J jsut wanted to make sure he had his car in his hand and was so busy watching all the other kids in the neighborhood, I had a hard time getting him to look at me! Princess J was everywhere, I couldn't keep her still for an instant! Always on the move!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihR78NptJKyWV36BEZIqOaJHyeSWa-YdqwbDGURKwgoyRLmZ-3L6BTCx5KZXxkkdppI3sw5O0teRrMogOyPzBJyUTAahD56BnNcutXb4m4cfczJ1Do0G5qBO2kK7LIZ25dXn-M/s1600/089.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535154816628747298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihR78NptJKyWV36BEZIqOaJHyeSWa-YdqwbDGURKwgoyRLmZ-3L6BTCx5KZXxkkdppI3sw5O0teRrMogOyPzBJyUTAahD56BnNcutXb4m4cfczJ1Do0G5qBO2kK7LIZ25dXn-M/s400/089.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6cpIr0wNTva9wS-fbgsS2tNDiGuqjyb4cco5Ki2Zklhp04MdmYJolNRDq6hYwtwibb7nfz1EXPc1_NEFOM6E7LlwuAqydh3BGbMJFMK_MM-XHDhlIXjs5qJciNDqGWtVhx7Q/s1600/058.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535154816342344514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6cpIr0wNTva9wS-fbgsS2tNDiGuqjyb4cco5Ki2Zklhp04MdmYJolNRDq6hYwtwibb7nfz1EXPc1_NEFOM6E7LlwuAqydh3BGbMJFMK_MM-XHDhlIXjs5qJciNDqGWtVhx7Q/s400/058.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKnvpTjGIv6UIbz-KWjCW6c2fI6O37_WsPCaxTUizEngvXcXrACIoCrL27JbCQ3c3qWvDo9WFOsWy38MVjCy6FGv_Pu9QYWIixVyvmxhtWINaq2yY_SPweXFBjcy7MvJNUp51/s1600/043.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535154804015791090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKnvpTjGIv6UIbz-KWjCW6c2fI6O37_WsPCaxTUizEngvXcXrACIoCrL27JbCQ3c3qWvDo9WFOsWy38MVjCy6FGv_Pu9QYWIixVyvmxhtWINaq2yY_SPweXFBjcy7MvJNUp51/s400/043.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-iHPzzQeVZJE2oR-0ihvlsTigI0xGtR4Xp8kVh9EUk9YcYxCs7An387mi-uCoF1OOuO-CNERDmpy5s0Q9L_I2bxRVs2xCN_jn_QfgNDIUCg0FWTW5npRlED_oSYofwIJ3nbA/s1600/031.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535154788003061970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-iHPzzQeVZJE2oR-0ihvlsTigI0xGtR4Xp8kVh9EUk9YcYxCs7An387mi-uCoF1OOuO-CNERDmpy5s0Q9L_I2bxRVs2xCN_jn_QfgNDIUCg0FWTW5npRlED_oSYofwIJ3nbA/s400/031.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Peanut J! What a fun one he was! His costume last year was so big, we thought that he might be able to wear it again this year....but it was not to be. So....while Princess J and Little J were at school we headed out to find this years costume. He tried on 4 costumes with an audience. They probably thought I was silly asking this little guy what he wanted to be....we tried on a spider, a lion, a puppy and this little monster. The spider, he wouldn't keep the hat on, the lion he hated the hood and kept pushing it around. It was one of those that was seperate from the body of the costume and it came around the whole head, so when he'd turn it around he could no longer see and would scream! Nice! The puppy he wouldn't even let me put his arms in the body...but when we put the monster on he just started smiling...along with his audience who proclaimed him the cutest monster! Without any bias, I have to agree! LOL! </div><div> </div><div>All in all, Halloween was a great time! Princess J didn't want it to end. The dismantle of all the decorations inside and out brought tears and a "I want Halloween to be today again!" </div><div> </div><div>I have a crafty post coming up soon too! I got crafty for Halloween for the kiddos and feel like I'm finally getting a little mojo back. More on that in another post! </div></div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-74336937082801681312010-10-24T22:50:00.001-07:002010-10-24T23:07:28.977-07:00{Still Here}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtOOTjVyGYYeEGl0FiTI7QGPJT0CLVya4pHrw7UPkU26pld7GRH5iQwK4ObTY55ZMev9s-LrMAwpREp6OW2uo-kLo9JjhoSYwYpVm02Je3ci6p05mgRzBwxGXN73-KfOoIkU9/s1600/197+(2).jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 308px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531857792054026130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtOOTjVyGYYeEGl0FiTI7QGPJT0CLVya4pHrw7UPkU26pld7GRH5iQwK4ObTY55ZMev9s-LrMAwpREp6OW2uo-kLo9JjhoSYwYpVm02Je3ci6p05mgRzBwxGXN73-KfOoIkU9/s400/197+(2).jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><div>We are still here and all is well. This cute little smiley boy you see here is none other than Peanut J! He is finally demanding his time and place in this family. He is no longer my patient little man who just goes with the flow. It used to be that he would only scream when he was hungry....now he is using those powerful vocal cords to demand many things.....including food, changing, naps, and moving his turn in the chain up a few notches. He let us have it easy for awhile.....but he is definately taking Princess J's lead and quickly attempting to move himself to the top of the chain. The squeeky wheel gets the grease.....and welll....he's being pretty darn squeeky! </div><div> </div><div>We welcome this emergence of his personality....I don't know how long Princess J is going to stand for it though! </div><div> </div><div>Peanut J is doing so well. He's quickly becoming a steady walker....and we believe he is destined to be a line backer or a comedian. While Princess J steers clear of Little J and stays out of his way, Peanut J just jumps right in....if Little J is in his way he just pushes him out of the way. Little J was in prime wrestling position the other day and Peanut J jumped right on top of him. We are so proud of Little J doing his best to be gentle....sometimes his excitement gets the best of him though.....but Peanut J has no fear! </div><div> </div><div>Peanut J is a great eater! Right now, his favorite thing to do is to start laughing and then stick his hand in his full mouth and come after you with his handful of food. He thinks it's quite hilarious! He also thinks it's hilarious to throw his cheerios, goldfish, or whatever item is on his tray on the floor and watch you fetch it. He literally belly laughs! Peek-a-boo is still his favorite game....he still thinks it's hilarious. He loves to watch cartoons with the kids....however his personal favorite right now is Dora the Explorer. </div><div> </div><div>I'm really trying to get back in the groove here and have some fun stuff to post coming up soon! </div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14444839.post-49026156723120728882010-10-11T19:32:00.001-07:002010-10-11T19:50:46.354-07:00{Fairyland}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAAoTDnam401-44MQxeMRxoxM6ClbTJ2jvZNu5jvX8M0-HoDRs4z39r9PyKnUCqUsW5WLfmoosyPYcNu1yjjhvXqno-v-QPz5mR0kShRyhq4jjYCCslhb0uqw_cOplkYzpGNk/s1600/September+download+(1)+081.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526985076760211554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAAoTDnam401-44MQxeMRxoxM6ClbTJ2jvZNu5jvX8M0-HoDRs4z39r9PyKnUCqUsW5WLfmoosyPYcNu1yjjhvXqno-v-QPz5mR0kShRyhq4jjYCCslhb0uqw_cOplkYzpGNk/s400/September+download+(1)+081.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OWGufJNQpeE40g4puqMFh8U_fuFg6k3s1rotV2yl-m8-rMN8NH4rbB96tJG-87DgbQ3bKJh1BJhab25YTFKXauw-crI9c2Ne3ZhqFvgJHeUURihPnpL8RBt1qqRXhWwxnPJC/s1600/September+download+(1)+080.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526985065717996162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OWGufJNQpeE40g4puqMFh8U_fuFg6k3s1rotV2yl-m8-rMN8NH4rbB96tJG-87DgbQ3bKJh1BJhab25YTFKXauw-crI9c2Ne3ZhqFvgJHeUURihPnpL8RBt1qqRXhWwxnPJC/s400/September+download+(1)+080.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wuPOkCFJEd50f6-u2KnEKg2cZXw4ZHwO4qfdVGyhdegEatiBaoUzykGgQZEpTrdxWtVaGySxY4oezHU8rMu9rQvNd24cMadyI6S38CmgYjT0ZIDtr6Of3l3twwpr-9mb-LIe/s1600/September+download+(1)+067.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526984245299780514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wuPOkCFJEd50f6-u2KnEKg2cZXw4ZHwO4qfdVGyhdegEatiBaoUzykGgQZEpTrdxWtVaGySxY4oezHU8rMu9rQvNd24cMadyI6S38CmgYjT0ZIDtr6Of3l3twwpr-9mb-LIe/s400/September+download+(1)+067.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4lwXHcO9Gd971_1dpf4h_TWSmM7-q6jMLRevd9gs6Y_Erz0jKRwiXVdOvKCEmZpqbwHRvPVLPAqzMJpZG_l_ZaJNz4nrfR056-mhEmMxqWkbZPGijqe5_JTjFBebGTLPcSqd/s1600/September+download+(1)+066.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526984242085014562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4lwXHcO9Gd971_1dpf4h_TWSmM7-q6jMLRevd9gs6Y_Erz0jKRwiXVdOvKCEmZpqbwHRvPVLPAqzMJpZG_l_ZaJNz4nrfR056-mhEmMxqWkbZPGijqe5_JTjFBebGTLPcSqd/s400/September+download+(1)+066.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlhRrXEllHExJFgRFzm2nwsTdRJDEmGsNRt-xrGS8BUs-JSOi_p8tpmI1PhJTwUPb40P5g_b7jCPP1Nrs6Fqea9AdEG3PTGvdDvk6RmPnfNkchz0VAtfmPRvnc7R-8UaGnAMt/s1600/September+download+(1)+047.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526984238177210002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlhRrXEllHExJFgRFzm2nwsTdRJDEmGsNRt-xrGS8BUs-JSOi_p8tpmI1PhJTwUPb40P5g_b7jCPP1Nrs6Fqea9AdEG3PTGvdDvk6RmPnfNkchz0VAtfmPRvnc7R-8UaGnAMt/s400/September+download+(1)+047.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9EhvW-YoSfMtb4k7j7yINT6I7YdhxtfPiuFoMR3SRHwrjFo41sKy3YdEuSRSvP2ezFe3Aycnmq3MGvRXLDZX0VR1nMdImaY_7kge7SHiqWC-qKuhiV8lsDJo9EhXKJuQo_cp/s1600/September+download+(1)+018.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526984233701278818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9EhvW-YoSfMtb4k7j7yINT6I7YdhxtfPiuFoMR3SRHwrjFo41sKy3YdEuSRSvP2ezFe3Aycnmq3MGvRXLDZX0VR1nMdImaY_7kge7SHiqWC-qKuhiV8lsDJo9EhXKJuQo_cp/s400/September+download+(1)+018.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkTqAYidreP8DWw8I9oHUeTfYk8OeajlhgXASAwozOauM61S9zVJXshz2bGdERghuUgRwNlwjNchDm0TK6VqkLhRzoL5AavGp9t-DDAbPzQeyXOFg-ES6JHb4t5hHXFp3Y6mU/s1600/September+download+(1)+013.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526984227558618690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkTqAYidreP8DWw8I9oHUeTfYk8OeajlhgXASAwozOauM61S9zVJXshz2bGdERghuUgRwNlwjNchDm0TK6VqkLhRzoL5AavGp9t-DDAbPzQeyXOFg-ES6JHb4t5hHXFp3Y6mU/s400/September+download+(1)+013.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>This post is LONG overdue!</div><div> </div><div> I remember my dad and my grandma taking me to Children's Fairyland when I was a little girl. I've been dying to take the kids myself! I have so many good memories of coming here. Lots of puppet shows, exploring my favorite fairytales and the prized magic key!</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>It was quite funny to enter through the old shoe that was once the ticket booth when I was little and enter the newly renovated ticket booth. Upon entering, I was struck by how little everything is, when my memories picture everything so much bigger! I know, I know, it's because I was so little then that it seemed so big! </div><div> </div><div>What was so wonderful, is that overall, everything is exactly the same. The magic key, the little blue boxes and my little Princess was just mesmerized. She was running everywhere....and she held on to that magic key with every bit of strength she had! She didn't care to stick the key in the blue boxes, but she loved the key! LOL!</div><div> </div><div>While Princess J was running everywhere and hard to keep up with, Peanut J was just taking it all in. Just looking at everyone and everything! He was even distracted enough to drink his milk instead of formula...after he'd been fussing for days over the change. Little J, loved looking at stuff, but after awhile his friend Stephanie (our respite care helper) took him over to the open grass area and let him loose to wrestle and kick his legs up. It was perfect! </div><div> </div><div>I can't wait to take Princess J back and now that Peanut J is a bit more moble, letting him explore some too....outside of the stroller. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09856406786001997066noreply@blogger.com0