Not 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....

Here is a bit of crazy that's been going on....

First we've had lots of birthday parties to attend! So thankful for wonderful friends and that my kids have such great friends! 

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! 

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. 

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! 

So, these last 10 days were just a minor setback....be back soon! 

Moshi Monday

Moshi Monsters 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!

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!

FAST Friday #2

We were given Josh's devastating diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome when he was 17 months old.
We were told he may never walk, he would probably never speak, he would have sleep issues and most likely have seizures.
We were told he would need lifelong 24 hour care.
Josh took his first steps when he was almost 5 years old.
Josh began to walk independently (after surgery to correct tight heel cords and hamstrings) at 7 years old.
Josh is beginning his journey of learning to use an iPad to communicate.
Josh has had to work so hard for every milestone, every physical movement we take for granted.
Josh is the bravest and most determined little boy.

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.

Their Mission Statement (taken directly from their website)
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.                                                             
Take a moment and watch this short video. Then go visit FAST at www.cureangelman.org. 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!

So Many Books, So Little Time......

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.

 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....


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....

Here are the next  books on my list to read:

1. Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich
2. Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich
3. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
5. Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy by Helen Fielding
6. I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
7. Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella
8. The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan
9. Nanny Returns by Emma Mclaughlin
10. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
11 Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth
12.Labor Day by Joyce Maynard
13. The Lake by Banana Yoshimoto
14. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
15. Following After Trek by Jarrett W. Ingram

I'll stop at 15 because I could go on FOREVER!!!
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 Our Sonny Life. Trek's journey with his beautiful family is emotional in many ways, but is amazing.....

Now, since I like to collect lists, I thought I'd share this one with you:
16 Books To Read Before They Hit Theaters This Year by Buzz Feed Books

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!

#jordansleepsanywhere

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.

Impact

"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

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 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! 

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? 

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! 

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. 

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.

Work 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!

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!

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!

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!


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.

Life 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.

Today will be a FAST Friday-

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 Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Theraputics (FAST)...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!

-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!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014

"Life Moves Pretty Fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it" -FerrisBueller

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.

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.

Here is where we are right now:

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!

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.

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.

Jocelyn and Jordan are still participating in AWANA. They love it and I love that they are learning about God and Jesus.

So, what do I want to do in 2014.....
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.......

1. Get started on Project Life and document in words and photos our everyday.

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)

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!

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!

4. Lose the weight and get it together to do a 5K in March! Let's go!

5. CHOOSE HAPPINESS! Even when I'm feeling down or not happy about something, I wanna choose to be happy! Get through it!