Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Marching for Babies

Saturday was the March for Bab ies. I really wanted to go, but went back and forth about it. I really haven't been in a fundraising kind of frame of mind, so I really didn't have the energy, to form a "team". But I got an email from Kaden's Mom Jeanine, saying they had formed a team, so decided, I needed to get over there so I could meet her, and do some good!!

So Parker, Em, Jack and I went, and walked for babies!! It was really fun, and nice to see everyone out trying to raise awearness, and money, to help more babies be born healthy! And...I finally got to hug Jeanine!! YAY!!!

You can find pictures from our adventures here!

Sunday, April 27, 2008

The Hallway of Change

It's so funny to watch him be older, and older every time we go up to the hospital. Sorry if that sounds weird. We were walking down that main hallway a bit ago, and he was holding my hand, walking beside me. It hit me like a brick in the head, all that has happened in that hallway.

I've walked down the hall so much, I can't even tell you. I've had every possible emotion in that hall way. I've walked down it, crying, stressed, scared, starving, excited, worried, happy, mad, exhausted, showered, and wanting a shower. I've walked down it, pregnant, and scared about the future. Pushing a stroller with a newborn in it and trying desperately not to let anyone breath on him. Carrying him in his carseat. Holding him on my shoulder. On my hip. Daddy holding him. And now with him walking beside me, holding my hand.

I've walked down it, without him, and only his name on my chest. Sometimes in red, sometimes in black, but always with a pink bracelet.

I've walked down it, and been greeted by friends. We are often greeted by hospital staff, who knew him as a baby. They joyously greet him, and he looks at them like they are crazy. :)

I've walked down it late at night, and early in the morning, when we are the only ones in the hallway. And in the middle of the day, when there are so many people coming and going you can get dizzy.

It is just amazing to me, how much he has changed, in just two years. I know I have 3 other kids, but nothing compares to this. I've never had such a range of emotions in one place. For those of you who frequent PCMC, I bet you have had all these same emotions, walking down that main hallway. I bet if not PCMC, it's another place similar.

He is a totally different kid, then we thought he'd be. The hallway, as well as the front and back lobby, are getting a fresh coat of paint, new murals on the walls, and new flooring. I think the timing, is rather appropriate, as Jack blossoms into a little boy.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Ways to Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity!

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.

4.Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."

5.Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6.In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Smuggling Diamonds"

7.Finish All Your sentences with, "In Accordance With The Prophecy."

8. Don't use any punctuation

9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is"To Go."

12. Sing Along At The Opera.

13.Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme?

14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical Sounds All Day.

15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood.

16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.

17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"

18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"

19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."

20. Attend My Blog Regularly! :)

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Oh the funniness...

If you haven't seen this, check it out. It was on El len, and all over you tube. The kids thought it was hilarious, and wanted to make their own. Oh my...




If your wondering...I use Windows Movie Maker. It is SO easy. That last video, probably took me 20 minutes to make. (Jack was asleep) And...it is probably on you PC already.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

New Obsession...

Oh no...I COULD sit here for hours...

Check these out... They are from Dumpr.net

Fun with your photos
Sketch your photos at dumpr.net


Digital Cameras Fun
Free sketch at dumpr.net


Digital Camera Fun
Free sketch at dumpr.net


Digital Cameras Fun
Get your own photo sketch


Museum
Museum by dumpr.net


Ok, that's enough for now...check it out for yourself! Oh and thanks to Patricia, I found it on her site!! :)

Friday, April 18, 2008

Oh Jack...

Oh Mitt...

Evil Jack

Parker told him to make a frowny face, was following him around the house, taking his picture. The pictures are about 5 minutes apart!

...Oh, and he had just had an ice cream cone...


*sigh*


And here's a nice one, in case you forgot how cute he CAN be!!


I should send these to the Dr who told me to terminate... :)

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Gone crazy with videos!

We went to the park the other day, and Parker was determined to jump and swing on the monkey bars. I decided to try to catch it on video, and did!!

Check it out!



Also, here's another one, just for fun!

I wish I had this much time on my hands. And...it's one of my all time favorite "Friends" moments.

This is TOO funny, AND clever.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Again... couldn't resist

Besides the fact...I haven't been very good about writing on my idol blog! Sorry, noone has been checking it anyway... :)

This really needs no explaination...But I will say, I have been trying to get this up for a week, but I couldn't get the song until today! And it HAD to have the song!

ENJOY!!

Just cuteness...

Story of a new bed...

So Parker was my assistant, for the process of taking the crib down! Emma, helped too... ;)


Jack thought it was SO COOL!! WE had put him in the tub, to get him out of the way, to take the crib down, and bring the bed in. Hence the diaper.



Of course...EVERYONE, is all excited!



Video of the kid who wasn't supposed to walk...jumping on his new toddler bed!




All ready and waiting for him to snuggle in!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Holy freakin Cartwheels...


I'll tell the rest tomorrow, took my pill, and the keys keep switching places on me... *rolling eyes*

Just wanted to share!!!



Made it through Saturday!

What a whirlwind day!

It started at 8 am, for Emma and me. I needed a haircut, and I wanted a hairstylist, to go to town on Em. So we headed to my girlfriends house/salon. Here is how Emma turned out!

WOO HOO!!!



Seriuosly could have NEVER done that myself! I don't have a curling iron that small for starters! My friend also has puppies! She's selling them on KSL if you are interested. I put up the ad for her in exchange for haircuts! WOO HOO!! Emma is in love with the puppies...of course, who wouldn't be? So this is her, before we left for her pictures!



On the way to pictures, I passed a garage sale that had one of those race car toddler beds. I didn't have time to stop, but my friend called a bit later, and offered to walk down, and check it out for me! She's so nice!!! By fate... it was still there, and they held it for us, to come back and get! YA!! So Mr Jack has a new big boy bed!! Well, little big boy! It, of course is still outside...*rolling eyes*. As soon as it's in, and made, I'll take pictures! Jack thinks it's cool...on the lawn...let's hope he'll sleep in it! :)
The play was GREAT! The kids had a blast, and did really well!! Here's a couple of photos...



Nick was elusive of course, in allowing me to take a picture of HIM... goofball!
So it was a good day all around!

Friday, April 11, 2008

Over due update!!

Alrighty then...

Goodness, last time we chatted, I was so worried about Monday, and now it's FRIDAY!
The IFSP went great! And Amy...you were right. His therapists overrode the tests. He was only a little behind in fine motor, and she, the OT, kept saying..."I SO don't want to discharge him!!" The main concern besides speech, is keeping an eye on him. Checking in with him so to speak. So we have gone down to once a month with Teacher lady, and OT. He still get's speech 3 times a month, so every ten days or so, and Musikgarten, his little music class, once a week. They are also refering him for the little preschool. That is twice a week, for an hour and a half. WITHOUT ME!!!!!!!!! Not quite sure how I feel about that...I will be a few months before he starts that anyway. Probably not till summer anyway. And I may wait untill after we get back from Myrtle Beach!

The play tryouts went great! I love the whole process. They really do a great job. First they tell the kids about the play, and BEING in a play. They talk about commitment, and doing your best. They tell them, if you can't make a rehearsal, don't try out. They are trying to do a play in a week. Soccer baseball, parties...all have to wait, if you want to do the play. There have been a few years we have had too many other commitments, and couldn't do it. But sadly, some people think they are the exception to the rule... Last year even, Parker got sick at the beginning of the week, and had to drop out. It's a great lesson in commitment they teach.

Then they line up the kids in a BIG circle, and have them count off. Now they know how many kids, and didn't have to count themselves. It also gives them an idea of their "stage presence", before the even ask them to do anything. Then they go thr5ough a series of "tell us your name and age. Then tell us, as if you were a pirate! Then they have certain age groups do specific things. They had the little ones, K-2nd play Simon says, seeing how well they move, AND follow directions! The older kids, 12 and up, they taught them a paragraph, and they had to repeat it, in different charactors. One time they had to say it nerdy. Most of the had a southern accent. I thought that was funny. The age in between them, Parker's age, had to say a phrase a couple different ways. Then they had them all sing row row row your boat, like 20 times. NOT my favorite part...but it gives them a good idea of who can sing and stay on the beat...ish! :)

They play is written to incorporate LOTS of kids. So they give individuale parts, to the older kids. Then 3rd thru like 5th and K-2nd are a group. They little kids usually just have cute costumes, and come on stage only maybe 3 times, sing a little song, and do a little dance, and leave. It's WAY cute! The older set, will have some lines, and are on stage more. They also pick about 4 older kids, to be Assistant Directors. Last year, Nick was in charge of the sound. He hit play, when it was time! haha...

So THIS YEAR... Nick is again, an assistant director. He helps the older group of kids (Parker's group) learn their parts. He loves being in charge. Hmmm...wonder where he get's that? And Parker, is part of a silly group of kids who run around scaring people or something. They are both really excited. THey are having a blast! I can't believe it's friday already! It's been so quiet around here... :)

So if you're around...Try to come see it! They are doing it at 3 and 7, This Saturday, tomorrow. The 12th! Contact me, and I'll tell ya where!


And sorry for my long absence, my laptop is broken. I was on it the other day, and got a HUGE wave of nausua. So I set it down, open and went to the bathroom. I was so suddenly sick, I went straigh to bed. Luckily DH was home. While I was sleeping, I heard a LOUD CRASH! Yep, laptop. Jack had pushed it off, and it landed on the florr, upside down. UGH. And I just haven't had the time of the strength to deal with the idiots, geeks who think they know everything! Ya know? And the fact I live with a computor hog, limits me abit... so I jump on when I can!


And one of the other things from Monday, I was waiting to hear if I got job, but I didn't! *rolling eyes* I'll just keep looking. I did find a "home party" company last night that looks interesting. Check it out....what do YOU think... http://www.uppercaseliving.com/ They have the neatest stuff, and it's not outragously expencive. So, I'm thinkin about that...and a few other things.


Emma, has dance pictures tomorrow. Oh the horror! Do I doll her all up? Do I attempt to do her hair? Ugh ugh ugh...is all I can say. Her teacher wants them to have ringlets. Um ya...Emma can have ringlets.


Oh, and here's a recent picture of Jack, that just cracks me up. He was laughing hysterically! Can you tell!?!?

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Monday is gonna be busy

Monday, is coming fast, and it has lots of things in store.

First off, we have Jack's IFSP-(parent teacher conference for infants). I have mixed feelings about it. I have loved his therapists, all of them. I love having them in our home. I consider them friends. Jack is doing so well, I am wondering what services they will take away. What friends, we will stop playing with. It feels stupid, to NOT want him to do well, so we can continue to get services.

We did most of the "testing", which is standerized...SO ANNOYING... but he did well. His motor skills are great. His fine motor is great. He can jump, catch a ball, kick, and walk on his tippy toes. His speech is coming along. He's getting more and more signs, that he will do spontaniously. And he copies the ones we show him. Granted, it's a very modified, JACK version...but he does them. But the only "words" he has, are Mom, HUH?, uh oh!, NO! He can meow, pant like a dog, and does a "Jack version" of roar, quack, and neigh. I don't remember if I told this here, but when we tell him to say something...he mouths it. NO SOUND! Just moves his mouth. And usually nods his head. It's funny. Reminds me of when I was waitressing, and in training they taught to nod your head when you ask if the want a drink! HAHA...

So we'll see how the meeting goes, and what conclusions will be made. For 2 years, I've been excited for him to go to special ed preschool. Now I worry he won't qualify. Part of me wants him to be around "regular" kids, the other wants him to stay FAR away from them. And with special ed, he will go when he turns three, not on the school year. There's the whole bus issue too...ya..he is SO NOT going on the bus- at 3!!!!!!! Some say speech will qualify him. Some say the hydro, and cleft will qualify him. WHo knows for sure. I know, I know, it's a year away...but hey...I'm SO GOOD at freaking out, before it's neccessary! :)

Then after school, are tryouts for Missoula Children's Theater. It's a wonderful company that travels around the country, putting on shows, in a week. The tryouts, will be tomorrow from 4-6, they will pick the cast and crew, then practice all week, and perform it on Sat. It is TRUELY amazing what they pull off. The most amazing thing...it's not painful at ALL!! heehee...I know you've been to plays that were painful...

So Nick and Parker are trying for that. hmmm...Emma is 5, but I think she has to be in kindergarten. Eh...we'll see.

There's a few other things, that I don't feel like devulging quite yet. But soon. Ya know, I LOVE to be busy, thrive on it as a matter of fact. It's going into it, that freaks me out!!

Wish me luck!

Saturday, April 5, 2008

One hundred and seven

What does one hundred and seven mean to you?

Is it your phone bill? Is it how many times you've asked your kids to empty the dishwasher? Is it how many minutes over, "Lord of the R ings" went? Is it how many friends you have on Face book, or My space? Is it, how many hours of therapy your child has had? Is it how much you weighed when you got married? Is it the highway or exit you take to get to work?

Well, at my house, it's how much my oldest child weighs. How on earth, I ask you, could I have a child who weighs 107 pounds? Sure he weighed 9 pounds 4 ounces when he was born, but I remember when I weighed 107 pounds? It was last weekend was it not? *rolling eyes*

For some reason it is unreal to me, that I could have a child who weighs 107 pounds. Sure I know I have 4 kids. I know, I'll be 40 in a couple months. I KNOW that that child is 12 and a HALF!!! And can I tell you, he is almost as tall as my mom!! Good gracious!

I know we have talked about this before, this thing called life. How our kids get older, and bigger, and if we're not looking, we miss it. But hello!?!?!....I've been watching this child, and he still weighs 107 pounds. He really needs to stop it, as do all of them. I am SO not in the mood, for them to grow up, and leave me.

Eh...maybe I am... heehee