Sensory Processing Disorder

I went to a seminar on Wednesday with Ethan’s teacher, Mary.  The title of the seminar was “Strategies to Help Children with Sensory Processing Disorder”.  The two speakers were, Carol Kranowitz- author of  The Out-of-Sync Child, and Paula Aquilla, OT and co-author of Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration.

First of all, if you have a child with SPD and you do not have either of these books, I would recommend purchasing them!  I have already been able to learn so much!  I am, particularly, enjoying Building Bridges.  I love the checklist pages and activity samples given to try to work on.

We have known that Ethan has “sensory issues” for a while, but we just felt like we would try, try, try different suggestions without any luck.  Some of Ethan’s behaviors were appearing to be “mean”.  He was pinching or pulling hair and would not stop when told NO.  He would be having a great time playing with laughter and giggles and then, BAM, he would flip to be “mean”. 

When I told Ms. Aquilla this, she immediately asked me if Ethan has seizures. “ Ummmm, not that I am aware of”.  Ms. Aquilla is also studying neurology and proceeds to tell me that his behavior sounds like he is having sensory seizures.  She said that sensory seizures are not spoken of often because they are difficult to diagnose and they are not as obvious to others like say, a grand mal seizure.  We have a neurologist appointment on the 16th that took close to 9 months to get and I intend to discuss the possibility of sensory seizures with Ethan and if the lesions that were found on Ethan’s brain have any significance.  This should get interesting and I will be sure to update with a follow-up after the neuro appointment.

Back to the actual seminar- what wonderful speakers!  We were there for 9 hours, and that does not include my 5 hours of driving time to and from home, but it didn’t seem like it.  They both made such a complicated subject fun to learn about! 

There are different classifications within SPD:

Sensory Modulation Disorder/Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR)

• Defensive Behavior
• Avoids sensation
• Most common SPD
• Most emotional
• Fast fight, flight, and/or fight response to cope
• Challenging, rigid
• Frequent Meltdowns

Sensory Under-Reponsivity (SUR)

• Requires intense input just to notice
• Disregards sensation; appears disengaged
• Safety issue; poor response to pain
• Slow responsiveness

Sensory Seeker (SS)

• Constantly seeking out sensation
• Bumper and crasher
• Safety concern
• Can be impulsive
• Seems more than even they can handle

Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD)

• Can’t differentiate between sensation; even between internal and external sensation
• May or may not co-exist with SMD

Sensory Based Motor Disorder (SBMD)

• Postural Disorder
• Difficulty with core strength, balance, bilateral co-ordination
• Low tone, easy fatigue
• Associated responses
• ‘leaner’

Sensory Based Motor Disorder (SBMD)

• Dyspraxia
• Clumsy, difficulty learning new movements
• Ideational, ideomotor challenges
• May prefer familiar tasks as new ones are so difficult to learn
• Behavior can be inflexible

Ethan can check off a number of these symptoms within the classifications!  Ms. Aquilla said that it is quite common for kids to cross over into other classifications.  I felt better about that, knowing that we aren’t the only ones!

We were working on a sensory diet (sample sensory diet here) already, but after attending this seminar, we are in SD overdrive!  Another thing that I am going to work on (PRAY FOR ME NOW!!!), is taking as much artificial color, especially reds, out of Ethan’s diet.   I know that Ethan is not going to be very happy with this since he LOVES his strawberry milk!  What we are going to try as a substitute is to puree some frozen/fresh strawberries and add that mixture to his milk instead.  Here’s to hoping it works!!!

The next project in line after removing artificial colors for a while is to go gluten-free.  YIKES!!!  Do you know how many foods have gluten in them?!?!?!  Especially the foods that Ethan LOVES!  I believe it was Ms. Kranowitz who mentioned that she once had a student who only ate 3 things and those 3 things were toxic to his system.  Artificial colors and gluten could very well be contributing to some of Ethan’s challenges.  We have to try this.  If it works, great!  If not, then at least we can say that we tried.

There are other things that we can do diet-wise, but I want to start with those two things.  I am thinking at least a month without AC first and then introduce GF- is that enough time to see a change?

I gained SO much information from this event.  I am a little overwhelmed by it all, but I see hope.  We are SO incredibly lucky to have Mary for our teacher!  She took the day off of work, unpaid thank you, to get more information on how she can help Ethan.  We all want to work as a team and be on the same page. 

This sensory business is NO JOKE and I hate it, but we do have a dim light in the distance at the end of a very long tunnel.  This is another battle that Ethan will fight, and just like all of his previous battles, he will WIN and come out on top.  I have faith in him that he can!

Crazy Motivations

If you remember, Ethan has a lovely obsession with feet. He is motivated by them, so I took his fake foot into PT yesterday and it was the best session in a very long time! He tried the walker again (even though he’s not using it as it was intended to be used) and he took quite a few independent steps too!

I am all for using whatever to get Ethan motivated- I just wish that it wasn’t so freaky looking!

Snow montage

Snow,

More pics of Ethan in the snow...with video.

Very Disturbing!

I just read on Karen's blog that someone has stolen items from Olivia's gravesite! This is VERY disturbing! What kind of person does such a thing? I had a couple of ceramic plaques, one said "Make A Wish" and the other said "Princess" up there that I got for her birthday. They were taken. There was a tiara and and another gift there that was also taken. It is so infuriating.

I will replace the plaques if they are still available. Seriously though- who steals from a little girls grave!?!?!? I shake my head in disbelief and disgust.

SNOW!

We officially have snow!  Granted, it’s not a foot of snow, but it is a lovely 3 inch blanket of snow.  It is absolutely beautiful with the sun shining today!  We are going to have to see if we can make a sled of some sort and take Ethan down a hill! 

Shep didn’t know what to do with this cold stuff!  He refused to go outside last night to pee and I don’t think he was that excited about us making him go out this morning!  He is back in the comfort of a warm living room!

If we get Ethan outside, I’ll be sure to post pics later!  Oh yeah….school is, of course, closed.

Ethan's Impact

I asked Ethan's principal to write something for me regarding how she feels about Ethan and what his impact is on the other students and staff.

Alert, Alert...*TISSUE WARNING*!!!

What Ethan Means To Me...

Ethan means joy, plain and simple. That little guy brings so much happiness to every member of our school community. We have watched him learn to say "hi" and "goodbye", we have watched him learn to walk unassisted- complete with a hug and a kiss on the end of the walk :-) --, we have watched him learn to share, and we have loved him every step of the way.

Ethan brings such a great perspective to our daily lives. He is absolutely the most popular young man in our school! Our students love him for who he is. They have learned about his struggles and assist him in such a caring and loving way. They do not see him as "different", they see him as "theirs". They embrace him and help him learn..and all the while he is helping them learn...he helps us all learn about mutual respect, persistence, consistency, patience, kindness, and genuine happiness. We are better because we know Ethan.

Dr. A
Principal, MES

What the French?

Can you read my posts? I know those on reader are seeing them, but if I go directly to my blog, the text portion is blank...all I can see are the little widget additions. Anyone else having blogger technical difficulties???

ETA: Ok, now- oh, two seconds later, it's fine! Even though, I had been having that trouble for almost a half an hour! Grrrr....

Letters from Challenge Farm

A few weeks ago, Cheri & Stephanie returned to Challenge Farm in Kenya.  I sent about 13 letters, each with their own picture.  I, of course, hoped that they would return home with some letters back for me.  Well, the kids wrote!!!  I received 14 letters/cards from the kids/staff. 

Many of the letters say how much they miss me, love me, pray for me and my family…some came with beautiful jewelry.  A couple of them drew “I Love You” in sign language.  My heart about exploded when I saw those drawings!  I taught them that!  Here, almost FIVE months later, they still remember something that I brought to them.  This may seem so simple, but it means so much to me!

I also wanted to share with you something that Joseph wrote me.  This young man is just amazing…

“I love you Mama Kristen.  When you left us, the tears of sorrow brimmed my vision and I sighed deeply to ease the feeling.  I love you so much.  You are my Mama and I am your child.”

It was no secret that I took on a “motherly” role while in Kenya, so for Joseph to recognize it is just so special.  Isn’t he the sweetest?

Thank you.

To everyone who has offered prayers and support for me, and for Ethan. Typical child or special needs...it's all a challenge. Finding the exact recipe for what will provide the most success is the biggest challenge of them all.

Lord grant me...

...the ability to do the right thing and do right by my child because as of right now, I don't know what to do or what the right thing is.

CODE NEMO

  Remember in Finding Nemo when Nemo is swimming out to touch the boat and his father says, “Nemo!  If you put one fin on that boat Mister…”?  And, do you remember how Nemo defiantly locks eyes with his father as he swats the boat with his fin as his peers watch in awe as he just “touched the butt”?  This is Ethan.  Ethan IS Nemo.  Today we definitely had a Code Nemo. 

I know his day has been bad at school when I get “the look” from Mary that he had a Code Nemo day.  She was walking out another student when she told me not to leave because we needed to discuss the day.  Ethan, Ethan, Ethan…

Certain behaviors kicked in to overdrive today.  I think that they have been building up all week, but he hadn’t been feeling well, so that’s what we thought it was.  Who knows, maybe it still is, but today he would not walk unless HE wanted to.  Mary is trying to find certain reinforcers for him, but it seems each time we find something that we both feel will work, he loses interest and then the whole point of using that object as a reinforcer goes down the toilet.

I can deal with the slacking off on walking because it is almost showing his independence- he’ll do it when HE wants to.  The problem with that is that he needs to learn that everyone is not on Ethan time, contrary to what he thinks (ask anyone who has been in the car with him or on the phone with me when I am at a red light- he will typically scream until we start to go again.  I can’t get it through to him that if I were to go, we would go SPLAT!). 

What I cannot deal with is the pinching, kicking, pushing, grabbing, and pulling of hair.  Apparently, he did quite a bit of this at school today.  And, it continued on at home too.  Tonight, I had him on my lap and we were having a little chat- a chat that he wasn’t at all interested in having, so he proceeded to pinch my neck and face.  Then, he decided it would be a grand idea to pull my hair.  I kept my calm, said “no sir” multiple times, and began stroking his hands and arms.  I figured, this is sensory.  So, I scratched his arms and hands and he almost immediately stopped.  Interesting how all that sensory mess works. 

My quick fix worked for a little while until he decided that he wasn’t done being Nemo.  We went through the cycle of “no sir” and providing input quite a few times. 

It is extremely frustrating when your child does not communicate properly.  I have to remember to keep my calm because it is so easy to just want to yell, “WHY DON’T YOU LISTEN!?!?!?!?” 

I agreed with Mary to call in a behavior team for school.  We want to do our best to nip this in the bud before it becomes an issue that we can’t fix as easily.  (Ha, easily)  I am so afraid that he will become a behavior problem.  He is such a sweet boy and I just fear that he will be forever branded. 

In true Nemo fashion, I will continue to… 

(even if  barely above water some days!!!)

Faulkner Look-alike Meter

Hmmmm...and everyone says that he looks just like his Daddy! HA!

OUCH!

A couple of years ago, we discovered that Ethan had this crazy attraction to feet.  Call it a foot fetish if you will.  He finds feet and, especially, toes to be hilarious.  We went as far as to purchase a fake foot without blood from the Halloween store a few years ago.  It was, and still is, very creepy, but it beat him constantly attacking our feet.

View Full Album

Ethan moved on to better things, THANK GOD, and our feet were once again ours.  He stopped wanting to play with feet and we couldn’t have been happier.  Now, all of a sudden, the foot infatuation is back!  Ugh.

One of Ethan’s friends at school will actually come down to his classroom afterschool, take off her socks and shoes and run around, just so Ethan will laugh.  AND, it encourages him to walk!  She will hop on one foot and tell Ethan he has to walk, so he does.  I tell you- the things that motivates this child of mine!!! 

The bad thing about him and his love for feet right now is that I have an infected toe.  OUCH.  I will spare you a real picture, but those who have seen it can tell you that it is swollen and practically purple in some places.     And, it hurts like a bleepity bleep!  So, of course, my son would find it intensely comical to see my knee-jerk reaction when he touches it.  No joke.  He has found ways to walk on my toe more times than I can count.  Today, as we were walking down the halls to leave school, his beautiful size 8 1/2 mountain hiking shoe came full-force down on to my toe.  Oh.My.Gosh.  How can one little toe cause SO much pain?!?!?!  I think I about passed out.  And, he’s laughing…

Sinful

My favorite ice cream- Haagen-Dazs’ Caramel Cone.  It is sinful, truly sinful.  You can get it in “Light” too.

Let’s see:  Cream (milk group), egg yolks (meat group), corn syrup (vegetable group), coconut oil (fruit group), waffle cone (bread group).  It has to be healthy, right?  So many food groups are represented!  Ok, ok- corn is not a vegetable, it’s a starch…work with me here!  LOL!

Great Advice

My mom sent me this to me and it really spoke to me so I thought I would share by passing it along to all of you!  Thanks Mommy.  I love you.

 

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of  battle.

A sharp tongue can cut your own throat.

If  you want your  dreams to come true, you mustn't oversleep.

Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.  

The best vitamin for  making friends..... B1.

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.  

The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge.

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished. 

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

Ideas won't work unless 'you' do.

Your  mind is like a parachute...it functions only when open.

The 10 commandments are not a multiple choice.

The  pursuit of  happiness is the chase of a lifetime!  It is never too late
  to become what you might have been.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right.

Forget about the one's who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it.

Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it. 

Friends are like balloons; once you let them go, you might not get them back.

Sometimes we get so busy with our own lives and problems that we may not
even notice that we've let them fly away.

Sometimes we are so caught up
in who's right and who's wrong that we forget what's right and wrong.

Sometimes we just don't realize what real friendship means until it is too late.   

5 Years

Five years ago today on Friday, February 13th, 2004, I took a very sick little boy to the pediatrician to try and find answers as to why he was continuously sick- ear/sinus/upper respiratory infections, one after another for close to four months.  I never anticipated the outcome of that pediatrician visit, nor will I ever forget it.

Scott was still in California, due to fly out on February 19th.  Our moving van had already left.  The house was sold.  We were counting down the days until we were reunited again as a family.  Even as I was being brought down by complete exhaustion, I was able to perk up knowing that I would see my husband soon!  Only, I didn’t know it would be sooner than we thought.

I took Ethan to the ped. that Friday morning at 10 am.  I anticipated a sinus culture or something.  It never crossed my mind that we would be checking his blood.  CBC- take one:  LOW everything- platelets, red blood, white blood…everything. 

Dr. L wants to repeat the CBC just to make sure that there was not a lab error, and while I agreed to the second test, I knew.  I knew that my precious baby boy curled up in my arms sleeping was about to be diagnosed with something that would instantly have to make him fight like he had never fought before. 

CBC- take two:  LOW everything again.  Dr. L was very compassionate as he delivered the news and he knew that I already knew.

“You already know what we are looking at.  I believe that Ethan has leukemia.  I have called the children’s hospital and they are waiting for you on the 9th floor.”

I shook my head ok.  I held onto Ethan tight, then put his winter coat on extra snug- it was a typical cold February morning.  Ethan was so lethargic as I put him into his carseat.  I just wanted to kiss him, and I did.  I told him that it was going to be ok and that Mommy was going to be with him. 

I got into the driver’s seat, began to drive away, then I picked up the phone to call my friend, Theresa.  I was living with Theresa until Scott arrived and we were working for the same credit union.  As soon as she answered the phone, I couldn’t talk- I just began crying.  I was able to get out that Ethan possibly had leukemia and that we were on our way to the hospital.  She insisted on my going by the CU first so she could drive us and be my support. 

I still didn’t know what I was to expect when we got to the hospital.  And, for some reason, I thought that we would be going home that afternoon.  WRONG.  We arrived and they already had our room ready.  Room 901- the first room on the left as soon as you enter the HEMOC floor.

I had to call Scott and tell him what was happening.  Even though I was here, alone, with Ethan going through everything with him, I felt even worse for Scott.  He was all alone 3000 miles away and there was nothing he could do about it.  He was set to have to wait 6 more days to get to us.

Within a couple of hours, we were headed to the sedation suite where Ethan would have his very first spinal tap (lumbar puncture or LP) and bone marrow aspirate.  Theresa stayed with me the entire time and held me up as I stood there weeping as my baby was being put to sleep and poked. 

When we returned to our room, we already had blood products for transfusion- red blood and platelets.  Everything was still foggy and unreal.  I had a team of doctors and nurses that came in and explained everything.  That was a whole lotta information all at once!

Around 7 pm that Friday the 13th night, it was confirmed. 

ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

I was told that Ethan did have leukemia, BUT it was the “good” kind.  In cancer world, that means that it has the best probability of staying in remission.  It would also mean that we would not need to a pursue bone marrow transplant. 

I had to learn very quickly that I could not be there for everything.  Ethan began looking at me like I was a monster for allowing those pretty ladies in scrubs to continually try and find new veins for IV’s since he kept blowing all his other ones.  Once I was able to let go and trust the nurses to do their job, I could once again be the Mommy that Ethan could trust to hold him, comfort him, stroke his arms, and rock him to sleep. 

Scott called to say that he was getting on the red-eye out of San Francisco.  His boss, and our very good friends, George and Gina Henri so graciously bought him an early ticket home.  Theresa would leave early the next morning to pick Scott and Shep up in Charlotte.  We are forever grateful for this gift.

I know that I have written about this day before.  I will probably always write about it because I do not want to forget.  I never want to forget what I saw.      

Sleeping on the couch, purple lips from lack of oxygen in his blood and distended belly {he was so little- 24 month clothes}

 

 

(A couple months into chemo- hair is gone, not all gone, but gone…big belly and swollen cheeks from the steroids)

 

 

After only a few months on treatment, Ethan’s hair started growing back, YAY.  During Ethan’s treatment that took close to three years to complete, we took advantage of good days- we went to California to visit family and friends, and we went to the Atlantic Ocean for the first time! 

 

Some may think that it is strange that I never want to forget, but I don’t because I know how much of a fighter Ethan is!  Now look at him!  I want him to know what an inspiration he is to me and to so many others.  He is truly a treasure and forever MY HERO. 

 

 

T21 Traveling Afghan

I have a friend in the Ds community who is going to make an afghan to travel around the US, and even maybe around the world.  What a great thing to do!  My friend, McKenna, did something similar with Gigi, The Traveling Poodle.  I haven’t seen Gigi in a while, come to think of it…

T21 Traveling Afghan Info

Here's the deal, in short form.

I whip up a smallish T21 afghan to send out to families who have a family member with Down Syndrome. The afghan travels from one family to another, along with a journal.
Each family, upon receiving the afghan, takes a picture of their little one with it and we post it on a "T21 Travelling Afghan" page. After having the afghan for bit, the family writes a note in the journal and sends it off to the next family,who's address I will email to them.

I would LOVE to see the afghan hit all fifty states and as far and wide as we can find families who would like to participate!

Please post about this on your blogs, FaceBook, MySpace, Twitter, etc. with a link back to this page. That way we can spread the the word out as far and wide as possible.
Shipping cost will be the responsibility of the sending party, therefore, I will make a smaller sized afghan.
If anyone would be willing to whip up a little graphic icon people can put on their blogs, I would be extremely grateful.

To sign up, please send an email (subject: T21 Afghan) to littlemisse21@gmail.com with the following information:
1. Name
2. Address
3. Blog url
4. Name and age of child or person with T21
5. Whether or not you would be willing to ship the afghan out of your country of residence
Woo hoo! Let's get the 'ghan rolling!!

Please feel free to respond with any questions, comments or specifics I may have overlooked.

Bloggy Award

A few of my friends have nominated me for this blog award.

"This blog is exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I am now supposed to nominate 8 other exceedingly charming blogs…

1. Christina @ Kwisteena's Kraziness
2. Jenny at Life With Kiddos
3. Stephanie @ Megan's Got 47
4. Renee @ Three Little Ladybugs
5. Carmen @ My Crazy Life
6. Julie @ The Cute Crocheter (Julie is raising money to be able to go to Ukraine to pick up her new brother!)
7. Amanda @ The Reilly Clan
8. Kerri @ The Riley Clan

Special thanks to Courtney, Amy, and Shylo for nominating me for this award!

Olivia’s Remembrance Dinner

Tonight, Posse reunited.  We took Karen out for dinner and remembered Olivia.  It was a great night with friends who share the love for Olivia and Karen.  We are an awesome group of people if I do say so myself.  :-)

Olivia’s Angel Wing Anniversary

One year ago today, at 4:58pm, Olivia earned her angel wings.  It is so difficult to grasp most days how such a precious and beautiful child could be taken so soon.  She was eight years old, but she packed so much into her life and touched the lives of so many.   A day has not passed that Olivia has not entered my thoughts.  She is so missed by everyone who loved her while she was here with us on earth…8 years, 5 days, 12 hours.

It does not seem like it has been a year already.  I hate to say time has flown by because I know the heartache of Olivia’s mom.  I know that time must feel like it stands still in heartbreak and yet the world continues on around her.  We celebrated Olivia’s birthday the other night with cake from Mrs. Pumpkin’s, just like we have the previous few years.  Today, we remember the day that God chose to have Olivia join him for all eternity in Heaven. 

Never forgotten and forever a princess.  Love you sweet girl.

Do you see the similarity?

LOL! I saw this man- Senator Ben Nelson, D-Nebraska, on TV this morning and immediately thought that he looked like Hoggle from Labyrinth. Do you see it?

(I know NOTHING of his political views, I just thought that he looked like Hoggle. LOL!)

Uppercase Living Specials

The New 2009 Spring/Summer Catalog has been released and is now available for viewing at http://kris10z.uppercaseliving.net!  There are tons of new Expressions, along with new accessories! 

One of the items I'm most excited about is the new vinyl "Etched Glass."  WOW - you'd never know the difference, it looks like the real thing!  How nice would an etched glass monogram look on a glass shower door?  There are loads of new ideas and possibilities out there!!

Host an Uppercase Living Open House and Receive Even More Free and 1/2 Price Items!

Host an Open House January 5 through February 28, 2009, and earn even more FREE and ½ Price Items!!!!  Uppercase Living is offering a special “bump up” promotion that allows hostesses to be “bumped up” to the next rewards level automatically!

Many people ask if it is possible for them to hold Catalog Open Houses, and still qualify for this special.  YES!!  A Catalog Open House is where you take the catalog with you to work, school, church, etc. and collect orders.  There is no reason to clean your house for this one!!  You'll still receive the great benefits that hostesses receive for opening their house for a traditional Open House. 

Also, now with the upgraded catalog and ordering online, your family and friends from around the country will be able to choose what they want right online.  Just remind them NOT to place the order online, but to email the order directly to you.  

And don't forget those Double Up Rewards.  If you have purchased something from me within the past six months, you can double that amount towards your own Open House as a purchase!  What a great way to get more free items!

Uppercase Living Announces Starter Kit Promotion

Uppercase Living has announced a promotion they are running through February 28th.  If you'd love to start your own business, please consider Uppercase Living.  YOU CAN BECOME AN UPPERCASE LIVING DEMONSTRATOR for as little as $119!  There are two kits to choose from:

ESSENTIALS kit is $119 (instead of $149) or

ESSENTIALS PLUS kit is $199 (instead of $249)

The ESSENTIALS PLUS kit comes with $100 in free product credits, to be used within 30 days on any catalog items of your choice.  Use this for your own home, or for your business!

To sign up right now, go to my Uppercase Living website: http://kris10z.uppercaseliving.net and click on "Join My Team."  Then, click on the "Join Now" button on the top right side of the page.  Go through the 8 steps, and they'll send your kit immediately.  From the "Join My Team" page, you can also select to see what is included in each kit to help you make your decision.

Please email me with questions, or if you would like me to email you the promotional flyers regarding this offer.

With the economy the way it is now, what a great way to make some extra money!!

Uppercase Living's Customer Special

I've saved the best for last!  Now through February 28th, spend $50 and you can receive the "Little Hands Keepsake Kit" for $25.00.  This comes with everything you need (the 12x12 MDF board, paint, a two-part expression, an easel, and even the paint to put on those little hands for the handprints).  This is one of the greatest items I've seen from Uppercase Living!  This kit comes in Cherry Blossom, Shoreline Blue, or Green Tea (the writing is in Chocolate Brown).  They also make wonderful gifts for grandparents!! 

Thank you!

~Kristen Faulkner~

E-mail: faulknerkd@gmail.com

Phone: (336) 782-0580

Letters to Ethan from his peers

I am currently working on a project for the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC). I asked some students to tell me to describe Ethan in one word and then another class wrote him letters. I am going to transcribe them word for word (maybe some emphasis on words I find incredibly touching) with all errors still in place- they are in the 2nd grade after all...

• Dear Ethan, We love you in our class room and we want you to visit us every day. You are also a very good sign language teacher because you taught us hi & bye. We {heart} U. Bye Bye. Sincerely {heart}, Gracie

• Dear Ethen, You are so cute I just want to eat you up! I love you coming in evrey day it makes me fell warm inside. One more thing I love your smile. From, Gray

• Dear Ethan, we love you in our class. We like you in that smile. The library in our class is your favorite spot to go. Sincerely, Sadiq

• Dear Ethan, I love to see your smileing face every day! When you lafe it maks me so happy! When you thochd my hand I love to see you! I had know idia that you had bake sugery! I feel really bad for you! Love, Sydney

• Dear Ethen, I like how you tech us sighne language. Why do you guse come here? I like you very much. Sinciraly, Rui

• Dear Ethan, I love your smile. Your so cute. I love having you in are class. When you come in I fell like your my littel brother. I injoy doing sine lagwig with you. P.S. can I tack him home with me? Love, Rily

• Dear Ethan, We like you in our class. I love it when you jone our class and play game. You are cute!! And I like to see you because fun! From, Alia

• Dear Ethan, Thank you for teaching us sighn langauge. I engioyed it. I hope you like are fold chairs. Ethan your asome. From, Quinn

• Dear Ethan, I am glad you visit us. Because you funey, ceryis, swete, and cyuowt and you bring us a smiyle. Plus you talc to us. Its fun to have you visit. From, Madison

• Dear Eathan, Thank you for teaching us sighn language. We're proud of you for learning sighn language and teaching it to us. I hope that you had fun doing your sience fair project. I hope you have fun in you class cause we're haveing fun in our class. Sincerly, Ty

• Dear Ethan, When you come to our classroom I feel happy. We didn't know sigh lange insile you came and now we know the hole afabet. I hope you had fun making the sinens fiar progied with us. Sincerly, Katherine

• Dear Ethan, we like comeing in our class. We think that yore a cool dude. Sincel, Austin

• Dear Ethan, I love haveing Ethan comeing into our classroom because he always says hi to me. Ethan is always nosie and nocks down the chairs but he is so cute! I wish Ethan was a real student in our class! I love doing sign langauage with him to! Love, {heart} Kendyl

• Dear Ethan, My class likes to see you. It's so funny that you know what we are saying, but we don't know what your saying. Can you ask Ms. Mary for translachin please. You are an intellinjint pearson. From, Evan

• Dear Eathan, I hope you can come to the classroom agin. I hope ya have a great Valentine's. I'm glad your back feels better. From, Brandon

• Dear Ethan, We like haveing you in the class because you are very nice. We lerned some sign language because of you. You look very cute. Do you like getting scince lessons? Love, Himani

• Dear Ethan, I love haveing you around. You are so sweet when you are here. We learned some sign language because of you. Many happy thoughts. From, Grayson

• Dear Ethan, I love seeing you in sicence. You make a diferents in my live because you make me smile when I am sad. I feel like you will leave my heart. You are so cute! Love, Zoe

• Dear Ethan, I love to see you and so do my friends in class. Who would want another cute smile? Noboty! We lvoe you soooo much! Evreytime you come in our class room, when someone is sad you give them a smile and thay feel happy agian. We hope you won't get sick Ethan. Love, Mackenzie

A couple of other letters received:

• Dear Ethan, I enjoy each and every day I get to spend with you. I have seen you mad, sad, happy, and glad. I have seen all your feelings. You were very exsited when I gave you your first Curious George you laughed. I could tell you like it because you stuk you fingers in his mouth. The first time I saw you walk I was proud of you because I knew my work had payed off. You even used Curious George on you picture day to make you smile. I {heart} being with you. Love, Abby

• Lekeima and Down syndrome don't make your life worse, it just makes others feel better. Ethan makes me feel better every time I see him and hear him laugh. It has been a good experience for me to be able to play with someone as much as him. ~Austin (Abby's big brother who is now in the 6th grade)

• There is something magical about Ethan that drew my children to him. After getting to know him, they grew to love Ethan and realized the beauty of children with special needs. ~Jessica H. (mom to Austin & Abby, teacher at Ethan's school)

And, how do the kids describe Ethan?

• sweet
• friend
• fun
• says "hello" in a special way
• good kid
• likes to play
  
• nice
• family
• walking
• loving
• friendly
• smart

Ethan's principal even said that Ethan is just a "cool kid". I happen to agree. :-)

Outgoing?

You Were an Outgoing Kid

When you were a kid, you had no problem expressing yourself. There's a good chance you started talking early - and never stopped! You had a lot of friends, and unlike most kids, you weren't shy around adults. You were well adjusted and confident. You enjoyed speaking up and participating.

What Kind of Kid Were You?

I don't know about this. This is me NOW, but not sure if I was like this as a kid...

GO Patrick!

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No, I don't know Patrick...I just love how he was given a chance. I love how his teammates encouraged him. I love how his parents cheered him on. I love how the entire gym supported him. See peeps...a little extra chromosome is all it is. People with Down syndrome just need to be given a chance.

Happy 51st Birthday to my Dad.

Today is also my dad's birthday. 51 years old. I can honestly say that you don't look a day over 40- must be all that working out you do! Happy birthday. We hope it's a great day for you.

Those are two of my favorite pictures. We had just brought Ethan home from the hospital. I love how on the second picture, you can see a proud twinkle in Grampa's eye even though it is only a profile.

We love you and miss you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy 9th Birthday, Olivia!

Sweet Olivia. Today would have been your 9th birthday. I want you to know that a day has not passed that I do not miss you and our eskimo's. I want everyone to know how special you will always be! I hope that you are dancing around and eating as much yummy stuff as you want!
I love you sweet girl. Happy Birthday. Happy Happy Birthday, Princess Olivia.

Ooooh, another one!

I am not a leisure reader. My sisters are and always have been the ones to just curl up and read a book. Kim has read Gone With the Wind numerous times and Kamrin can read an entire Harry Potter series in a matter of days- I said series, not just one book!

Now, I can curl up with People or Cosmo no problem. I think it's because they don't require much thought. Other than that, I either get bored or fall asleep. And, it's not even that the books are boring, it's just not something I find incredibly enjoyable. This does NOT go over well with Kim since I am, oh, two- maybe even three books behind in her series. I am a horrible sister. My bad. I will try to be better!

I also ALWAYS pick up some kind of book at the Down syndrome conventions. I have not read an entire book at all. But, I do have quite the library!

I have read Go Ask Alice numerous times...I wonder what that says about me? My heart just always ached for her...

Ok, therapy Mom's...

Tell me that Ethan is not the only child out there who does what he needs to do as long as you're not watching!!??! LOL!

He will throw a fit doing puzzles for OT, but if I put it in front of him at the table and walk away- guess what? That stinker can do a puzzle!

His school PT jokes that he's the only patient she does physical therapy with from a distance.

Just another example of Ethan's timing and what he feels like doing at that moment.

More Randomness...

I have found myself thinking of more things to add to my "randomness"...not that anyone cares, I just think that it's funny!

* I have man feet/hands

* I miss the fresh air of home

* I think that hummus tastes like sand and cannot understand why it's an up and coming addiction like sushi.

* I do not understand the addiction of sushi.

* My best friend in high school, Lynda, always called me random for my random thoughts.

* I LOVE "Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy". I would like the book if there is one.

* I have never had a birthday party.

* My Aunt took me to get my ears pierced for my 8th birthday at the Merced Mall. One of the best days ever. I miss her so much (she was killed in a motorcycle accident on Hwy 49)

* Mammoth Pools will always be my favorite camping destination

* The majority of my family were Jehovah's Witnesses. No birthdays, No Christmas, No Easter...

* I will always find Jon Bon Jovi and Johnny Depp incredibly sexy.

* I would like Val Kilmer to go back in time to look like Iceman again.

* Part of me, deep down, thinks that I will live in California again- or at least closer to it.

* I laugh at what my local North Carolinian's call "fog" and "heavy snow".

* I lost my grade level Spelling Bee by misspelling ARCTIC- I spelled it ARTIC. I came back the next year with a win for my grade and then runner-up (to Rachel Gorham) in the championship round.

* I wanted to be a lawyer. Mrs. Bernacchi always said I should've been one since I argued for what I believed in...foreshadowing maybe??? Then, I looked at all the books that you have to read and I changed my mind.

* I had LASIK done in 2002.

* I had a breast reduction in 1998. I would have never fit those other babies into my wedding dress if I hadn't had them hacked off!

* I HATE veins. It is what keeps me from pursuing nursing.

* I also hate necks. Thinking about them makes me cringe. I will, however, take care of someone with a trach because they need it to survive.

* I know what IFSP, IEP, ST, AT, OT, and PT all mean as well as Ds, ALL, GERD, TCS, and PDD-NOS

* I once dumped a 32 oz. cup of cherry coke from Pizza Factory into my purse that was housing my digital camera while on vacation back home a couple of years ago. Costco exchanged it for me, no questions asked AND, I even got a better camera AND money back!

* I love my Aunt Shell's fried chicken, and her baked Canadian bacon sandwiches from PF. YUM.

* I love my Mom's potato salad. I have tried to duplicate it, but just can't get it right.

* I love my Dad's bbq ribs and his sausage roll. Oh my gosh, yum.

* I know that I am going to Heaven, but I fear leaving Ethan

First Born...Only Born

First Born....Share

Here you go mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first born! Just copy and paste it in a new note for yourself!

Let's see how much you remember!

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? Pretty much, LOL!

2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? Yes

3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? Mine: Excited, nervous His: Blah

4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU? Um, not.

5. HOW OLD WERE YOU? 24

6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? HPT, then took one at the dr.- came back negative, then went for blood test and that confirmed the original HPT.

7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? I actually think it was Theresa (my bad)

8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? We went back and forth on that one. We I made the decision once dr. said that he was 100% sure during the u/s

9. DUE DATE? May 29th, 2001

10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? Nope

11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? deli sandwiches and Vlasic garlic pickles kept in the refrigerator section.

12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? the onset of my pulsatile tinnitus and sciatica

13. MISSING QUESTION.

14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? No, but I think that I will always want a little girl

15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? about 15

16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? Two

17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? I knew

18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? Nope

19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Merced, California

20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? From arrival at the hospital to birth: 3 1/2 hours. From the time my water broke and it wasn't funny anymore to birth? 45 minutes.

21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? Scott. It cracks me up now, but he flew over a set of railroad tracks on the way to the hospital and I was like, WHOA- easy! Then, he slowed down to the speed of a snail over the next set.

22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? Scott, my lil' sis Kamrin, my mom, dr., and nurse

23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTTION? ALL Natural.

24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? None. Not even a tylenol.

27. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 8 lbs

28. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN? May 25, 2001

30. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Ethan Scott Faulkner

31. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? 7 years

Random things

Facebook users have been tagging like crazy with 25 Random things... I finally did mine today and I think that I need to add one more.

1. My husband originally had a crush on my best friend. I am sloppy seconds.

2. My son's laughter is the highlight of my life.

3. Yosemite National Park holds a special place in my heart. My maternal family was born there and is counted among the first original Indian families displaced by the federal government. (lifted from my sister, but still true)

4. I was the first baby of the year in Mariposa County (Jan. 2). Yes, I am a member of the John C. Fremont club.

5. I am the "white sheep" of my family. Only blonde/blue eyed kid out of four. Everyone else has dark hair, brown eyes, oh- and a tan.

6. I never wanted this big of an age gap in between children.

7. My sister was always the "pretty one" until I had glamour shots done on my 16th birthday, then it was realized that I was pretty too.

8. My (bio) dad was killed when I was 3 (sis was 8). The circumstances surrounding his "accident" were covered in a 20/20 episode back in the early '90's.

9. I married young but try to discourage 'kids' from marrying until they are older.

10. I love my family more than anything and miss them terribly.

11. My hair has gotten darker and curlier with age.

12. I missed my 10 year reunion because my son was battling leukemia.

13. I wish that I had more pictures with my parents and grandparents.

14. I skipped the 6th grade.

15. I never EVER imagined that I would go to Africa and now I can't imagine my life without that trip of a lifetime.

16. I do NOT like cats. I tolerate them, but I do not like them.

17. Princess Bride is my favorite movie of all time. My wedding music was to the soundtrack.

18. I wish that my husband would dance with me.

19. I have met some of my closest friends online thanks to the awesomeness of the online Down syndrome support network, Downsyn.com

20. I will always stand up for what I believe in.

21. I never want Ethan to leave us. This whole growing up to be independent away from home is not in the cards. I will build him his own apartment on the property if I have to, but he's not leaving.

22. I once offended a Tiffany's representative in Beverly Hills because I said that a necklace was gaudy and ugly.

23. I have been diagnosed with two conditions that SUCK! ONE: Pulsatile tinnitus. I have a constant swishing heartbeat in my left ear. There is nothing anyone can do about it and it about drives me insane some days. TWO: Rheumatoid Arthritis. Ethan was about to turn 1 and I couldn't even open his bottle. It is a horrible disease and it robs me of many special moments.

24. I am still trying to figure out what my talent is.

25. The only shoe that I will ever love is the flip-flop.

Bonus: I hate it when people don't use YOUR properly. Again: YOUR=YOUR. YOU'RE=YOU ARE.

I'm back!

WOO HOO! lol...

My google reader is out of control. I think I am going to have to zero it out and start fresh. I have to download some stuff back onto my PC, but it's no big deal. Thanks again to Chris for taking the time to fix my puter.

Ethan is supposed to have swimming in the morning, but I am not sure if we will make it. He had a tummy bug or something tonight, so I may keep him home in the morning.

I have the coolest story to share, but I am waiting so I can get it just right.

Still no puter...

:(

My friend, Chris, is working hard on it for me! Apparently, he's having some trouble transferring some data. I am just excited that I have a smart computer-loving friend who can fix these things for me and then lets me pay in enchiladas...LOL! Here's to hoping that he doesn't run into much more trouble!

THANK YOU, CHRIS!!! *muah*

Dermatologist

I had a full skin screening today and all is well. I do have a carcitosis, or something like that, but it's harmless. I didn't even have to have anything frozen for biopsy! That's excellent since the last time I went, I had to have over FIVE sent for biopsy and 3 removed. Like I told my sister, Kim...this is just part of the grand advantage of being whiter than snow. LOL.

Withdrawals

I have been computerless for almost a week...it sucks! I am posting this via my phone, so I apologize for any spelling errors.

I am finally starting to feel better, Scott's pox are now scabs or gone and he is, happily, back at work. I called my dermatologist and have an appt. on Thursday for all who kept pushing me to call.

I spoke with my grandma today and it just breaks my heart. Her memory is going and she's probably in the early phases of Alzheimer's. I am afraid she won't know me the next time I see her. She has already forgotten who Ethan is. Then, my grandpa called me baby...THAT has NEVER happened before!

I really need my pc back so I can get my thoughts out!

I knew it!

Sinusitis/Bronchitis. That's what I have. I used to get this every year, but I haven't in a while. Well, I got it again. Fun times! YAY me.

Scott is covered in pox, but he feels SO much better in terms of fever. Bless his heart, some are starting to dry up and scab, but more are popping out all the way down to his toes. He has them in his ears and even on his eyes- which worries me the most. This is going to be a long week for him.

Ethan has cabin fever. He is so weepy. He can't stand that we have not felt up to playing around on the floor and stuff. Then, school was canceled today due to the 1/2 inch of snow we got last night (yes, I said HALF inch. It's ridiculous how school is canceled with a flurry here!), so he was indoors with us AGAIN. Poor kid.

The doctor just called me and said that my chest x-ray shows that I have a nodule on my left lung, but that it doesn't seem to be anything to worry about. I just have to go back in six months to see if there's any changes. It's been fun!

Missing Daddy

In my professional Mommy/Nurse One opinion, Scott definitely has the pox. He's covered. Some are more fluid-filled than others and the itching has begun. He is currently in an oatmeal bath courtesy of Aveeno. The anti-itch lotion is working too, so he is not terribly miserable, but still miserable.

Ethan does not like, nor does he understand being quarantined away from Daddy. He tries to get in the room every chance he gets and cries when I take him away. He is such a Daddy's boy. Ethan does, however, find comfort in my coughing up a lung. That, to him, is HILARIOUS.

LG Vu

I got a new phone yesterday. I didn't plan on getting a new phone at all. I simply went in to pay my bill and kill time before picking Ethan up from school. As it turns out, AT&T was having a 50% sale on LG phones, so I peeked. So, this was $109 with a $50 rebate, then I had a $25 gift card, so I got it for under $30. I have found that it is easier on my RA strickin hands, and of course, prettier. LOL!

Scott saw it- wasn't happy, but was too sick to discuss it. I am sure once I tell him the deal I got and how it is better for my hands, plus how I can use if for my Uppercase Living business more effectively than my other phone, I don't think he'll be that upset anymore. (Geesh, how long was that sentence! LOL!)

Chicken Pox

Maybe. For Scott. Yep. I am pretty sure. Ugh.

Bless him...he is so sick. Last night, he came home from work and fell asleep on the couch all curled up in a comforter. Ok, now Scott is typically the hot one- always wearing shorts and t-shirts because I have the heater turned up, so for him to wrap up in a blanket, something was up. But, I just thought it was because it was freezing yesterday and him needing to dethaw. (Ok, maybe nothing compared to everyone in the negatives, but the teens are c-c-c-cold for us here!) THEN, he asked for more blankets. I had two more blankets on him DOUBLED up and he was still shaking from being cold. After putting him in bed, I thought that he would definitely be feeling better by morning.

Nope. Same. He slept ALL day. This, again, is NOT Scott. He is the morning person. The one who has to be doing something. Sleeping. He has had a persistant headache, severe at times, that has not gone away since last night. His fever was at 102 the last I checked, he has limited appetite, and has only been awake for maybe a cumulative hour today. Oh, and those lovely little blisters started forming on his chest, stomach, head, and back.

Scott didn't have chicken pox as a kid, so it is very possible that this is what he has. Where was he exposed??? I have NO idea. The problem is that he could have been exposed a couple of weeks ago and he's just now getting sick from it. I am doing my best to try and keep some form of liquid in him- gatorade is our friend. I know he needs his rest, but I can't have him getting dehydrated either. I am also going to give him more Tylenol here in a bit so I can keep his fever down.

I went out tonight and bought all the lovely Aveeno products that are for chicken pox relief- oatmeal bath, lotion, ointment...

Oddly enough, Ethan is the healthiest member of this household at the moment! I have had a cold since Wednesday and I think it is now settling into a sinus infection. Niiiiice. Ethan was such an angel boy today though! Thank God. I was certainly not feeling up to fighting with a stubborn 7 year old today.

Hoping and praying that tomorrow is a better day for hubby!

Special Olympics Swimming

Today, we began our 8 week (I think) training to Special Olympics for swimming. Why we did bowling first and swimming second when it is FREEZING outside? WHO KNOWS!!! Ethan was right at home again in the water. He immediately started kicking! I guess the rule is that the kids need to be able to propel themselves with a little help, so the independent kicking is in the right direction!

I took the camera, but since I was IN the pool, no pictures were taken. I know how you all were just dying to see me in my bathing suit. Yeah, I'm thinking not.

It is quite the chore to get our THREE kids prepared for the water and then to leave. Undress, swimming diaper on, swim trunks on- or in Ethan's case, wet suit on, life vests on, in water, swim for an hour, get out, dry off child, undress child, diaper back on, clothe child, dry hair under hand dryer, put AFO's back on...it's a workout!

Since the games are in March, Ethan will not qualify for a placement ribbon again since it will be before his 8th birthday- ok, did I just say 8th!?!?!?. He will only qualify for a participant ribbon. Oh well- it's good practice for next year!

When walking back to the locker room to change, Ethan was walking in only his swim diaper. He really has the skinniest legs! I really never see him walking without his pants on, so it was just something that both Mary and I noticed. I'll try and get a picture soon!

Yummy Lotion????

Ok, I need to know- is Ethan the ONLY child out there who enjoys the taste of lotion!?!?!?!? Good grief, I cannot get him to quit licking his fingers after he's all lotioned up! Tonight, he even started licking his lips when I went to grab the lotion bottle. What gives? One, I think it's nasty. Two, it can't be that good for you. I mean, he's obviously not ingesting a terrible amount, but still. It grosses me out. Please, please- someone out there tell me that he is not the only one! OR, tell me what YOUR kid insists on doing that grosses/creeps you out.

He stood up!

WITHOUT ANY SUPPORT!!!

This is the news that I received upon arrival to pick Ethan up from school today. Mary said that he thought that her hand was there to help him, but it wasn't and he did it ALL BY HIMSELF and then even continued to stand there alone for a little bit!!!

Big boy. Only great things to come.

Kamrin's "Visit"

This past Thursday, my little sister (yes, even when she is 50, I will still call her my little sister!) and her boyfriend, Kyle, had a layover in Charlotte on their way home from their 8-day Caribbean cruise. Yes, I was about as green as her shirt with envy!

Thankfully, their flight was on time and we were able to maximize almost two hours together! Kamrin was starving, so we went down to Cracker Barrel for some good southern fixin's! LOL! Ethan was, of course, a crab-butt. I tend to think of it as him just not wanting to see his Auntie go!

It was great to see her, of course! A day does not go by that I do not miss my family back home in California. So, this was a very special and unexpected added bonus to my week! I love you Drew! I am so happy that you went on this trip, had the time of your life, and are now home safely. *muah*

So much to say...

But not now. LOL! I still have photos to edit and stuff, so who knows when I will get to post. My visit with Kamrin and Kyle was, of course, WAY TOO SHORT but I am so grateful for that short time we did have.

Countdown is ON!!!

Birthday continued...

Scott and I were able to have "date night" last night thanks to my friend Amy. We went to see Four Christmases and then had dinner reservations at Arigato's.

The movie was quite funny! Kamrin had told me that I would enjoy it and she was right! Good gosh, Reese Witherspoon is tiny! Especially next to Vince Vaughn! We skipped popcorn though since we had to have ready and able tummy's for Arigato's!!!

Ok, so Arigato's is a Japanese Seafood and Steakhouse where they cook the food right in front of you. You have to be sure to pace yourself because it is a bunk load of food! Check it- you get: Soup, Salad, Appetizer Shrimp, Veggies, Fried Rice, and your "meat". I got the petite filet, shrimp, and lobster. YUM, YUM, and more YUM. Scott got the Shrimp Scampi, Scallops, and petite filet. His was yum too!!! Oh my gosh, I was full through until lunch today. Arigato's is definitely a special occasion type place as it was not cheap. But, Scott and I had a great night and it just capped off a wonderful night.

Today was pretty quiet. We went out to the houses Scott is building. I am in love with one of them- I just need to figure out how to get $538k to pay for it! LOL! Theresa and the girls came over for a bit to bring me birthday loot and love. Delaney has been very loving toward her Auntie Boo lately. I am thoroughly enjoying it. Madison is always happy to see me, but it quickly fades to doing something else. I know Delaney will be there soon too, so I love our bonding time now.

Great birthday weekend! Back to reality tomorrow...

My Birthday

Friday was my birthday. It's great to be 29 again!!! hehe... My friend, Jamie, watched Ethan while I went to lunch with some of my friends that went to Kenya with me. We had a great lunch. Then, I went back to Jamie's and just hung out and visited for a while. I was able to stop by and see Karen on my way home. I didn't think that I would see her on my birthday, so it was an added bonus! I didn't have much time, though, because I had to run home to get ready to go to the Disciple concert. You may remember me talking about them here.

Scott got me a card that was very simple and yet it is probably the most special to me because of what it said: "I am sorry that I couldn't spend the whole day with you" Awwww...

We looked forward to watching Ethan rock out since he loves to dance to Disciple with his Daddy and his favorite song is by them. Scott went out and bought Ethan some kiddie ear plugs, which were basically non-smelly playdough to stick in the ears.


Ethan rocking out with Daddy

Then, it happened. I knew Scott was up to something when Kevin called and then Scott took the conversation outside. After about four songs, Kevin mentioned how they love North Carolina and how he has made great friends here. Then, he said that one of them was at the concert and it just so happened to be her birthday. Yep, that would be ME! He then led the 400+ crowd in Happy Birthday to me. It was very sweet and Jamie only got the last, oh, 4 seconds on video. Very special. Thank you!



On to Ethan's FAVORITE song, "The Wait is Over". He immediately had a HUGE smile on his face and then Scott scooped him up to do some jumpin'!


The thing that I love about Disciple is how they are true to their values and they bring that to their shows. Here is Kevin reading scripture to the crowd after they were done playing...


After the show, we made sure to spend a little bit of time with Kevin and the band. Unfortunately, it wasn't very long because they had to get back on the road.




Until next time! We just have to go to one of their shows on May 25th because then we will all have seen them on our birthdays!

Seriously, this has to have been the best birthday in a very long time. Thank you to everyone who wished me happy birthday by phone, mail, facebook, text, or by singing by mass crowd at a Disciple concert! It means so much to me, thank you.

Welcome to 2009!

WOW! 2009. Where did 2008 go??? We hope that everyone had a wonderful New Year's. We went to over to our friends, Chris and Theresa's house. We have gone there or they have come here since our move here in 2003. It has become our new tradition for me to make enchiladas. I used to always make the beef ones and then I started making the chicken ones more. The husbands like the beef better, while Theresa and I prefer the chicken. So, this year I made both. I guess they were pretty dang good since there is only one left now!

We played the new game of LIFE. It was pretty cool! We also played the new Scene It. Games are a must on NYE. We watched the ball drop from Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve- it is so heartbreaking to see Dick Clark post-stroke. While I still think he looks amazing, his speech is a reminder of his struggles, which I find so sad.

My parents bought Ethan his very own trampoline to have here at home! For some reason we didn't see that it had been delivered yesterday, so Ethan had a little present today. Scott put it together while I was napping. He LOVES it already. I will post some pics soon.

Here's to a great 2009!