Still raining here in NM but beautiful and relaxing. Other than Greg getting chiggers and Bessie attacking people, we're having a great time! We laughed for 3 hours straight last night (no joke). John was digging a hole with Bastian today too. The baby cow is so cute and the rain water tastes fantastic!

Made it to New Mexico

Long, long drive. We made it after an 8 hour haul to beautiful rainy NM.

I still have that ugly bruise on my arm too.

Trevee Sue

Our sweet little niece, Trevee Sue, was born premature this morning and passed away. She was 14.8 oz and 11 inches long. Brian and Scottee, proud parents, have been through so much.

We went to visit them in the hospital this evening. Scottee needs rest and Brian is being a great supportive husband. They wanted to show us all the photos of their baby and talk about her birth. We were more than happy to listen as they shared their experience with us.

Trevee's hand and footprints, the size of a quarter, were amazing to see. She was just so tiny.

As we left the hospital, the same hospital John was born at, I read a quote on the wall. It was something that will stay with me and help me remember how precious life is. The quote went something like this,

"If there is anything sacred, it is the human body."

Seeing this little baby reminded our family what a gift our lives are. And for this, Trevee Sue, we thank you.

Purple Dress

I made a dress for Ella today. Thanks for the help Mom!
Not bad...
I also made a matching purse so she's having fun with the dress ups.
The sleeves are still a little big...1980's is back in style right?!?

My Dad

My Dad is taking a road trip for the next few weeks. I'm not sure how long but he's recording it in his blog.

I made this really ugly statue of my grandfather a long time ago and he brought it with him. He's taking pictures of Grampa everywhere he goes.

This is the first photo at an Albuquerque Starbucks. Have fun Dad and Grampa!

Too funny!

Tiny Elf Man

John was a tiny little elf in this photo. I think he was a couple weeks old.

Check out Adam's Dumb and Dumber hair. That's what he calls it.

Naturopath

I went to see my naturopathic physician today. She's great. She's got me using high strength progesterone cream and my evil twin seems to be disappearing.

The other day I actually started laughing when I got angry. I found myself remembering the scene from the first Harry Potter, when Voldemort is living on the back of the teacher's head. Don't you ever feel like Voldemort is living off your head?? I do. Especially when the kids are fighting or when I have to do more laundry. I started telling Adam, "Voldemort is coming out!!"

Balance is key, and I'm determined (DET-ER- MINED, Mom...haha) to be balanced.

By the way, I'd like to hear every one's Voldemort stories. Do share!

Sasquatch

Did any of you hear about the Bigfoot body that hunters have in a cooler? I saw it on CNN. In my personal judgement, it's very much a hoax. On the other hand, when I saw it on the news, I just had to watch. Have you ever thought about Bigfoot when you're out camping? It's quite frightening...I wouldn't recommend it.

Have you ever seen the Messin' with Sasquatch commercials?? Totally funny. Now THAT'S something I would recommend.

Abundance

I received an email from a woman I met at an autism/Asperger's seminar earlier in the year. She is actually a school psychologist in a school district further north. It was an ironic thing that she emailed me because I was actually thinking about her this week. We talk every once in a while and I was glad to see her name in my inbox.

After considering this incredible week of blessings, this email was just icing on the cake of life.

I was thinking about it for a few minutes tonight and all of a sudden I had a glimpse of the abundance surrounding me. Food, good health, shelter, support, love, freedom, opportunity, education, family. The list could go on.

Even more, I felt an honest - true -deep down feeling that it is God who is providing for me. A loving Heavenly Father is remembering me. Not some force or energy...but my personal spiritual Father.

Psalms 37:5 reads, "commit thy way unto the Lord; . . . and he shall bring it to pass".

I'm glad I can count on Him to place amazing people and amazing opportunities in my life.

School Work

This week, I am seeking to establish in state tuition for some classes I'll be taking. Back to school for the kids - back to school for mom.

It's going to get a wee bit busy around here!

On Saturday I was feeling a little upset and Adam suggested we all go outside and clean the car. He promised if we worked hard we would all feel better and be blessed. How true! We all felt better and we accomplished something too.

I'm enjoying this "me-time" in the mornings and I know if I fill it with hard work, I'll be able to accomplish a lot.

John's first day of school-continued

I picked John up from school and he had all sorts of things he wanted to talk about! John is used to a big full day. He has been going to full day of preschool all year long. But today there were a few things different to his previous routine.

He kept asking...why do the teachers blow whistles at us? (He seemed quite offended by that...AND RIGHTLY SO). I have to agree with John, whistles are no fun to listen to. But I explained the teachers use them so they don't hurt their voices when calling for children.

He also didn't understand why the children were not raising their hands before speaking. He often points out other people's flaws or mistakes without any emotional remorse. "Why do you have bad breath?" "Why does that man have no legs?" "You need to raise your hand first!" Most people would find this offensive but John's comments are non-personal. We're working on this one.

One last thing he had to tell me - all the children "kept talking" during lunch. He said it was a big room of talking people! I had to explain there are some people who like to talk a lot. John doesn't like having a conversation AT ALL...unless it's about how something is built. Hopefully he'll find a friend willing to talk (compulsively) about building things.

John found himself overwhelmed by the social environment. He was running around the house screaming for a while when we got home...letting loose.
He said the school work was too easy and boring.

So, after school, we talked at length about chemical reactions and made a little science lab in the kitchen. He asked a million questions and was fascinated - showing more emotions about scientific observations than anything else that happened today. That gave me so much joy...and proud to see John endure his first social "explosion".

John's first day of school

John was a champ! He wasn't scared a bit! He went right into his class with all the commotion and sat right down with all the other kids. I was worried if John would fit in right away but he was a calm example to some of the other children this morning! Most of the other children were holding on to their backpacks but John went right to his cubby and hoisted the heavy load right where it belonged. We were so proud! Adam even went to work late so he wouldn't miss out on this BIG day.

John's teacher remembered him right away and asked a few questions about snack time. She also wants to meet with us this week. I couldn't have asked for a better morning for John.

Meet the teacher night

John met his teacher last night. It was a very busy evening looking at his classroom, showing him the library, seeing the resource room. He's excited and a little anxious to start but I'm confident he'll do fine. Adam and I would like to stay involved as much as possible too.

John's teacher has a Master's degree in early childhood ed and she also taught 2 years of special education. We loved hearing that!

I think this year will be an exciting learning experience for our family!

Green Drink

I wasn't going to waste time putting this picture on but after I made the decision, it only took me 1-2 minutes. I'm getting better technology skills doing this blog!

Well this is my green drink. I adapted it from Alli's and the one featured on Oprah's health show. Dr. Oz, co-author of "You, Staying Young" recommends this green drink to boost a healthy life.

I haven't read the book but I noticed my father-in-law was reading it at our cabin trip. I was impressed! Dr. Oz has some remarkable advice for adding years to your life.

My green drink changes depending on what I have in the fridge. I don't drink it all the time - just when I can. Here's what I put in it today:

Two cups spinach
Half a cucumber (peeled)
One apple (cored)
1 inch ginger root
Juice from half a lemon
Juice from half a lime
6-7 large prunes
A handful of parsley
Two stalks of celery (greens left on)

Blend in the blender with ice and water until smooth.

Words of Wisdom

I was helping John label his drawers today so he can get his clothes organized for school. We got in an argument about where things should go and I raised my voice then left the room before I got any worse.

John came out about 5 minutes later in a quiet voice and said, "Mom, you shouldn't shout at little children."

Of course I gave him a hug and said, "You're right." I explained why I was getting frustrated and he responded, "Oh, ok."

It gets better...

He thought about my frustration for a minute and then said, "You need to do other things in the day. You need to go other places and learn things, instead of going to the store all the time. You need to explore and learn more."

His words are more than right...they're inspired.

I reflected on our prophet's words for this months article, "May We So Live". He advises, "May we resolve from this day forward to fill our hearts with love. May we go the extra mile to include in our lives any who are lonely or downhearted or who are suffering in any way. May we “[cheer] up the sad and [make] someone feel glad.” May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business, but will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

Ella's first day of preschool

John showing Ella her new backpack on Saturday.

Ella had her first day of preschool yesterday. She was so excited and when I said goodbye to her she gave me a hug and wouldn't let go! John got our of the car and helped her inside. We snuck out and she had a great day with Mrs. Teri.

"Spidey"

We found this black widow hovering in a huge web across our whole patio entryway. Adam almost walked right into the spidey web tonight!

Make me a baby...actually....PLEASE DON'T

This is what this website said our baby would look like...if we ever have anymore. Oh my gosh....I'm SO offended. Why does he have a beard and snaggletooth?!?!?! We sure are blessed NOT to have a child that looks ANYTHING LIKE THIS. I've seen other families do this and ours has come out the worst BY FAR. UGH?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!

Cabin Trip 2008

We had our family cabin trip to Heber this past week. It wasn't the same without Allison, Devin and Ryan but we hope to have many more trips in the future. We'll never forget these moments. Gotta be thankful for this trip!

Ella and Bastian.

Ella and uncle Greg

Aunt B and Bastian.

The cabin. Just kidding...we found this place on our hike.

I don't know why, but I was checking my pulse. Surprisingly low!

Adam and John on the "ziploc".

Here's Bastian! We all celebrated his 2nd birthday at the cabin!

Mom and Dad
Ella on the "ziploc".

Mindy and Ashlyn.

John rock climbing...uhh...for real. Get down John!!!

Brotherly love, Adam and Rich.

Loving cousins.

Sneaking a nap...Greg an Alli.

Look at all those cousins! More on the way too...Allison and Scottee are expecting this winter.

Hanging out on the side of the cliffs. CAREFUL GOGO!!! You're making us nervous taking that picture!!

John and Gogo built this masterpiece of Legos.

More brotherly love - Adam and Rich risking their lives.

Cool petroglyphs on the cliffs.

Mucho take it easy!!!!!!!

Good hike with the fam.

The "MOOSE".

Guitar Heroes rescued us from the hot days.

Volleyball galore! I have to say, Team Grandpa put the others to "shame". Thanks to B, it brought the whole family together. Even baby Ashlyn played, spiking it off HER HEAD!!!! Luckily, she was a trooper and so was Mindy.

Water balloons with Gogo and Grandpa.

Squeezing through the cliffs.