GUILTY AS CHARGED

HAPPY WADE
HAPPY WADE
HAPPY WADE
HAPPY WADE
GUILTY AS CHARGED, WADE

(Yes, it is on the window too, and the other wall and the other wall)

WADE'S ONLY SALVATION

PUMPKIN LOVE

Not too long ago, Jessica did a post about how she measures her family by a family picture each year. I have to admit, we do not do a family picture each year. We get one (and official one) about every OTHER year. However, I do take formal pix of my kids each year. I don't want to miss those milestones. I tend to measure our family by our Pumpkin patch pix. I know we will go every year because it is one of my favorite activities and although I was bemoaning the lack of fall-ness around here, I have to admit, it was a PICTURE PERFECT day... not to mention a fabulous 82 degrees. Ahhhhhhhh, fall.

We visited Schnepf farms which is not too far from here. It is an all-inclusive ticket for the day, meaning that as long as you don't want to eat, all of the activities are there for the taking for no additional charge. Now, don't get me wrong. Admission is not CHEAP, but, for as much as you can do in the day, it is worth it. Luckily the crowd wasn't too big and we were able to enjoy all of the rides, the petting zoo and a few fall treats.

I have no idea why I didn't put Wade in this picture!

I was ACTUALLY dumb enough to get on one of these with my pregnant belly and Wade on my lap. Sometimes I lack better judgement.

This has to be one of my all time favorite pix of Abby. Her true personality is shining forth.

What is better than cousins sharing a little Italian ice?

FOR THE RECORD 2008

FOR THE RECORD 2006

(We skipped 07 due to small baby issues and the fact that they both went with their school classes)

FOR THE RECORD 2004

2005 was wiped from my hard drive.

FOR THE RECORD 2003

Little baby bub in tow.

FOR THE RECORD 2002

FOR THE RECORD 2001

I HAD to put both of these for 2001 because you know, she was my first baby at the pumpkin patch, and these pictures make me LAUGH!

MINI PERSONAL VACAY

I just spent the last hour looking for and scanning pictures so that you could laugh at my frizzy hair from 15 years ago. YOU'RE WELCOME. My mini-personal vacay started just 12 hours from when I walked in the door from Utah. Just enough time to get my kids unpacked and give a few care instructions to Peter... then I was OUT THE DOOR.

I headed to John Wayne airport in Cali to be picked up by my friend of 17 years. We met at UVSC when we were assigned to live with each other as first year Volleyball players. We went to BYU Jerusalem in the winter of '92 and there we met Nicole. I had met Nicole before Jerusalem because she had just moved into my parents neighborhood back in SLC. Jen? Well, I am not sure... so I think that means that she met Claire and became a roommate of ours after our stint in Jerusalem. Here we are in our fabulous apartment in 1993. I wish I could remember the name of the complex.. but it was off of BYU campus. (We were rebels)

Here we are in our little apartment. (You can click on the pix to see them bigger)Here we are all dolled up for a night out on the town. I have NO IDEA where we were going!

Here is Nicole, Jen and I leaving Provo to go to San Diego where we went to the open house for the San Diego Temple. It was our FIRST MINI PERSONAL VACAY.

We stopped at one of my favorite places in Newport...Namely, the CRAB COOKER. It was Nicole's first time eating crab...Um, she is from Hawaii.

Here we are at Claire's wedding. Sorry, I was trying to scan a scrapbook page. Darn those scrapbooks (Don't laugh at the page.. I am NOT a scrapbooker, and this was one of my first attempts about 10 years ago)... Needless to say, we are tight friends... and although we don't stay in touch regularly... when we DO get in touch we always have a GREAT time...

Here we are 17 YEARS later!!!!

We went to the ELLEN SHOW! And believe it or not, it is pretty much a full day activity. We left Claire's house in Yorba Linda at about 10:00 and got to the show and parked. You are then corralled into a number of different lines to "check in" and to "check ID" and then you wait... Our waiting became much more enjoyable when we were selected by the audience department to participate in the "GAME" for the show. After interviews, it was decided that Claire and I were the best "suited" for live TV. (Meaning, we were the craziest, and most willing to humiliate ourselves... pretty much same as it has always been). Alas, once in the show, we were not the ones chosen. You can see who was if you click on this. (Look at Wednesday's show)

As much as I would LOVE to show you pix of the studio, cameras were not allowed inside. If you set your tivo for Ellen, we were on Wednesday's show and Claire and Nicole were shown TWICE in FULL VIEW. (Good job girls, you were showing GREAT enthusiasm)

We had a great time, and of course spent most of our time just catching up with each other. After the show we headed to Jen's request.. THE CRAB COOKER!!! (like we would say no) Here we are 17 years LATER!I probably have 50 pictures of Jen doing this back in the day, things haven't changed much:

But I SHOULD have taken a picture of Nicole eating crab for what I think she said was... the SECOND time. I am honored Nic.. I can't believe I have been with you BOTH times you have eaten Crab.

After our dinner, we had to get a sweet treat and Jen used her Iphone (LOVE THAT THING) and found us a Sprinkles... YUM. You KNOW they are my fav! They were closed but there was someone still in the store. Jen hopped out of the car and knocked on the window and got us a FREE BOX! We had such a great time. Thanks girls for all of the fun. I needed a little break. I am sooooooooo grateful for our friendship and LOVE that we can get together after so many years and still have so much fun!

Fall Breaking

*WARNING EXCESSIVE PHOTOS*

As you know, we are on a fall break.... STILL. My kids don't go back to school for another week. At first, I thought this was going to be awesome to have some time to enjoy the "cooler" weather and have the kids out of school for a time in the fall. That would be great if the weather WAS "COOLER" here, but it isn't. Now that I am back from my little "Personal Vacay" it is a full time task to keep my family alive. Wade seems to have the croup and Jaxon threw up in the car on the way home from the airport, so my re-entry to real life has been a little rocky, so, let's focus on happier times.. SHALL WE? How 'bout our trip to UTAH! (I'll blog my personal vacay tomorrow)

As I had mentioned before, we went to SLC to enjoy time with my parents and the wonderful fall landscape. It was wonderful, quite a bit cooler, and the colors of course were AMAZING! I drove the kids down by myself (caravanning with a friend) and we stopped midway *out of the way* in Vegas. Just so we didn't have to do the 12 hour haul in one day.
Wade sat behind me and was pretty much an angel the whole trip, Abby played video DJ, and Jaxon was isolated in the back so he couldn't make trouble with any co-riders... you know, just to spread them out a bit.


We visited the witches as Gardener Village. Abby has a long standing fear of Halloween decorations, so, I was worried about the witches... they have just the right amount of "fun" for her to not be "freaked" so, it was ok.

The kids even got a little witchy themselves. (Isn't it great having a camera again?) They also got to enjoy the petting zoo AND have a pony ride!(Wade trying to maul the poor animals at the petting zoo... they were sadly very used to it)(What you DON'T see in this picture is that Wade takes the poor goat by the horn and starts yanking his head around....PETA here I come.....just kidding)Abby was THRILLED with her cute pony.

It wouldn't be a trip to Utah without Grandma K-lo having a few "educational" activities. One of the things I LOVE about my mom is that she is always ready to teach. She decided to talk to the kids about apples and make applesauce with them! They loved it, and I did too! (It was VERY good) Here are a few cute pix of the cousins and their "lesson".

My borrowed camera was on a weird setting that made my pix fuzzy, but you get the idea!

Thanks to my Mom, Hillary and my sister Stacy for making our trip fun and full of family! We love and miss you already!!!

Falling off the face of the earth

Is fun in its own little way. Sorry to leave you all behind. I have a million things to catch you up on ... namely my trip to Utah, and then my trip to California to re-live some college days and attend the Ellen DeGeneres Show. It aired today. (Sorry if you missed it) LOOK FOR ME! I am a tall pregnant lady, sitting near the front, wearing a brown shirt. I am tivoing it, and will let you know if I see myself.

ALMOST got picked for the "Stupidest Game on Television" (coined by Ellen) and after seeing it go down, now I know why I wasn't picked (they had 6 of us in a room..it could have been any one of us and for the record, I would have been more entertaining)... unfair height advantage and EXTREME liability issues with a pregnant lady. Anywho.. it would have helped my camera fund if I would have won!!!! Oh well, guess my luck has run out. Stay tuned. I will try to update more tonight!

Go forth with Faith-[Inspirational Post]

You know, we have been tried as of late. It stinks, it is hard, it may only get harder. I don't like it. I don't enjoy it. But there are times... or moments... or even just flashes that someday, it will all be ok. I don't know when, how or what that someday will be .... but, it will be SOMEDAY. That was affirmed tonight when I had the opportunity to go to my mission reunion.

WAIT! Before you get any pre-conceived notions about how that was or offer up any jokes about how stupid they are... you need to know that it was none of those things. My Mission President was just called as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. So, it was a wonderful opportunity to get to hear about his call and family and the experience they have had since the mission.

For those of you who have not served a mission, you need to know that a Mission President has a VERY influential and powerful influence over you during the time that you serve as a missionary. He knows you... WELL. You meet with him on a regular basis.. have personal interviews..write weekly letters and not only that, he has a direct calling to provide you with direction and revelation while you are serving in that mission. There was more than one occasion where I would sit in front of my Mission President, and before I could say A WORD about my troubles/challenges/trials/successes he would recite them to me and even tell me how I was FEELING about them. It was powerful/scary/real and intense to have that kind of relationship. Needless to say, it's unlike any other time in your life.

It was a joy to see his family and how they have grown. He was MY AGE when he was called as a mission president (I am in my 30s) and had young children... 8, 6 , 4 , and two... His wife then had twins (surprise) while they were on their mission. When I was a missionary, I thought that was amazing. Now, as a mother of almost four... I think that must have been HORRIFYING! Regardless, he handled his tenure with grace, love and amazing ability and each of us KNEW there would be a time when this call would be issued to him. You could feel it in your bones when he would address us from the pulpit in a meeting. We just knew.

Things haven't changed much. He is humble, powerful, unassuming and wonderful to listen to. He even shared some challenges that he and his family had faced during that time, that were unbeknownst to us as missionaries. My burden was somewhat lifted... knowing that he too (in all his righteousness and near-perfection) had challenges at times in his life. It was wonderful to speak to him personally and share a little of my life with him right now. To talk to him about Jaxon, and the blessings and challenges that provides for our family. He was understanding, and affirmed that there was NO MISTAKE in having Jaxon a part of our family and that children with special needs are very carefully placed in their families for very particular reasons. That He knew, we could handle it. This I know, this I know.

I am grateful for small but powerful reminders that we are being watched over. No matter how extreme the challenge. I am grateful for the time I had to spend with President Hamula in such a personal way..tonight, but mostly in the mission field. He admitted that it was and probably always will be one of his most cherished experiences in his church committed life. Thank you for small blessings. Thank you for inspirations. Thank you for letting my life cross paths with such a profoundly beautiful spirit. Thank you, I am grateful. Enjoy General Conference . And if you would like to hear Jim Hamula speak, he will be speaking in the Priesthood Session on Saturday night. (You can read it later here)

Do ya miss me?

Sorry for the lag in posts... I have neglected to mention that my kids are on a 2 1/2 week "fall" break. The kids and I decided to get out of town and enjoy fall a little bit.  We drove to Salt Lake City and are enjoying mild temps and fall colors. I must admit, I don't think I will miss snow, but I am certain that I miss crisp fall mornings, orange, and yellow in the mountains. It is nice to visit for a while to enjoy it. 

I am giving my brain a rest as well. Turns out this pregnancy has been taking a toll on my brain.  

I have a functioning camera for the time being (Hurrah) but, have not uploaded any pix from the trip yet, so, stay tuned.

I am looking forward to conference and reunions. It is always nice to get in touch with old friends ... Especially old friends like, TAI PAN!  I am going to visit Tai Pan tomorrow... I will let you know how it goes! In the mean time, take a walk in the crisp air. Crunch a few leaves under your feet, drink a cup of hot cocoa (even if it makes you sweat a little) and enjoy this beautiful time of year. After all, there isn't much else beautiful in the world right now... (politics...yuk. Economic Crisis...yuk... ) 

Lindsey on Life- and Grey's Anatomy

This week was National Stay at Home week. What on earth does that mean? (You might ask) Well, it means that the new season of some TV shows came on this week and the networks wanted you to stay home and watch TV, so, they called it National Stay at Home week. (What a marketing department, eh?) Anywho... I was excited! I mean, after all, I have my daily arsenal of Tivo'd shows to watch. . . FINALLY there is something on TV!!! RIGHT??? Well, actually, I am finding less and less... a disappointment really. I was really hoping to have something to take my mind off of MY problems, but actually found that what I watched left me thinking about the WORLD's problems.

I guess, in fairness, it all started when Peter and I decided to rent the first season of Mad Men (AMC) on DVD. Critically acclaimed, Emmy crowned, all the rest. Well, it only took us a few episodes (there was only three on the DVD) to realize that this was a full frontal assault on marriage and family life. There wasn't a redeeming character in the bunch. In short, there was no one to "root" for, there was no hero. They were all just a bunch of middle aged men who were clueless about life, commitment and what it means to have a spine. Overall, a total disappointment.

Which leads me to my next big disappointment. The season premier of Grey's Anatomy. Now, some of you might gasp in shock that I even WATCH Grey's Anatomy, but I know many of you do too, so, it won't be a shocker to most. First of all the "sneak peak" commercials were all designed to create interest and shock in all of the events that were going to happen on the first episode... Lies.. .all of them... lies. Jokes, stupidity. Come on. Do you you have to WRITE these things just so you can get an intriguing trailer? Sad. Second of all, I am tired of Meredith and her flip flops. I am with Dr. Yang. It is dumb, get over it. Third, we have ANOTHER total assault on marriage, family, hope and relationships with the constant message of: It will never work. It is too hard. You just start getting chipped away. Then suddenly, you don't know each other. (Actual quotes from the episode)

BLAH BLAH BLAH.

Obviously no one in Hollywood has any idea of what a "relationship" is. I agree. For most, there is no Fairly Tale. But, that is NOT what a relationship is about. It is about Trials, Growth, Challenges and Endurance. Not to make it sound so UN-GLAMOROUS, but REAL. Otherwise, what is the point to this life and all of its learning? NOTHING. Of course, along with all of those challenges are BRIGHT, BEAUTIFUL BLESSINGS and some of the MOST REWARDING MOMENTS in life. They are there, but, they are only MORE sweet when we know the hardship and the challenges. Without those hardships... there is no Opposition, and THERE MUST BE OPPOSITION IN ALL THINGS SO THAT WE MAY KNOW THE GOOD FROM THE EVIL. (My husband is going to enjoy this post because as of late, I am having a hard time not complaining about our current trials and my favorite question is WHY US, WHY NOW??? Dearest honey, I understand the concept. That doesn't make it easier)

Moving on: it doesn't snow in Seattle in September, and that ICE DAGGER would have melted inside Dr. Yang long before they would have had to pull it out. Good job writers! Glad you get paid so much to put something SOOOOOOOOO stupid together. Shhesh. I will go back to watching my Reality TV. Thanks to Dancing with the Stars for presenting something that shows that through hard work and determination people can really can accomplish something. (Ok, they could wear more clothes) A worthy lesson. Good Bye Grey's. You are off my Tivo for good.

I AM STUMPED

This is the last post of my "I AM" week and I know it is DANGEROUS to ask the blog world such questions, but I AM STUMPED. We decided early on that our little girl (I mean, before we knew we were having a girl) would be named after her Grandmothers. Grandma Kay and Grandma Jean.

We decided right off the bat that her name would be Kayley Jean. Cute, but, I feel like Kayley is a little over used these days. (Not that Abby and Jaxon aren't completely POPULAR, but we really didn't know that until after they were already named. ) Anyway, we are almost certain that will be her name, but I am still looking out for that girl name.. that has "Kay" in it that is unique and beautiful and all that.

Now, chances that I can get my husband off of Kayley are slim to none. But, maybe the blog world will come up with "THE ONE" that we can't pass up. So, are you up to the challenge? (Believe me, it is a big one) But, I am ready... but remember the rules, it must have "KAY" in it!

Good luck!

I AM ASTONISHED

I am pregnant with a baby girl. We guessed as much early on because all I was craving was salt, salt, salt. Which, by the way, is NOT totally abnormal. I think Peter's cousin once advised him to buy me a salt lick when she witnessed me pouring salt into the palm of my hand and licking it off...repeatedly. Anywho.....


Even though I have been craving salt... every now and again I crave something sweet. For the most part I take care of those cravings myself because I LOVE all things in DOUGH form. I think I have mastered making cookie dough in record time. (Around 5 minutes). However, from time to time I like to rely on "baked goods" not made by myself to satisfy my cravings because sometimes it is nice to just sit on your heiny and not have to move off the couch to curb a craving...


In enters obliging husband. My husband came out of his hovel.. I mean office... tonight at about 9:58 p .m.at which time I uttered something about wanting my favorite GO TO baked good... SVENHARDS. Ever heard of em? Here....

Not just ANY Svenhards will do.. .They MUST BE BUTTER HORNS! I am not a huge fan of any kind of FRUITY filling. Just give it to me plain... with butter on it. In my personal (but incredibly knowledgeable) opinion this is by FAR one of the best baked goods that you can buy and eat and love. Oh, throw a little butter on it, (My husband once said it is like putting butter on a Krispy Kreme) throw it in the microwave for 25 seconds and you have ONE AMAZING BAKED GOOD ITEM WARM OUT OF THE OVEN. I mean, Microwave. Thanks to my mom for starting the warmed butter horn with BUTTER tradition. I will most certainly carry it forward.

Back to the Husband. Being the GREAT husband that he is... he offered to go get me some. No, he didn't offer... he just grabbed his keys off the counter and left. At 10:42... I began to wonder where he might be? I mean, the store isn't THAT far away. I called him on his cell to find that he had visited 7 stores... 7 STORES! To find my beloved Svenhards to no avail. He gave his all... he did his best... I told him to come home. (He still brought me a baked good so I didn't have to go without) NOW THAT IS LOVE I TELL YOU. Thank you honey, you are the best. I guess I better start stocking them as food storage because there seems to be a shortage around these parts.

I don't even feel a bit bad about it because:

A. He wanted to and

B. This is the last chance I have to get ANY pregnancy related TLC that I can get!

So, I am going to soak it ALL IN (and pack it all on)!

I AM All about Free Stuff

This week, each post has started I AM... I will let you know what else I am TOMORROW! But TODAY, I AM all about FREE STUFF! How bout some FREE christmas cards and a great deal on pictures! Check here for more details!

I am a clutz.

Definition by Urban Dictionary:

clutz :
Someone who is extremely careless, stupid and a hazard to be around. Trips over shoes constantly, breaks anything he touches, should not be allowed around heavy machinery or anything that might put other's lives in danger.
Mr Clutz walks into old, rich woman's house with lots of v. elaborate, precariously placed ornaments and brakeables scattered around. Clutz: Oooh look a penny! (As he picks up penny, knocks down v. expensive china vase) Old woman: Good heavens! That vase was my Great Grandmama's! Clutz: Huh? What vase?

Thank you to Urban Dictionary for defining my life. Eventhough I was an athlete for many, many years... I am an extreme clutz. HOWEVER, I can catch items flying at me with either hand and amazing precision. I have even caught a glass falling out the cupboard in mid-air.

Apparently having laser like reflexes does not IN ANY WAY make up for being a clutz. That is why why my husband came home today at lunch time, he found me in a pile on the floor with macaroni and cheese mashed up and down my side and hanging from my hair. Simple reason: I slipped on apple sauce that Wade had splashed on the floor. (I was carrying the mac and cheese to his tray) In defense of my lightening fast reflexes, I DID try to catch myself as I was going down by grabbing on to the kitchen island. Unfortunately, I was already too far gone and that just added to the problem when I heard all of the cracking and popping noises in my shoulder. Ouch.

Remember how yesterday I said I was in pain? Well, today I am in more. I need a vacation from myself.

Lest ye think that this was my ONLY clutzy moment.. I will tell you, if there is a shoe, a cat, a hair clip, toy, sharp object or even door mat on the floor I will trip over it. If there is a knife in the kitchen I will cut myself with it... If there is something hot on the stove, I will most certainly get a 3rd degree burn from it. I have split my finger open breaking a glass dish, tripped backwards over an open dishwasher door and cut the tip of my finger off with scissors. I AM that big of a clutz.

I AM TOO OLD FOR THIS!

I was just sitting here, watching the Emmy's, checking out an old picture one of my friends posted on facebook and blogging. (I am excellent at MULTITASKING). As I was scrolling through all of high school friends on facebook I started to realize that I was the one with the youngest kids... Not to mention that I am PREGNANT. Then, it hit me like a ton of bricks.... I AM 35 and PREGNANT! WHAT AM I THINKING! All of my other high school friends have long since stopped having babies... WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME??? I guess we got married a little later than most, and are now making up for lost time, but I am paying for it...

My body aches in whole new ways. I was complaining to my husband tonight that my back was hurting, my hips were hurting and my feet were hurting (I didn't even clean the floor today! That was YESTERDAY) and then I realized... I. AM. OLD. I am not in my twenties anymore, and I am feelin' it. Sometimes I feel like I am the only person on the PLANET having a baby at this age. (Even though I know I am not) I guess it is just the cold hard reality that I will be having one of these soon.

Late nights, early mornings, crying, diapers, teething, potty training... ONE MORE TIME. I can do it! (RIGHT? This is quickly becoming a pep talk for myself.) MOM, having a baby at 40... WOW. I am in awe. (At least I know where the crazy comes from) Wish me luck! And wish for me a VERY EASY BABY.

Here is to last babies!!! I can't decide whether to be sad, that I won't get to experience this again, or THRILLED I won't HAVE to experience this again! (Help me)

Over Heard

Peter: [Issuing a spelling test to Abby]. Spell Sign

Abby: K.

Peter: Spell sigh

Abby: K

Peter: Honey, go to mw.com and see what "Sigh" with a "T" at the end means??

Lindsey: Sigh with "t"? At the end? It is sight.

Peter: Yeah, what does that mean? Is that even a word?

Lindsey: It means, See.. Look.. "I have SIGHT."

Peter: [Sheepishly] Oh, I haven't seen that word spelled forever! It is always spelled SITE! (Like website- or work site...he had been working in development for a while. Please forgive him)

JAXON'S PRAYER SERVICES.

Normal Night Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the food, bless that daddy won't be mad at me, and bless that he will read me the books I want, in Jesus Name, AMEN.

Last Nights Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the food, bless daddy. He gives the best Hugs EVER.

Tonight's Dinner Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for the food. (the food gets blessed a lot around here) Daddy Gives the Best Hugs, Abby is the best Sister, and uhhh... Mommy?.... Uh... she makes the best pizza ever! In Jesus Name AMEN!


***************************DISCLAIMER*******************

Now, Honey, before you go getting all mad about the SIGHT story, other women get to tell their funny stories! Like, Amy shared this story, and this one (and trust me, she has shared A LOT more), and Denae shared this Hilarious Story, and Stie, shared this story and SEEE??? You aren't the only husband that does silly things...

And I know you threatened to start your own website about the stupid things that I do, but let me beat you to the punch because I am SURE the first story you will share is about that time where I ran down the street screaming at the neighbors if they had seen Wade and I sent you to the back yard looking and I sprinted (which I never do) in bare feet for like 20 yards, and was totally freaked out because I couldn't find him... and that is when you told me, I had already put him in the car... THERE. WE ARE EVEN!

To Take, Retake or Not to Take at all....

We got our school photos back... Oh, Joy. To say I didn't like them... Is... an UNDERSTATEMENT. I seem to recall a VERY WELL WRITTEN post about this issue. (Believe me, this is a hilarious post. Click on the link!) This is what I said in response.

"Yep, I just buy them because I feel completely obligated to provide the school picture. I mean, I don't want my child at 30 to say... Mom, why don't you have any of my school pictures??? Not gonna happen, not here.. we will take those ugly pix and like it. BTW, you are a fabulous photog."

Talk about a self fulfilling prophesy! Now, the question is... Do I keep 'em and say, SORRY YOU GUYS WERE JUST UGLY BACK THEN! Or do I give re-takes a go and blow some more cash out the window?

I think I will do OPTION "A". It is only fair.. .I can't have my children thinking they were cute ALL The time!

So we went from SO CUTE ABBY Last Year. To THIS YEAR....

Crouched over, straggly haired (we had recess before pictures!) classic second grade photo.

Here is Jaxon last year and THIS YEAR.

Crazy google eyed under bite kid... (I guess I DID compare him to Michael Phelps once.. But, I didn't mean it literally!)

I guess I can just show them this and this when they burst into tears over their horrible photos.

Someone needs to tell her...

Image courtesy of people online.

That there is a difference between SWIMMING GOGGLES and SKIING GOGGLES... Apparently no-one told her. I guess everyone is afriad to just tell her the truth. It is lonely at the top. :0

A Plea to My Fairy God Mother

I WAS going to post a picture of the BEAUTIFUL Orange Hibiscus Flowers that are blooming in my back yard right now... (Do you have one at your house? I didn't think so) But, I went to get my camera out of my purse and low and behold... it was broken. BROKEN. This is the SECOND camera that has broken since our move to this state. Now, I know you may think my purse is not the BEST place for a camera, but how else are we bloggers supposed to document every activity in our oh so exciting lives? Plus, I have not owned a camera over $300 ever.. So, it isn't THAT bad that it was in my purse is it?


Anyway, this happened to be my "back up camera" because my more updated camera broke shortly after our move and now my "back up camera" has bit the dust... and due to our current situation, which I know I have not elaborated on very much here... but, you know, some things are just too hard to blog about, I am not going to be in the market for a new camera any time soon. Anyway, now I am stuck without a camera. I am starting to think that cameras are allergic to Arizona.


So, my blog posts just aren't going to be that exciting any more. Sorry Grandmas and Grandpas... No more pictures of little kids. I am sooooooo disappointed that you won't be seeing any pictures of my now bulging belly. Oh so sad about that!


Maybe my Fairy God Mother will send me one and it will magically appear on my front door. After all, Kelly seems to think there are such things. So, I guess I am acting on her faith a bit. Maybe her FGM will adopt me. Or how 'bout this... if you were going to ebay an old camera because you just got the newest bestest version... lemme know.

In the mean time, here is a picture of that hibiscus. Courtesy of flickr.

Mine looks JUST LIKE THIS ONE... except for the rain drops... Because everyone knows it DOESN'T RAIN HERE!

It's a baby.........

GIRL!

Wow, you bloggers really know your stuff! Or you are all just wishfully thinking for me. I really wanted a baby girl to just even things out, and that is what we got. Of course, we are thrilled with whatever we are having, but I am thrilled to be able to look in the "girl" section for clothes again. I am also thrilled that Abby will have a baby sister. I grew up with 4 sisters, no brothers, and I know the joy and happiness that my sisters bring to me. I think they will be far apart enough in age that they won't roll down the stairs ripping each other's hair out... (did I do that?) But close enough like me and my little sis Hillary (private blog) to love and enjoy each other through the mommy years.

This is her waving to all of you bloggers... she will see you on (or hopefully before) February 2nd!

We are so excited! :)

Things I love about Autism- The Short List

So far, there are two things on my list of things I LOVE about Autism.. this was the first. (Scroll to the bottom of the post)

And this happens to be the second.... Here are my kids leaving for school....

Wait! I hear something coming!!!

Could that be the school bus at my FRONT DOOR??? Say goodbye Wade!!!

Here is where Wade and I disagree. I am always smiling at this point because I don't have to deal with THIS in 100+ degree weather... Remember, I am pregnant. Have mercy. Wade however is happy to say goodbye and wave until the bus doors close and take his playmates away.

Then, he is not so happy.. But I am. FRONT DOOR BUS SERVICE IS THE BEST!

PS- We get to find out what we a HAVING tomorrow! I am pretty sure it is a baby, but if you want to vote before I find out, now is your chance!

I can see the light...BLESS THE STATE OF ARIZONA!

There are times that you do things for your children because you just have to. I am SURE you could make up your own list of things that you HAVE to do for your children... such things as wiping bums, doing laundry, fixing lunches the list goes on and on and is EXTENSIVE.

I have to add to that list... MEDICAL BILLS FOR JAXON. Some of you may think, WHAT HAPPENED TO JAXON? Well, nothing really... Jaxon happened. Discovering your child is Autistic is a long winding journey down a road that YOU DIDN'T choose. It just happens to you. From there, you go through a myriad of emotions, disillusionments, denials, heartbreaks, and frustrations.

I recently have come into contact with some women here in AZ who have Autistic Children. We have banded together to help each other with our GFCF diets for our children. I have started to think about Autism like lightening strikes. It never strikes the same WAY twice. But, we still have this amazing connection and understanding of one another. We were all struck by it... just not in the same way. Some cases were more severe than others... but it doesn't matter, we were struck and we have that in common. I love the way women get together to support each other. It makes me even more aware of the importance of the Relief Society in the church.

Anyway, back to the medical bills.. Lets see.. there are Vitamins, Specialists that DON'T accept your insurance, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Rehabilitation. In our current position (3 mortgages in Spokane and rent here in AZ) these things tend to stress me out a bit and even though we find it a financial difficultly to do these things, you just feel like you MUST. Because you would do anything to give your child a better life. RIGHT?

IN WALKS THE GREAT STATE OF ARIZONA AND THE DDD.

What is the DDD? It is the Department of Developmental Disabilities. They have one in Washington too.. I qualified and never did find out what they could do for me... But I have here in Arizona!!! They can take that Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation bill OFF MY PLATE. And, if I didn't think it would have hurt our status... I would have KISSED the man who came to evaluate Jaxon last week. You see, Jaxon is considered "high functioning" and thus is border-line when it comes to needing services. I mean, that is the thing.. He NEEDS them.. but does he NEED them as badly as someone else? Like I said, bless the man who did his eval. because he qualified him. They want to see Jaxon become a participating member of society AND SO DO I! (It just might take a little more work to accomplish that, but we all hope for it). This is a huge blessing for us, and I felt the weight lifted as he said those magic words.. "Well, I am going to qualify him" MARVELOUS. ANGELS SINGING GLORY BE!!!

Something else MARVELOUS? Back to those ladies.. Well, they are EXTREMELY well informed (better than me) of the issues, qualifications and available resources. THAT is why I depend on them so fiercely and I hope to someday be that same pillar of strength for someone else. I hope to encourage someone and give them direction when they start the GFCF diet. I hope to tell them about the DDD (like these women did for me) and I hope to tell them about the ACT Today program. It is a program that offers grants to families in helping with the care of their autistic children. And UNLIKE our HEALTH CARE SYSTEM... they think things like Vitamin Therapies and GFCF diets help.. and they are willing to help you. I hope to let you know in a few weeks that we have qualified for help with his vitamin regimen and specialist bills. Even though we have just started these alternative treatments, our bills are already in the thousands... Is it worth it? I think so. Thanks be to WOMEN who work so hard to HELP EACH OTHER. Keep reaching out with what you know!

Special thanks to Shari, Abby and Lisa for helping me through all of the resources here in AZ!

PS- I hope this is more uplifting that LAST SUNDAY'S BLOG!

WARM WISHES-AUCTION

This is the perfect compliment to a fall wardrobe. Golds and reds are a MUST for this season. This piece is made with dyed freshwater pearls. There are also Swarovski crystals dusted throughout the necklace. This is a double stranded necklace and is a complete STUNNER!BEAUTIFUL. Don't pass this one up, it is GORGEOUS and will knock the socks off anyone who sees it on you!