Are you thinking about it too?!?!?

CHRISTMAS THAT IS?!!??!?!

(No, not yet?)

Well I am.

As I was typing out an email yesterday, an idea, an epiphany, an ah-ha moment, a brain fart.... fluttered into my noggin.  My neighborhood needs to have a party I thought, it's been way too long.  I'm thinking it's going to be me who puts this shindig together.  Well, It's too hot to have a good ol' fashioned bbq in someone's back yard and we already do a Halloween "cul-de-sac" get together.....CHRISTMAS!!

Here is my thoughts, tell me what you think:

A progressive dinner holiday, festivus for the rest of us type party.  I'd need two homes that would allow for the whole neighborhood (I'm thinking just adults for this party) to meet at for horse dervs (I'm funny, tee hee) and dessert (not funny, makes you giggle then plumps you up).  But main courses would be at various home throughout the neighborhood.

Who is too stupid and got lost?  Is anyone even reading this anyway?  Oh, yes, Mr. D is.  Mr. D, what do you think of my plan?

PS: I just asked Baby R if she made a poo and her response, "I'm not poo, I'm R".  I love 2yo's.

Miss Independent.

Just after lunch today, I heard Baby R playing in her room through the monitor.  She seemed to be breathing heavy and sounded like she was lifting stuff.  So out of curiosity I went to check on her and this is what I found out.......

Baby R climbing in and out of her bed putting EVERY "soft friend" (aka, stuffed animal) she could find on her bed along with her 3 favorite blankets. 

I stopped her and asked, "What are you doing?" to her reply, "I'm makin' my bed". 

Ok then, carry on.  So she did....

"soft friends" galore! 

Next come the pillows.... 

And she's done:)

I realized, she hears me tell G and Little R to go make their beds but it never occurred to me that my 2yo could "make" her bed too (duh!).  She did a great job, don't you think?

An "oath"....You're hardcore!

G turned 8 which means he got to start Scouts!  We've been trying to figure out how we were going to fit Scouts into G's busy schedule with therapy falling right when Scouts was.  After A LOT of thought, we decided to voluntarily discharge G from Physical Therapy right now.  When we stepped back and looked at the big picture, he had more than enough on his plate and more was coming.  We believe that in G's best interest right now, doing extra-curricular activities outside of therapy will not only give him confidence but will also teach him more social skills that are needed in the "real world". 

G went to Scouts for the first time last night.  When he got home he ran into the kitchen to tell me, "mom, I had a really good time at Scouts".  I asked Mr. D if he had told G to tell me that and, NOPE!  Mr. D said that when he walked back into the room he was giggling and laughing so hard just having the time of his life playing some ping-pong ball blowing game.  A peace came over me knowing by discharging G from PT, it was the best decision for him right now.

G will start swimming again this Saturday in a class with 3 other kids.  So many swimming parties go on in this state that we need to make sure he is completely comfortable without his noodle, kick board, dolphin etc.. when in the water.  It's a hardcore swim school this time, they have "clothing" days where kids are required to come fully dressed with shoes that can get wet as they will push the kids in to see where their skills are lacking as accidents can happen when they are completely dressed.

Also, G is starting Karate in September.  G was in soccer with Little R all summer and although he enjoyed the thought of soccer and liked getting dressed in all his soccer gear, he plain sucked.  He avoided the ball like the plague and where Little R was coming home super sweaty, he wasn't even glistening.  So, to help him be more comfortable in contact sports, we thought Karate would help him defend himself and be more aware of his body.

I am more than proud of G, he wants to try everything that all the other boys do and he loves being with all the other kids even if he doesn't fully understand how to "stay" with them.   He'll still continue with his other therapy (OT and Speech) but being able to put something "normal" in the place of PT, feels good:)

PS: On a side note, Mr. D's nephew is staying with us right now and when Mr. D massaged his temples saying, "Ohhhhh, I need to start working on G memorizing the Scout oath, ahhhh" his nephew replied, "Really?  You're hardcore".  It was funny.

Firsts!

G and Little R started school this week.  I now get to say I have a second grader and a Kindergartner (I LOVE saying I have a kindergartner, I don't know why, I just do).

I tried a couple of takes before heading off to school, Little R was so bright eyed Monday morning before we left, she was beaming with excitement! 

I walked both of my kiddos to class (what mom wouldn't?!?!).  Little R was in heaven when her teacher had play-dough waiting at each of their desks.  And, to make it even more better, she kept squealing, "it's PINK!! it's PINK mommy!!".  The little boy sitting across from her goes, "yes, it's pink" in a very "can you shut up" type voice. I just had to chuckle and so I asked him, "do you have sisters" and his reply, "yes" said in a very "I hate girls" type of way.  He's going to love Little R:) LOL!

She got right to work rolling and smashing away.  She was so overly ready for Kindergarten, I'm so happy for her.

G sitting in Second grade!!  He just wanted me to leave so this was the only photo I got, but at least I got ONE.

When my kids got home Little R was on cloud 9, she literally had to tell me about her entire day from the moment she walked in to the moment I kissed her 'good night'.  She was discouraged though because she didn't get to ride the bus.  I guess when I say the "bus" will bring you home with G, I didn't elaborate and explain that it's actually a district issued suburban that drops them off.  She apparently had in her head she was going to get to ride the yellow bus.  She's cool with it now though:)  The next morning she was so stoked that she got to go back that she was awake before I even had to wake her up.  I told her I'd walk her to class one more time but she needed to show me she could walk by herself.  So when we got to school, I stood at the top of the hallway and watched her walk to her classroom.  I could tell she was so excited because she really wanted to run but knew that a school rule was "no running in the hall".  When she got to her door, she gave me a thumbs up and giggled as she ran in.  I gave her a thumbs up back knowing this girl had Kindergarten down and she was going to have an awesome year:)

G also had an awesome first day, he's actually been great all week.  We bought him his first alarm clock so he could learn more independence skills.  He turns that thing right off and he comes flying out of his bedroom each morning with a huge grin.  When he's present and not wallowing in his "autism brain", he is such a great kid.  Totally a boy in so many normal ways it's awesome.   He's doing so many things on his own in the morning which helps me so much as Little R is learning that we move quicker as we can't be late.  He is now showering by himself with just a few verbal cues, he brushes, flosses and uses mouthwash all on his own, he can completely get himself dressed.....pure awesomeness!  I just pray that G doesn't have a break down like he did the last half of the year in First grade.  I'm hoping he can stay on task, keep up with his peers and when things get tough, he gets tougher. 

Cheers to all the mom's who sent their kids (or spouses for that matter) off to school this week!!

Super {Simple} Saturday gig.

If you belong to my church you know what "Super Saturday" is.  If not, it's basically where all us crazy woman get together in the early fall and make a bunch of different crap for our homes.

This year I was petitioned to come up with a very simple craft that would be so easy that even the most un-crafty of person could pull off.  After much thought, ok, not a lot of thought, I went back to that ribbon wreath I had talked about awhile back.  I figured I could reinvent it into something fun so I got to work and that is when an assistant became present and insisted being right here with me. 

She's a big help (not really) and I love her the mostess.

So, I decided to reinvent my wreath into a Halloween one.  I cut a gagillion strips (seriously, this thing took about 50 yards of ribbon, no joke!).

Got myself a standard 14" craft ring and began tying knot, after knot, after knot, after knot.....you see where I'm going with this right?

A quick vinyl spider cutout and a swiftly painted wood oval and, boo-yah! you got yourself a riboon wreath that even the most un-crafty of person could do.

Crap.

I sort of screwed up some elements of my blog on the back end.  Please forgive my blog as you'll see many changes as I try to correct my mess up........

Update:  What's with my giant face shot to the right??  Crap, that needs to be fixed now.

Update: Found a header I like, tweaking pics I like but G is getting updated photos outdoors when the weather cools a bit so the third square is reserved for him.  I'm trying to find a suitable photo to somewhat correspond, so until then.....

Update: Um, I'm really craving cooler weather, I REALLY REALLY REALLY want cool fall weather.  As I was looking at my blog, it looks too "spring".  So, I'm deleting crap again.....

Update: I'm onto something.....I said that before though......

Baptized!

My G turned 8 and he has officially been baptized by his dad.

Strike 1: Nope, G isn't smiling and Baby R put your hand down!

Strike 2: Why aren't Baby R and G smiling?  Isn't this a happy affair??

Strike 3:  I give up on a decent family photo, let's go eat.

After G was dunked (I'll have to tell you later about a woman in my church who calls her daughter the "3 to 4 dunker", it's pretty funny) I saw him say something to Mr. D and when I found out, I couldn't help but chuckle.  As soon as G came up out of the water he told Mr. D, "that was awesome!".

Mr. D had been practicing "baptizing" in our pool for awhile as to not freak G out and to prepare him on what would be happening that day.  G wasn't so concerned about the water part (he loves water) he was more concerned about how long dad's prayer would be after:) 

It was a great day, we had both sets of grandparents fly in, my sister and her family drove 4 hours and my cousin who lives near me and her family all came out to support G.  We had a fabulous catered lunch (after G's birthday party the weekend before, I was so pooped out of entertaining that I wasn't about to make a ton of food) that fed us for an entire weekend we had so many leftovers. 

I'm proud of G, he's growing in so many ways despite his Autism, you can't help but be inspired by how hard he works to better himself.

I have an 8yo?? Say what!?!?!?!

'Tis true, my first born has officially turned 8 {eeek}!

This year we really went all out for G's birthday since he hasn't had one since we left MN (I know, poor kid!)  So, we tried to make up for it;)  We gave him many options of where to have his party and he chose a local bounce house place.  Here's G with two of his buddies from school.  I'm pretty sure they weren't supposed to climb into this basket ball thing, but they were all laughing so hard we left them alone for a few moments before kicking them out. 

G's buddy Landon, he's played here at my home before and G had the opportunity to go to Landon's birthday party a few months ago.  He's from a good family and he's a good friend to G:) 

Some of the kids playing on the blow up slide. 

My other family who came, aren't they all so adorable?

Time for pizza!!  G has been doing his allergy shots and sticking to his clean diet for almost 3 years!  We have him now able to eat foods he's intolerant to on a 4 day rotation.  However, we've discovered his tummy still can't tolerate soft cheese and when he eats gluten, he loses a lot of eye contact and can't focus as well.  However, we told G, if he wanted to eat the pizza on his bday, he could.  He chose to eat a small tip of one piece and call it good.  That was fine with me actually;) 

However, his siblings and dad sure enjoyed their pizza! 

So I just took this photo and G thought it was so hilarious that I then had to show ALL the kids at the table so they could all laugh and think he was silly too.  Kids are weird but if it made them all laugh, then so be it. 

Present opening got crazy.  It started out with me handing G his gifts and it quickly turned to ALL the kids rushing the gift table and G opening his gifts there.  Whatever works I guess.

And my MOST favorite part of the party..... THE CAKE!!  I was given a tip on a woman who did GFCFSF (gluten free/casein free/soy free) cakes and decided to contact her and I am SOOO beyond thrilled that I did!  My heart has been breaking for G every time we go to another child's birthday and he sees their super fun cake that was ordered through Target or wherever and he can't eat it.  So to be able to bring G a "fun" professional cake this year was worth every penny we spent on it! 

G's "Comic Book" cake!  If you don't read many comic books or know much about super heroes reappearing in movies these days let me help you out with what you are seeing....

Green Lantern, Bumblebee Transformer, Captain America and the shield up front is Thor.  Every boy at G's party knew this cake and all wanted to eat their favorite part.  Boys were calling out, "I want a Green Lantern Piece" and "Can I eat Bumblebee's head?".  I'm telling you, this cake, was phenomenal looking and tasting!  Mr. D thought it was the best cake he'd ever eaten and that says a lot if you don't bake GF!  Not one person in there knew G's cake was so allergy friendly, every plate was empty! 

I hope G remembers this birthday party and Mr. D and I have made up for not giving him another birthday party sooner. 

PS: I almost forgot, G was so excited for his party that he woke up especially early, got himself dressed and came knocking on our door to say, "it's day time, you need to get up!".  We had to laugh, clearly he was so anxious to get his party started:)