Vanilla- Showin' Some Love..........

We noticed a little while ago that the tan fur on Vanilla's bum, looks like a heart. We thought it was pretty funny and had to take a picture!

Mother's Intuition.....

(This actually was several months ago, but I'm just now getting around to posting about it)

Noah's school teachers suggested that I get him an Occupational Therapy evaluation. I was rather confused at why, but they said there were several things in class that he just would refuse to do. That didn't surprise me, I mean we are talking about Noah. He could do something for you one day and absolutely refuse it the next. He's very strong willed and isn't afraid to stand up for his choice or opinion. Not that he isn't the sweetest, most lovable little guy ever (no bias, here!), but he can be difficult, there's no denying that.

Anyway, so his teachers told me that he wouldn't do many of the activities that the other kids would, like, laying on his stomach on scooter boards and rolling across the floor, walking a small balance beam, dancing, etc. Now, I know that Noah would do all the things that they listed to me at home, but wasn't surprised at all that he wouldn't do them at school. Noah doesn't like to feel like he's on display to anyone.

The teachers also told me that he wouldn't finger paint or get glue on his hands, he didn't like wearing his gloves outside and didn't like having his coat zipped all the way up. I'm thinking...... so??????? They're thinking that he is extra sensitive about touching certain textures, etc. They think it would be a good idea to have him evaluated. I respect these teachers, I happen to know that they are the best in this area, and I know that they're looking out for his best interests, so I agree to have him evaluated. They ask me if I want to be there when they do it and I said, no. They'd have better luck without me there.

Several weeks after the evaluation was finished and I'd been sent my copy of it, we had a "sit down" to discuss it. They told me several things about my son.

1- His fine motor skills are way above his age level
2-His Gross motor skills they couldn't accurately evaluate because he wouldn't do half of what they asked
3-His sensory processing shows he's somewhat sensitive about touch

All of which, I already knew. They told me that they could put him in occupational therapy for his gross motor skills, because technically, he didn't "pass", but they left it up to me. I told them, no. I wasn't worried about his gross motor skills. I've seen him, he can do everything they think he should.

So, we discussed the sensory processing. They told us that after observing him, teachers comments, my comments, etc, that it is obvious that he is sensitive to others touching him, that he has a larger personal space than most kids his age and that large groups or crowds, or lots of noise or commotion seems to overwhelm him. Again, this is nothing that I didn't already know. I was rather frustrated with it all, because they were talking to me as if this were all new to me. I am his mother, I've been with him for 5 years, I've noticed a thing or two during that time........ And my thought about it all, so what?!?!?

I think all of those things make up Noah. They are who he is. It's his personality and it's perfectly ok. I'm not worried about any of it, really. I'm not saying that there aren't kids who really need help in those areas, but Noah isn't one of them and it was a little frustrating to listen to. It was almost as if they needed to put a "label" on his behavior because it didn't fit perfectly with all the other kids. I don't like that attitude. I don't want Noah to think that there's something wrong with him, just because he doesn't like people in his "space". Heck, I don't like people getting in my personal space all the time either. I think he should be the little boy that he is, without having to worry about what others think. Ok, so now that I've ranted a little........

They did tell me something that made sense, not that it makes any difference now that I know, but it does help explains things a little. They were talking about how crowds and lots of noise is overwhelming to him and they said that he's starting to learn to handle it. For instance, when he first started school and things would get a little loud and crazy, Noah would just shut down. He wouldn't do anything. Now, he'll move away from "it" to a quieter area and kind of collect himself until he can handle it all. That's a good thing. But, what I found interesting is that they told me that when he was younger that those sort of situations were probably completely overwhelming to him and he didn't know how to handle it at all and so his only reaction would be to cry or have a meltdown (for lack of a better word). In other words, when I would try and take him to nursery at church, which had about 20 kids in it and was complete chaos, loud, rowdy, and insane. It was too much for his little system to manage, so his only way to deal with it was to cry and try to get out of the situation. It was too much for him to process and he couldn't do it, not that he wouldn't, he couldn't.

So, all those years in Virginia when I wouldn't force him to go to nursery or primary and just let him cry it out is now justified! I had lots of people telling me that I should just make him go and he'd be fine and he could just cry, etc, but I just didn't feel comfortable about it. And, I couldn't explain why either. I'd let my other kids cry in nursery, but for whatever reason, I just couldn't leave Noah in there like that. I know that there were women who thought I was a pathetic mom, being willing to take Noah with me until he was 4 instead of putting him in his own class. But now I know why he would cry so much and had such a hard time. And I wasn't being ridiculous; I was listening to my own instincts as Noah's mom.

I'm just extremely grateful that I didn't make him "cry it out". I think of the harm that that could have done his little spirit, and emotional well being if he had been forced to stay in a situation that his little mind couldn't process at the time. That just breaks my heart to think of it. I think the Lord helped me to know what Noah needed at the time and I am so glad that I listened to my own heart and not the people around me! (Since we've moved, Noah has had a wonderful primary president and teacher who helped him to feel comfortable and do things at his own pace. He loves primary now! yeah!)

So, the evaluation wasn't a total loss, although technically, it didn't tell me anything I didn't already know as Noah's mom.

Youth Temple Trip

On the 19th the youth had their temple trip. Our ward attends the Boston Temple. It's beautiful, absolutely beautiful! Chad went along to help and, truthfully, I was so jealous! I would have loved to go with them, but I wasn't able to go this time. I love going on the youth temple trips. This was also Vance's first trip to the temple. He missed the temple trip last year, in Virginia and here, because of our move. I would have loved to be in there with him, but at least Chad was able to be there! Chad was able to do baptisms with Myshel and confirmations with Vance. What a neat experience for them to have with their dad! Next time, I get to go, too!

River Walk

Last week we took the whole family on the Brunswick Riverwalk trail. I don't know if that's it's official name, but that's what we call it. The kids call it "the river walk". The trail follows along, you guessed it, the river! It's a really pretty path and I can't wail until it's summer and everything green again! Of course, Chad and Vance's allergies will make it a frustrating place to be, but I'll enjoy it!McKaylie and Noah took their scooters. They actually stayed on their scooters longer than I thought they would, about half way. After that, they passed them on to us, which Chad was more than happy to play on. I just pushed it along. Myshel and Vance were on their roller blades. It was late afternoon, warm and a perfect day for a walk. We ended up walking about a mile. But, by the time we got back to the car, the little kids were grumpy, grumpy bears and I was wishing we hadn't gone! I think it was just too late in the day, and the kids were just tired. They'd spend most of the afternoon running around outside before we left. I always love spending time with all the family on days like this, but next time, we'll go earlier in the day!

Mary Engelbreit Monday

Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can.
--Elsa Maxwell

A Little About Us.....

Marie had this on her blog. I thought it was fun and who doesn't like to talk about their sweetie?!? So, here goes. Oh, and I'd love to read about you and your sweeties..............................

How long did you date? 2 1/2 years, off and on
How old is he? 36
Who eats more? Chad definitely eats more than me
Who said “I love you” first? Chad did. I didn't tell him that I loved him for about another week or so.
Who is taller? Chad
Who sings better? Me, although that's not saying much
Who is smarter? I would say me, but that's probably because I took school a little more serisouly than he did
Whose temper is worse? Chad's is worse, but I probably lose my faster
Who does the laundry? That would definitely be ME
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I sleep on the right side, but I don't have to, sometimes we switch
Who pays the bills? me
Who cooks dinner? It's probably split about even, Chad cooks a lot, though ( I sure love that)
Who drives when you are together? Chad
Who is more stubborn? I plead the fifth.........actually, truth be known, it would be a real toss up, we're both extremely stubborn
Who kissed who first? Chad definitely kissed me first
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? probably Chad, I guess
Whose parents do you see the most? Well, when we go home to visit, we stay with my parents, so I guess mine
Who proposed? I think it would be considered a mutual agreement...........Chad did ask me later, though, when we bought the ring
Who is more sensitive? Are guys sensitive???? just kidding, honey......but the answered is me
Who has more friends? I guess me, I don't know about that one
Who has more siblings? Me, I have 4, he has 1
Who wears the pants in the family? That is definitely shared at our house, although the guys that Chad works with would say that I do, and I'm ok with that!!

My Baby......

I've called all my kid's "Baby", usually until the next baby came along. Which would explain why I still call Noah "Baby". Here's the conversation I had with Noah the other day.

Me: Whatcha doing, Baby?
Noah: Playing with my blocks.....You know, mom, I'm not a baby.
Me: I know, you're not a baby, but you'll always be my baby!
Noah: I know.
Me: I'll always call you "Baby".
Noah: I know.
Me: I'll even call you "Baby" when you're all grown up and have your own baby.
Noah: I know.
Me: You're ok with that?
Noah: Yeah, I like being your baby.
Me: I like you being my baby, too!
Then he gave me a big hug and a kiss and went back to building. I love those kind of moments!

Military ID Nonsense..........

I know this probably sounds silly, but the last time I had to get my military ID updated, I cried. I seriously cried. I waited until I got home, but I cried. The picture was just sooo bad and it was depressing. Now, I know they aren't great pictures to begin with. I mean, Chad's ID has looked like a mug shot every time he's had it taken. I guess I just hoped that it wouldn't be horrible, but it was. Chad tried to reassure me, but there was no hope of that. It was just a really, really bad picture and one that I would have to be showing all the time.
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So, it was time to get it updated again. Actually I really should have had it updated a year ago, before we left Virginia, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I didn't have a choice now, though; it was about to expire. So, I gathered up all my self-esteem and talked Chad into coming with me and we headed to the ID office.
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I don't know what you're suppose to do to make an ID look ok, I mean, I kind of like my driver's license picture, but I don't know what I did to make that one come out the way it did. So, I'm thinking....don't smile too big.........don't look grumpy........don't close your eyes...........think skinny????? where that came from, I don't know. It is a picture of your Head!!!! The guy is chit-chatting away with Chad. (I swear he knows everyone!!!!) And I'm thinking, "are you taking the picture, or what?" and then he takes the picture. OH, come on!!!!! Then he says, "welllll, that was my fault, let's try it again." So now I'm thinking, considering how back military IDs are, and he wants to retake it, it must have been BAD!!!! Great.....another ID picture that's going to make me go home and cry! He took another one, this time he gave me some warning and then he surprised me. He let me see it and asked if it was ok, or if I wanted to take it again! WOW, this is a small base! And actually the picture wasn't terrible, so I kept it. I walked out and was completely relieved that it was over. Stupid, huh! This ID is only good for a year, though, so in about 11 months, I'll be back again having a slight anxiety attack over a stupid picture!

A Big Year......

I mentioned this morning that I had to get the registration paperwork for Kindergarten, since Noah would be starting next fall.
Myshel answered me by saying- "wow, this is a big year for you".
Me- "What do you mean?"
Myshel- "Well, Vance turned 13, so he is officially a teenager. McKaylie is turning 8 and will be baptized. Noah is starting kindergarten in the fall and I am turning 16 and can start to date (group-date that is)."
Me- "Suddenly, I'm very depressed!"
She's right, this is a big year for Chad and me. Our kids are growing up so fast. I know I say it all the time, but where does the time go?

McKaylie & Sparkle Lotion Don't Mix!

Yesterday after church McKaylie put some "sparkle" lotion on her face. She thought it looked so cute all sparkly on her cheeks. It did look cute, until her whole face broke out in a rash! She was one big splotchy mess. It was rather sad, not horrible, but sad and it itched! She was miserable. We washed her face, gave her some Benadryl and threw away the lotion.
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It was looking much better by bedtime. When she got up this morning, it was looking even better than the night before, but not gone completely and there were a couple of little blisters on her cheek that she had accidentally scratched. I felt so bad for her. I talked with the nurse at the Ped's office and was assured that I was doing everything I should. She still looks splotchy and she cried and asked me not to send her to school. So, McKaylie's home with me today. She's roughing it right now, playing the PS2 and eating snacks. I think the Benadryl is making her drowsy, though, because her eyes are awfully heavy. There's no pictures to show. She insisted there be none taken! So, just imagine a cute little girl, with a blotchy red face and that would be McKaylie!

Spring has Sprung!

I'm so excited! The weather has been so much warmer this last week. It's been in the high 40's low 50's, so, it's not toasty warm, but sooo much warmer than before. Almost all the snow and ice are gone and you can see green grass growing!As you can see, some flowers are blooming and I just love it! We raked up some leaves last Friday and worked in our little yard some and it just felt so good. There was even a short moment when the wind stopped blowing and you could feel the warm sun on your skin! Ohhhh I miss that. I'm so glad that it's Spring!

Mary Engelbreit Monday

Laughter is an instant vacation.

--Milton Berle

Mary Engelbreit Monday

Joyfulness keeps the heart and face young. A good laugh makes us better friends with ourselves and everybody around us.
--Orison Swett Marden

Oh Noah!

When Chad was gone, Noah came to me very upset and told me that McKaylie told him that he couldn't marry me. He asked me if he could. I told him that we could only be married to one person and that I was already married to Daddy. He didn't say anything and left. When Chad got home Noah asked him if he would give me up so that he could marry me! Chad smiled and gave him a hug and told him, "no way". Noah shrugged and said he'd just marry Nutmeg. I guess I should be happy that I was the first choice!
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Last night we decided it was time to cut Noah's hair. He's not a fan of getting his haircut, but through a lot, I mean, a LOT of bribery, we got him to sit for his haircut. He was great, so Idecided to take advantage of his cooperation and cute it really short. It looks good, but Noah hated it. He cried and cried after I finished and went running to him room. Chad went to talk to him and told me later that he was crying on his bed and inbetween sobs was saying that he wanted his hair back! I felt bad, but he seems ok with the hair cut today.
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This morning was another "Read with Me" day at Noah's school. We read a book about a little boy that wanted a doll. It was a cute book and had a good message to it, but Noah didn't really like it. Afterward, for the craft they had us make little sock dolls. Noah liked stuffing the sock and tying it off and seemed happy to draw the face on it, but he drew a sad face on it.After the kids were done making their dolls they went and played with them. Some put them in little beds and pretended to put them to sleep. Some of the kids gave their dolls a name (one was named Rudolph--too funny!) Some of the little boys were fighting with them, like they were swords, but they were all playing with the dolls. Noah, on the other hand, gave me his doll and told me I could take it home. I asked him if he was sure he didn't want to play with it and he said, "yeah, I'm sure".

Oh Noah, you crack me up!

My Purse.....

Holly had a post about her purse on her blog, which she got the idea from Ohmommy's blog. I love this idea and it made me think. Ohmommy was talking about purses and diapers bags and if we use our purses as diaper bags. Which raises the question, what exactly do we have in there. So, question #1, I don't think I ever used my purse as a diaper bag. I was always one to carry a separate bag for the baby/kids. And, I haven't needed to do that for a long time, which I'm grateful for. Question #2, what's in my purse, that's a good question. I had no idea for sure, but actually it wasn't too bad!Here's the purse I have right now. My hubby tells me I change it waaaay too often!

These are in the front pocket! The 3 things I think I'd die without, lotion, eye drops and medicated Chapstick (I probably have about 5 of these spread throughout my house)!

My Wallet, my checkbook, which I hardly ever, ever use anymore, and my "black book". That's how my kids refer to it. It has all the insurance cards, kid's library cards, business cards, pictures, etc. Notice how none of it matches each other or the purse they're in!My keys, which aren't usually in my purse when I'm at home, and 3 pens, 2 of which are from Navy Federal Credit Union. I'm sure they were given to me when I was there......It's not like I'd just walk off with them or something......2 more things I think I would die without! My phone and my palm pilot, it's nothing fancy, but it has every bit of info I could every want to have with me and more!

This is all the little things floating around the bottom of my purse, a bottle of generic Excedrin, Motrin(which I don't use, Chad does, so why is it in my purse???), anti-bacterial gel, a contact case (which incidentally has never actually had my contacts in it, but it was so cute!), 2 tinted lip balms, 1 Blistex (which isn't even open), 2 barrettes, nail clippers, and consecrated oil.

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That's it, not very exciting, huh! I wonder what that says about me? So, how about you? What do you carry around with you all the time?

Wonderful Women of the Wed Award

How sweet is Holly for offering me this award! You know I love getting awards, but some are sweeter than others, I think. I love Holly's blog and I pass this right back to her! Thank you!
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I'm passing this along to all of you who read my blog, too! So, if you're reading this please consider yourself awarded and add this to your own blog!