Christmas Photos - 2009

Happy Holidays!! The twins are 3 1/2 and I can't believe how very grown up they look. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and a Fantastic New Year!

Time for an Update

Well, I realize a lot has been goin on and I haven't updated my blog in a while. So, here goes...The kids are in school and C is responding so well to his teacher, the class, the structure, the techniques of teaching and shaping his behavior, it's just wonderful. We can see evidence already and it's such a blessing and a relief. Little T loves her class too...the teacher says she's really engaged, right there with her on everything and she's really bright. Well, we knew that, now didn't we. She also gets some fun alone time with T, so that's been fun for both of them. We celebrated Thanksgiving last Saturday with my side of the family and so this Thurs. we are going to pull out all the boxes and decorate for Christmas, YAY! The kids are excited and already talking about Jesus' birthday, Santa bringing presents, the tree, the lights, etc...C said he was going to sit on Santa's lap and ask him to bring him a park..yes, that's right, he wants a park for Christmas. I told him that might be a bit out of Santa's budget. Then, T's mom and dad (Grammy and Pop-pop) in MN sent packages that we received today with wrapped Christmas presents and the kids are so excited! We are going back to Redding for Christmas to visit my Aunt and Uncle and they say there might be a little snow. It will certainly be cold and crisp and should make for a fun Christmas. The kids are totally excited...they loved being at my Aunt's house. My great neice is getting so big (7 mos) and my nephew and his wife are pregnant with their second child already..wow!

I haven't been doing so good with the healthy eating as of late...I need to get back on track. Right now we're all sick with colds and sore throats - so hopefully we'll be feeling better soon. I sure am thankful for my wife and my kids - I am so blessed to have a family. I love them so!

My little "big" girl

My little T, growing up so fast. You know the stage where kids say very insightful things, and very factual things, not trying to offend or hurt anyone, but obviously just realizing and commenting on things within the world - as they see it? Well, here are a list of insightful and funny things recently said by my daughter.

1. Mommy, you should tell your work that you are busy with your family and never go back. (AMEN! ;-)

2. Everyone is different, like you have dark brown hair Mommy, but we love you anyway.

3. Ga-Ga, your tummy is big, my tummy is small.

4. Since babies are born 2 at a time, where does the other baby go when families only have one?

5. Can I be nocturnal so I can play with Peeps kitty while everyone sleeps at night?

6. I don't want C to be alone, so I should be with him in his preschool class.

7. Ga-Ga, when you were little, where did you and Grampa live?

Oh, kids say the darndest things!!

Engrossed in the Vikings vs. Ravens game today - the Vikes pulled it out at the end!!!! WOO-HOO!

Well, still workin on making healthy choices, just one meal/snack/etc...at a time. Some days it's pretty easy and it feels great and I desire to exercise and everything. Then, there are days like today and I just want to eat. I'm hungry and I want to snack and I want to eat good tasting food. I think I am PMS'n, so no wonder. 18.5 pounds down...will keep on truckin. It's a lifestyle - about moderation and balance and not just about the moment. I can do this...I really can.
Anyhow, on the kid front, C has his IEP next week and then he's going to start school the very next day - SDC (Special Day Class). He'll go all day, from like 9:00 - 3:30. That's a long day, but I understand that for autistic kids, the reinforcement is huge, the routine, schedule, etc...
It's really weird, I know that kids eventually grow up and go to school and their parents don't accompany them, but now being a parent, it's a bizarre thought to me that my kids will go and have this life - completely separate from me - and experience things and build relationships and try to navigate the world WITHOUT me. It's very odd and I think what if some thing's bothering them, or I can tell something hurt their feelings, or what if some other kid is mean, or what if no one is friendly to them....it kills me to think they'll have to deal with all of this WITHOUT me or T. I know, I know...we all did it, but being a parent now, it just doesn't seem right!!!!
On another note, the Vikings (football team - became loyal fan through marriage) are currently 6-0 and doing great - they may go all the way to the Superbowl and I promised T a long time ago that if they ever go, we'd try and get tix. I better start savin my money! Here is little T and C, rootin for the Vikes!

Positive Change

Well I can't believe it's October already. The only thing exciting is that Pa's Pumpkin Patch should be opening soon and the kids LOVE the rides and fun stuff at Pa's. About a month ago, I decided to start making healthier choices regarding what I eat and just take it one day at a time, making the best choice at the moment. I also decided to drink tons of water each day because my body really feels better when I do. As a result, I've lost 14 pounds!! I am so excited and I have A LOT of weight to lose, but that is not my focus and I am not going to rush it. I want to be healthy and I want to have energy for my kiddos, so I will keep pressing forward and try to make good, healthy choices. I won't deprive myself, just try as much as possible to eat healthy. As a result, I pray the weight will just keep falling off. Eventually, I will start to exercise also, and that will help me feel better.

So, I will keep posting here as my journey continues. Healthier lifestyle, it's you and me babe!! ;-)

Race 4 the Cure!

Today, T ran the Susan G. Koeman Race for the Cure 5K. I was so proud of her. She and a friend both signed up and trained a bit and they did great! It was so emotional, seeing all of the breast cancer survivors and watching them cross the finish line as well. Today, we raced for T's mom, our good friend Carol, our good friend Jody and our good friend Mary. It's amazing if you really think about the stats...1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Over and over today, we heard stories today and the main theme was early detection and early treatment. God bless all of the women who have already walked this journey, and those that still will. We WILL find a cure!