The sweetest word.

~Stay~

This has got to be the sweetest word she has learned yet...

When daddy leaves for work she says, "Daddy, Stay."

When Tommy leaves for school or to go play with friends she says, "Pommy, stay."

When I put her to bed or even leave the room she say, "Momma, stay."

Street Meet 2010

Calgary's Down Syndrome Association (Ups and Downs) is having their annual Street Meet.

Sat June 19th

There is a 10k run or a 3k walk

Plus, lots of fun stuff for the whole family.

There is a small fee for running or walking and if you are interested let me know and I can send you the forms. If you want to try and start a team and get pledges, that is great too.

I have spend a good portion of my life around people with down syndrome because of my dads job, but I never understood what a blessing they are to this world! Their smiles WILL brighten your day! If just for that reason... come out and support us. And... if that's not enough reason... than maybe this is!

It's just a little thing!

7 am - get up, pump, make Tommy's lunch and breakfast, get him up and going, then on the bus.

8 am - feed baby, change both babies, bath them and get them dressed.

8:30 am - out the door.

9 am - 30 min abs class

9:30 am - 60 min high impact aerobic class

10:30 am - Go to get groceries

11 am - check phone while gathering groceries. See that husband has called multiple times. (He is locked out of the house and the garage key pad has a dead battery. His laptop is in there and he needs me to come home NOW!) Aaahhh, so frustrating! I leave a cart half full of groceries, grab my babies and head home with plans to return after lunch.

11:30 am - home, open garage and hubby wants a kiss... seriously? Fine! :)

12 pm - give Kyla lunch, then heaad upstairs to feed baby and pump.

12:30 pm - find out that Kyla spilled Protien powder ALL OVER THE KITCHEN! and zoe is eating it! Great! Clean that up.

1 pm - Decide to give up on the return grocery trip, get Kyla and Macy both in bed for naps... Aaaaww! Sit down for my own lunch of roasted veggies and grilled chicken.

1:30 pm - can't seem to get off the couch, so I sit.

2:30 pm - decide that maybe I should take a shower!

3 pm - Still don't have enough energy to do much, so I sit at the computar and grab my camera to look at some pictures I took a few days ago.

and it made my whole day so far WORTH IT!

I think I may have the energy to clean up a bit and get some laundry done now and since Tommy is home from school in 30 min, I better get going!

Reflections of my life... through poetry

So this Sunday, I decided to post a poem I found in my scrapbook that I wrote when I was in tenth grade. I don't usually write poems, but this one was an assignment given in class. (10th grade)

Slavery

"The good and the evil fight to the death, they fall to the ground as they take a last breath.

The thrash of a whip on a poor mans back, the cry of the young as they here the crack.

The bruised black feet of the young and old, the anger and fear as their blood runs cold.

Lincoln takes a stand, to lend a helping hand. To stop the hate and slavery and to curse this wicked land.

Slavery was abolished and freedom took its place, for all of us are equal, in this human race.

Freedom, the word, what a sweet lullaby; it's a butterfly soaring high into the sky.

It stretches forth its wings and looks on till dawn, for a new world is here now that slavery is gone."

Kind of cheesy in places, but it's pretty good for someone who isn't very poetic... I am just happy that in 10th grade I seemed to care about others. I am still really interested in the civil war and WWII. I can't imagine what it would have been like to be alive at those very volatile moments in time. I know that there is a lot of similar things going on in the world right now, and I always wish i could do more. But I feel like my biggest fight and the most I can do... is in my home, with my kids. I think if more people in the world did everything they could in their home.... some of these horrible things would never happen.

So I've had it!

With this.
and these

and this

and all those other "claim to be healthy" snacks.

It is not that I think this stuff is evil, I just think my kids shouldn't be eating all the time! I also think it's okay for kids to eat "treats" sometimes. But when I was a kid, we didn't get it every day. It was a special thing and my mom didn't keep that stuff in the house. I also would rather my kids eat the treats that I make for them... that will give me more opportunities to make the yummy treats I want to try.

So in our house...

Snacks and now being known as fruit, veggies, whole grain crackers, cheese, popcorn, peanut butter (there is a good brand in the states that has no hydrogenated oil but still tastes good!) and other healthy options.

Treats are a special thing, maybe for family night, birthdays, holidays etc...

Lunch and Dinner will mostly consist of healthy homemade food... and not Kraft Dinner, hamburger helper, Ramen, or a frozen pizza. Not that I cooked that stuff for dinner... but you get my idea. Obviously we will still have the occasion where we are out and have to grab something... but I'll be more consious about what I get them.

I have been doing this for a few days now and my cravings are disappearing. It's awesome! My kids don't even whine when I say, "No candy, but I will cut you up some strawberries and you can dip it in yogurt." They seem to be okay with it!

If you are looking for some healthy alternatives.

Here is a good recipe for Homemade Granola Bars

Banana Ice Cream - cut up ripe banana and freeze. Then romove and place in blender. Your kids will think it is banana ice cream.

Popcicles - Blend your favorite fruits with a little 100% juice, place in popcicle mold and freeze.

and any other fun snacks you make, with love, in your home is a good option!

In light and heat!

Most of you know that I LOVE to read! I think that is the only reason I can handle pumping and then bottle feeding my baby every three hours. I get to read during that whole hour!

I am usually into deep books. I just finished the sequel to "pillars of the earth" called "worlds without end."

I am now reading "Jackdaws" a world war 2 book about a band of women resistance workers trying to blow up an important nazi communication building. It is based on true events.

It's good, but... with summer approaching, I am wanting something light, girly, and just fun. Like The summerhouse or Sisterhood of the traveling pants.

Any suggestions? What is your favorite light summertime read?

Reflections of my life... in photo

I thought I would start doing this every sunday. A few photos from my past. I think when we remember where we have been and what we have been through... we can only become better! Plus sometimes it is so funny :)

High School Graduation


Senior Picture

Doesn't everyone have one of these funny 80's hairdo pictures?
Dancing at Rocky Point Haunted House (The makeup artists from X-files did our makeup each night)

Do you all remember Glamour Shots?

I have changed so much and come so far!

She's my midnight snack!!

Like I mentioned previously...

When I first met my little Macy. I was worried. In the first moment (and for a few moments after that) I worried!

I wondered if I could fall in love with her the way I did with my other angels.

I wondered if I could do it!

I had said I could. To multiple people, before I even knew I would get the chance.

FYI: God is listening, so mean what you say :)

I wondered if I would look at her and think she was beautiful!

I worried that I would not be able to push her to her full potential.

I'm a mom, that's what I do best. WORRY!

Even before Macy came along I spent many a nights laying next to Barry crying my eyes out over "Worry."

What if Tommy doesn't do this, what if he does do this.

What if Kyla doesn't do this, what if Kyla does do this...

and so on and so on...

Well, some worry is good and some worry is normal but...

The first few days of worry with Macy have shown to be POINTLESS!

I Love her. I am in love with her! (Yes, you can be in love with your kids!)

Yes, I can do this! She'll make this FUN!

I think she is beautiful, in fact I think she is GORGEOUS!

I want to eat her cheeks for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

and I know I can "push" her to her full potential, because if I don't... She'll "pull" me there herself!

Scouts and more!

Today was Tommy's first day of Cub Scouts!

He was so excited, he came home from school and put his shirt on, then said... "Mom, I'm ready to go!" Too bad he had to wait two hours and eat dinner first. Two hours is so long for an excited 8 yr old! He did have a great time though. He came home and told me all about the marshmallow guns they made! How exciting :) He can't wait to start earning badges!

After that the Missionaries came over. Tommy is getting baptized next month and we want him to understand the importance of this decision! They will be coming 3 more times. Tommy knew a lot about what they were teaching which made me really happy!

Tommy we are so proud of you!

There's a funny thing about angels...

I always knew that Heavenly Father sent them to me to raise...

But what I am just now learning, is that they are raising me!

I asked Tommy this week how he turned out to be such a good boy. You know what he said? he said, "You mom!" I can't think of a single thing at this moment that is better than that!

Tommy is at that age where he teaches me the most by far!

Kyla's been teaching me how to be a better mom. Her favorites right now are

1. changing diapers which includes rubbing cream on the babies bum!

2. Showing me the "proper" way to use a breast pump!
and Macy teaches me to be patient, understanding and to enjoy the little moments in life!


She had her first Physio appt today. I can't get those "wows" and "did you see thats" out of my head! They were so impressed with how she is doing!

I feel like

THIS!

Please forget about the whole "Sharing my sunshine" thing for now... You DON"T want any of this!

You're my best friend

Food for the body and the soul!

We're so grateful for all that we have!

I am especially grateful for Easter, a reminder to stop and remember

Our Saviour!

That he was resurrected and that he lives today and loves us! Loves me!

I am grateful that he has blessed me with a loving husband and amazing kids and I am grateful that I am blessed with wonderful extended family and friends that feel like family!

In celebration of Easter this year, we (as members of the LDS church) get to hear the words of our Prophets and Apostles at General Conference! I am so looking for to it!

If you are unsure what I am talking about go HERE.

Here is my April Scripture

John 11:25

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"

These are the hot cross buns I made today. Recipe is HERE :)

and can you tell that Kyla is missing her brother?? She want to wear his boots everywhere!

HAPPY EASTER!