Museum Exploring

The First of June we were able to explore the CR Smith Museum for their kick off to summer family day.  The best was that the admissions was free, and everything is better when it is free.  This was the first time for Grant to be able to go to this museum, and the kids enjoyed showing it off to their dad.  They had a fun weather exhibit and the kids enjoyed learning about weather and making weather.  They also had the flight simulator going and the kids enjoyed flying the airplane.  This time the volunteer running the simulator let the kids fly like they wanted even if it meant they crash, nose dive, or go around in circles until they were dizzy.  Because it wasn't controlled the kids enjoyed it more than last time.  They also had science experiments and they were able to make their own air paper rockets.  After all the fun we enjoyed some cookies and juice that they had for the families.  The kids do like going to this museum and I like that it isn't well known so it isn't overly crowded.

Fourth Grade

Anthony loved fourth grade this year! Anthony enjoyed his teacher, and I know his teacher enjoyed him. On the last day of school the fourth graders had a talent show. Anthony decided to play the piano. Anthony played Fur Elise and he rocked the house, or school. While he was playing I looked over and saw that his teacher was crying. You could see the pride in her eyes for her student, now that is a good teacher. In fourth grade Anthony discovered history and a love affair has begun. Texas history and the Civil War were introduced and Anthony soaked up the information like a sponge. He would read every book he could get his hands on, as well as listen intently to everything his teacher said. Highlights for fourth grade were making The Battle of the Books Team and coming in first, spending the day in Austin, learning the recorder, participating in two talent shows, safety patrol, and library helper. Anthony loved every minute of school, and we are looking forward to fifth grade. Though Anthony enjoyed school, he was glad to have a break and enjoy his summer.

Second Grade

I know it is July and I am now writing about the end of the school year. I think this year I was more excited about school being over than the kids, well Madeline was probably excited too. This year was hard, but we did learn a lot. For Madeline we learned how Heavenly Father can help us have courage and do hard things. Going to school for Madeline was hard. Often times it was too overwhelming and she would feel lost. She struggled to understand what was being taught. However, we worked together and we got though the year. Madeline finished out the year with home bound services for half of the day. It helped Madeline to go to school knowing that she only had to go half the day, for her that didn't seem so overwhelming. I know Madeline liked her teacher and I feel that her teacher did a good job within the confides that she had. However, in the end second grade was not a year I want to repeat or live again. Learning became a stress for Madeline and was no longer a joy. I felt like my voice was being heard on deaf ears and that despite how loud I spoke my daughter's needs were not being met. With all of this in mind we as her parents have decided to homeschool Madeline. This decision did not come easy and came after lots of prayer and reassurance from my Heavenly Father that this is something I could do. Heavenly Father put the right people in my path to answer all my fears and to give me the confidence that I needed to proceed forth with homeschooling. Madeline and I are excited for the next adventure in our life. Homeschooling will give Madeline the stress free schooling that she needs. A place where she can learn at her own pace and in her own way, a place where she can thrive, a place where she can find joy in learning. Hopefully this year I won't be counting down the days until summer on the first day of school.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a difficult day for me not because I don't love being a mother, but I don't like attention on me. I have never been one that likes to be in the spot light. I would rather do what I love to do with the reward being the joy I feel in my heart as I go about serving my family. If it were up to me we would pass right over the day, but the kids do love celebrating and I do love to see their joy. I do love that in our family we spend the weekend together as a family doing fun things as a family. For record keeping purposes this is how the weekend went down. As a family we spent the day cleaning the house and getting little projects out of the way. It is always nice to have a clean house for the sabbath. After we worked hard together we went out to dinner and then we came home for some yummy ice cream. On Sunday I was blessed with the wonderful opportunity to sleep in. While I was sleeping Anthony enlisted the help of his dad in cutting out letters that spelled out Happy Mother's Day with cut out flowers. They put their beautiful arrangement on my chair in the living room. I am not one for breakfast in bed, but I did get to pick anything I wanted for breakfast and it was made to order. I was then presented with flowers from the garden and three lovely homemade cards. After dinner we enjoyed Family Home Evening singing songs and spending time as a family, and it was simply perfect.

What I love about being a mother is often times hard to put in words. There are the smiles, the giggles, the hugs, and the refrigerator worthy art work. There are the teaching moments, the laughing moments, the bonding moments, and the moments to share. However for me it is the moments of service, the service I am blessed to render to my children on a daily basis. Through this service I feel immense love and it is that I love that brings me the greatest joy and the greatest reward. I love how everyday I wake up to service and I go to bed filled with love, and no one can take that away from me.

Spencer is Five

I cannot believe I have a five year old. I don't know why I had it in my head that Spencer was three, but I did. I think it is because he went to preschool and that is what three year olds do. Anyway I am happy to say that I now realize that he is five and am excited to not only move on from baby stage, but toddler stage as well. Spencer was in a Special Ed preschool program, mainly because at three the light bulb hadn't gone off. Well a few weeks ago they tested him again to see his progress from when he entered the program at three to now. Spencer tested at average to above average and he also met all of his goals for speech and no longer needed speech services. This was all exciting for us, and since he met all goals and expectations he graduated from the program. This meant that Spencer's last day of school was the end of April. So Spencer is ready for Kindergarten, I just don't know if Kindergarten is ready for Spencer.

Spencer is starting to understand birthdays and so it is fun to see his excitement for when his birthday rolls around. A few years ago I decided that friend birthday parties seemed like a lot of work and expense and didn't seem all that necessary, so now we celebrate as a family and the kids have just as much fun.

Spencer spent his morning taking his sister to therapy and then Daddy was able join us for lunch at McDonalds and then surprised us by taking the rest of the day off. While Madeline had school with her home bound teacher, Daddy and Spencer had fun in the backyard. For dinner we headed over to a local pizza buffet and then after dinner we went home for some birthday cake and chocolate milk. This year Spencer picked out a Cars 2 birthday cake. In fact a few days before his birthday I took him down to the party decoration store and let him pick out all his supplies; I think he thought he was pretty big stuff.  He loved having everyone sing Happy Birthday to him and he really loved getting hyped up on sugar. After cake it was present time or more like kids watch a movie while Mom and Dad exercise patience in putting together the toys, cause you know a boxed filled with lots of pieces divided up in lots of bags is no fun. We decided this year to get Spencer Knex Mario Kart tracks where he could build his tracks and race his Mario Kart cars. I think it was a nice idea, but when it came time for us to piece these all together, our idea was not so hot. It felt like Christmas morning. Grant an I did managed to piece everything together and it actually worked afterwards and the kids had fun racing the karts and trying to trip each other up with swinging mushrooms and jumps in the track. Grant and I decided not take the track apart, I guess we figured we would never get it back together. Spencer enjoyed getting cards in the mail, a call from Grandma and Grandpa, and a surprised visit from Aunt Katie with his favorite Cars 2 balloons and some yummy and fun candy. I think Spencer's day was truly a magical day and I am sure he felt loved on his special day. I always find great joy in celebrating my children's special day.

Twister Fun

A lot of time during the week after dinner you can find our family having a few fun rounds of twister. This is especially a favorite for Spencer when he is in charge of the activity for Family Home Evening. Of course the most coveted position is being in charge of the spinner, cause when you have the spinner you get to determine how we are going to play. So of course one never knows how one round from the next will be and of course we all get a kick out of who will be the first to get twisted.

Feeding Therapy

I have never heard of feeding therapy until Madeline, but then again I haven't heard of a lot of things until I had Madeline. Due to circumstances beyond our control Madeline has developed some eating fears that have stopped Madeline from eating like she should. These fears were starting to get in the way of her eating and she was losing weight and not gaining. Madeline is already tiny for her age which means she is the last person that needs to lose weight. Madeline's tummy doctor put Madeline into feeding therapy, great we thought now there will be light at the end of the tunnel in regards to her lack of eating. I never realized how involved this feeding therapy is and how much time it would take. For about a week after starting I was completely overwhelmed and for a moment thought things were just fine with her fear of eating. However magic occurred and no I wasn't able to say the magic words and everything disappeared. We still have our therapy sessions three days a week, but the magic was my perspective. This perspective has been a huge testimony building experience for me.

I have gained a perspective of the power of the atonement. When all this hit I immediately got on my knees and poured my heart out to my Savior. Through these daily and constant outpourings to the Lord, I was reminded of the power and love of our Savior and his atonement. I began to see that my schedule didn't change and at times the demands increased but my heart was at peace and life had a sense of ease about it. I realized all this one night during my evenings prayers. As I was reviewing my day with the Lord, I realized that I did everything and that it was easy. I wasn't stressed or frazzled, I was relaxed. I was told "I cannot change things and I cannot take them away, but I already took upon myself the burdens that you feel and if you let me have them I will make things seem easy to you." I am so grateful for the atonement and more importantly I am so grateful that through the atonement I can have true and real joy no matter what life throws at me.

Some people say that I am a super woman, but I have to disagree. However I can tell you who I am. I am a mom who finds strength in the atonement, and who knows that through the atonement I can do all things. I am a mom who knows that she is a Daughter of God, and who is loved unconditionally by our Heavenly Father. I am a mom who knows that my children are still His children and that I am a partner with him. I am a mom who has an eternal perspective who knows that this life is not the end, but just the beginning. I am a mom who knows and understands that every trial and every obstacle is an opportunity for me to learn and grow. For the knowledge and growth that I gain in this life is what I need to return back to His presence. I am a mom who knows this and much more. I am not a super woman, I am a mom who knows and understands who she is and her relationship with her Heavenly Father.

So I will gladly take our three day a week therapy schedule because I know that through the power of prayer and the hope of the atonement I won't find a burden, but I will see, find, and feel joy!

Easter

Our kids didn't have Easter baskets to gather their eggs in, but I did find Halloween buckets and though Halloween and Easter are two worlds apart they did do the trick in a pinch.

With us going up to Oklahoma and then onto visit the Kansas City, Missouri Temple I didn't really plan much for Easter. We usually do our Easter baskets and egg hunts on Saturday leaving Easter Sunday to learn and talk about the Resurrection. With us being in the car all day on Saturday I figured it would be pretty hard to have an Easter Egg Hunt and Baskets. I figured the kids wouldn't miss it for one year. I love Easter time, I love teaching my children what Easter is all about and that it doesn't have anything to do with Easter bunny and Easter Eggs. We still were able to keep our tradition of studying the last week of the Savior's life during the week leading up to Easter Sunday. I enjoyed each night being able to gather as a family reading the words from the scriptures, looking at the pictures that corresponded with the story, and then being able to apply the message the Savior was teaching us to our lives. I loved the testimonies that were shared and seeing them grasp the knowledge of the significance of our Savior's Atonement, Death, and Resurrection.

Since Madeline was born, the Resurrection takes on a whole knew meaning to me. Because our Savior Jesus Christ was Resurrected we all have the opportunity to be Resurrected. Not only will we be Resurrected but our bodies will be restored to perfect order. I still remember the day when Madeline and I had an impromptu conversation about the Resurrection and I was able to share with her what that will mean for her. You could see she was taking it in when a smile from ear to ear came across her face and a sweet expression of "no more ouchies." Happiness filled my heart when I was able to tell her that is right, no more ouchies. I look forward to that day as Madeline's mother to be able see her Resurrected body to hug her and to say "You did it!" You overcame your challenges with faith, courage, dignity, grace, and determination. I am so grateful that the Savior didn't quit. I am so grateful that He loved me so much to give me the greatest gift of Eternal Life; that through him I can walk back to the presence of my Heavenly Father and dwell with him forever.

Our kids did get their Easter Egg Hunt in and did find their Easter goodies; but not from me but from the kindness of Grant's cousin and their family. They included us in their Easter festivities and so all the cousins were able to participate and enjoy and wonderful Easter Egg hunt filled with lots of goodies.

Easter Weekend was a wonderful weekend filled with good memories and good times with family.

Madeline in her Easter "skirt" that I made her. I thought it turned out great and I see more skirts like that in her future.

Kansas City Missouri Temple

When I heard the announcement of the Kansas City, Missouri Temple Open House I knew I wanted to go. I did a quick look to see how far it was from us and when I saw that it was only eight hours I knew that was a feasable drive. I saw that the Open House fell on a weekend that the kids had Friday off so I saw it as a golden opportunity to take the kids through a Temple. I knew with Anthony being ten I knew he would remember the Temple and with Madeline being eight she would probably remember as well. I also saw this as a good opportunity to teach our children what life is all about and that everything we do points toward the Temple. I knew that this would help give our kids a good foundation to their testimony of the Temple and the importance of keeping ourselves worthy and ready to enter the House of the Lord.

Shortly after Grant was talking with his cousin and learned that they were planning on going to and so we decided to travel together and make it a family affair. Our kids love playing with their cousins and so the excitement grew with the knowledge that they would be able to play and spend time with their cousins. Grant's cousin invited a few people from that they knew and since they didn't have room in their van we took Joseph with us. Now Joseph and Anthony are the same age and in a lot of ways are twins. They enjoyed talking and playing the whole way up and the whole way back. We had a few mishaps along the way which put us leaving Kansas City Missouri at 8:00 in the evening. With the help of snacks Grant and I were able to make the 5 hour drive home arriving in Oklahoma at 2:00 in the morning. We were so grateful for 11:00 church, this gave us an opportunity to get some much needed sleep.

The highlight of the trip was being able to take our children through the sealing room and to show them where Grant and I knelt 12 years ago and where our Eternal Family began. The highlight grew when we walked into the Celestial Room as a family. As we stood their together as a family I caught a glimpse of Heaven. It was neat to be in the room together knowing that we are an eternal family. I can't think of anything better to help our kids understand and to know that everything we do is to get to the temple; to partake of the covenants and blessings that afford us the opportunity to walk back into the presence of our Heavenly Father. I have a strong testimony of the temple. I love going and I love more the feeling I get when I am inside the the Lord's House. I truly feel His presence. When I walk through the doors I truly feel as though I am walking home. I hope this experience will help build in my children the same love and testimony of the Temple, because the temple is what it is all about.

Austin Field Trip

The day finally arrived for the much anticipated field trip of Anthony's school career. At the beginning of the year we learned that in the Spring the fourth grade class would make a trip down to Austin to visit our capital in conjunction with their study of Texas History. From the beginning of the school till now Anthony has developed a love for Texas History and has soaked up every word from his teacher and from various books that he has read. He loves to talk about what he has learned and especially loves to learn more. So going to Austin was a special treat. Anthony was so excited about going on his field trip that he had no problems going to bed at 7:00 and waking up at 4:45. In fact he suggested it and set his own alarm clock. He was also excited to know that he Dad was going with him and that they would be able to do the activities together with no one else in their group. I don't think Daddy could eat breakfast fast enough for an excited ten year old boy; nor could the bus driver drive fast enough. Before the tour of the capital they toured the Bob Bullock Museum where they could learn through interaction exhibits more about Texas History. This was a self guided tour so the various groups split off on their own to explore and learn. After lunch they headed over to the Capital where they had a tour guide waiting for them. During the tour the tour guide would ask various questions and with every question Anthony's hand was the first to be raised with the desired answer. The tour guide picked up on real quick how sharp Anthony is and had to tell him that we need to let the other kids answer a few questions. However, if no one would answer the tour guide would ask Anthony if he knew the answer; which of course he did. Grant said it was neat to see his excitement for learning and for history. One of the parents commented to Grant that Anthony sure knows his Texas History which Grant replied that is what happens when you take your history book home over the Christmas break to read for leisure reading. After the tour of the Capital it was time to head home. Shortly outside of Austin they stopped for dinner before making the three hour trip home. They all left the school at 5:15 in the morning and returned home at 8:30 in the evening. Anthony had a full day with lots of learning, experiencing, and not to mention lots of walking. He had no problems going to bed that evening, in fact he asked for it.

I know he enjoyed himself immensely because the smile of his face said so. I am so glad that my children are able to experience such good learning opportunities.

Conference Weekend

April's General Conference was March 31- April 1. I love Conference, I love hearing the words of our prophet and leaders. I get a sense of encouragement and a refocus on what the eternal goal is all about. To help the kids gain a sense of appreciation and love for Conference we make it a weekend of celebration. It is my hope that through these wonderful memories and traditions that we have will instill in my children a love for General Conference and listening to the words of our prophet and leaders. This year I made a prophet board. When the prophet or member of the 12 spoke the kids would place their picture on the board, draw what their tie looked like and then after they spoke we would each write what we thought their message was. The goal is to use this board during the next six months reviewing and studying their messages in our Family Home Evening. The kids really loved the board and would get excited when it was their turn to put up a picture. In addition to our Conference Board we did our usual traditions of donuts for breakfast on Saturday morning, pizza for dinner on Saturday, and a yummy treat after daddy returned from Priesthood Session. This year we were treated by the visit of Grant's cousin who was in town visiting. It was fun talking and visiting with him. This year while Grant and his cousin went to Priesthood Session the kids and I went over to some friends house for lots of fun and games. After Daddy returned home we had a yummy treat of smores straight from our fire place. The kids loves making smores and jump at any opportunity to do so. It was nice to hear what Daddy learned and what he felt as he listened to the words of our prophet that were specific to him.

It was a nice weekend and it was nice to hear the inspired words of our leaders. As I prayed leading up to Conference to prepare my mind and heart to hear the words of our leaders; I knew that there would be talks that would be for me. That answer certainly came true and was a testimony to me that my Heavenly Father is truly aware of me and knows exactly what I need to hear and when I need to hear it.

Conference weekend is one I look forward to every Spring and every Fall.

Spa Day

My Sister, Katie, has been planning a spa day for Madeline to celebrate Madeline accomplishment with getting her casts off. This past Saturday was the day. Katie did her research and found what color of nail polish Madeline would like, what kind of fun nail stickers, and even what treats she would enjoy. It was my job to talk to Madeline and prep her for her special day. Madeline enjoyed her spa day and enjoyed the special treatment that she got. I loved watching my sister serve my daughter and to shower her with love and kindness. I was reminded of the blessings of service and how it is through service that we can really bring a smile to ones face. What a treat for Madeline to enjoy! It was just the treat in getting your nails painted but the treat in the time that my sister took to gathering materials that Madeline would love. It was definitely all about Madeline, and by the look on Madeline's face she knew and felt it too. That day I would catch Madeline looking at her nails and from time to time she would comment on how it was the best part of the day. One time she was talking to me about how she dreams at nice about the good things in her day and that night she was definitely going to dream about getting her nails done. As her mother that was music to my ears.

I know Madeline will remember her spa day and I know that it will make having her foot cast a pleasant memory. Thanks Katie for your love and service you did for Madeline.

Camping-Spring Break

This year for Spring Break we followed Cooper Family tradition and went camping. Spring is our rainy season and so booking our camping trip months in advance we never know if we are going camping in the rain or not. As the time approached I checked up on the weather and for a time it looked like we were going to go camping in the rain. With this in mind I planned activities and meals that could easily be done inside the tent. I also went on a treasure hunt through the house and found jackets that could endure the rain. However, the week of our trip the weather changed (it does that in Texas a lot) and our rain chances were low or non existent. We were excited, camping in the rain is a challenge for two adults not to mention three kids. This year we chose to go camping at Eisenhower State Park in Denison, Texas up by the Red River. The kids were excited and everyday for a week (at least that is what it felt like) Spencer would ask if we are going camping and everyday I would have to tell how many more days. When it came time to load up the car, we had three excited kids that were eager to work and get the car loaded and ready. We were packed and loaded in a couple of hours and it only took daddy a hour to get the canoe up on top of the van and tie it down. Here is how the week went down.

Wednesday: Was the day we checked in and set up shop. We discovered that the campsites were close together and were not very large. The campground was already full (why does everyone copy my ideas) so it was a little tricky to find a spot that would accommodate our large tent. We have a pretty good system when it comes to setting up and the kids all know what to do and get to work. We can usually have everything set and ready to go in about an hour. After dinner the kids enjoyed watching a movie (I know ruffing it) while Grant and I enjoyed sitting around our non existent fire and talking. Later on Grant and I enjoyed a good game of Phase 10 before we called it a night.

Thursday: Thursday morning we spent some time working on some artist Webelo scout requirements while Daddy and Spencer played games in the tent. Around lunch time we took off for a nearby Wildlife Refuge where we had a picnic before we went looking for the different wildlife. We were able to spot several different kinds of ducks, Egrets, turtles, and lots of splashing carp. We enjoyed walking down one of the trails and the kids enjoyed filling the pockets with rocks in hopes of starting a "rock collection." We were able to spend three hours there looking at different wildlife and being out in nature. It was a true escape from the hustle and bustle of realty and it was nice to connect and be a family. That night I was able to down load a star map app on my phone. The star map uses GPS and you point your phone up at the sky and it shows what star constellations are there and also planets. As we were star gazing we noticed two bright stars. We knew these were planets and it was nice to use the star map app and find out that the planets were Venus and Jupiter. We also found Mars and a couple of other planets. The kids really enjoyed looking up at the night sky and seeing the different constellations. Coming from the city we don't really get to see lots of stars because of the lights and pollution. Though it was cloudy that night we were still able to see some through the app on my phone. In that moment I felt the love of my Heavenly Father for me. To think that I am surrounded by all of his creations and to know that the very creator of this universe is my Father. It was a wonderful way to end the day.

Friday: The boys headed off early in the morning for some boating and fishing. Madeline doesn't like the canoe with the wind so we stayed behind. I spent a little bit of time cleaning up and getting things ready for the day and then afterwards we went for a walk together. It was so nice to push Madeline along in the stroller and listening to her talk. I just really enjoyed our time together. After our walk we came back to camp and made some lunch and enjoyed a little lunch together. After our lunch, Madeline wanted to draw so I got out her coloring pad and together we sat in our camping chairs drawing what we saw around the campground. While Madeline drew I read a book and listened to her as she talked about her drawing. It was simply amazing to spend a few hours with her and no distractions. After the boys returned they ate lunch and then off we were to Eisenhower's birth home. Anthony loves history and anything to do with it. I knew he would love taking a tour of his home and would soak everything up. The tour was short enough that Madeline and Spencer didn't get bored. It was nice to learn about President Eisenhower and to see what life was like for him and his family for the 18 months that they lived in Texas. Hearing how hard life was for them, made me appreciate even more my life and how blessed I am. After the tour we went to a nearby Ice Cream place for a little treat before heading back to camp. After we got back from camp we decided to go on a little hike before it got dark. To help Anthony accomplish some scout requirements we had him pick and lead us on the hike. The goal was to pick a trail that would lead to a fishing pier so the kids could do some fishing. Grant and I weren't aware of any of the conditions of the trails and so we were unprepared for what we encountered. Anthony picked a good trail with pretty views, but we were not prepared for the mud and rockiness of the trail. Madeline is still recovering from her foot surgery so she uses a stroller a lot. Well the trail was not friendly for that and so Grant carried the stroller with Madeline in it trying to navigate through the thick mud puddles. I wore flip flops (totally not prepared) and trying to keep it together through the mud and trying to guide Spencer (who loves mud) through mud puddles was a fun challenge. In the end I gave up on keeping Spencer out of the mud and let him enjoyed it and in the process my flip flops broke while navigating through the mud. It was a great time to laugh as a family and the kids did enjoy fishing and Grant being the gentleman that he is gave me his sandals as we walked back a different way to the car. Our hike will definitely be a good memory in our family.

Saturday: Saturday was the day we packed up and headed home. We were going to go to a little Frontier Village/Park and tour some log cabin homes, but we were feeling tired and just ready to go home. I guess that gives us another reason to head back up to Sherman/Denison area in the future. Once again the kids know what their assignments are and together we worked as a team and got our campsite picked up and our car loaded with no problems. This time it only took Daddy 30 minutes to load and tie down his boat. We all cheered for him and congratulated him on a job well done. I guess it has become a game in our family to see how long it will take Daddy to load and tie down his boat.

We couldn't ask for a better camping experience. Our kids love going camping and look forward to every Spring Break as we head out to the camp grounds. It is nice that we pick a different State Park every time and get to explore not only the campground but the area around the grounds. I mostly look forward to the time with my family. I enjoy adding bricks to the memories and it is my hope that when they leave home they will have a house full of brick memories.

Celebrating Dr. Seuss

I love to celebrate with the kids and as a family we try to celebrate the little things. One of the things that is a tradition for our family is to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2. In years past we make our own cat in the hat treat with gummy life savers, frosting, and circle crackers. While we enjoy the treats we watch a Dr. Seuss cartoon and read some Dr. Seuss books. This year I decided I was ready for a change to and to do things differently. I thought it would be fun to decorate our office with fun Dr. Seuss colors and food fitting of a Dr. Seuss book. This year on the menu was Green Deviled Eggs with Ham and Turkey sandwiches. Added to this was fruit kabobs (don't really know what book that could come from, but it sounded good and simple). I then added chips to complete the menu. For drink we had strawberry lemonade to represent a Pink Yink in my drink. The kids had a fun treat with crazy straws to enjoy with their drinks, that just seemed fitting for a Dr. Seuss party. With my time mainly devoted to helping Madeline with school and helping her to stay, I didn't go to great lengths to make treats for our party. I just went to the grocery store and bought some yummy bright colored cupcakes and cookies. The kids enjoyed them and they fit right along with the decorations and the fun Dr. Seuss colors. While we ate dinner we all enjoyed watching Horton Hears a Who. It was definitely a fun Friday night party. I am so glad that my kids enjoy Dr. Seuss, there are lots of good lessons to learn from his books.

Blue and Gold Banquet

Anthony had his Blue and Gold Banquet with his scout pack a few weeks ago. The pack has a goal for the boys to earn their rank by Blue and Gold time. Grant is Anthony's Den Leader this year and they have been working hard since school started at getting the requirements done for the Webelos badge. Grant was proud to have all eight of his boys earn their Webelos badge. I as Anthony's mom was proud too. Anthony sure loves scouts and I know he is learning a lot of good character building traits that will serve him well when he gets older. It is so refreshing to see him enjoy something that is so important. I love it that he and his Dad get to do it together and that they have memories to build upon with each other. Grant was part in charge of Blue and Gold this year, the decoration and cake side of things. We had to be there early to help set up and decorate so by the time the event actually started the kids were bored and ready to go home. They did good at enduring the award ceremony of all the dens, I think it help that they were able to enjoy lots and lots of cake. By the time we finish with clean up we were tired and glad to see another successful Blue and Gold Banquet complete.

Mardi Gra

I am not a big Gumbo, rice and red beans kind of person. We have never celebrated Mardi Gra and I really don't know what one does to celebrate. I decided to do our version of Mardi Gra this year. We got some colorful masks and a few beads and some horns for the kids. Grant who loves Jazz music found the perfect CD from his huge collection and we danced around the house blowing our horns and just having fun. The kids all have recorders and they enjoyed playing them. Anthony who is learning the recorder at school serenaded us with O When the Saints go Marching In. I am not sure if that is how you celebrate Mardi Gra, but that is how we did. It was a fun way to conclude the day and to enjoy each others company. We all had fun dancing and playing our music.

Valentines

I am not a big Valentine's Day person, never have been. In some ways it just seems like a silly holiday to celebrate. The kids enjoy it though, I think that mainly comes from school. This year I decided I wanted to do something different to help the children where true loves comes from. We started out the week before Valentines with a service lesson. I found some words from our Prophet Thomas S. Monson on service which lead into a discussion on when we serve others we are serving our Heavenly Father. I then tied it in that it is through service that we show someone we really care and it is through service that we grow closer to each other. After our discussion, we all drew names to be secret service buddies. The challenge was to take the time and think what we could do for our service buddy and to perform our service by Valentine's Day. I loved the mood in our home as we went around secretly serving each other. There wasn't a focus on candy and frills but on the true gift of service. Madeline gave Spencer a heart attack in his room, which he was excited to see and enjoy. Spencer took the trash to the curb for Daddy. Anthony cleaned out the car for Mommy. Daddy sent Madeline a special love note in her lunch box. Mommy made Anthony his favorite sugar cookies complete with frosting and special messages.

That night we had are typical Valentines Day dinner of spaghetti. I decided to give the kids a treat and we did it by candle light. They couldn't get over the fact that we were eating in the dark. Next year we will stick to light. I made a fruit pizza which what tasty but only enjoyed by Grant and I. Kids weren't interested in a pizza made with fruit, sometimes I think my children are crazy. I did my usual clue puzzles that the kids had to solve to find their presents. This year the kids got puzzles of their favorite cartoon characters. Grant and I exchanged Valentines. We kept it simple. I got Grant some of his favorite candy bars and he gave me tulips as well as surprising me with gathering Madeline's morning medicine. Now that might not seem like much, but when your daughter takes 6 medicines in the morning not having to gather and measure them really made my morning a little easier.

Overall I think Valentines Day was a success, I like that we chose to focus it on service which helps us to focus on our Savior and those are eternal things that last forever.

Ms. Joni

When Madeline was put on homebound during the time she had her full leg cast, I was worried about who our homebound teacher would be. You see, when Madeline was in Kindergarten she was homebound for heart surgery. The teacher we were given was not a good match for Madeline and after a few sessions of Madeline crying afterwards, I canceled homebound services. This time I made sure that the powers at be knew that I did not want the same person as last time; I was promised that we would get a different person. Heavenly Father was definitely looking out for us, we were blessed with an angel. I know that in life we cross paths with people who we connect with or consider angels; but we were blessed with more we were blessed with a Kindred Spirit. I felt that way the day Ms. Joni walked in our door. My feeling was later confirmed when Madeline would open up and ask for help. You see Madeline does not ask for help from her teacher at school. There is a block for Madeline between her and asking for help and understanding from her teachers. This has been our struggle since Kindergarten. Heavenly Father knew this as well as my other concerns for Madeline, and because I am his child my concerns were important to Him. He answered my concerns by sending us Ms. Joni.

Madeline and Ms. Joni have an inside saying together and that is SMILE. I am not sure how it all started, but when you tell Madeline to SMILE and huge smile comes across her face along with a sweet little chuckle. I am grateful for this, because when Madeline is having a particularly hard time I just tell her to remember to SMILE and she can't help but smile. Only an angel can have that affect on my child. Though the six weeks are up and Madeline has return back to school, we still are in contact with Ms. Joni and Madeline enjoys our craft times together. I enjoy talking and seeing Madeline comfortable and bonding with someone outside of her family.

This just adds strength to my testimony of the power of prayer and how aware Heavenly Father is of me. He heard my plea, He felt my concern, and He answered. This time there were no tears, but lots and lots of smiles and JOY. I am grateful for the angels that come into my life and that come into Madeline's life. They lift her up, give her strength, and help her to spread her wings and be the beautiful butterfly that she is.

Ms. Joni will never be forgotten and will always be apart of our life and through Ms. Joni we have learned to SMILE and the sweet peace that JOY can bring.

Bling Bling

Sometimes a black shoe needs a little bit of color. Madeline received her walking shoe and black is not Madeline's color. With help from Madeline we took her walking shoe from boring to great! Now Madeline's shoe reflects her personality.

Sometimes the medical field needs a little help.

Walker

After being home for a weekend, Madeline was still struggling with walking to the point of not walking at all. On Monday I called her doctor and we were set up with physical therapy. The next day we were off back to Dallas to Scottish Rite to meet with physical therapy. After asking us a few questions and testing the strength of Madeline's legs; they presented her with a walker. After all the adjustments were made and a quick demonstration from the physical therapist it was Madeline's turn. Boy did she take her turn. She grabbed her walker by the horns and took off and never looked back. The walker was exactly she needed to help her get back to walking. It only took Madeline a total of couple minutes to learn how to walk with it and to use the walker to walk up steps and uneven surfaces. Less than 30 minutes later Grant and I watched Madeline walk out the hospital with a huge smile. You know what her huge smile said to me? I am FREE. I no longer need my parents to get around, and the best part if I need to go to the restroom I don't have to wait for someone to take me. Freedom is truly sweet.