Blessed Beyond Belief

Success!

Pay no attention to the technically horrible photos. The point of these is to document the success. We've taught him to swallow pills!!! woohoo! no more mixing up vitamin concoctions that could make the bravest person puke. After 2+ years this is a welcome change. He takes about 9 in the morning and 8 at night. After each swallowed pill he gets a treat like a little candy. So happy this day has come!

don't you love the smell of playdough?

RussDawg

So for Russell's birthday last Wednesday we took the fam out to eat at The Melting Pot. Good cheezy fun. The kids had never been to a resturant that serves you a platter of raw meat! And Will had a grand time waving the long pitch fork things around and nearly giving Tim a heart attack while doing it. Once we had finished the fourth and final course of yummies dipped in chocolate, we rolled ourselves outa there and headed over to church headquarters to drop Russell off. We came back with a cake to share with the youth group and we proudly embarrassed him by singing happy birthday.

After we sang to him, these guys came up with their own song for Russell. It was pretty funny!

Autumn was my photographer while Tim and I served cheesecake. She got this great shot of Russell and Matt - the very cool and fearless youth group leader!

The next day I was able to talk Russell into a photo shoot of sorts. He reluctantly played along only because he knows I'm taking a photography class. He always tells me I take good pictures, and he encourgages me to do more, as long as they have nothing to do with him! Ha! whatever. I got him out anyway for some 14 year old pictures. I guess he doesn't remember our trips to Sears and the Picture People to get annual birthday pictures. Man it's so much easier when you dress them in what you want, put them in the car and then plop them in front of a studio set up and jump up and down like an idiot to get a smile. I'm happy with some of these anyway. I can't believe how much he has changed in the past year!

may twenty third

So where did the last fourteen years go? I can't believe this is the same kid that I swore would never stop bouncing off the walls. Tim and I are so proud of him. This past year hasn't been the easiest one for him, but I KNOW it has been a year full of some of the biggest personal growth for him. Despite whatever he may say about his current situation, overall he is a happy, smart, reasonable kid. And I know that the changes he has had to endure will only make him a stronger, confident, well adjusted person in the end. Not that he isn't already all those things. But we all know that it's the harder times in our lives that leave the biggest impressions and teach the most valuable lessons. Happy Birthday to my favorite 14 year old in the whole wide world!

And just for fun: Tim sent this pic to me today from his cell phone. I think that's a train freight thingy that they are loading up. (like my technical terms?) and he also said that he might be taking a fork lift driving test today. umph - like he has to take a test to know he rocks at fork lift driving! It *almost* looks like he's having fun at work, huh? ;) Oh, and he also sent some lovey dovey stuff along with the pic, but I'm not gonna share that with you!

Wrinkled Feet

Sunday stuff

Sunday afternoon and this is what's happening. Just got home from church. We were gone a bit longer than usual since they had a kids show after the last service and then it was Tim's turn to tow the trailer with set up stuff back to the yard. It's been a tough week with Will. Social issues at school were really stressful. I just don't know what to do or how to teach him. It's so difficult for him to understand why he can't just go up to any girl in his class and kiss them. And it's not all lovey dovey. Thursday I had to go to the school because he had a complete melt down. I am really glad that there are only two more weeks of school. But I worry now about having enough social activites for him. We've decided he will not be going to summer school. It just isn't the most appropriate place for him socially. His accedemics are great. The problem is that he would be with kids that have some behaviors that he should NOT be around. There just isn't the typical peer interaction available. BUT - he will still be spending 15 hours a week with his home therapist, go to OT, and several different camps and possibly swim lessons. So he will still be busy.

Yesterday we took the kids and dog to a park to fly a kite. Pretty fun! Check out the dog. Bet you didn't think he could move that fast, huh?

more later..... I'm tired and my eyes feel like they are going to slam shut.

Hi Jordan!!

We are looking forward to you coming to Idaho for a visit!!! Wanna go to the water park?

Happy Mother's Day

To my Mom.

I love my Mom. For so many reasons. When I think back on all she has given to me, I am truly grateful. Starting with changing her world by bringing me into it, being brave enough to move me to a forgein country, being even braver by sending me back without her, through the tough transitions in the next few years, only to lead into the turbulent often painful teenage years which led to another necassary separation, then onto supporting me becoming a mother, through being a wonderful grandma, and now by accepting another separation. But we should know by now that physical separations are not separations of the heart. And my heart is full of admiration, love, and thankfulness for my mom. Both my parents have given me so much and I love them very much.

So, as a mother to my own family, I had a great day!! It started with Will and Tim bringing me coffee in bed. Then Tim, Autumn, and Will brought me a plate with eggs, bacon, and toast. Along with a beautiful card made by autumn and a gift each from my mom and lovely mother in law. I took a few bites of my breakfast and then opened the gifts. I looked over and my breakfast was completely devoured by the kids, mostly Will. I said, 'hey, what about my breakfast'? And Will , with his mouth full of toast, said, 'you just read your cards mom'. In other words, who needs breakfast when you have cards?? :) Then we got ready and headed for church. So nice, just love being there and forming relationships. After church we were off to a surprise lunch that Tim planned. He took us to P.F. Changs in the BoDo district (downtown Boise). I've been wanting to go there for awhile and wow, was it worth it!!! It was soooo yummy! Now we are home and chillin. I'm lucky. This could have been any sunday of the year. My family is great and I love spending time with them.

On another note - I closed my myspace account. Didn't use it much anyhow, but some of you were there - so I was there. That site just gives me a yucky feeling. So - I hope my family and friends come to visit me here. If not, well - I'll just keep on keepin on here! ;) Love to you all - especially you mama's out there!

Good Enough

The ebay find. He FREAKED when he opened these yesterday. He jumped around the living room woohooing all over the place. Happy boy.

Yesterday Autumn had her fourth grade spring program. Unfortunately my pics in the gym came out horrible. But, I did take a ton of video, so hopefully I'll have that to share soon. I was watching her jump off the swings afterwards and I was anxious to get home. I tried to hurry her along and then it hit me. There is only a tiny short amount of time more where fun and excitment come from playground equipment. Soon she will join the ranks of our oldest and playgrounds will not be so appealing. So I stood there longer watching and not rushing (well, at least for a few minutes.) and soaking in the little girlness of her. It's quickly disappearing. But for today, this is what makes her happy. Little toys lined up in her desk and jumping off swings. If it werent' for the concern of parents sanity, I would say that childhood should last A LOT longer.

Tim's new toys. :) I guess you could call them that! When he said he would have to wear a hard hat at work, my first thought was - 'oh lord, they're gonna have to special order one for his big head'. Well, I guess it doesn't have to fit like a baseball hat, it kinda sits on top of the head. Whatever that does, I have no idea. It looks like a breeze could blow it off. And the new car. So far it's a pretty good deal for what it is. Never thought we would own another van like our first one. It's a 93 like our first one. It's super clean inside and seems to run well. And best of all - It's paid for!! :) Oh wait, best of all is Tara having her suburban back. Although I do hope Tim still keeps it nice and clean like he has for the past year. hint hint ;)

That's all for now. It's Saturday, which brings new meaning to this household now that Tim has joined the ranks of the 9-5 er's. He's getting ready to go out and mow the lawns. Will has baseball tonight. Church tomorrow morning. Loving church lately. It's so fun, the music is super cool and inspiring, the people are happy, the message is challenging and it's just awesome to gather with people and celebrate God's love for humanity.

Have a good weekend!

Meet Heather

This is my awesome multi-talented friend Heather. We met way back when we were still deciding on a lot in our subdivision. She's been nothing but a blessing ever since. As far as talent, well not only is she an amazing scrapbooker, crafter, photographer, woman of faith, wife, mother of three (one with special needs), but she's also the author of this delicious chili recipe! Last month when we were in CA, I told a couple of you that I would email the recipe. I don't remember who I said that too, so I'm gonna share it here. It is so good that I am making my fourth batch of it today. Here it is the way Heather wrote it:

Heather’s sweet N spicy Chili
1 (29 oz) can of tomato sauce
1 (28 oz) can of peeled & diced tomatoes undrained
1 small diced onion
½ Tablespoon of Italian seasoning
2 pounds Jimmy Dean HOT sausage
1 pound of thick sliced bacon
½-3/4 bottle of honey BBQ sauce
¼ cup chili powder
2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans undrained
2 cans of diced jalapeños
½ cup brown sugar
2 oz of baking chocolate (not sure I liked this next time I may try regular dark chocolate for a sweeter taste or eliminate all together)
7-10 minced Thai chili peppers
2 cloves garlic minced

In large pot or crock pot over medium heat combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, & Italian seasoning
In a large skillet cook bacon until slightly crispy set aside on paper towel to cool.
Drain bacon fat & cook sausage till browned. Drain & add to pot. Crumble bacon & add to pot.
Stir in to pot remaining ingredients, add BBQ sauce & brown sugar to taste. Stir and let simmer. Ready to eat when hot, if using a crock pot set on low and cook as long as desired (the longer it cooks the longer flavor melds) Stir on occasion.

I made it as written the first time and wowie! It was spicey!! So the next time I toned it down to 1/8 cup of chili powder, 1 can of jalapenos, no chocolate, and about 7 tiny chili peppers. Perfect! I cook the meats and throw everything in the crockpot to stew all day. If you try it, let me know how you like it!