Practicing for Mad River

We are going camping in August.

And although Miss Em is a seasoned camper, she wanted to get some practice time in.


Since we are camping on Mad River. I think she can sense my anxiety about that name. Why is it Mad? I feel another adventure in the works.

If anyone has ever heard of Mad River in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and knows why it's Mad, feel free to enlighten us! Or warn us!!

Thankful Sunday

Here we are again. I hate to think how fast summer is going by, and we haven't even been to the beach yet! Honestly I don't know what we've been doing. The days just fly by. But as they are flying by I must take the time to remember to be thankful for something. Even when there are weeks that I don't feel like it. This thankful post has become very important to me, because honestly , and we all can agree with this, some weeks are not filled with a lot to feel very thankful about. Some weeks it's hard to come up with something. But it's not impossible!

So I'll start by being thankful about a signing book and video we found for Em. For $2.99! It's not Signing Time but it works the same. She loves it and signs along with the video. Now if you ask her "where's you hat"? She will sign hat. YEAH!!!



here she is having a snack and watching her video.


I'm thankful for the break we have during summer. We may not do too much but it is a needed rest from the day to day craziness.

I'm thankful for a husband who ran back out to the store last night. We had just gotten home from the store and remembered that we forgot to buy what we went for! Typical! No water in the house, not giving the baby tap. So he did an about face and went to get water.

He did not, however, go back a third time when I realized that the cat was out of food. I guess Emmie trumps cat! hehe

I'm thankful for the weather we have been having. Yes it's sizzling but sunny.



Which brings me to my AC that I'm very thankful for!

See it's not impossible to be thankful for something. It doesn't have to be huge. Mine really never are. It's all those little things that I like to remember. It's so easy to overlook them and see nothing to be thankful for.

Keep cool and have a blessed Sunday!

A Real Tutu?

A real tutu?? Just for me?


It's so big, and white.


It looks like I'm on a cloud.


And look I'm saying "mine". I love it! Thanks Olivia!


Actually it is Olivia's tutu. She needed her own tutu for her Summer Intensive Classes. But of course she let Em try it out first.

The Blueberry Pickers

Why we always pick the days that are hot and humid to go blueberry picking is beyond me. This picker flat out refused to pull her weight.


But this one worked very hard.

This one worked very hard too, and stopped to give me a smile. Bella worked so hard she would not take a break for pictures.


Emmie finally started to work, but not at blueberry picking, but at digging.

Somehow I think she will still enjoy the bountiful harvest.

The funny part was we got there at 11:40 thinking they were opened until 1:00, but because of the heat they were closing at 12:00!!! Somehow we still managed to pick 14 pounds of blueberries! They did give us a few extra minutes, but we were picking fast!





Here Sophia is has double duty. Picking and feeding a blueberry loving Em.

The Eyes Have it

Yesterday's post got me thinking. This may sound extremely shallow, but I'm going to put it out here anyway. I created this blog to express the feelings I have and have had about Ds. I love Emmie's eyes. I love the color , I love the shape, and I really love her Brushfield spots.


But there was a time in the not so distant past that her eyes haunted me. It was the time between her diagnosis and her birth. A time that was frightening and uncertain.

When I first heard the words Ds, I was beyond devastated. My mind was spinning in a hundred different directions. All of which were out of control.

After the dust had settled, sort of... I began to think about life with a child who had Ds. And I admit, I painted a pretty grim picture.

One of the things that bothered me was that this child I was carrying wouldn't have pretty eyes. I warned you, here comes the shallow part. I was devastated that no one would ever compliment my baby on her beautiful eyes. All my other children would get remarks about their big beautiful eyes. But, alas, this one would not. I mean seriously would someone dare to compliment the one thing that (in my mind) screamed Ds?

In my mind everyone who I had ever seen with Ds all had "the eyes". The eyes that told the world they had Ds. The eyes that said they were different. The eyes that saw people staring at them. The eyes that I thought were not happy.

This really bothered me, but I never spoke of it to anyone... EVER! Until today.


Then Miss Em was born. And I looked into those eyes! I had to be the first to see them. Those eyes that would solidify our future, those eyes that would give us our final answer. Those eyes that would tell us under no uncertain circumstances if our daughter had Ds or not.

So I looked.

And

I WAS BLOWN AWAY

Because in that second that our eyes met, she cured me. I was blind when it came to understanding Ds. Everything was gray and dark.

But looking into those eyes, I saw colors that I've never seen before. Not only the blue of her eyes, but every color of the rainbow... and then some.

I saw the purest soul I will ever see, and I saw the goodness of God in those eyes.

I saw the blessing not the curse of Ds in those eyes.

I saw hope and not despair in those eyes.

And every day I look into those eyes, and I smile. My Daily Smile!

And since her birth, I have looked into many eyes. Many beautiful eyes that make me smile. Eyes of all colors that shine and sparkle like a prism.

The beautiful blue is just a perk from God, a kind gesture to a mom who always wanted a blond haired blue eyed baby, and had all but given up on that.

The beauty of her eyes comes from within, and radiates outward.

She lights the way...

Wordless Wednesday

Photo by Olivia

Thankful Sunday ...on Monday again

Some weeks it just doesn't come together, and something doesn't get done. This week it was my Thankful Sunday post. But there's always tomorrow. So here it is.

Saturday was Sophia's birthday party. Her outdoor pool party! The weather reports were for rain. You know when the icon on the computer shows only raindrops with no chance of sun. No partly cloudy, just rain. Well God heard this mama's prayers and it was a clear day for Sophia. There was just a brief moment when it looked like it was all over and the skies opened up but it was very brief. For this I am very Thankful!!



I'm thankful Olivia starts her Summer Intensive Ballet today. She will be dancing from 9:00 to 5:30 Monday through Friday for the next four weeks. She cannot wait!! This is her life and she loves every second of it.

I'm also thankful for the scholarship she was awarded from her ballet school to attend this SI . It would be impossible to send her otherwise.

I'm thankful we reserved a campsite for August. Again we were last minute but somehow we got what hopefully will be a great site. It's right on a river in White Mountains area of New Hampshire. Of course the river is called the Mad River. Already makes me wonder what adventures lay ahead for us. I'm also a little curious as to WHY this campsite still had sites available on the water this late in the season??? I searched and searched and this place looked great. Maybe we just got lucky??

I'm thankful for great friends that we spent the day with yesterday. It was so much fun to watch the kids on this enormous slip n slide they so graciously had rented for the kids.



here are Miss Em's Princes, Danny and Andrew, performing a daring stunt on the slip n slid.








"No, No this is not a dog, mom!! I don't care how many times you snap your fingers and slap your leg!!! What's the sign for Polar bear!" Actually his name is Rhody and he is a gentle giant! When Em fell asleep he stayed a couple of feet from her. I do believe to watch over her, as there were a lot of kids running around.

These two are masterminding some fantastic attack on some poor unsuspecting soul! This is Bis and Rich, two more from my extended family. They are brother and sister to the handsome Princes.



After all that excitement Em needed a break.

Andrew was just standing here next to me as I was uploading this pic and he said to me, "She's just like Sleeping Beauty". I love you Andrew.

Dear Melinda...

Auntie Melinda and Miss Em


...just a note to you on your birthday.

(Melinda is Emmie's Godmother and one of my nearest and dearest friends.)

I don't even know if I can possibly sum up what you mean to me in one post. When we first came to St. Peters I "heard" about you and your family. Your very large family. My immediate thought was that you sounded like someone I would like to be friends with. Well, how many years later??? Here we are, not only friends but family.

Friends now family!! Emilia's Baptism. They are missing two of their children in this photo and we are missing Aniela. Almost all of us.



Your support to me through the years has been constant and unwavering. When we were hit with the news about Em, both you and Rich(hubby) were right there for us. The whole family was there for us!!!

I don't know if you remember this, but one day in the school yard , as I was having meltdown number 863, you looked at me and said, "Steph, it is what it is". Of course there were more words before that, encouraging me and telling me I could do this... But it was those words that stuck with me until Em was born.

I stand in complete awe of what you do every single day just to keep the house running and all the kids accounted for! You do it with a grace and beauty no one can compare to. Your days are endless and demanding but you make it all seem effortless. I often wonder how you do it all.

What's your secret? Then I remember. The name shared by you and Em... FAITH!

It carries you through, and it shines out all around you.

I thank God for placing you in my life... how He knew I would need you.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Along with your faith, it is your sense of humor and your ability to stay calm that amaze me.
You make me laugh until I cry with the intricate details and colorful way you describe a situation, usually something one of the kids have done. Your stories belong in a book.

Your generosity is known by all. You go above and beyond everyday. You always make time to help out or do something special for someone. And never, ever do you expect any recognition for anything. You are one of the most beautiful examples of someone leading a Christian life, that I have ever seen.

I'm a better person because of you. Thank you. Thank you for everything.

Happy Happy Birthday to you my friend.


PS. Sorry I didn't make it yesterday, my day was falling apart at a rapid pace. I really wanted to be there.

Lovin' The Lo Mein

We had Sophia's choice for dinner on her birthday. Yeah, she picked Chinese. Emmie was thrilled. She loved the Lo Mein.


Look closely and you will see where she tried to hide the broccoli that she wasn't so thrilled with. Maybe she thought we wouldn't notice.

I can't believe she just plopped it right on top of her head like that and it stayed!





This is the birthday cake that Sophia made all by herself.

Blowing out her birthday candle.



And Miss Emmie in cake shock! HELLLOOO is anyone in there there?? EMMIE?????

Dishwasher For Hire

Very cute well behaved child looking for part- time work. Must have three breaks a day and nap time. Works well with other people and totally gets into her job!



Check climbing into dishwasher as another accomplishment. Although I almost closed her in it. I had just emptied it and turned my back to put something away. She climbed in so fast!! Look at her face! She knows she's not supposed to be in there.

I just hit my 300th post!!

Wordless Wednesday

A Princess and her Princes...

My very handsome "nephews"

My Sophia

Well, last night was the last time I would kiss you good night as a ten year old. Miss Sophia you are now ELEVEN!

My Sophia, if someone wanted to give me a million dollars to describe you in one word, I would have to walk away. It is not possible. You are complicated yet, simple. You are a child yet, some days you are the adult. Your name means wisdom, and if you learn how to listen to your heart you will become very wise. The head is not always right. Leave logic behind once in awhile and let yourself take flight.

Your talents are endless, and I stand in awe of that. I have never seen you study yet you breeze through year after year of school with the greatest of ease. You are a walking dictionary, able to spell words that are not yet in your vocabulary.

Your athletic abilities are abundant as well. Whatever you do , you do well. I remember when you were about four or five years old we put in soccer. Your coach walked up to us one day and said he never saw a kid play like you did. Calculating and aggressive. A perfect combination for the soccer field.

But, in a flash you could become a graceful ballerina, a tumbling, high flipping gymnast, a runner, a tennis player, and a cook!

Miss S, your possibilities are endless!

You are a shining star. And your mine! Lucky me!!

You thrive on love and time with the family. You are a protector by nature. And in your special way you look out for us all. Thank you.


You definitely put some sparkle and zip in to life around here! Being born right after the Fourth of July was perfect for you, my little firecracker! You keep us jumping.

Welcome to ELEVEN! Enjoy the next 365 days. Use them WISELY and don't waste any of them. Love us all every day, as we love you. And always remember to keep Jesus in your heart. He is your best friend.

Happy Birthday Miss Sophia!

I love you more...

A Super 4th

It was a great day. Emmie was sporting a smashing outfit. I think she knew she looked pretty fab, she even kept the headband on. she was rockin' out this 4th.

She has finally gotten the hang of corn on the cob!!



A little dip.

A big dip.

Gotta throw some chocolate in there somewhere. It is a holiday!!


Marshmallows!


And sparklers!

All shared with fun friends!!

God Bless America!

one year ago! My how she's grown...


My prayer for this beautiful country that we call home:

That we never forget it was founded on FAITH, that our forefathers were grounded in their beliefs, and that without God as our beacon our great country will cease to be what it was, and what we continue to achieve, which is a place to be free. Free to pray and dream and live. May we always be able to say , God Bless America! God guide and protect us.

To all that serve this home of ours , thank you!

To everyone, A very happy and safe Fourth of July!!

Progress

Her other favorite thing... plastic bags. Loves the sound. No we don't let her play with them on a regular basis! I had just come back from shopping!! LOL It was just a rare treat for Em.



I realize I haven't actually updated any of Em's accomplishments in a while. There has been a long stretch where there wasn't a whole lot to report. But this week Miss Em showed us some new things.

She is trying to run, which is just hysterical. She obviously thinks she is a lot more coordinated than she is. But I love the effort.

She can climb up onto the couch.

She will point to the Cow in her farm book. For some reason she just took a liking to cows.

Will point out eyes, nose and mouth on her doll.

Will sign "more", and "all done". Not always, but I know she can do it. She signs the best for her ST.

Is imitating beautifully. Sounds and gestures and signs.

Eating like a trooper.

Showing a sense of humor!

Will say "up and down" while moving her arms up and down. Yes, those are her first words!!!!

Gives hugs!!!! What a feeling that was the first time I felt those little arms wrap around my neck!!!

Can crawl up stairs. And she is learning to walk down the stairs. For some unknown reason climbing backwards down stairs completely freaks her out so her PT said, "forget it", she will just learn to walk down. Holding hands of course.

She snorted like a pig for her ST the other day! Adorable!!!

And is just able to keep us entertained all day long!

Playground Favorite

We went to the playground yesterday. Emmie had a blast. Can anyone guess her favorite thing to do??

Was it the monkey bars?

Nope.


Was it sitting way up high and making mommy crazy?

Nope.


Was it playing with her buddy?

Nope, but this is always pretty fun.


Was it driving?

Nope.



Was it the mulch?

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!! There's nothing better than a good roll in the mulch. At least for Em...

Driving Me Nuts!!!

Normally I'm amused by the crazy antics of these seemingly harmless rodents. But this year they've all gone mad!! They have no fear and absolutely no respect for the HUMAN!! A couple of weeks ago I stepped out of the car in to the driveway. I saw two youngsters chasing each other. They were running so blindly towards me they ran right between my legs!! I could feel their FUR!! That's way more nature than I need in my life!

One almost made it into the house. We were bringing groceries in, and the front door was open. He sat there for a good 5 seconds checking things out, as I silently prayed he didn't invite himself in. The image of five kids a cat and a squirrel all in the same small area was petrifying! Luckily he must have been a neat freak and our house didn't pass.

And now this one and his eighty three siblings are busting in through the sunroom! The screens are torn apart and need replacing. They actually get in and eat all the bird food. Probably play with Andrew's trains too. And are completely fearless. They mock our elderly cat. Walk right by him on the deck knowing he is just too old to care anymore.


Look at this one staring me down!





If they don't knock it off we are going to be left with no choice but to send in the Big Guns!!! Miss Em! This lean, mean, fighting machine will have no mercy on those fancy tailed rats!! She's ready to go! And is taking no prisoners!

Warning you pain in the neck squirrels, don't mess with this baby! I've seen what she can do to animals with fur! Just ask the cat!