Saturday, October 24, 2009

Zoo Boo

Here are a few pictures from our trip to the Zoo Boo... Adelynne, aka, Tinkerbelle :)

Aubrey as a rainbow princess
Nolan...my little punkin'
Our family Here we go...






Things for which I am thankful

This week I find myself incredibly aware of my blessings...here are a few I'd like to share...

1. In this economy where people are continuing to lose jobs, the medical bills are coming in, but Brandon has 3 jobs. I'm not being sarcastic, really, we are so thankful for his jobs. I am so thankful for him that when times are tough, he works hard.

2. Nolan had his yearly review with First Steps on Tuesday. An occupational and physical therapist came and observed him and asked me questions about him. The same two ladies that looked at him 10 months ago came and were amazed at how good and healthy he looked. The PT, when looking at her list of kids for the day remembered Nolan because he was, "the baby that didn't smile." It made me sad to think about it that way, that my 6 month old baby didn't smile, but at the same time, it reminded me of how thankful I am for the personality that Nolan has developed. Not only does he smile, but he is such an expressionful kid. So, they assessed his gross motor, fine motor and his communication skills, and Nolan tested in his age category or barely just below in all the categories! I can't tell you how nice it was to answer "yes" to the majority of their questions. So, not only has he not fallen any more behind this last year developmentally, but he's actually made some ground. I know I've said it before, but this kid is amazing. Tell him he's got Williams syndrome and he'll prove it doesn't matter. Brandon and I are daily blown away by this tough, trouper of a kid.

3. Our church family that meets every Wednesday night and shares "God sightings" and prayer requests, and then with gratefulness and praise takes it all to Him in prayer. Someone also, is always willing to watch my little ones so that I can participate.

4. Brandon being on October break this past Thursday and Friday. With him working 4 nights a week after school, I can't tell you how nice it is to have had him home.

5. I was able to run 8 miles this week on the treadmill. Is my butt any smaller yet? oops...did I say that out loud:)

6. The girls and I made Halloween ghost and pumpkin cookies today.

7. For 2 very supportive sets of parents.

Overall, very thankful here...

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Christmas came early for Nolan thanks to a great deal at a garage sale today. Merry Christmas buddy boy!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Annual trip to the pumpkin patch


Nolan loved standing at his pumpkin.






Aubrey found a friend. After all the excitement we got our apple cider slushies and headed home.

Thanks guys!

In a moment of mom not totally being on her "A game", my girls gave Nolan chocolate. Thanks guys!
I think it's safe to say that he likes it.

Aubrey's 5th birthday

That's right, our fiery little red head is now 5 years old. I still just can't believe it. On the 7th, she proudly declared, "Mom, I'm five now!"

Things about Aubrey that make her special...




Her witt, I mean, honestly, this kid is hilarious!




Her energy, I get tired just watching her:)




Her spunk, one might say I've given birth to my punishment.




Her compassion (mixed with a sassy mouth sometimes)




Her creativity, she's always making or creating something.




Her love for her dad. She worries about him when he mows in the dark:)




Her excitement in learning a new Bible verse a week. She loves going to church and Awana each week.




There are so many more.

Here are some pictures from her birthday party.
Pay close attention to the outfit she picked out :)
Aubrey and her princess castle cake.
Mommy and the birthday girl

Daddy and the princess

Happy birthday Aubrey Lynne, we love you!

Dad's night at school


Thursday was "Dad's Night" at school. Silly Safari was there with all sorts of animals (snakes, hawks, and other creepies) for the dads and kiddos to enjoy. Brandon said Aubrey kept raising her hand to say something and the guy never called on her. So finally she just shouted, "Know what? You're crazy." Brandon said everyone laughed.
She's ready to go!
Daddy and Aubrey
Enjoying the show
Aubrey raising her hand
Aubrey petting the baby alligator

Class fieldtrip to Anderson's orchard

Gosh, so much has been going on around here. We've had several exciting events, and I am going to attempt to catch you up on some of them. Aubrey had her first school field trip. We went to the apple orchard and grandma Susan was able to join us. Not only did they get to see and pick apples, but we got to see the red raspberries, chestnuts, and pumpkins. Here are a few of the highlights...
Aubrey with her sweet friend Sarah. We love her.
Picking the last of the red raspberries of the season.
Nolan and grandma Susan
Sweet
Adelynne in the pumpkin patch
Man, are we blessed or what?

Friday, October 2, 2009

Just sayin'...

I caught this one drinking syrup straight out of the bottle this morning. Sick! Just sayin'...

3 weeks

So many of you have asked for a current picture of Nolan to see how he's doing and his progress. He's still doing awesome! We are so very thankful and we have so much gratitude for the Great Healer and Physician. Only by His grace am I able to report such good news. Here are a few things Nolan has been up to... He's finding his way into the bathroom while the girls get their bath. He enjoys getting his clothes very wet playing in their water. Adelynne is clearly amused.

Man he's naughty.He's now able to make it into the kitchen (everywhere really) crawling. He enjoys ripping the fake grass out of my ficus tree.

The dude loves cheerios!

Nolan is turning into a little stinker these days. He's your typical crawling kid who is getting into everything. He says, "Na na na na," when you tell him "No!" He screamed bloody murder last night until Brandon got his milk ready. He's a fiery personality...gosh, I wonder where he gets that...who knows what he wants when he wants it. We are so thankful for it! Brandon and I were remembering last night that it was just February before this little guy even smiled and now he's expressive with loads of personality.

Count your blessings name them one by one...