My baby turns 3!

Three years already? It's really true that if you blink....

Funny thing about this cake. I usually make my kids birthday cakes but Owen had won a gift certificate for a cake at a 24th of July party. The store was in Salem but I thought it would be worth the drive. Originally they told me it was a fireman cake. Owen did not like this idea at all so I called them back and asked them to Pleeeeease make a tractor cake. Well, we went to pick it up and it was a Cars cake. Owen wasn't too impressed but at least he wasn't too upset either.

Some important information about Owen

Favorite color- green
Favorite food- Macaroni and cheese
Favorite Toys- Trains

He is a very active little boy with lots of attitude. Being the baby doesn't help this at all. It seems as though these days he spends more time in time-out than anywhere else. He'll be starting pre-school soon and I hope he gets this under control!

Where a kid can be a kid

For Owen's Third birthday we decided to celebrate at Chuck E Cheese. I had never taken Owen there before. It's funny what happens to you get more kids. I used to take Matthais and Ian there all the the time. Now I can't remember the last time we went. Yes, I used to be super mom. But I digress....

I really don't remember the pizza being so horrible. And I really don't remember the prizes being so cheesy. Is it just because I haven't been there in so long? Luckily I had bought a gift certificate for half prices and it pretty much covered the cardboard pizza. I did have to spring for tokens. The kids had fun and now I can check that off the list of things "good" moms do.

First day of School

I have been counting down to the first day of school pretty much since the day school got out. This summer was the hardest so far and I am so happy my little darlings are back in school.
Matthais started 6th grade this year. What??? 6th grade already??? Hard to believe. Mrs. Lienweber looks like a fun teacher and I think he'll enjoy continuing in the A.L.L program.He's developed his own little sense of style and this was the first year he was picky about what I bought him. I don't think I'm ready for that!
Our little Ian is in 4th grade. Miss Bushnell and the rest of the crew have their work cut out for them. He is as active and as stubborn as ever. I'm crossing my fingers for a good year!
Sweet little Emilia is so happy to be heading into 2nd grade. Her friends Lezlie is in her class again this year and her teacher Mrs. Young looks like she'll be great.

End of summer party

I was really brave and decided to throw an end of summer party. I invited all my friends, set up a water slide, and bought ice cream...but the best thing I did was to recruit Sydney to come help with Ian. He is especially hard at these kind of things and this day was no different! He gave Sydney a run for her money but she was great! I think a good time was had by all! I ended up counting 69 kids total! I just love our back yard and I love having everyone over.

The begining of our journey

I dropped off some film yesterday that I've had kicking around for some time. I almost cried when I opened the pictures and found this...

This is Ian out front of primary children's hospital in the summer of 2003 and this is Ian the day he was diagnosed with autism. Thus, this is the day our journey began. I look at this picture, his snow white hair, his pure innocence and I long for those days back. As hard as it was then I never knew just how hard it would be. I never knew the hours I would spend on my knees in prayer. I never knew the hours I would spend cleaning up the messes he would make. I never knew that I would feel the pain that I have felt and I never knew the joy he would bring me. Isn't life funny that way? Aren't you glad we don't know what lies ahead of us? How many of us would want to go on if we knew? I am thankful for this journey but If I had known...

...If I had known I would do it anyway.

Uncle John Jay and the Shane Lee Band

On Sunday we were able to go and listen to uncle John Jay play his drums with the Shane Lee band. He is an amazing drummer and it's always fun to watch him play. On a side note, Shane Lee married my friend from high school, Jenny, and it was fun to see her up there playing with the band too! We also sang happy birthday to Millie and to Owen.

7 great things about our newest 7 year old

1. Millie is one of the kindest girls I know.
2. Millie loves the gospel. She is always reminding us about prayer and FHE.
3. Millie has a beautiful smile that lights up the room.
4. Millie keeps her room clean. (most of the time)
5. Millie is a great student and she loves to read.
6. Millie is obedient.
7. Millie is the perfect daughter

Millie's favorite things

Color- Magenta
Food- Pizza
Thing to do- Dance
Book- Junie B. Jones
Best friend(s)- Lezlie, Courtnee, Taylie
Millie wants to be a dance teacher when she grows up.