Day 80 ~ My Before Picture - It's Time

Today I am posting my before picture.  That can only mean one thing . . . yes, a real diet is in my not too distant future.  It's not happening yet as I am still sneaking from the Easter baskets, but it's pretty close.  I have a little over 3 months before our trip to Florida.  Beaches and swimsuits typically go hand in hand, so it's time.  This isn't going to be easy, as this isn't going to be a couple of weeks type of thing. I'm very serious so wish me luck!

Day 81 ~ This Day in 1984, I met my best friend

Well, I know that Mike doesn't know that it's today, but . . . .  I DO!  Yes it was 27 years ago tonight - April 28, 1984 that we first met.  He'll be oh so pleased that I not share the wonderful details of said meeting!   But suffice it to say, it was a day that I'll always remember because, well, it totally changed my future.

I woke up that Saturday morning and had no idea what a significant day it was to be!  I was a little bit uneasy and actually had begun dreading the evening to come.  But my mom said, "Just go, you never know - you might meet someone."  Words of wisdom.  Thanks Mom, cause I did - my future husband, father of all 6 of our children  (I'm often asked if they have the same dad), the love of my life, my best friend.

 Yeah, he's pretty hot!

Day 82 ~ A Thomas Day

The last couple of days I've had the awesome opportunity to spend some time with Thomas.  Yesterday he spend an hour at Learning Consultants in group meeting new friends.  There are 5 boys in his group, not all have Asperger's, but they have similar issues and are close to his age.  Afterwards, we joined a couple of the parents with their sons at McDonald's.  All the boy had their DS's and Gameboys out and Pokemon was discussed nonstop, that is among the boys.  The adult conversation was good and I was able to glean some new information about places and programs that might benefit Thomas in the future.

One of the things that was shared was a program in the St Louis area called Touchpoint that specializes in services for those on the Autism Spectrum.  I will definitely seek more information about them in the near future. While searching their website I came across a blog written by a man by the name of Aaron Likens.  Aaron is employed by Touchpoint as a community educator.  He basically travels Missouri enlightening folks about Asperger's and other conditions on the Autism Spectrum.  He's especially suited to this task as he, himself has Asperger's.  So I spent much of the evening poring over his blogposts.  I have included his blog here on the right side under "other blogs that I follow" - "Life on the Other Side of the Wall".   I didn't have time to read as much as I would have liked, but there were two posts that I found particularly compelling.  I couldn't help but tear up as I read his truth, knowing my Thomas's experience is much the same.  I only wish everyone could have a greater understanding of how he thinks and feels.  So that is one reason why I'm writing this today - to enlighten!  I too am only just beginning to figure this out and I want to be as informed as I can, so that I can truly be an advocate for Thomas!  

Here are the links to those 2 posts for those of you interested; I encourage you to read and be enlightened! 

http://lifeontheothersideofthewall.blogspot.com/2010/04/large-impact-of-small-prank.html

http://lifeontheothersideofthewall.blogspot.com/2010/04/im-sorry.html

Today we spent some more time together.  We went to another doctor, we'll go again in two weeks.  Then Thomas agreed to try out Chick-Fil-A.  He was kind of set on Burger King so I'm grateful for the compromise!  This was a new restaurant and I was anxious to go there as I hadn't been to one in a while. There aren't too many Chick-Fil-A's around here. It was wonderful Thomas - Thank you!  

Day 83 ~ What Can I Say About Todd???

What can I say about Todd?

The ultimate prankster and joker-

we thought we were having another girl!

seldom wears a straight face.

Never take what he's saying literally.

Funny, cute, freckled

Social - never shuts up!

Loves animals, very tender-hearted

Athletic-loves hockey

Pretty much hates school, but loves jokes.

Short-tempered but always says I love you.

I love you too, Todd.

Day 84 ~ Happy Easter!

Happy Easter (although a little bit late) to family and friends!  I have a firm belief and testimony that our Savior has risen and that He lives!  I know that because of His resurrection, all of us can conquer death and live again with Him in Heaven.

My picture for today:

http://lds.org/pages/mormon-messages-gallery?lang=eng

Day 85 ~ Easter Preparations

The day before Easter is typically spent dyeing eggs.  We'll get started on that soon - after I run to the drug store for the dye kit and some Easter grass.  Do I really want the Easter grass, though? It usually just gets thrown around and ultimately winds up being wound up in the vacuum cleaner brush.  It's so fun and festive though!

I won't be able to take pictures with my camera of all the dyeing fun because I sent my memory card to Mark and I had better be getting one back really soon!  So I'm choosing some pictures from Easter 2007 to get me in the mood.  Oh the wonders of Easter egg dye - my nails will certainly be colorful!  I do seriously love the tradition, although fewer and fewer of my kids enjoy participating.  It gives us an opportunity to talk about the real meaning of Easter and what an awesome thing that is!

 This picture actually reminds me that Thomas needs a haircut today!

 Such colorful fun!

 Yeah, Garrett, just stick your whole hand in!

Yes it dyes your hands as well as the eggs!

 And this reminds me that I need to find that bunny that sings and hops!

 Mike's parents came for a visit that Easter.  Please, no one tell her that her picture is on here!

 My only 3 boys here now.

Wow!  I bought a box of 140 plastic eggs this year.  Can't wait for the Bunny to hide them all - we'll be finding them for months to come.

Day 86 ~ Picture from the Storm

Well, I was trying to leave work at a decent time, but a Code Black was called.  Translation:  Tornado warning. So I wandered the halls of the hospital, checked out the basement, took a bathroom break, sipped on a Diet Mountain Dew.  Once I figured that enough time had passed, I ventured outside to the parking garage.  From there I took this photo.  I wish that I had my camera, but the phonecam had to suffice.  It was so eerie - lightning flashing constantly through the clouds- it did not matter that it took forever for the picture to "click"; it was bound to capture the light.  Despite the police and fire engine sirens wailing, there was a creepy calmness to the scene.  As I stood there, I was afraid that one of those flashes of light would illuminate the shape of a funnel cloud.  Yet I stood there mesmerized . . . until the tornado sirens sounded again.  I soon learned that I had actually just missed the funnel cloud and the tornado it spawned as it approached the Lambert St Louis Airport.  Today's post and picture are dedicated to the beauty, fierceness and unpredictability of Mother Nature.

Continued prayers for everyone's safety . . . .

Day 87 ~ Random Photos

 Today's pictures are a totally random choice ~  I circled the mouse on the screen, clicked, and here are some pictures that were in that folder.  These are from a camping trip to Lake of the Ozarks in 2003.  We used to love to go there.  We also loved to camp - A LOT.  I miss those camping trips.  We should resume that tradition!

 I think this is Greg jumping off of some cliffs at the lake.

 Some friends had rented a boat and were gracious enough to take us along for a ride.

 Watch out - Lindsay's steering! Just kidding, of course!

 The campsite -  oh I miss those days.  Really!

Our huge tent that could hold everyone in our family - plus some!

Day 88 ~ Halloween Favorites

This morning I came across a rather disturbing photo of Greg, costumed as the Joker from the last Batman movie.  I thought I did a pretty good job with his makeup that Halloween.  It was perfect as Garrett was Batman that year and Greg the evil villain - they made a good pair!  So I decided to pick some of my favorite Halloween characters over the last 20 years . . . . .  Just wish I would have had time to scan some of the older ones.

Day 89 - A Taste of Home with Hazel

Today my sister Stephanie took a day off from her busy workplace to spend the day with me.  She never ever takes off because her work is so enjoyable to her.  Wish I had that attitude!  But then Stephanie has a positive attitude about just about everything!  So we spent some time tidying up the house and organizing a little bit here and there - she loves to help clean and is an awesome organizer!  That how she's earned the name "Hazel" from my dad.  For those of you too young to remember, Hazel was the name of a TV program about a housekeeper. I'm not THAT old, I just remember the reruns.  So yes, Stephanie, aka Hazel helped me clean house and is a terrific help because I'm not BO, that is born organized.

After some of the cleaning was finished, we took a trip up Hwy N to Louisiana Cafe.  The Friday special was fried catfish and crawfish etouffee, plus we had some gator chips on the side.  That would be fried pickles.  Even though I'm from Louisiana, I've never eaten a gator, nor will I ever have the desire.  So we listened to a little bit of jazz, dined on some seafood and reminisced about Greg who loved to eat at Louisiana Cafe.  I figured out that he will be home in 13 weeks and 5 days and well, 13 weeks and 5 days ago we got home from our trip to Louisiana.  Quite appropriate, I would say!  And yes, I do realize how nerdy, cooky, crazy, sappy and totally desperate it is that I actually know such things.  But such is the life of a missionary mom or any mom who has loved ones far away.  So that's my story for today and laissez le bon temps rouler!

 Steph said the catfish was really good!  It really was!

 Digging in

 Gator Chips

 Fried Catfish and Crawfish Etouffee - very spicy, my sinuses are cleared!

Louisiana Cafe

Day 90 ~ How I'm Beating the Struggle at the Gas Pump

A few days ago I was listening to a local radio DJ who was asking his listeners what they were doing to deal with rising gas prices.  Some were carpooling, some were making a point to consolidate errands into one big trip, some were postponing summer vacations. . .

I'm already fairly conservative in the amount of time I spend "running" my vehicle and I refused to sacrifice a much needed family vacation.  So my most economical option was to say "good-bye" to my Dodge Durango!  We've only had it for 4 years and thought we were getting a pretty good deal, buying a used car and all.  And it's actually been a pretty good car, except for the fact that it sucks!  Literally - it sucks the gas.

So after much looking (we honestly started looking over 2 years ago), I decided on the Kia Sportage.  It's smaller, but then so is my family these days; it's fun to drive and most importantly I'm not spending nearly half a day's salary when I fill it up every week!  So my picture today is dedicated to better fuel economy!

Day 91 - Lindsay's Turn

So this one is dedicated to my one and only Lindsay.   She gives me a hard time about how I am "obsessed" with her brothers, Greg and Mark, who are away on missions right now.   It has been pretty hard at times, having them gone and I spend a lot of time writing them, updating their blogs, preparing care packages, etc.   It's actually a blessing that she is very independent and stays on top of her schoolwork, spends her own money, has made plans for college virtually on her own!  So I haven't had to "obsess" with her all that much.    So it's only fair that I devote some time to her - in pictures!

We're very different in so many ways, but I think we're alike also.  I admire her independence, her high moral character, her fun - loving spirit.  She has earned top grades in high school  -claiming a 4.4 gpa this past quarter. More importantly, she has earned the respect and won the affection of so many!  I can't even begin to count the number of compliments I have received on her behalf.  She has been a true leader in her young women's group - offering a compliment, providing service, making others feel important and simply flashing her beautiful smile!  I am truly proud of her and consider myself lucky to be her mom!

Day 92 - Mark in the MTC

Well since I've finally got my Smilebox working again, I decided to post Mark's pictures from his first couple of weeks at the Missionary Training Center in Provo.  He looks like he's very happy and his letters and emails home pretty much testify of that!  He can't wait to get to New York ~ his Spanish is coming along quite well.

I am so very proud of both Mark and Greg!

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Day 93 - It's Thomas - A Favorite Repost!

I originally posted this Smilebox Creation a couple of years ago . . .  At the time we did not know that Thomas had Asperger's Syndrome.  Looking back on what I wrote in that Smilebox - it all pointed to that diagnosis.  We've learned a lot these last 2 years and there's still so much to learn.  It's been a journey with many mountains and valleys.  Yesterday was a particularly deep valley, but that just means there's only one direction to go -UP!

Today's repost is dedicated to my one and only Thomas!  He's an awesome kid with a heart of gold!  We all love you Thomas!

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