This is the Good Life: March 2017

Friday, March 31, 2017

Pretty Isabella is Seven

Isabella had her seventh birthday. We took the family to a local fun center for Isabella's birthday. It is an older fun center but it has a carousel so it is perfect for Isabella. We had a good time and because it was a week night it was fairly slow. I went on the carousel with Isabella twice, took a break and we did a couple other things, then we went on it again. Isabella seemed to be tiring but I knew I had enough, so I asked Brent if he would ride with her. I watched as they went around and I actually think Isabella was getting dizzy. It struck me as funny because a year ago, she couldn't get enough. Awww, she is getting older.

It is funny when you have a child with special needs how other parents with special needs kiddos want to talk. They are generally interested in what her "problem" is. That is still a good question. I can only tell what her symptoms are and her observed diagnosis is. I was at the store the other day and saw a mother with a child who was communicating as Isabella does, with squeals. The mom was very tired looking and kept trying to shush the child. My heart went out to her and I just wanted to say something to her to try to encourage her. I talked to her for a moment but am not sure I helped. I think sometimes just knowing we are not alone in our struggles makes us feel like it is ok.

At Isabella's birthday celebration there was a married couple there, probably around our age, with a little 2 year old downs boy. We smiled at them and went on with our evening. The mom approached me at the end of the evening and just wanted to talk about our kids and experiences. Their son was nonverbal and very busy. They had noted how Isabella was the same. The mom was so sweet and just wanted to talk. She talked about how special her son was and how they love him and wouldn't change him. I never know what to say when people make that comment. I love Isabella with my whole heart but if I could there are things I would change. I would never let her have another seizure. I hate seizures with a passion and get emotional just typing that. I would change Isabella's lack of comprehension. She has little fears and will wonder off given a chance. I live with a constant check in the back of my head with where is Isabella and is she safe. I would love to be able to say stop Isabella as she tries to dart off and have her actually stop. It is not that I don't love my Isabella Bear but if I could there are things I would change. To sleep in one morning and not go into panic mode if I don't hear "Isabella noises." I think that is probably true with all our children, there are things I wish they didn't have to deal with: teeth problems, vision problems, allergies... We live in a very imperfect world and I rejoice that I know some day these problems will all be behind us. If we know Jesus as our savior our eternity is beautiful. I will have that long talk with Isabella someday and get to know her in a way I can't here on earth. I rejoice that my God is good and he is walking beside me loving Isabella more than I do. Happy Birthday Isabella, may our heavenly Father watch over you and protect you in ways I can't.

Have a blessed day
Alicia

Isabella was so excited to get her cupcake

the carousel, Isabella, Brent, August, and Latisha

Danika, Aidric, Sierra and Cassandra

Aidric is tall enough to ride the bumper cars and loved it.

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Aidric is Four

Our youngest just turned four. Watching our little man growing is full of laughter. Aidric is so full of smiles and energy. He says things the way he sees it and at times can be extremely comical. I wish I could remember his one liners but in honor of his birthday I thought I would share a couple fun stories.

The other day my mom, Isabella, Aidric, and myself went to McDonalds. My mom went to the restroom and Aidric said he needed to go too. When my mom returned Aidric was not with her. He had decided to use the men's restroom and was calling for me. Unfortunately he was unable to open his door. I knocked on the door and no one else was in there. The stall's door in the men's restroom left only a few inches to the floor. I could not unlock the door and knew what had to be done. Yep, that is right, I had to army crawl under the door in the men's restroom. Aidric said, "Mom, what are you doing?" I am trying to help you son.

When Aidric woke up on his birthday, I went into his bedroom and said, "Happy birthday, Son. Do you feel like a four year old now?" He looked down at his legs and said, "Nope, I am not four." "Yes, you are son. Don't you feel like it." Looking back at his legs he said, "My legs are not any longer, so I am not four yet."

We had a nice birthday party for Aidric with family. If was a lovely day and Aidric had a great time. He has been really interested in Paw Patrol, so we went for a Paw Patrol theme. We hadn't seen any of the shows but the puppies are cute and look like they are out to save the world so we went with it. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Have a blessed day. On to the next birthday.

Aidric with his piñata

August taking his turn

Isabella up

Go Cassandra

Broke it

pin the tail on the puppy

Aidric got a fishing pole

I love this picture

Happy Birthday Son!

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Birthday Alley

Tis the season at our home. We have a string of birthdays up and coming and I try to make each one special. Not always easy to do. With inlaws and grandbabies filling in the open spaces with birthdays almost every month has a celebration. The next couple months are the celebrations I am in charge of and so here we go.

We began March with my birthday. It was a very special birthday to me because my brother, Jerry, got to join us. I am not sure when he was last with me on my birthday, but I have a feeling it was over thirty years. Ok, now I really feel old. He is a couple years older then me and when he graduated high school he went off to college far, far away (not really that far, but far enough). Then he moved out of state and I seriously don't remember if I have been able to celebrate my birthday with him since high school. So, this year was special. All I asked from him was a game of ping pong. I have never in my whole life beat him at ping pong, in our younger years he would challenge me with mind blowing speed on the ping pong balls. It used to terrify me, but I believe it helped me to be a better ping pong player. I guess that isn't saying much because I have yet to beat him on a one on one match. We did get to play and it was much friendlier then in our youth, but also I would say we have both improved. David and I played Jerry and my mom in a doubles match and we actually won that but, I still will continue the quest to beat him one on one. :) Jerry brings such laughter to our house, it is a joy to have him over. My sister and her family were also here and I implored her to take a sibling picture. She has just had surgery and could barely walk, but she still took a lovely picture.

The evening was lovely, we had fondue, which I am sad I didn't take any pictures. Every year it is such a decision on how to set it all up so everyone gets access. This year I had it upstairs and lined up the tables. I alternated several fondue/ crockpots with our sauces (chocolate, appricot, and cheese) across the tables. The ping pong table had the already prepared meets and veggies in a warmer, cut up fruit and bread, and cool dipping sauces (dill, barbecue, and curry). I have to say we really outdid ourselves and it really was an amazing meal.

Then I was blessed with great gifts. Finally the cake. Latisha out did herself again and I had a wonderful and beautiful orange cake and orange sherbet.

The day was filled with love, blessings, and sugar. I should add that I started my day with my family making me a lovely breakfast of french toast, strawberries and cream cheese sauce, followed by a trip to one of my favorite places for a complimentary carmalizer from Dutch Brothers. Yes, I should fast sugar for a while, but I really had a wonderful day. Aidric accompanied me to Dutch Brothers and some nice gentlemen gave Airdic a Hot Wheels Car. The man said it was just a random act of kindness. There you go. Let the birthdays begin. I hope this finds you all blessed and well. God bless,
Alicia