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.

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!

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

The cake Latisha made me, isn't it beautiful.

A birthday kiss from my son.  

Love my new wall hanging

Latisha and Brent got me the new wonderful decorating tips I can't wait to try

I know it is blurry, but a birthday hug from my grandson is always appreciated

Cassandra and Lauren preformed for me

dessert!

Aidric and I with our drinks and his car

My daddy took me to lunch at a cute coffee house, look at my lovely drink

Trip to Weston

A positive part of having a child that lives in another state is you get to go and see them and spend lots of time when you are together.  The problem is finding the time to go.  This last weekend worked and they planned the baby dedication for the time we were there, so we were able to go see Alex, Ivy and baby Weston.  It was so wonderful to see them.  It is hard to believe how fast time flies, but it had been six weeks since our new grandson was born and since we last saw him.

This time we took our kiddos at home, my mom, and David's mom got to all join us in the trip.  It turned out to be quite the party.  Ivy's parents were able to also make it up.  Weston is starting to shine.  We can see his sweet personality, quite content, and even smiles.  He didn't seem to mind who was holding him and I loved every second I got to hold him but tried not to be a "baby hog."

I did a terrible thing and forgot my camera and camcorder.  It was horrible.  I used my phone camera but wish I could have got some video.  They are doing wonderful and I would have like to have recored some of the little guy.  I guess that means we will need to make it up there again soon.

Saturday night, Ivy and her mother made me a wonderful birthday dinner, my birthday is soon and they wanted to celebrate with me.  It was an amazing dinner.  We had prime rib, potatoes, green beans, and rolls.  For dessert we had the most amazing crockpot chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream.  It was right up there with the best prime rib I have ever had.  The cake was also amazing so basically it was an incredible meal.

We were so blessed to be a part of the baby dedication service Sunday morning.  Alex led worship and Sierra got to be apart of the worship team and play the keyboard.  The Pastor had the whole family come up for the dedication.  How precious it is to watch our children dedicating their children to the Lord.  Sorry I have no pictures at this time.  Maybe I can get some from Alex, :).

The trip home was a bit sad, as I am unsure when we will make it back that way, but I hope it won't be long.  We ran into a bit of a snow storm, which made things a bit more exciting, but we are all home safe and sound.  I hope you all had a great weekend.  God Bless.
Alicia

Aunties and Uncle, with new nephew

Cute little family

Cassandra loved holding Weston

Weston smiling

baby dedication outfit

Grandma loves her grandson

Me, Aidric and Weston.  Aidric likes to hold for a minute and then is done

Aidric really enjoyed their dog "Jack"

Four generation picture.  

Happy Suday

I just realized it has been quite a while since I have been on here.  Time ticks on and life is full speed ahead. I will give you a quick overview of our last week.

Let's begin with Saturday. We are fortunate to have FaceTime.  I was able to spend time via the internet with my son, Alex, his lovely wife and adorable little guy.  It is hard to believe Weston is a month old but yep, he is.  It is fun to watch him make faces and little noises.  He is growing and getting so alert. How wonderful.

That night we were able to celebrate my favorite son in laws birthday.  Happy Birthday Brent.  As always Latisha made a lovely feast and amazing dessert.  We are so blessed to have Brent as a part of our family.  He is a wonderful husband to our daughter and loving daddy to their son.  It was a great time.

From there, I was able to take a trip to see my Grandma, and Grandparents.  They live 3 1/2 to 4 hours away, so I just don't make it that way often.  I am so blessed to still have three of my grandparents in my life.  They are all now in their 90's and I love the fact that longevity is in my genes.

My first stop was to see my Grandma.  I had called Grandma before I arrived and she seemed so excited to hear I was on my way.  Unfortunately when I walked in to see her, she looked at me and said "Should I know You?"  I wasn't sure if she was scolding me for not making it to see her that often or if it was her Alzheimer's.  Apparently it was the Alzheimer's.  I wasn't sure where to go from there. At first things were a bit awkward and I was quite sad, but I asked the Lord for wisdom and we ended up having a wonderful time.  We talked about her kids and my kids, looked at pictures and I got to fix a couple of her chipped nails.  She was so incredibly sweet.  When it was time to leave she was very sad and said "I hope to see you again."  You will, Grandma.  I am grateful for the time we spent together and am so glad I got to see her.

Grandma and I 

Grandma with her brother during WWII

From there David and I went to dinner with his Dad and Stepmom.  He took me to my favorite restaurant and we had a lovely dinner. Then we went to see my Grandparents on my mom's side.  They are doing great.  They still live in their home, take care of things themselves, and Grandpa drives.  It was so fun to spend some time with them.  All in all a nice getaway.

Then it was Tuesday, not just any Tuesday, but Valentine's day.  We had a wonderful day with the kids.  Valentine's day we like to spend with the family and just enjoy loving each other and eating good food.  We all exchange Valentines and gifts.  It is so sweet.  I really enjoy spending time with my Valentines.

Here we are gathered around the table.  

my gifts to David.  :)

Chocolate chip, strawberry pancakes with bacon, traditional breakfast.

Friday the kids went skiing.  They have been taking ski lessons with the homeschool group.  David has been taking Sierra, Danika, and Cassandra up.  I think they are having a great time.  

Then Saturday was a fun filled day.  Cassandra had Junior Bible Quiz.  Finding time to study is sometimes challenging but Cassandra has been working hard.  She took 4th place.  It is so fun to watch her.  She is extremely expressive and jumps in with both feet.  When they handed out the awards and announced Cassandra the person said, "if you haven't had a chance to watch Cassandra in a match it is really worth it."  She answers with her whole being and puts a smile on your face.  One of the answers included the word "tribulation."  Her mind went blank on the word and she said that, "really bad time when a lot of really bad things happen...  oooooh, I just can't remember that word."  

Later that night Sierra and Danika made it to the homeschool coop sock hop.  They had a wonderful time and were quite adorable.  

So, if you have made it to the end of this, you know why I just don't get time to get on the computer that much.  But I hope you enjoyed the update.  I hope you are all well.  God bless.

Alicia

Welcome Baby Weston

He is here!!!  Our second grandson, Weston David is here!  As many babies do, he decided to keep mommy and daddy up all night before making his grand appearance.  Ivy was actually a couple days overdue, which I have never experienced.  I can be quite impatient and was blessed with having my babies all early.  Ivy was very patient and was a trooper to the end.  I was expecting a big grandbaby because he past his due date, but he was a perfect 7 pounds 2 oz.  We were unable to be there for the birth but were able to go and see them shortly after.  Brent, Latisha, and August were able to join us on the trip.

Alex had sent a picture of his first born and as I am sure many mothers do, I could see so much of Alex in the picture.  When we got there and I was able to hold Weston the similarities were so much so, it was almost like having a flash back to holding Alexander as a baby, soooo precious. We all enjoyed our time holding him, snuggling, and watching the faces he made.

Our time there was short and as always it is so hard to say goodbye.  I know the next time we see Weston he will have changed and grown, but we are so grateful that Alex and Ivy are close enough that it shouldn't be too long before we make the trek back up to see them.  Our younger kids stayed home this time, so they are looking forward to coming up and seeing their new nephew, soon.

Welcome baby Weston.  Congratulations Alex and Ivy!  Cherish this time, because as the saying goes, they grow up so fast.  We look forward to seeing you soon.  

Weston and Grandma :)

Weston and Grandpa

Grandpa and his grandsons.

Here we are with our new grandson

Three generation picture

Me and my boys

Latisha is finally an auntie

August wanted to hold Weston, but wasn't sure when he was holding him,
Then wanted to hold him again

The new parents and their baby

So grateful we all got to be together.