My Husband

So I know most women think they have the most amazing husband in the world and it's wonderful to feel that way. To have someone that is your very best friend and that is your biggest supporter is very special and rare. I have this husband who gets me. I don't even have to talk and he understands and is there for me. It's hard when you are raising a special needs child, it's isolating and even lonely at times. I don't feel that way often because Barry picks up the slack in so many areas. He shares the responsibilities of the kids and even with his busy football schedule he finds times to give me breaks and allow me time for myself. So this post is dedicated to my main man.

When Barry and I first met he was very ROUGH around the edges. Without going into details I can explain it like Sandra D and Danny. I'm not really that innocent and pure but it's a good analogy. So, over the years I've understood that it wasn't that way at all really, the part about him being rough. I just didn't know him like I do now. He's gentle and kind and loving and devoted and more loyal than you could even imagine. He's funny, childish, "old" school, conservative and very dedicated to his family and strong values. He is a very hard worker for my family and I appreciate that he goes out everyday and makes a difference in the lives of so many college men. He has such a wonderful opportunity to be a positive influence on the future of America. I'm so proud of this man that I get the privilege of calling my husband. This gift that God gave to me of a friend that I get to share my life with. He cares so deeply and is passionate about influencing those around him and sharing his belief in Jesus Christ with them. In a world where men are seduced by the world and selfish desires, I have a man who has learned to give his life to Christ and realize that we have to let HIM be in control of our thoughts, feelings, and actions in order for us to be better people. I am so thankful for my husband.

September Pics

Football season is here! The kids sporting one of my designs.

I love this one. Picnik.com allows you to do so many fun things with pics. This one wasn't very good but with some editing it turned out very cute.

Star Wars t-shirt had to be highlighted in this one.

She's just beautiful.

Baylie and I went to the park and I got some great shots of her.

This one is my favorite. She had so much fun watching the ducks.

This and That

I have not journaled in so long. Are we so busy that I can't take the time to sit and just write something, anything? Well, I'm going to tonight if it kills me. Quick updates on the kids will suffice for tonight so that years from now when they read this they will know exactly what was going on in September 2009.

Davis - Right now Davis is in 2nd grade. His teacher is Mrs. Kearns and his reading teacher is Ms. Turner. He is in the accelerated reading program and is currently doing 3rd grade material. It is much more difficult than last year and since he skipped an entire year's curriculum it's an adjustment to learn what is expected of him. He likes school and enjoys playing at recess with Adain P., Adin L., and Carsyn V. This is the Star Wars group that has carried over from last year. They have a blast! Davis is entering into his 2nd year of Cub Scouts. What an amazing organization to be associated with. Scouts is a big family commitment but I believe it is the best thing to be a part of outside of church activities. The Cub Scout Promise says it all "I promise to do my best, to do my duty, to God and my country, to help other people, and to obey the law of the Pack." How's that? It doesn't get much bettter. Davis is very active in our church PSR (Parish School of Religion) and this year (in May) he will celebrate his First Communion. I am so excited, maybe more than he is. Davis loves building legos, reading, and hanging out with our neighbors Alex and Josh. He is so helpful around the house with his chores and caring for the dogs. He is an amazing kid.

Breianna - Brei just started Kindergarten at Clinton Massie. We decided over the summer not to do another year of preschool and just go on into Kindergarten. For me it wasn't a matter of readiness as much as it being a matter of safety and creating an environment more conducive to her learning. Brei has an aide who she just loves (Kim Lay) and her Multi-Handicapped classroom teacher is Mrs. Jodi Dillow. Her kindergarten teacher is Mrs. Woods. Currently she's in the MH room with Mrs. Dillow for intervention before going with her aide to Kindergarten for the latter part of the day. I visited the school yesterday to find that one of the playgrounds (for the bigger kids) is the playground where she goes for her main recess. I thought she went to the Kindergarten playground but it was decided that the walk is too far and by the time she is able to get there recess is practically over. So, Mrs. Lay walked me around the playground to let me know that I need to start talking to the school about making the playground more accessible for Brei and her classmates. Oh man, it's like starting over.....the playground I mean. I believe lots needs to be done before I feel like it will be safe for her to play on independently. So, I'm putting together my game plan before I meet with the school next week. Breianna has started talking more and more and since the detox started I've seen so many improvements in her health and development. It's exciting to watch the miracles taking place in her life. She's starting to exhibit problem solving skills. Example: The other day we were frantically looking for my keys so that we could go to Cub Scouts. Davis and I were looking everywhere. A few minutes later Brei walking over to me with my keys. She had gone and found them. Amazing! Lots of stuff like that going on around here. Brei is also active in our church PSR and she has an amazing teenager names Katelyn Dillow (Mrs. Dillow's daughter) who volunteered to be her aide during PSR classes after mass. How amazing! Katelyn saw a need and jumped right in to help. Brei's favorite thing to do is swing in our backyard. I think she would swing for hours if I'd let her. She loves our dogs but favors Libby. She plays with her all the time.

Baylie - Baylie is 2 years old. She is a very independent child who loves to play with Brei and Davis. She really enjoys watching Toy Story right now. Buzz Lightyear is her absolute favorite. She's starting to really love baby dolls and playing "mommy". She loves to eat pizza and spaghetti and drink apple juice. She loves our dogs and being mommy's helper. Today I was in the shower so I had the chains locked (to keep Brei from escaping). Barry had gotten home so Baylie comes in.."mommy.....daddy" and points to the door. I said, daddy will be home later. She said "no, daddy" ";lka]-09iu4poihj f DADDY". I said "OH, daddy is here now?" she said "Yes". I said ok and ran out and sure enough Barry was home trying to get in the house with all the chains and deadbolts locked up tigher than Fort Knox. I can keep Brei from getting out but no one can get in either! Baylie is in gymnastics at Aerials in Wilmington. She loves it. She's jumpy and dancy and very active so I think this is perfect for her for now. She may decide she hates it in a few years but for now she's in heaven. She won't even take her leotard off when we get home. Baylie is also in early intervention due to her medical diagnosis so she attends Toddler Class once a week. It's basically toddler school. She loves it. I think Gross Motor is her favorite. She loves the indoor gym. Early intervention took her and her daddy to Young's Dairy a few weeks ago and in 2 weeks we get to go to the pumpkin patch. She loves having her special time with mommy when Davis and Brei are at school. We run errands and hang out at home playing or head to the park to feed the ducks.