Grandma Susan

Last Monday I drove down to Phoenix.  Nolen was my travel companion.  We went down to see the Naturopathic Autism Specialist in Phoenix for our second visit.  I had hoped to get more information on the two blood draws we had done.  The Doctor was completely unprepared and seemed to not even remember us.  He didn't even look over his notes before we walked in to the appointment.  I was pretty disappointed, to say the least.

Anyhow, we did pick up Grandma Susan and brought her back home with us.  We always have a great time when she comes, especially Edward as he has a nearly full time playmate!  So grateful to have an amazing mother-in-law who is always willing to come and spend a full week with us.  We miss you already, Grandma Susan!

Pony tail!

Check in

Do you read The Weed?

No, then check it out.  Yes, then you know what a check in is all about.

 

Physically: I am less than what I usually am.  I have been working out but it has been half hearted.  I really wanted to take a break from working out in December but knew that it would impact the way I felt about myself.  Therefore, I have done these "half" workouts where I just do the bare minimum to keep some kind of muscle tone.  In effect, I have lost muscle tone but haven't gained weight.  Lets just say, this isn't good for my self esteem. 

 

Emotionally: I am a wreck.  I have experienced many highs and lows in my life; however, the past few months have offered me a new sense of low.  I can honestly say I hadn't felt this kind of despair and sadness in my entire life.  I can remember a time when Stephen broke-up with me and I cried for three days then we got back together.  That was pretty hard.  The trials I am facing in my life now are much deeper and harder.  They are literally forcing me to grow.  UGH! I am fighting it tooth and nail.  I can't see a positive in my current situation.  I see the light then I lose it.  Really, two of my current trials only impact me and aren't actually happening to me.  The other two directly impact me and they are the two I am less stressed about.  I keep hoping I am going to get out of this funk; however, it doesn't happen.  I know that these four trials are not going to be forever, but two of them will last a life time.  One will last for a while and hopefully resolve by surgery or just go away on its own.  The last is only financial and inconsequential really.

Do I have it altogether? No.  Am I getting there?  Baby steps.

 

Spiritually: Distant.  I need answers to prayers but I am not actually praying the right prayers.  I am, again, doing the bare minimum. I am dealing with my trials but have a hope that Heavenly Father will just take them all away so I can forget this stuff ever happened.

 

Goal: Take a baby step. Exercise harder so I can at least feel better. Take another baby step. Understand that Nolen will be who he is and it may not be OK but this is his life.  Take another baby step and get healthy. 

 

*I am not trying to be cryptic, I just don't think people want to hear me complain about my trials.  If you do, I will be glad to tell you. Feel free to message me or call.

Flour

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Spinning Therapy

Wondering if Nolen's weekly therapy is helping? We have been doing the "One, Two, Three, Stop" method for the last week and it seems to be working.  He will come out of a spin and go to another task.  Also, he is saying about 30 or 40 words with new words coming every single day!

A little warm weather, please.

It has been super cold lately. So cold that I run to the mail box and run home and that is if I even go out to check the mail at all. Today, I prepared to run to the mail box and realized it was actually kind of warm. I went in and grabbed the boys so we could all get some much needed vitamin D!

Explaining at Explora

We went to Explora and had such a wonderful time.  It is always nice to get out with the four of us.  I usually follow one child and Stephen follows the other around so that they can do what ever their little heart desires. 
Explora is a little over stimulating for Nolen. So his behavior may seem extremely odd to others, especially if their sweet one year old girl is well behaved and can follow directions.  Sometimes it can be painful to watch as I feel like I have to explain why my two year old can't do things like normal children. Frustrating and heartbreaking all at the same time.

Growing up, just a little

Edwards last day of nursery was today. I can't believe he is in primary now!

Saturday is a special day

This is what I do on Saturdays. What about you?

Numbers and letters

Edward has started taking interest in writing! So I got him an app that will help him learn correct techniques and hopefully increase his curiosity.

Year review in pictures

(Link removed as requested by Shutterfly.com) I guess they don't like free advertising.  Lame. 

Shutterfly offers exclusive photobook layouts so you can make your book just the way you want.

New year and stuff

Just having fun and trying to start this year off with as much positive energy as possible. Spending time with the boys just happens to be my favorite thing!