Easter

Easter this year was during General Conference weekend.  So we didn't dress up in our Easter clothes and go to church.  Instead, we spent a very relaxing morning as a family watching conference.  Stephen went outside and hid the eggs while I kept the boys from looking.  Stephen hid a few eggs a little too well and I found them a few days later while pulling weeds.  HA!  Such a great time of year to remember our Savior.  I love spring and the colors! 

Happy Easter!

 

A spring in Kingman

This last week was spring break.  I packed up the boys and we drove the 7 hours to my home town on Saturday.  Edward and Nolen actually did really great on the car ride!  We helped with the garden and rode motorcylces.  For Edward's 6th birthday, my Dad fixed up an old motorcycle and gave it to him this last week.  He had a blast riding it on all the trails at my parents house.  I also had the chance to take a few pictures of my friend Nikki and her family.

 

Savior of the World

 

Last weekend I had the privilege to preform in Savior of the World.  It was absolutely amazing!  I played Mary Magdalene and loved it!  I did a lot of research on her to find out the truth.  Sadly, we don't really know much about her.  She is named 12 times in the bible and that is more than most of the 12 apostles.   It is hard to decipher legend from truth.  I tried to stick with the facts as written in the Bible and then, of course, did my own interpretation.  I am so glad I was a part of this show.

Most of the pictures were taken by Heidi Christenson over at Sunflower Six Photography.  She did a wonderful job!

 

Celebrating 9 years of friendship

Last night, as I was unwinding with Stephen, we started talking about how long we have known each other and how long we have been friends.  Stephen has been my one constant friend these last 11 years.  I have had many friends in my life, but my relationship with Stephen has out lasted most of them.  We may not have much in common, but we really click.  So lucky he found me.

Anxiety and Autism

I suppose this day was coming.  I just thought I could avoid it.  I was hoping we had jumped all hurdles with autism.  HA!  Aren't you laughing?  I am.  I hear all the time, "Nolen is doing so well!" "You can't even tell he has autism."  So, I guess I sort of started believing we were in the clear.  As of January, we slowed down his ABA therapy to only 2 days a week and in February we slowed down his occupational therapy to 1 day a week.  He still goes to pre-school 4 days a week. 

Nolen is now showing signs of severe anxiety.  I don't even know where to go or how to get it under control.  I don't know the right language to use when speaking to him.  He worries about everything.  I mean, everything.  He worries about going to jail and dying.  I made a few videos to show he is still jumping and clenching his fists and of course, a video of his anxiety this morning.  Thoughts?

 

 

 

 

SIX

Six.  Edward is Six!  He's Six! 

If I start doing the math, my head aches.  Time moves so quickly.

Edward loves Geckos, Lizards, Snakes, and snails.  He loves Dinosours and dogs.  He loves puppies.  He loves anything that is "real", as he calls it.  He does not like cartoons.  A typical day for Edward includes going to school then possibly OT at kidpower, or gymnastics.  If he doesn't have an after school activity, he turns on youtube to watch videos about amphibians. 

He is still just as disagreeable as ever (as proven in the pictures below).  He absolutely hates to have his picture taken.  He loves to stay at home and go no where.  Although, if he HAS to go somewhere, he wants to go to the Natural History Museum or Cool Springs.

This boy is so challenging.  He says every single night, "I love you, Mom!" However, there are many days where he will yell, "I HATE YOU!" Either I am doing something very wrong or very right.

Edward can read!  He can really read!  It took a lot of practice and he still has a lot more to learn, but he can read!  Edward has mixed feelings about school, some days he likes it and some days he doesn't.  Edward has a very best friend at school, Ethan Browning.  These two help each other get through the day.  They play together all day.  I am so happy Edward has found a friend at school.

Edward still loves to eat all types of food.  His favorites include Sushi, seaweed, pizza, yogurt, applesauce and strawberries.  He, by far, is my very best eater.  He loves to eat healthy and will let me know when he has had too much sugar.

To say that Edward has a strong personality is an understatement.  He wears his emotions on his sleeve.  I can't help but see myself in him.  It helps me realize that we are born with our little attitudes. 

Edward is the BEST older brother.  He treats Nolen with true respect.  They sleep in the same bed together.  They play together.  They run together.  They live their lives together.  I am so glad they have each other.  Edward really watches out for Nolen. 

I love this little boy with the big attitude.  He is genuine.  He is sensitive.  He is brilliant.

Edward, I love you.  And as I said today, I want to remember your face as it is at this moment, forever.  So, I wont apologize for taking 100 pictures of you.

I love you!

Concert of Honor

This Sunday, I was invited to sing in a concert to honor Marilyn Tyler.  She is an extraordinary musician whom I have grown to love an adore.  She is brilliant.  This small group of people represents some of my very dearest friends and colleagues.  So grateful to share the stage with some of Albuquerque's finest talent!