Friday, April 30, 2010

8AM....joys of being 5 years old!

And the fun begins!!!  Happy Friday!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

AWARENESS


I have always been passionate about spreading awareness for EARLY Treatment for Infantile Scoliosis.  And after Ryan's appointment last week it makes me kinda MAD that doctors are not catching this. OK not kinda mad, but very mad!
Pediatricians should be checking for this in all babies.......from birth!
I am positive Ryan had it at birth.  It was not caught until he was 9 months old. We were told to "wait and see" for 3 months.  In that time it progressed.  And due to tests and procedures he did not receive treatment until he was 15 months old!

Anyway I can't go back, but I can move forward and try to spread awareness in every way I know how.
So that brings me to you.  I am asking you to forward Ryan's story, share the PSA, send ISOP's link, etc.
Even if you have done this before,  do it again.  Explain why....tell them about Ryan.  Ask those people to forward it to someone.  AWARENESS is key for sweet babies/young children to get the proper treatment to avoid a childhood of surgeries.
Here are some link for you to share.

http://www.infantilescoliosis.org/stories/ryans_story.html

http://www.infantilescoliosis.org/index.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsF3t4rTEqw 

You have no idea who this might help now or in the future.  A neighbor's son's daughter, an aunt's grandson, a friend's sister's daughter, a cousin's friend's son, etc.......you get the picture don't you?  Someone will receive this info. and maybe they do not have a direct need for it, but they have it and know about it.  Then one day they run into a friend at the grocery store.  This friend's sister's little girl was recently diagnosed with Infantile Scoliosis.  It starts with AWARENESS!!!!!
Help me spread the word!!!!!!!
(share my blog if it is easier......if you do not know how to copy and paste the links.)

Monday, April 26, 2010

6 hours and 20 minutes!

Ryan amazes me!!!  He has not missed a beat and the brace does not seem to be bothering him.  Today he had it on for, that's right, 6 hours and 20 minutes!!!  That is nothing compared to the 12 hours he wears it at night, but he was up and moving around in it for 6 hours and 20 minutes!  I knew it was way past his 4 hours, but I am trying to increase it each day(if I can).  He ask a few times to take it off, but went about his business once I said, Not right now.
We went to the grocery shopping and his new thing is to push the buggy.  I would rather push it myself, but it keeps him busy and he is working that little body while he pushes.  If it keeps him happy in the brace I'll let him do it!
I suppose because he started this journey at 15 months old it is just second nature to him. Casting for 14 months in a series of 6 casts.  He started the brace after that in September 2007 and wore it for 23 hours a day for 10 months.  After that he wore it at night only and here we are today.
His personality is the type to, for the most part, go with the flow. And that is exactly what he is doing!!!
Thank God this is going so well.  I don't think I could handle the days here alone with both boys if he were fighting me on this.
Here's praying for another 6 hours and more tomorrow!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Good Morning Sunshine!

Good morning the SON is shining!!!  I am not sure what this plant is, but I LOVE it!!!  First off because of the pretty yellow flowers.  And second because it is a perennial flower!  It made it all through the snow we had and here it is blooming today.  The past few mornings it has had a new bloom.  And you can see many more to come.  What a delight to wake up and be greeted by a happy, yellow smile! 
Just another amazing creation of God saying, "Good Morning Sunshine!"
 

Friday, April 23, 2010

Earth day with WORMS!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of watching two sweet sisters for a friend. My boys LOVE these girls!  It was Earth day so we decided to do something for our Earth.  I thought a nature walk would be fun.  Mia, the oldest of the sisters, had a great idea to pick up trash on the walk. So we all took a little walk around the culdesac picking up trash.  You know to clean up our little world.  And we were looking for things in nature.  After the walk we came back home and played in the backyard.  The boys and GIRLS decided they wanted to search for worms.  And they were all hard at work trying to find them!!!  Worms are now living in my house!  Yes we have reached that stage.  The boys are crazy about worms, snakes, turtles, frogs, lizards, etc.  They are cute to look at, but I am not sure I like them living in my house.   I know it is just the start of creatures in my home.  And I am sure there will be some in here and I will never know it!!!
**A little update on Ryan:
Ryan tolerated his brace very well yesterday with his friends.  He did bug me a few times to take it off, but he never got upset about it when I said, not yet.  He is having to re-adjust to the way it feels.  And will!!!  I am watching it closely because his orthotist did say he is close to needing a new brace.  I'll keep you posted on how he does. 
Here are a few pictures of yesterday. 
This is what five year old little boys' night stands look like-Oh I forgot we also made pet rocks too!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Practicing what I preach

Well if you have not heard by now Ryan is back to wearing his brace more often.  He had a check-up and xray yesterday that shows his curve is progressing again.  Number wise not really, but if I have learned anything through the five years of looking at xrays, numbers mean NOTHING!  You have to look at the xray and the child's overall body.  I could tell his rib hump was coming back.  I pray wearing it more often will catch this and FAST!
As I pondered on everything from yesterday it hit me that God just may be trying to get my attention.  Some may think that is crazy talk.  Why would God make something like this happen to your child only to get your attention??  I can't answer that for you, but know that he works in mysterious ways.
I always give friends advice through difficult times and sometimes like to use quotes from one of my favorite little devotion books(http://www.amazon.com/dp/1590525582).
This is time for me to practice what I preach.  To praise God even in the midst of all this.
This is from 31 Days of Praise and I intend to ponder on it in the days and weeks to come.
*****Even in troubled circumstances, or when God does not choose to work in spectacular ways, praise can help us view our situation through different lenses. It can help produce within us a restful, invigorating inner climate.
Trus praise is unconditional.  It's not an attempt to manipulate God into producing the precise results we hope for.  Instead, it helps us accept our situation as it is, whether or not He changes it.  Continued praise helps us reach the place where we can say, "Father, I don't want You to remove this problem until You have done all You want to do through it, in me and in others." *****
So here I go practicing what I preach.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Cilantro

I have been on this black bean salsa(recipe to follow)kick for a couple of weeks now.  And I think I have discovered the reason.  CILANTRO!  I have a new found taste for it.  Seriously.  I have always kinda liked it, but in the past 2 weeks my taste buds have exploded with joy by this powerful herb!  And it has some incredible benefits too!
See below:
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The known benefits of organic cilantro are extensive, and researchers are discovering more every day. Currently, there are several well-known, well-documented benefits of organic cilantro, including:
  • Powerful anti-inflammatory capacities that may help symptoms of arthritis
  • Protective agents against bacterial infection from Salmonella in food products
  • Acts to increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind), and reduces LDL cholesterol (the bad kind)
  • Relief for stomach gas, prevention of flatulence and an overall digestive aid
  • Wards off urinary tract infections
  • Helps reduce feelings of nausea
  • Eases hormonal mood swings associated with menstruation
  • Has been shown to reduce menstrual cramping.
  • Adds fiber to the digestive tract
  • A source of iron, magnesium, and is helpful in fighting anemia
  • Gives relief for diarrhea, especially if caused by microbial or fungal infections
  • Helps promote healthy liver function.
  • Reduces minor swelling
  • Strong general anti-oxidant properties
  • Disinfects and helps detoxify the body
  • Stimulates the endocrine glands
  • Helps with insulin secretion and lowers blood sugar
  • Acts as a natural anti-septic and anti-fungal agent for skin disorders like fungal infections and eczema
  • Contains immune-boosting properties
  • Acts as an expectorant
  • Helps ease conjunctivitis, as well as eye-aging, macular degeneration, and other stressors on the eyes.
**********************************************
I'll add it to everything I eat from now on!!!  OK maybe not my yogurt, but it sure makes certain things taste so good!
If you have recipes with cilantro send them to me.  I would love to give them a try.
The only way I could think of it being any better is if I can grow it myself!  So I am off to buy some to plant.


Black Bean Salsa:
1-2 cans black beans rinsed and drained
corn to taste(frozen thawed or can)
1-2 Roma tomatoes chopped
Red onion to taste
Cilantro to taste(the more the better!)
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Serve with yellow corn or blue corn chips.  YUMMO!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Do you talk too much?

*****WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD FOR EVERY WORD WE SPEAK---we have to be careful not to use 'careless' words. Don't just talk to hear yourself speak. Count the cost of every word coming out of your mouth. (Matthew 12:36-37)*****

That you see above is from a blog I follow.
I was reading this blog(http://www.proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/)last night and it hit(and HARD)me how our words can not only destroy those around us, but we will be held accountable!!!!!!
You may or not may believe that, but I know it is true because it says so in the bible.  And like I teach my boys, the bible is a "how to live your life" book.   
I know too many times I say things I probably should not have said and use words that should not come from a Christian woman's mouth.  And I am embarrassed to say I may involve myself in gossip every now and then.
WOW!  I bet you never realized this would be a confession post....did you?
I was really moved last night by what I read!!!
So many times we open our mouths and do not even realize the damage that is going to happen. How many times have you heard someone(your parents)say, "Think before you speak"?  Do we do that?
It is a shame that we have to talk just for the sake of talking.  Once the words are out there it is too late.  Which brings me to a greater problem for many.  Once you say something wrong, do you go back and apologize?  Or are you so use to talking "just to talk" you have no clue what you have done? Most people know they have said something wrong, but are too proud to admit their wrongdoing.
I don't want to be that woman that everyone always says, "She talks too much!"
I want to be that woman that listens and speaks kind, loving words. I want to think before I speak.
I want to be a woman who can JUST sit and listen!
That is hard sometimes when you feel so strongly for or against something.  Especially when it gets heated,  but a verse I remember hearing all my childhood from my Mom says,
***A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1***
Chapter 15 in Proverbs talks a lot about the mouth.  It goes on to say that,
***The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. Proverbs 15:28*********
These are some pretty strong words coming from the bible!  And there is so much more.  So I wake up this morning wanting to ponder about every word that comes from my mouth.  I want to glorify God as I speak.  And I am asking myself, "Do I talk too much?"

***Make sure you look up Matthew 12:36-37***

YOUR WORDS ARE OUTWARD EVIDENCE OF YOUR INWARD CHARACTER.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Beware!!!!

So I get up each morning, take Arthur out and check on our Gardening School project.  Well this morning I discovered something had been messing around, digging and knocking down my young, tender plants. 
I immediately knew it had to be the rabbits that frequent our yard in the Spring. We have had bunnies in and out of our yard for years now.  Last Spring Arthur killed several(I think 3 or 4)babies so I was not too excited about them being back.  Although me and the boys did enjoy watching the momma come early in the morning to check out the yard.  She even would hang around(which I learned is not normal)going from the backyard to the front.  I can remember times sitting at my desk(right next to the patio doors)and seeing something out of the corner of my eye.  It was the momma bunny hopping through the yard.
OK I am a lover of ALL creatures, but I have now discovered it was NOT a sweet bunny trying to find a home for her young.  It was a dang CAT!  And I am going to kill it!  I went back out this morning to see if the hole had anything in.  BTW this is how we discovered baby rabbits last Spring.
Oh the hole had something in it alright!!! Cat POOP!  I was and am so mad! 
So now I am on a mission to kill a cat or figure out how to keep this bold animal from using our garden as his litter box!  Beware cat!
Got any ideas?  Please send them my way.  Otherwise I'll post a picture of a dead cat hanging on the fence.
(Just kidding.......I couldn't do it, but Brant would!) 

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Crush

Yes I know it is not Valentine's Day, but as I switch gears from the boys' birthday to our anniversary, I am remembering those first feelings I had for the most wonderful man in the world. ((blush-blush))
Saturday will be our 11th anniversary.  I can still remember those butterflies I felt the first time I met Brant.
And I knew from the very first time I met him we would end up together. What I did not know at that time was the amazing husband and father he would be.  I just knew there was something there.
Something God had planned a long time ago.
Needless to say I had a major crush on him!!!  And still do!
Love you honey!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Zoo, Safari Party and Mexican food

WOW!  What a great weekend we had!!!!  A full 3 days of celebrating the boys' 5th birthday.  We are so blessed by these 2 little boys in our lives.  I can not imagine not being a mother to BOYS!!! 
Not only are they FUN they are so different than girls.  Plus I get to be the only girl and cause all the drama.
BOYS are gross, dirty, but oh so sweet!
The weekend was all about what "they" wanted to do so that is what we did!
We started our weekend at the Fort Worth Zoo on Friday.  Brant was able to be off and go with us. They were very happy about Daddy going with them to the zoo.  As well as Aunt Alicia.  It was a great day for the zoo.  The weather was perfect!  The boys enjoyed it and even got a stuffed snake from the gift shop after wrapping Daddy around their little fingers.  Reptiles were a big deal this weekend.
Saturday was the Jungle Safari Birthday Party.  And it was so much fun!!!!  My favorite part was the safari hunt.  I led the boys on a safari hunt to find the jungle crocodile.  Their stuffed animals(tigers, giraffes, frogs and monkeys)revealed clues as we took a walk through the backyard to find the jungle croc.  As we approached their safari campsite(a tent)they found the jungle crocodile(a 3 piece stepping stone crocodile)behind their tent.
They were SO surprised and immediately wanted to do the hunt all over again!  Of course you can not go on a safari hunt without the proper attire.  The boys were all decked out in total Safari gear.  Too CUTE!!!
The Safari party continued with cake, ice cream and jungle juice(green punch).  And you have to have snacks that the animals might like to eat too.  Popcorn, peanuts, animals crackers and GUMMI WORMS!!!!
Talk about a tummy ache!  And they did have those too!
Sunday was the boys actual bday and they wanted to go eat Mexican food because they like the music.  That works for me because it happens to be my favorite food.  So our little family of four went to lunch and enjoyed a lazy Sunday afternoon at home.  It was a FUN weekend!!!!
I posted just a few pictures from the weekend, but if you so desire to see them all go to their Shutterfly link here on the blog.  It is over to the right.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Let the FUN begin!!!

The weekend is here and time for some FUN!  Birthday fun that is........Fort Worth Zoo today to stay with the theme of the boys' Jungle Safari Birthday Bash!!!  The party is tomorrow and they are so excited!  I am too because we have some fun stuff planned for these big boys!  A backyard scavenger hunt to find the jungle gator.  They are going to be SO surprised by this.  I'll post pictures next week, but did want to post some SWEET brotherly love pictures this morning.  These were from yesterday when they were playing outside.  I ask if I could take pictures and for some reason they wanted to be sweet. And CUTE!
As I look at my almost five year old boys I can't help but think back to five years ago.........BIG and pregnant, finally being home after 2 months of hospital bedrest, anxious for them to come, fears, excitement, etc. and now they are almost five years old.
OK enough of the teary eyes and reminiscing about babies!  They are FIVE years old this weekend!
Let the FUN begin!!!!!!
Enjoy the pictures!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

SO sweet!!

These sweet pictures bring tears to my eyes, but having BIG boys is a joy all the same :)  Almost FIVE year old big boys!!!
Enjoy the love in these pictures.  They were 3 and 5 months old.  They were always holding hands and checking each other out. 

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

More 4th birthday! The party!

Birthdays just seem to be more FUN the older they get.  For me too! I mean their birthdays.  I see the joy and excitement on their faces so of course that makes it GREAT for a Momma.

Monday, April 5, 2010

4th birthday!

For their 4th birthday they wanted to go walk around and eat in downtown Fort Worth.  They wanted to see "tall buildings". Their party was the next day(pictures to come).  Here are just a few of my favorite pictures of our day in downtown FW.  The boys wanted pizza and ice cream. And that is exactly what they got!!  I aim to please.  After pizza and ice cream we walked around to see "tall buildings".  To end the downtown trip the boys got a stuffed animal to remember their day. 

Sunday, April 4, 2010

AWARENESS!

I am going to pause on the birthday pictures and ask you to PLEASE watch this video.  It is 4 minutes long and well worth your time.  It is about Progressive Infantile Scoliosis.  AWARENESS is key!!!  YOU can help by passing it on to others.  Although you will not see Ryan's sweet little face, you will see him in the OR as they are applying a cast.  All of that is behind us now, but bracing at night continues.  And we have no clue when that might end.  I am passionate about spreading AWARENESS so other families can catch this early and benefit from Early Treatment with EDF casting.
Help me spread AWARENESS!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrRXvehD4-s

Saturday, April 3, 2010

3rd Birthday

I am so bummed!  I can not find the boys' 2nd birthday party pictures so I am moving on to their 3rd.  Enjoy the pictures.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Almost FIVE years old!!!

I can not believe my sweet tiny babies(Ryan a little over 5lbs. and Matthew almost 5lbs. at birth)will be FIVE years old in 11 days!!!!
Well here is a glimpse into the mind of my almost FIVE year old boys!!!
Yesterday they went from playing "Dallas Police", shooting me in the eye and taking me to jail to taking the training wheels off their bikes and riding over all the backyard.  We'll eventually get to the street.
Every time they would take a ride(with Daddy's help)they would get off the bike and run over to get a hug from yours truly.  Oh such sweet love from these sweet tiny babies that are almost FIVE years old.