Fall Fun and Festivities

Doesn't it seem that this fall/halloween season there have been so many more carnivals, festivals, parties, etc. than usual? It sure seems so to me. It was also Red Ribbon Week at the kids' school, so we had red shirt day, crazy sock day, wacky hair day, hero day, and tomorrow is hat day. I only got pictures of hero day. Gavin also has his Halloween party tomorrow, which I am in charge of the snacks. Tomorrow Hallie is going to our local care center (rest home) with her class to "adopt a buddy" that they can go visit. She is SO EXCITED...which I think is so special. Here are a few pictures of our latest fall adventures!
My little nephew Kolby at our Ward Carnival

Kayler, G.J., Emily, and Rachael Decorating the YUMMY cookies. Our Young Women and leaders did SO good on this carnival, my kids can't stop talking about how much fun they had.

Hallie and Gavin waiting to get their faces painted

Kayler, begging to leave. He did end up sitting in the car with G.J. As soon as he saw all the people, he looked at me and said, "keys, car, go."

These are not their actual Halloween costumes...lol. We have a huge Halloween box with all sorts of costumes. We were in a rush, so I grabbed what I could and dressed them and off we went. I am saving their actual costumes for tomorrow.

Pumpkins Before

Pumpkins After. I don't just love doing pumpkins. When I was little I always had to do it myself because my mom hated doing them. I ALWAYS...and I mean always ended up with a cut, and I hated it. This year I am proud to report I am cut free.

Trying to shake the leaves out of the trees....notice the missing pants...lol

Planting Daffodils

Planting Tulips

Drug Free Hero Dress-up Day. Gavin is a Scientist. Hallie is "Princess Emily" from her favorite book. We had SUCH drama with the costume. She wanted no shirt under it and no tights, with a REAL crown.....ugh little girls!

Kayler had a party at his little playgroup that he goes to at Prime Time for Kids. He was SO excited to be this "super hero" It is actually G.J.'s costume from 25 years ago. Can you believe it has lasted! Gavin has worn it, and it was finally Kayler's turn!





So-tomorrow, it is the big finale with Trick or Treating and all. And since all the stores have already torn down most their Halloween and Fall stuff, replaced it with Christmas stuff, and are playing Christmas Music (yes....yesterday I was in Wal-Mart and I heard music----Yah, it was Christmas Music already) I guess we better gear up for more parties and fun. Have a great day!

Answers...

This morning was one of the most exhausting things I think I have had to go through in a very long time. Kayler was evaluated for over 3 hours by the Children With Special Health Care Needs Clinic from Salt Lake. It was done here in Vernal. He had a complete meltdown during the first part of his evaluation, so we had to leave, where we spent a few minutes getting a snack, sitting in front of the temple and crying and praying(on my part)-and then we returned back to the testing and finished the evaluation. After returning home a few hours ago, I debated greatly about whether or not to post about this, but finally decided that I would, just so at least the people who read my blog will understand.
I have posted several times about my troubles and worries about my sweet little guy. If you need a refresher, here are just some of the links. http://mylittlefamilyof5.blogspot.com/2008/08/so-so-frustratedneed-help.html http://mylittlefamilyof5.blogspot.com/2008/06/2.html
Anyways, the struggles have still continued. He really dislikes being around other people. He is very aggressive towards anyone for no certain reason. He bites, hits, has full blown tantrums when things don’t go his way. This is just a small fraction of some of his problems.
I have had several people tell me things like: “It is just the terrible 2’s” “He just needs a nap” “You are over-reacting, nothing is wrong with him” “He will grow out of it” “Maybe you should hit or bite him back”……..etc.etc.etc. The list could go on and on. People are more than happy to tell you their advice because it is not THEM going through it.
Kayler was a very good baby, and it wasn’t until his 2nd birthday that I realized something might be wrong. At first, I was like all the others and thought that it was just the terrible 2’s. After awhile, my education in early childhood development, but more importantly my motherly instinct told me it was something much more that.
Today I finally got the answer. Asperger’s Syndrome. If you want to read about it, go here, http://health.yahoo.com/children-behavior/asperger-s-syndrome-topic-overview/healthwise--zq1009.html or just Google it. Most of the symptoms fit him to a “T”. There are as with most disorders or syndromes some things he may or may not do, but after 3 hours with all the therapists, psychologists’, etc., they were 100% positive that this was what he has. Of course, we are getting a second opinion on Dec. 9th at Primary Children’s Mental Health Care Center. Even though I really feel the diagnosis is accurate, I always like to double check.
Now I am back tracking a little bit. We had a lady move into our ward almost a year ago-Jill. Something instinctively told me to go sit by her on her first week at Relief Society. The spirit whispered, “she is someone special, and she will be your friend.” I rarely-if ever have strong feelings like that, but even so, I kind of brushed it aside. Well this past spring, she and her husband were invited to be in the temple class G.J. and I was teaching. I believe her and her husband have been through the temple, the bishop just wanted them in the class to help out with those we were trying to teach. Again the spirit told me that I would need her. After the class, I found out that she had a 7 year old son named Connor that had full blown autism. This was right around the time that I was starting to have concerns with Kayler.
Anyways, moving forward a little bit more. One day she called me and said that she had been having the feeling for days that she needed to call and offer me these videos she had about autism (which Asperger’s is in the autism spectrum) She has been to several training courses dealing with her son. The videos really helped me. Well today after getting the diagnosis, she was the first person I called, because I truly felt she would be the only one who could truly understand my feelings. The first thing she said-and she said it in all sincerity and honesty was, “Lucky, lucky you-to have been chosen to take care of one our Heavenly Fathers most special spirits.” Of course I am not feeling so lucky, special, or prepared in any way to deal with the challenges the lie ahead. But-she is more than 5 years into her journey, and she has “been there, done that” with her sweet little boy who is much worse off than Kayler is by far. She is truly a saint, and I so grateful that she came into my life at this time, and I know that I will need her help, support, and encouragement. Along with her, one of my closest friend's son who is in the 5th grade found out he has High Functioning Autism, which is closely related to Asperger’s, and they just moved into our ward as well. Those 2 things alone really testify that Heavenly Father knows what he is doing, he is looking out for me, and that he loves me-and that I will never be alone.
I know that there are going to be several people reading this, or several people who find out in our family and friends’ circle who are still going to be judgmental, who won’t understand, and who quite frankly won’t give a damn. I have to try very very hard to push what everyone else thinks right out the window, and focus on the people who truly do care and want to help. I am going to do my very best to help Kayler become as normal and happy as possible. I believe with all my heart that he will be just fine with time and lots of love and direction from G.J. and I-along with anyone else who comes in contact with him. A lot of prayers on his behalf would help too. So PhEw! That was quite the post. I hope everyone has a great day; I am going to have myself a nap-I am pooped…I promise I will keep you posted on his achievements and success.

Parties, Parties, Parties

Well we have had a very busy and fun past couple days. G.J. arrived home Friday….THANK GOODNESS! I was so happy to see him after 6 days of being a single and lonely mom. We quickly got dressed…for our Murder Mystery Dinner party at our Neighbors-Candace and Brian Nielson’s house.
I won’t say anything about our characters, or the murder mystery, just in case somebody happens to play this game in the future, I don’t want to give it away. But here are some pictures (that I stole from Candace’s blog of course…since I forgot my camera)


They went ALL out decorating with a Halloween theme. It was SO cute. The food was delicious, we all laughed so much, and it was such a great time with some of our neighbors.
Saturday we had a lot on our agenda. We had several errands to run: we had both cars oil changed, went to the post office, we went to early vote (the kids thought that was so awesome!), we had yard work, but the funniest of all was our flu shot appointments.
I had already had my shot last week, but G.J. and the kids needed theirs. I have VERY mixed emotions about the flu shot. My kids have very very weak immune systems. We have had the flu shot faithfully for the past 8 years. We even go as far as having my Mom and Dad, In-Laws, and Grandparents get it to try to protect my kids. Why so over protective you ask??? Well, 2 years ago Hallie was the first patient diagnosed and hospitalized with the influenza virus in the Vernal hospital, and last year, I was so lucky to have Kayler be the first diagnosed influenza patient quarantined in the hospital. I HATE the flu-it is miserable. So even though it hasn't completely protected us, I keep on getting it hoping that each new flu season we will be free from sickness.
Anyways, moving on to the funny part. I know how bad all 3 kids (and G.J.) hate to get shots. Even pulling up to the Dr.’s office they were nervous. So I strategized. I left G.J. in the car with the kids, and I went in, signed them all in, paid the co-pay, and waited in the waiting room until they were ready for them. Then they all came in. G.J. bravely went first. Then we traumatized our kids one at a time in a very quick-like fashion. They all 3 screamed a little, laughed a little, and then we were done. It was quite the scene…I wish I would have had it on video for you to all enjoy to get the full effect.
So that evening we were invited to another Halloween party. This is a RARE occasion for G.J. and I. We have went on 1 date in this past year with our neighbors(Candace and Brian), and then to be invited to 2 couples only things in one weekend was quite the shock for us, but it was very needed. This was a disco themed party, check us out.

Okay, I know we look horrendous, but we had to match the theme...lol
The party was thrown by several people, my cousin Megan being one of them. She warned me beforehand that there would be drinking. Well, I had prepared myself- so I thought. This was the first party I had ever been to where EVERYONE but G.J. and I, and the other couple we went with (my cousin Heather and her date) were drunk off their butts. That is fine, but it was kind of hard and sad to see people that I knew very well (who I didn’t think drank) getting totally wasted and making a fool of themselves. But G.J. and I brushed it aside and disco danced the night away. We had so much fun-with no alcohol required!!!
So, busy as it was, we had a lot of fun, got a lot accomplished, and now have a new week to look forward too. Have a great day!!!

Family Pictures, Fall 2008

Well, it was the dreaded family picture time again. Am I the only one that truly dreads getting them done? My kids HATE doing it, and although I love and cherish the finished product, I hate the preparing and actual process of getting them done.
This time I had everything prepared wonderfully. We had all eaten, so there was no one being ornery because of hunger. We had them taken at G.J.'s parent's ranch, so there was a lot of backgrounds to choose from, and my kids love being there. The weather was nice. I had candy in my pocket to bribe Kayler...and myself. The problem came from this stupid horn I had. We had used it in our previous family picture to get the kids attention, they also thought it was funny, but that was over 18 months ago. This time Kayler SCREAMED the WHOLE time to hold that horn, so you will notice it several times in the pictures. Every time we asked Kayler to smile he would make a big "O" shape with his mouth...and he was so serious about it. We even had a whole family picture of "O"'s. By the time we were done, we were ALL exhausted: the photographer, G.J.'s parents, and our whole family. Oh well-next time will be easier right...? So here are some of my favorites. Enjoy, and have a great weekend.

HAPPY 1 YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY TO ME!!!!!

HAPPY 1 YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY TO ME!!!!!
It seems like it was just yesterday when my trusty pal Mandy told me she had started a blog. I will admit I was skeptical at first, but I began reading hers every day, and I really enjoyed it, so I hopped on the blog band wagon and have never looked back.
I would like to mention a few things that I don’t like about blogging, and then I will post a LOT of things that I do like about it.
DISLIKES:
1. feeling like I have to blog….even when nothing important is going on
2. before I went private, I had major anxiety about people looking at my blog, judging me, making fun of me, etc….now that I have went private, I feel a lot better about that, even though I still might have some who judge and poke fun at my posts-oh well, at least it is not as many.
3. When I do a post and get 0 comments. I feel sad, and that is PATHETIC….but now lets go to my likes.
LIKES:
1. I love love love the comments that I receive. I know firsthand that it takes time, thought, and energy to leave comments, and I SO appreciate all that I get. It makes me feel so loved, like I am never alone, and that the things that are going on in my life actually matter to other people, not just me. So, if you are one of the many who leave comments, thank you so much, I really do appreciate it.
2. I love that I officially have a journal. Yes, I am calling this blog my journal, because I have written everything, and I mean everything (o.k. maybe not some things) on my blog. Not only that but I get to attach pictures, so it is double awesome. I have never had a journal, and I know it is a commandment. Pres. Hinckley said, "You will have significant experiences. I hope that you will write them down and keep a record of them, that you will read them from time to time and refresh your memory of those meaningful and significant things. Some may be funny. Some may be significant only to you. Some of them may be sacred and quietly beautiful. Some may build one upon another until they represent a lifetime of special experiences. " So….I feel like I am keeping a great record of my family’s special events, the ups and downs, the random happenings, and I am so excited to get it bound into a book and I will seriously treasure it. I am going to do 1 book a year and I hope that I can look back and laugh/cry/rejoice at all the things I have gone through. (Not to mention, all of this is stored on a hard drive far far away in blogger world, and it will always be saved, so if my house were to burn down or something, I would still have a copy of my pictures and journals!!! Hooray!-only I would think of that!)
3. I love keeping in touch with friends and family that are far away, or that I normally wouldn’t just call every week or two to see how they are. I love that I can keep up with my friend’s lives without taking too much of their time, and that I can leave them comments to let them know I am thinking of them.
4. This is a little cheesy, but I really enjoy creating the layouts and headers, and I look forward to each new season so I can change it!
5. I love being able to “talk” to my blog. Sometimes I just type and type and type, until all my feelings are typed out. (I have TERRIBLE handwriting-so I would NEVER EVER write my thoughts down) Sometimes I post the things I type, sometimes not, but at least I get it out some way or another, it is been great therapy for me.
6. O.K., when I first began blogging, I got tagged about something I don’t remember. But-I do remember me saying that I NEVER cry. Well, I don’t know what it is about this blogging thing, but now I can cry much easier, and it makes me feel so so much better. I cry when doing my own posts, I cry when I read others’ posts, and I cry for no reason some times. I just love it…lol. I was missing out before.
7. ummm. There could be lots more things, but for the sake of time, I will end now.

So thank you Mandy, for getting me going on this journey. Thank you also to all my friends who have taken the plunge as well, I love reading all of your blogs. I hope that I can keep it up. I hope you will all keep blogging too. Have a great day!!!!

Fun, excitement, change, scariness, relief, spiritualness, and goodbyes.

These past few days have been filled with a lot of fun, excitement, change, scariness, relief, spiritualness, and goodbyes. I will start with the fun and excitement.
It was my very good friend Mandy’s birthday. We celebrated by getting pedicures, going to eat, going shopping, going to the Jensen Pumpkin festival, shopping some more, and a nice long soak in a hot tub ;) It was lots of fun, and a much needed getaway. HaPpY BiRtHdAy MaNdY!!! Here are some pics:





The next day the fun continued as we took the kids to the corn maze. We had so much fun picking pumpkins, feeding goats, playing in a corn bin, going through a kids maze, and eating some super yummy caramel apples. Here are some pics:






Next off we will go with change. I was finally released as the Visiting Teaching coordinator, and I am now the Enrichment Night Leader. My job as VT coordinator was EXTREMELY stressful. I never realized how hard it was, until doing it myself. With a ward that constantly has new people moving in, change is always going on, and it is never "done" for very long. I have been at it for almost 2 years. I have handled it pretty well, but during the past few months as things have been crazy with kids, my grandparents, and lots of other things, and I have felt very overwhelmed. On Monday the 6th of October (I have to get technical with dates here…lol) I prayed so hard that either the lord would help me have the time and energy to fully do my calling, or else that the bishop would be prompted to release me, since I refuse to ask to be released myself.
Well, low and behold, on Tuesday the 7th, Hallie had her baptism interview. After she was finished, the bishop turned to me and said, “Do you want your interview now? We have another calling for you.” I quickly assured him that I could do no more than I was already doing, and he told me that they would release me from my current calling. All I remember saying was “oh hallelujah, the lord listened to my prayers…-yes, I will do whatever calling.” I think he was a bit taken aback by that, but he did say that he had felt that the massive calling I was trying to do was a bit much for a young mom. I was so glad that he had this prompting and that I didn't have to "give up" so to speak.
It gets even further into promptings. I guess Heather Eskelson who is in our RS pres. had the same prompting and had been wanting me to fill this Enrichment calling for some time now. Finally they felt it was right and so now here I am, and couldn’t be more excited. I love planning parties, events, activities and so forth and everything that comes with it. I already have so many ideas.
Well, the spiritual part comes in now. G.J. and I had the opportunity to do Temple Sealings last night. I sat by one of the ladies in our ward, and had the most overwhelming feeling that she would be the person that took over my calling. I told G.J. as we were leaving that I was 100% sure she was the one. I had not been told by one soul that she was, it was just the feeling that I had received in the temple. Well…guess what, today she was the person called, and it was so neat to experience such strong impressions like that and have them come true.
So now for the scariness. A few weeks ago I received a phone call from a neighbor saying that the ward music lady had called to ask her family to sing in sacrament meeting. She had told her NO WAY. Well, as soon as I hung up, the phone rang, and it was our ward music leader asking ME to sing a duet….I did not have the heart to tell her no because of her previous rejection, but I was like OH CRAP….I do not sing!!! They had passed around a sign up sheet that had solo, small group, or choir. Well I signed the CHOIR part....lol. Well, ironically, I was paired up with Heather Eskelson who is over me in my new Enrichment calling. We practiced several times. I had to remind them that I was a dancer in high school, not a singer. This was my first time singing in a duet or anything like that other than doing things in the ward choir. Well, Heather sings beautifully. I on the other hand just made it through. I think it must have sounded o.k., we did receive a lot of compliments, so I will take all the praise I can get. I do NOT however look forward to doing it ever again, nor will I make it a habit to do such scary things!
And finally, the goodbye part of my post. G.J. headed out to Laramie, WY today for training. He won’t be home until Friday. I do NOT do well without him. He is such a good husband, and I just love him so much and really miss his helping hand when he is gone.
So, there you have it, my weekend in a nutshell. Now I am ready to crash. Have a great week, and wish me luck as a single mom once again. Thank goodness the next training isn’t until April.