Lexis' HW

Lexis had to recreate an artist's photographic work as Homework tonight. Unfortunately, she didn't decide to do this assignment until nearly 9:00pm at night. Although, Grace and Noah were already in bed, since they weren't yet asleep they agreed to change quickly and pose. Mom even had to get in a few of the shots. Lexis ended up doing a great job. Imagine what she could have done had she started earlier. Now if I could only remember the name of the artist, this would be so much more informative.

Grace-ism's..

I coined a term way back when for the things Grace says. They're called "Grace-ism's!" She is such a clever child and says the darndest things at the funniest moments. I have tried to record many of them in her journal but I am sure that plenty have come from Grace's mouth, surprised the heck out of me, followed by laughter and amazement and then, sadly, forgotten.

The picture above captured one of these Grace moments... Uncle Flynn and Aunt Krista joined our family in Utah for Christmas. Flynn was comfortably enjoying his book on the couch when Grace appeared from the back bedroom where she had been quietly manipulating pen and paper. She came out, book in hand and sat down next to Flynn, mimicking his reading down to the hand placement. We had all commented on Flynn's goatee when he arrived for the holidays. Not being used to seeing him with facial hair, the kids were taken back. Grace demonstrated this with her quick thinking! She crafted her own goatee to include the missing hairs on the left side of his mouth! Apparently when Flynn was trimming up his goatee he accidentally clipped one of the sides. Needless to say we all grabbed our cameras and those two obliged by posing appropriately.

What a girl!

Immitation IS the highest form of flattery, Flynn!

Laynie!!!

Just saw some new photos posted of this little one. Flynn and Krista have been calling her "Laynie!" I think it is so adorable! It matches her unbelievably adorable self. Would be so nice to live closer!

A smile can be deceiving

Carrying on the Tradition of #6!!!

Such a sweetheart! It's a wonder she has room to sleep.
After picking up the kids from school, I went through our standard, "How was your day?" questioning. Noah's reply a standard, "fine." Grace--- "I got $5 today from my teacher. We're only suppose to be able to earn $2 a day but I got 5." (Play money they earn as a points and reward system.)
My little red head is such a dream! In school she excels COMPLETELY, on the soccer field she is aggressive and in tune, in the corners of her room she is a little girl who lines up her every stuffed animal(every stuffed animal that is not thrown into the play room by her Mama) and her American girl doll before falling fast asleep under pink sheets! I love you, Grace!

Auction for CAROL

The Auction for Carol is going so well and I am thrilled with such! Many gracious people have donated items and many others are bidding freely. I have gotten into a simple routine of closing the evenings auctions and in adding the new items which seems to be working. Keeping up with it all is the only worry and I am considering that a positive problem.

Michael's 9/17 Progress Report

Daddy

18 years today. It is the Anniversary of my Dad's death.
I find myself overwhelmingly sad.
My souls remember better than my mind.
It is the strangest phenomena when this time of year rolls around and I find myself questioning my mood. Then my head catches up with my spirit and I again mourn my Father's passing. His physical presence that I do not get to experience today.
Time does not heal wounds. That sentiment has not proven true in my case. I must disappoint those possibly more optimistic than I or those looking for comfort in their own life's trial, perhaps needing the right words in hopes of comforting another.
I suppose there may be further meaning in a statement such as this--'time healing all wounds.' Perhaps the deeper meaning is that time's passing has in fact laid a scab over top, a discolored, bumpy, ragged edged covering. One of which can peel off and bleed, be exposed and cause pain and one that may also be covered by a shirt sleeve, go unnoticed without causing an overwhelming inhibition to continue.
Today my hurt lies exposed and I miss my Daddy.
Perhaps tomorrow I'll put on a band-aid.

MIchael uses the Brailer

Michael has been using the brailer in class! This is one of his pages they sent home with him. Very exciting to think my boy will learn braile! Now his Mama just needs to catch up...I'm working on it!

An "OK" day for Michael at school today. His stomach is wreaking havoc on my little one's daily life!

MR. Smiley! Such a darling and loving young man enjoying a day off from soccer practice--- which does not happen very often.

Noah is Michael's helping hands

The idea was for Michael to take at least one step on his own, which he did BEFORE we got the camera out. Figures...

A younger Noah

I mean, come on now, honestly!! He's just a dream, my little guy! Growing up way too fast and yet always "NOAH!" I found this picture and just HAD to scan it into my computer.
Mama LOVES YOU, Noah D!

I've decided...I'm officially considering myself FAMOUS!!!!

I'm not kidding and I am totally, completely and 100%y bragging at this very moment so stand back and hold on! I am feeling very proud right now and as I type I shake! I've been working REALLY hard on this Auction for Carol and I got this Brilliant (told you to stand back) idea to e-mail THE "Design Mom" blogger telling her of Carol's situation, the auction I was creating and ask for her help in spreading the word. See, if you aren't aware a.k.a. under a rock Design Mom is it in the blogging world! She has thousands of followers, countless accolades, even listed as one of the top 3 by New York Times, been on Martha Stewart...the woman's a powerhouse. SO, I e-mail her a couple of times. Once to tell her Carol's story, the second time to ask her help with the Auction and the third to send her the link/flyer for the Auction and she e-mails me back! I felt like I just got a message from Sandra Bullock! Not kidding. She says she WILL post word on her site about Carol and that I've done a nice job! Three days later, she did it! AND HERE IT IS... I am so proud!

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Nie Nie's Story in the New York Times
Wonderful news! The New York Times picked up Stephanie's story. It's a beautiful article all about the real (and positive) effects of virtual blogging relationships. Written by Alex Williams. You can find it online here.Want to feel even more Internet hugs and kisses? Help out another family in need — imagine going into an emergency c-section, developing an infection which requires having both legs and one arm amputated. Then. Losing your sight. That's what's happening to Carol Decker right this minute.You can also visit Five Minutes for Mom to find out about their life-affirming, hope-giving new feature: Blogs Can Change Lives.In other news. The rain here is so dramatic tonight. I'm loving it. And listening for the basement sump pump.
posted by Design Mom at Saturday, September 06, 2008