Pump it Up!

Last night we went to Pump it Up in Frisco for a special event only for kids with autism and sensory disorders.

Jon had to work late so Ellie, Jack, and I went.  We were the only ones there!  We had the entire place to ourselves.  It was beyond fun.  I left with an overflowing heart.  Jack's meltdowns get pretty overwhelming and tiring for him and us, so it was nice to hear laughter and see smiles the entire night.  He was on cloud 28.  I wish I could convey his excitement to you.  They let me get in too since no one was there.  I quickly realized how old I am after going down the slide a few times, but it was so worth it.  I loved making Ellie laugh because she gets a deep belly laugh when it's really funny.  I heard that belly laugh several times.  :)

After we left, it was past bedtime, but we stopped at Sonic for a drink and went home for a bubble bath.  Sometimes you just have to stop and smell the roses.  I've had a rough week with Autism and many other things, but at the end of the day- we all have difficult things going on and we just have to live in the present and enjoy the now.  Both kids went to bed tired but happy.  They will remember this moment as a happy one and so will I.

I wish I had better pictures but I played as much as they did so there was only one :) Ellie is tackling Jack and he is loving it!

He is Risen

Well on Sunday, He is Risen :)

Love my morning chats with Ellie on the way to school.  Sometimes we are quiet because we are tired or grumpy.  We are usually on the same page so it works out ;) 

This week we have talked a lot about Easter and the meaning behind it.  After I talked about Jesus dying on the cross for us then raising from the grave 3 days later and why this happened,  she decided to tell me a story about how she and her cousins found a lost dog and took care of it.  I was waiting for it to relate to Jesus, but it didn't.  It made me giggle and I feel like God was smiling at her innocence, sweetness, and child-like response.  We talked some more about it this morning, and she said so we can have life after the death in Heaven?  What is Heaven like?  So Jack wouldn't have autism anymore?  I tried not to start sobbing.  No, Jack will not have autism sweet, precious girl.

Can not wait to see our Savior again one day.  I am so thankful that I know Him and that He gave His life for us.

Jump!

So, we got a trampoline for the kids.  I've officially turned into my mother.  I found myself yelling, 'be careful!'  'Jon, you are bouncing them too high!'  It's very fun though, and they have slept so great the past few nights.   Jack does not like how all four of us can't jump at the same time.  I'm perfectly fine sitting in a chair and watching though :)  We got a little crazy and added a bag of balls that I bought when Jack was younger for his pack n' play.  Best $ I ever spent!

Hump Day

I am happy to report that the essential oils are going well-  I think?  Jack's had a great week, who knows if it's the oils but I'll take it :)  We are using vetiver and lavender.  Thanks to a friend who told me how to use them- I bought some roll on bottles and I roll it on his forehead and feet in the morning and at night.  They smell pretty bad so I'm not sure how they 'help' headaches- they gave me one!  

Here are some pictures.  Ellie is with her mommy this week so I am lacking in Ellie pictures, but yesterday we had to go to the ENT for Jack (he needs tubes in his ears) and Ellie was so good, so sweet, and so patient, that they offered her TWO suckers.  She told them very politely that she only wanted one because we had already had a sugary snack before the appointment.  I mean, come on people.  What kid says that?  She is SO great. She's pretty smart, and sweet, and patient, and well mannered.  I am so thankful that God blessed me with Ellie.  She has the kindest, purest heart and loves everyone no matter what.  

sassy pants with her leopard flats on

Aunt V was in town for Grandma Carol's birthday party (sadly Jack couldn't go- which meant I couldn't go) We love Aunt V- I can't wait to share her creative new venture with you soon!  She is so talented!

Jack has had some rough mornings.  He used to wake up singing- this is more like his mother.  :)

I have been a "yes mom" this week.  Thanks to a friend's blog post- I am trying to be more of a "yes mom."  Jack doesn't get 'yes' too many times, so the more I can, I do!  Yes, we can take the wagon to the backyard and I will pull you around and I will not freak out when we tip over into some dirt (mud) because you are laughing hysterically and saying, "I fall mud." 

Scandalous

I am in.  I am so in.  After reading several FB status' about how amazing this show was... I gave in.  And I am so glad I did.  I.  love.  it.   Last night we forgot Walking Dead was over, and Game of Thrones wasn't working on HBO GO (UGH!) so I casually said to Jon, 'I'm sure you are wanting to read your book.. oh you are?  ok, I'll watch Scandal!'  I binge watched all of season 1 and some of season 2 this weekend.  It's so good.  So good people.  I loved The West Wing and I love Grey's Anatomy.  It's a beautiful hybrid (without the extreme intelligence of Aaron Sorkin, lets be honest, he's way too smart for me)

Oh Ryan, you know I will.

 Yup, pretty much.  ;)  

It's coming...............in a few weeks.............say some prayers.  Throw some salt.  Whatever you need to do, do it.

Autism Speaks

Wednesday was Autism Awareness Day.  Everyday I am fully aware of autism, as it has deeply affected our family.  Jack was diagnosed a year ago with Autism.  1 in 50.  That's unbelievable.   Believe me, I have tried to wrap my mind around how or why he got autism, but have not found an answer.  There is no answer out there yet.  Which is crazy!  It is the fastest growing developmental disability in the US.  I have wondered about vaccines, my genetics, his dad's genetics, food, etc.  I am a very literal person who likes to know the problem and find a solution.  So not knowing the exact cause and exact solution is very difficult.

I ask you to help me raise awareness and support this growing global health crisis.  We need answers!!!

Mom

Dear Mom,

You are my best girl friend.  You have always been.  Even when I yelled three hurtful words because you wouldn't let me talk on the phone late on a school night or eat ice cream instead of dinner.   I'm sorry I was a brat from 13-20.   Thank you for always giving so much of yourself and being the most gentle, thoughtful, kind person on this planet.  

Thank you for buying me that jean vest from Limited Too in 1996 that I begged for.  I wish I had kept it because it's back in style.

Thank you for being a Christ Follower and teaching me to be the same.  

Thank you for being gentle and loving and creating an environment that was calm and safe.

Thank you for coming over and rescuing me when the cat needed to be put in the carrier and she had already shredded my skin and was hiding under the bed.

Thank you for bringing me coffee to work once when I was clearly addicted and hadn't had any.  

Thank you for bringing Jack to the parking lot at work so I could run out and see him when he was a baby and my maternity leave was over.

Thank you for coming over to hug me on the first day of potty training Jack.

Thank you for helping me pick out my wedding dress and watching me try several on.

Thank you for coming straight to Waco and giving me hugs and Wendys rather than yelling at me when I told you I was pregnant.

Thank you for helping me stay up with Jack when he was a baby and wouldn't stop crying.

Thank you for loving Jack as your own.  All the time.

Thank you for loving Ellie as your own.  All the time.

Thank you for buying thoughtful gifts and toys for our kids.  

Thank you for making my birthdays special, still. 

Thank you for sending thoughtful texts and emails because you know words are my love language.

Thank you for buying me pencils with my name on them.

Thank you for always telling me I am smart, kind, and beautiful.

Thank you for always cooking and baking wonderful things.  My stomach thanks you as well.

I could keep going, you are super woman and the greatest example of a wife, mother, and Christian.

I love you,

Meg

It's April ya fools

Said farewell to my favorite show last night.  How I Met Your Mother is one of my all time favorites.  It got me through a difficult pregnancy and late night feedings.  I will miss it.  I really liked the ending and thought they did a great job!

On Friday I got my haircut.  I tried out someone new- and LOVED her.  Leah at Balise Salon in Downtown McKinney.  She was fabulous. Fabulous.  She was talkative, which I like.  I hate trying to think of things to say or sitting there in awkward silence.  She was so friendly and outgoing.  Ok, I kind of loved her.   The haircut...a little shorter than I imagined, but exactly what I told her to do.  It's so much easier to fix... Jon was sad my long hair was gone, but I told him he's lucky that I didn't do this....

Look at this sweet little boy... he had 0 behaviors yesterday- 0!!!  He didn't have any meltdowns and was so loving- he did not stop hugging me.  These days make the harder days easier.  ;)

Jack watching Frozen- he actually liked it!  He only likes Toy Story and some Veggie Tales so finding something else that he likes to watch is great... I'm a little sad it's Frozen because we have only seen it 1,903,572,093 times since buying it last week.  Oh well.

This is much needed today.  Exhausted.

This girl.. is sweet and silly.  Once I promised it was ok if we tried on the hats (such a rule follower!)

Happy Tuesday!