Recipes Worth Sharing

I enjoy cooking, and I enjoying eating healthy food that actually tastes good!!
I have been "dieting", and I use that word loosely.  I am incredibly weak when it comes to eating things I love, and a LOT of what I love is NOT healthy!
But, to keep myself accountable, I created an Instagram to share my food choices publicly.  I try to post at least 1 meal a day to the account, so that I am forcing myself to stay healthy!
Last week, I made 4 delicious recipes, and I thought I would share them!

Loaded Greek Salad
     I love Greek food, and I love salads!  So, this is right up my alley.  I started with romaine lettuce, washing and chopping.  I topped it with shredded rotisserie chicken, feta cheese crumbles, diced red onions, sliced roma tomato, sliced cucumber, and pepperoncini peppers.  I topped it all with my favorite Greek salad dressing, Ken's Steakhouse.  I purchased black olives and completely forgot to add them!  I am not a fan of kalamata olives, and the last few times I have had them, I have bit into a pit.  So, I skip those when making salads at home.  I purchase a rotisserie chicken about twice a month, and this is one of the ways I use the meat!

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
     This is another pinterest recipe that I thought was worth cooking again!
     Here is the link  RECIPE
And I would like to warn you before cooking this, 3 cups of COOKED quinoa, does NOT mean to cook 3 cups of quinoa!!  Cook 1-1.5 Cups of quinoa!!!  I had quinoa everywhere.  I also used only 4 peppers.  These are INCREDIBLY filling, and you will likely not be able to eat more than 1 pepper.  You can make the recipe using all of the canned goods instead of 1/2 cans and freeze half of the mixture for future peppers!

Greek Lettuce Wraps
     This was a last minute toss together, and was inspired by a new appetizer at Carrabbas!  I LOVE Carrabbas, and we eat there at least 4 times a month.  They recently changed their menu, and added an appetizer called Italian Lettuce Wraps.  I am unsure of what all they use to make them, but they are so delicious.  I happened to see Lettuce Wraps at the grocery store, and decided to purchase them for naked tacos!  However, I never made it to that recipe.  I topped the wraps with shredded rotisserie chicken, and a mixture of chopped red onion and pepperoncini peppers.  I was completely out of feta cheese when I made these, but it would have been on them if I had any!  I topped the wraps with my favorite Greek dressing, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.  I also heated up a piece of Naan bread that I had in the freezer, thank you Trader Joes!!  I cut it into pieces and dipped them in Tzatziki sauce, and it was Greek perfection!

Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
     Another pinterest recipe perfection!
     Here is the link  RECIPE
I have a few tips when making this recipe.  Make your noodles before you start cooking and set them aside.  I also recommend using the larger spiral cutter, as the noodles tend to "cook down" and get smaller as they cook.  They were still delicious when they were small!  It was quite a bit more work than I usually put into cooking, but well worth it!



I will continue to do recipe recaps each week!  Sharing the recipes that I loved with you!!  Be sure to follow me on Instagram @healthypartyof4 for yummy meal ideas!

In Loving Memory

The loss of a child is like no other.  It pains you deep, and it take a long time to heal.  While I have not lost a child that I held, I have lost a child that I loved.  The pregnancy was unexpected, but the loss was even more so.  I heart told me the baby was a girl, but we chose to dedicate both of our original baby name choices in memory of that baby.  We call the baby Emma Caleb.  When her eyes opened on January 7, 2009, the first thing she saw was the face of Jesus.

In loving memory of the older sister that Abbie & Brady never had the chance to meet,

Emma Caleb   01.07.2009

Today is National Infant Loss Day, and I am breaking the silence & telling the world about my child.

Lunchbox Love

This year is my first year as a mom with kids in public school.  Since, that also means this is the first year that I am packing lunches, I decided to make it interesting!  I did a lunchbox practice run a few weeks before school.  I packed lunch every day for that week.  I wanted to ensure that my daughter could open all of the packaging, and would eat her lunch.  I also wanted to let myself get used to what it takes and how long it takes to pack a lunch.  I posted on Facebook that I was doing this... and I was hit was a lot of sarcasm.  

"You will have plenty of time to pack lunches.  No need to practice."

"What is there to practice, you worry too much."

"You would practice packing a lunch..."

While I tried not to let these comments get to me, it felt like mild character assassination.  So, I decided to turn this into a challenge for myself!  Can I go an entire school year without packing a SANDWICH in her lunch box??  Can I keep the lunches fun and interesting??  Can I make sure she is eating a balanced meal, while still trying new things???

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

In the 5 weeks of school so far, I have packed 1 sandwich, and since it was actually a SLIDER, I have decided that it still doesn't count as a "sandwich"!!!  I have kept the lunches changing, she had tried new things, and her lunchbox continues to come home empty!

I am keeping up with my lunchbox challenge in 2 forums.

You can follow me on Facebook or Instagram.

Facebook - Confessions of a Lunchbox

Instagram - Confessions of a Lunchbox

Instagram is just a forum for me to post the lunches I pack, but Facebook is a group for everyone to share!  I am so intrigued by what others are sending their kids for lunch!  I like getting ideas, and I love sharing mine!  Please feel free to join either forum and find new ideas for your kids too.

You See a Tablecloth...

I hated high school... like seriously... HATED it!  I wasn't "cool", I didn't date guys that went to school with me, and I hated everything about studying!  I pretty much only went to school, so that I could be a cheerleader!  One of the only things that I really enjoyed in high school, was my Clothing Design class Junior year.  My teacher was patient, and let us be creative, and I learned more about sewing than I could have ever hoped!  That class has given me a life skill that I was unaware I would use so much.
I may have a slight addiction to pillows!  They are a FAST sewing project, and they have the ability to completely change the way a room looks.
Another addiction I have is the Target CLEARANCE end caps!  As I was shopping the clearance sections around the store one at a time, I came across several gorgeous tablecloths!

The pattern is so "me", but I do NOT use tablecloths!

I have virtually NEVER used a tablecloth, except for the occasional birthday party.  But, when I saw these beauties on the shelf, I didn't see tablecloths!  I saw fabric, and lots of it!

And at $5.68 each, I was sold!

There is so much that can be done with fabric panels this size!  These could EASILY be converted into curtains!  You can purchase curtains in 65", 84", or 92"!!  Since this cloth is 84" long, it could be added to tabs, or you could place grommets at the top, and have beautiful floral curtains.
Honestly, when I purchased them... I had no idea what I would do with them!  I brought them home, laid it on my couch, and fell in love.
I laid out a panel and placed a pillow from my couch on top.  I cut around it, leaving about a 1/2 inch margin all the way around the first piece.  I laid that piece on top of the panel after cutting it out, and cut a 2nd piece out.  I matched 3 sides when cutting, and left an extra 4" on one side, so it was a rectangle instead of a square.  Then I folded the rectangle in half and cut it down the middle.

I pinned and sewed the interior seams down. 

 Then I overlapped the 2 pieces, and laid the square piece on top.  

All of the good sides of the fabric are facing in, 

and I pinned all of the sides.

Then I sewed all 4 sides shut.

After flipping the case inside out, I placed the pillow inside, and tossed them on the couch!

I think they are perfect!  They brighten up this room, and I love the colors with my blue sofa!

So, the moral of this story, is that things aren't always what they seem!  A tablecloth made excellent pillow covers, and I have SO much of this pretty fabric left!  These cases come off of the pillows with ease, and since they are made of tablecloth fabric, are absolutely safe to wash!  

Crafts & I are always going to be best buddies!!

I Promise

'Twas the night before our wedding, at OHenry hotel. 

In my suite, we danced till asleep we fell.

The following day would be chaotic and crazy. 

Champagne made that day just a little bit hazy.

Off to get nails done with maids by my side,

Just hours away from becoming a bride.

I was nervous, excited, and didn't what to expect. 

I just wanted that day to be completely perfect. 

Off to the hair salon, we all made our way.

My veil in my hand, we didn't delay. 

8 different ladies sitting in chairs,

With 8 different stylists up doing their hair.

Then away to the church, I flew like a flash, 

I put on my makeup incredibly fast.

My dress all steamed, hung ready to wear.

I put it on and zipped it with care. 

When what to my wondering eyes did appear. 

Hundreds of flowers, the florist was here!

Our photographer was lively and quick, 

She was everywhere snapping thousands of pics. 

Guests were arriving and finding their seats.

So many of our family and friends to greet.

Some traveled so far to be with us tonight.

The hour had arrived, it was all just right. 

I linked arms with my daddy, and fought back tears.

I had dreamed of this moment for 22 years.

My maids looked beautiful coming down the stairs. 

It's time, deep breath & a very quick prayer. 

The doors open wide, and it's our turn to walk.

It's all so surreal, I'm a little shell shocked.

One step and then two, I'm approaching the aisle. 

And that's when I see you there with a big smile. 

In that moment, it seemed like time stood still. 

Just the 2 of us there, it was so unreal.

I wanted to run to the front and shout,

"I do, I do, without a doubt!"

The ceremony felt long, but it wasn't! 

23 mins later, you were my husband. 

I promised that day to love you forever,

8 years later, that promise stands true, however...

I want to promise you one more thing.

Something I've learned since we exchanged rings.

Marriage isn't always happy. 

Love means supporting even when things are crappy. 

I promise to put your needs before mine.

I promise not to nag you all of the time.

I promise to minimize being sarcastic.

I promise to remind you I think your fantastic.

I promise to love you, unconditionally,

To support and encourage you additionally. 

Happy Anniversary to the man that I love.

8 years & counting, I can't get enough! 

Happy Anniversary Derik :) 

Hunger

This morning, I got up, got 2 kids dressed & ready for school.  They ate their breakfast, I packed their lunches, they took medicine, brushed their teeth, put on their shoes, and we met the school buses.  When I came back home, I immediately began tackling my long list of things to do.  That list has been building for 6 years, so I owe it some time!!!
After finishing 2 Etsy orders, getting the kitchen cleaned up, and working on a little laundry, I headed out to run 2 errands.  I needed to run by the Dollar Store & Target.  The lists were short, but I was too excited about Target, and completely forgot about my Dollar Store needs!  After leaving Target, I decided that I wanted to make Hibachi for lunch.
Confession:  I LOVE Hibachi!
So, I ran to Kroger just around the corner.  I wasn't planning to go there, but I knew we had no zucchini at home, so Kroger it was.
When I entered the shopping center, and took a left into the Kroger parking lot, I noticed a family sitting on the side of the road.  It caught my eye, because it wasn't just an adult with a sign for help.  There were 4 people, and 2 of them were kids.  I remember what I thought, and I am completely ashamed that it was what went through my brain.

"Come on, as if standing there doesn't make us feel bad 

enough, now you bring your kids.  Way to win the 

best guilt trip award.  I will make sure to leave the

parking lot at the other exit, so I don't have to look 

them in the eye."

I went into Kroger, got the few groceries I needed, and thought nothing else about it.  When I left, I completely forgot about this family, as I was wrapped up in my own world.  I came to a stop beside them at the stop sign, and my eyes met the kids.  One boy, one girl, and both looked old enough to be in school.  I smiled and waved.  They waved back.  As I began to drive off, it hit me... it is 12:30, and these kids are sitting solemnly with their parents.  It is lunch.  They haven't had lunch.  

By this point, I was very hungry.  Notice I made no mention of myself eating breakfast above?  I didn't, as I completely forgot to feed myself.  My stomach was growling, and I knew I still had 15 mins of prep and cooking ahead of me.  I was hungry, BUT... something told me to ignore it.

I left Kroger, and went to McDonalds.  I picked up 2 Happy Meals.  One with Nuggets, one with a cheeseburger.  One with Yogurt, one with fries.  One with a girl toy, one with a boy.  I ordered a #2, which comes with 2 cheeseburgers, fries, and 2 drinks.  The kids had Apple Juice, the adults had sweet tea, and I got some waters too.  

I drove back to Kroger, praying the whole time that the family was there, and I wouldn't get stuck with all of this food.  I pulled up in the parking lot, and as I got out of the car, the father approached.  I asked "Have they had lunch yet?"  He responded "no", with a look of shame.  I reached in the car and held out Happy Meals for the kids.  They ran to me faster than I ever expected.  They took them over to a tree, almost ripped the boxes apart, and began eating as fast as they could.  The father said "Bless you."  I reached back in the car, and handed him the bag with the cheeseburgers and fries, and the drink holder.  He began to cry, and said "thank you, god bless you." at least 3 times.  I said "You are very welcome" and I got back into my car.  As I drove away, they all waved, and all of them were eating like they hadn't eaten in days.

The point of this post is NOT to get a pat on the back.  I am not looking for credit, or to brag about a good deed.  The point is to remind you that sometimes, those people on the side of the road really do need help.  For years, my skepticism has gotten the best of me.  I drive past these people, and think nothing else about them.  I do not often keep cash on me, and I always feel guilty for not helping.  Occasionally, Abbie and I will pray for them, but that is where it ends.  Something pushed me to help today, and I fully believe that it was God.  I think God provided for that family through me.  I wasn't even planning to go to Kroger today.  

Yes, there are facilities and programs in place to help those who aren't as fortunate, but sometimes they do not know how to use them.  Sometimes they do not qualify for them.  Sometimes they simply don't want to face the music.  It doesn't matter why they need help.  If you can help, find the generosity in your heart and help.  Handing them money isn't the only option.  Ask what they need.  Give them a blanket, a toothbrush, and a bar of soap.  Give them a meal.  Give them your time, and treat them like humans, because they are.  Don't do it for an "attagirl", do it because it is what's right.

I am so thankful that I went to Kroger today.  I have been hungry many times, but I do not truly know hunger.  I have prayed for that family all day today.  I prayed that they would find dinner.  I prayed that they had a place to sleep tonight.  I prayed that they didn't get dehydrated standing in the heat.  

I would want the same.  

And I will not roll my eyes and think the thoughts I did about another person again.

There is always going to be someone who abuses things, but they aren't all abusing.  SO HELP!  Be His hands and feet, and bless someone who needs it.

Dearest Daughter

How is it even possible that we are just days away from sending you to Kindergarten?  I'm not ready. I had so many plans!  I like life the way it is!  You are so much fun.  So creative, so smart, so interesting, and I am simply not ready to share you yet!

Wasn't this yesterday?  How could it have been 5 years ago?

The day we met was one of the most incredible days of my life!  You made me a mommy.  You must have been just as excited to meet me as I was to meet you!!  You burst into our world, 4 weeks early, on Valentine's Day.  You were so tiny.  Just 6lb & 2oz, 19" long... we worried we might break you!  Your paci was almost as big as your face!  You barely fit in preemie clothes, and we could have wrapped those tiny newborn diapers around you twice!

You grew so quickly.  Babbling, sitting up, eating solid food... it must have all happened in a week!  Your first word was mama, and it was the most beautiful music I have ever heard!  Before you were born, I had no intentions of staying home after you arrived!  My plans were to return to work, and it all changed the moment I laid eyes on you!  I wanted to spend every second together that we could.  And the memories we made were worth every financial sacrifice made.  

  

You are not a baby anymore, you have become an absolutely beautiful little girl, inside and out.  Your  future is big, and you will do amazing things!  Maybe you are ready for Kindergarten.  Maybe you are ready for to shake hands with the big world out there.  

Reality is, you are ready, and it is me that is not!  

I love you more than you will ever understand, my precious Abigail.

I will always be here to love you, encourage you, and support you... unconditionally.  

You amaze me, and now it is time for you to amaze the world!

14 days to go...

Love Always - MOM

Getting Crafty!

My 5 year old loves her doll!  I can't even remember why I bought it for her, but I remember her falling in love with Lilah, the moment they met!  I wasn't sure that Abbie would really like playing with an 18" doll just yet, so I didn't spring for an actual American Girl Doll.  I opted for the My Generation dolls at Target for only $19.99.  They are so close to being an American Girl, that I couldn't resist the lower price tag!  I picked one that was as close to looking like Abbie, as I possibly could find.  Lilah lacks brown eyes like Abbie, but everything else is spot on.
It wasn't long before Lilah, had a beautiful bed, and a wardrobe full of clothes, shoes, and accessories to play with.  Abbie will put her in her bathing suit, and let her sun bathe while Abbie swims.  She will dress her up in a fancy dress on Sundays, for church, pajamas at bedtime, and has even picked out an outfit for her first day of school!  She loves brushing her hair, and I have fun playing with her too.
Abbie even picked out an adorable Halloween costume for Lilah.  I heard her playing with Lilah in her room, the other day, when I had an AHA moment!  She was pretending to be the teacher, and Lilah was her student.  Since Derik was home, I headed off to the craft store!
I was on a mission.  Lilah needed a desk, and some school supplies of her own.

Here is what I created for Abbie's classroom! I made a desk, notebook, pencil, and purchased a clipboard, & mini chalk board for $.50 each, in the Michael's dollar section!

I made the pencil from a small dowel!  I painted it yellow, witteled one end to a point, and used a Sharpie to color the tip black.  I painted the eraser, and voila... a tiny, doll sized, pencil!  The best part about this, is this pencil doesn't really write, so I have no concerns about Abbie having it in her room!

The notebook was made with an Xacto knife!  It was actually a memo sized notebook, with a spiral at the top.  I cut the covers and pages down with a knife, and it is the perfect sized notebook for Lilah!

The desk, was a little more challenging!  I purchased 2 "L"s (L's for Lilah!!) from Michael's and painted them purple, per Abbie's request!  I also purchased 2 small wood plaques, and painted them white.  I used a tool to create a notch for a pencil to rest on one plaque, and the same tool to trace Lilah's name on the other plaque.  I painted over her name, and added some small flowers, and once everything was dry... I used Gorilla Glue to mount the plaques on the letters!  It fits her perfectly.  I do wish I had chosen a larger plaque for the top, as this one is a bit small for her stuff, but it works!  

Abbie LOVES this finished school supplies!  She is actually teaching Lilah, behind me, as I write this blog!  Currently, Lilah, is learning about the "B-I-B-L-E"!!!!

I am currently looking for more projects that I can make Abbie, for her doll!  I already crocheted a book bag, hat, & scarf for Lilah, and Abbie loved those too!

Life Changes with Young Children

When you found out you were pregnant, you were probably very excited.  If you weren't excited at first, you probably found your way to happy when you heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time.  There are so many amazing things about having babies, and while your life changes to adapt to life with a baby... it becomes the new normal very quickly.  

However, there are a lot of things that change about life, and until your children are no longer young, they will stay this way!  

If you have children, you can probably relate to everything below.

If you have one baby, especially new babies, this is what you have to look forward too!

If you do not have children, enjoy your life and all of your freedom!!!

Sleeping

Sleeping will no longer be a luxury that you just "get" all of the time!  Your baby is born, and for the first 3 months, you wonder if you will ever feel rested again.  Once the baby sleeps through the night, you get rested for about a year, maybe even 2!  Then come the nightmares, and the fear of darkness, and the monsters in the closet, and the midnight wet beds.  You will wake up to a mouse fart thinking it was a child calling your name!

Oh, and remember that whole "Fall Back" thing that you love so much in November.  That amazing day where you get an extra hour of sleep... that is over!  You will develop a hatred like to other for the creator of this Daylight Savings mess, and pray for its demise.  Your child's disrupted schedule will rock you and them for a week, if not longer! 

We have many rules in our house, but rules can easily be bent or broken... so in our house, we invoked 2 laws.  

1) Never touch mommy's plate... this means eating or touching food.

2) No kids in our bed... you can be sick & scared, with a broke leg, but you sleep in your bed!

While these are laws in our house, that is NOT the case in a lot of households!  So, you may also wind up with children in your bed.  This is a challenge that I consider myself blessed not to face!

Going Out

Remember when you and your beloved would go out to dinner?  A date night with some meaningful conversation, laughter, and eye contact. Unless you are ready to play the babysitter game... that is no longer an option!  Babysitters are not easy to find, and even harder to book.  Finding someone you trust enough to leave your children with is a challenge.  I remember babysitting for $5/hour, and that rate has now doubled!  $10/hour is the minimum these days, and that only includes 1 child and weekday nights during the summer!  Want them for 2 children, on a weekend... get ready to shell out!  The babysitter will often cost more than your dinner out!

If you decide to forego the sitter, and venture out to dinner as a family, you are in for a very special occasion!  My husband owns a restaurant, and since restaurants are our livelihood, we decided that we should train our children to dine out.  HOWEVER... this is not the norm!  

Ordering food that your child will not touch is standard.  You let them choose, and they don't eat it.  So you choose the next trip out, and they don't eat it.  We ALWAYS leave with to go boxes, and they don't eat this food at home either!  You will be chasing runaway crayons off a booth bench, because the food is still not at the table, and your ticking time bomb needs entertainment!  Those 4 crayons, and that paper placemat are all that is keeping your kid from melting down.  I have "Matrixed" over a child, and "Stretch Armstronged" to grab a crayon before!  Telling your child to sit down 10 times because the are talking to the table behind them, is completely normal!  I thank Jesus every time someone amuses them and partakes in the game of I Spy!  Unending drink refills lead to 3 trips to the public bathroom.  We water juice down at home, so juice in a restaurant is a real treat for my kids!  We usually allow 1 refill if refills are free, and we always find ourselves in a mad dash to the potty.  Darting through a busy restaurant with a child holding themselves is entertaining for some!  

The best part of dining out with kids is the explosion of mess that you leave behind you.  Leave a few extra bucks in the tip line, because no one wants to clean that mess up!

Traveling

Overnight trips are challenging, but the REAL treat is the first time you take your youngsters on

vacation!  Remember what it was like when you vacationed with your parents??  You played, you rested, you ate... it was fun!  Who was organizing what you did?  Who was packing and unpacking the car?  Who was paying for the bill?  Who was making food for you to eat?  Being the parent on the vacation is strangely exhausting, and you will quickly learn that vacations are work!  

Your car will never be big enough!  If you think you have enough room, you are wrong!  You will take so much stuff with you when you leave that you will question the need to lock your doors!  "Is there anything left for someone to take??"  Many of my friends have invested in a luggage shell for the top of your car, and they still barely get the trunk shut!  

You will also need 2 rooms when you stay somewhere... at the least!  All 4 of us attempted to stay in one hotel room ONCE!  My son in a pack and play, my daughter in my bed, and my husband in the other bed.  NO ONE SLEPT!  We all went to bed before 9, because the kids needed to sleep, and we were awake at least 10 times in the night.  Brady waking and not knowing where he was, Abbie kicking me in the ribs, a hotel door slamming when someone came in late... it never ended!  Travel expenses add up quickly, but investing 2 rooms could be worth the money! 

Shopping

This is NOT a task that you want to do with children over the age of 2!  Especially if the shopping includes groceries.  However, sometimes you have to take them!  I am absolutely the mom that opens a box of cheese crackers and 2 squeezer applesauces so that my kids behave while I grab essentials.  Shopping with kids is survival of the fittest!  

Shopping with out kids, is pretty much the best vacation ever!  You will stretch a trip to Target over an hour, and browse every section of the store!  I Target with a Starbucks & earbuds in my ears blasting my favorite songs!  That is one of the only times I get to hear my songs, as the radio alternates between Kids Bop and Fisher Price presents Fun in the Sun, 50 songs your kids will love!  I love Target!  It is my oasis, and when I manage to get out of the house, child free, and Target is the destination... I am Tim Robbins in Shawshank when he reaches the river and stands in the rain!

Meals

You may have this blissful idea of what family dinners will be like, and you are wrong!  This "family

dinner" concept is not one that thrives in homes with young children!  My oldest has a list of about 10 things she will eat, and yes we tried everything to get her to eat what we make!  We bribed, and it didn't work.  We threatened, and it didn't work.  We punished, and it didn't work.  We refused to give her anything else, and she didn't eat for 2 days!  She won... we gave up, and decided that it wasn't a battle we wanted to find any longer.  Our youngest is special needs, and he is unable to eat most table food.  His severe texture aversion poses serious issues, and leaves us with very few options for him.

By the time I have cooked dinner for my husband and myself, made plates for both children, and sat down... I feel like I have been run over my a small bus.  Your butt meets the seat, and the "You Forgot" list begins.  "Mom, you forgot to get me a drink.", "Mom, can I please have a napkin?"  "Mom, my fork fell on the floor, can I please have another one?"  She has the manners, but that dream of my family surrounding a table and enjoying the meal you made from scratch... doesn't happen!  Savor the moments that you do get... even if it is only 6 minutes, no one speaks, and you are all eating different things!

Hobbies

Hobbies cost money and take time.  Once upon a time, I scrapbooked.  I enjoyed doing this, and

found time every weekend, to make elaborate pages filled with memories of our favorite trips, experiences, and events.  I had a room devoted to crafting, and spent my extra cash on scrapbook supplies for my addiction.  That craft room became a playroom, and the craft supplies were demoted to a closet.  Slowly but surely my scrapbook supply has dwindled to almost nothing, and I no longer have the opportunity to do the hobby that I once loved so much!  Some moms I know are committed to continuing their hobby, and I say MORE POWER TO YOU!  I am jealous of those who were able to continue doing what they love, and pray that one day, I too will be able to continue my hobby!

Punctuality

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...

Being only 5 mins late... you should get a medal

Being on time... you should get a trophy

Being early... no one wants to know that you are able to make this happen!

Of course, you would think I am exaggerating most of this, but I am not!  We tend to do take out instead of eating out, we don't take vacations often, and every night when we go to bed... I say "Good Luck" to my husband!!  Life is completely different now then it was 6 years ago.  Children change everything!!  They are wonderful, they are amazing, they are blessings... and life will never be the same!

Choose Your Words Wisely

I endured a horrible experience today, and I feel obligated to share it with those who choose to read what I write.  There are a few reasons why this ordeal really bothered me, and it started early this morning.
My morning started off with like most others.  Alarm went off, I got myself ready for the day, and started packing up for yet another doctor appointment.  I was looking forward to some fun with my kids after the appointment, because we were planning to go to the pop jet fountains at a local mall.  Stony Point is an upscale mall in our area that is a frequent location for those with kids and dogs to visit.  The entire mall is pet friendly, and most stores even allow you to bring your dogs inside.  The pop jet fountains are a big attraction for children, and while most of the kid friendly shops and restaurants are no longer in the mall... people bring their children from all over the area to play in the water.  I have been to the mall a number of times for Abbie to play in the water.  Brady has been once before to play, however... he wasn't able to get into the fountains much because neither myself or our aid had the correct clothing to get wet.
Our appointment was from 930-1030, and Derik, my husband, was planning to take our daughter to work with him.  His restaurant is in Stony Point Mall, so I decided I would pick Abbie up, we would change clothes, and go to the fountains until lunch!
Since I knew Brady would need help, I changed into a bathing suit.  This bathing suit is called a swim dress, and looks more like a summer beach dress, than a bathing suit.

We unloaded our stuff on a bench at the fountains, and headed to the water.  I kicked my shoes off before walking over, and snapped a few pictures of Brady laughing and enjoying the water.  

Mission accomplished!

I returned the stroller to put my phone back in our bag, and was immediately approached by a security guard.  The following conversation took place...

SG:  Mam, you have to wear your shoes here.

Me:  Oh ok, I didn't know I wasn't allowed to take them off.

SG:  You know, the fountains are really for the kids.

Me:  Right, I have 2 children playing in them now.

SG:  Adults aren't supposed to wear bathing suits.  This is a shopping mall.

Me:  Ok, the only reason I am wearing a swimsuit is because I have a special needs child who needs  

         help in the water.

SG:  Well, if you are over here, and he is over there, how special needs can he be?

Me:  (Now wearing a look of complete shock.) Ummm, we have a medical aid with us, and she is
        right beside him.  I was just putting my phone away.

SG:  And, she is appropriately dressed.  

Me:  I'm sorry, are you telling me that I am dressed inappropriately? I'm wearing a dress.

SG:  (rolling his eyes) Looks like a bathing suit.  

Me:  It is a bathing suit, its called a swim dress.

SG:  I just said we don't allow adults in bathing suits.  

Me:  Are you telling me I need to change?  

SG:  If you dressed like her (pointing at our aid) than there would be no issue.  

Me:  Excuse me?  This is so beyond inappropriate, and I am in disbelief that you are saying all of this
        to me.  I won't go back in the water.  I didn't bring water appropriate shoes, as I didn't know they
        were required.  We have been here plenty of times, but I have never needed to get into the water.
        I wasn't aware the are necessary.  

SG:  You didn't read the rules posted all over?

Me:  I have been to this mall many times.  We have played here, eaten here, shopped here, and my
        husband works here.  I have never even noticed these rules, but I didn't think we were exhibiting
        any type of "rule breaking" behavior.

SG:  Where does your husband work?

Me:  Are you trying to get him involved?

SG:  No mam.

Me:  He is the Managing Partner at (I am not going to include the restaurants name).

SG:  Well, you heard me and if you can take up any issues you have with mall management.

Me:  I believe I will...

and off to mall management I headed.

I would like to say that the mall management staff was more than helpful, and even bought our lunch in attempt to make things right.  They were stunned by the conversation that took place, and incredibly apologetic.  They assured me that the security team would be retrained and that this should not be a future issue for myself or any guest.  I met with the Head of Security, and the Head of Marketing, and both were wonderful.  

My problem with all of this stems from the PERSON, not the mall.  This is not the first time, and will not be the last time that someone oversteps and discriminates against my son.  I have been questioned by strangers as to why we have a handicap pass, I have been told that I should "feed my children" when Brady was having a tantrum very unrelated to hunger in a store.  I have been ignored when walking through crowds, had people let doors close in my face.  Most of this happens to people without special needs children.  HOWEVER... there are a lot of things that never would.  

Words hurt.  Words can cut deep, and they can leave permanent scars.  I believe that we should treat others how we want to be treated, and that doesn't mean that you say the first thing that comes to mind.  I blogged before about inclusion.  Making sure that everyone, including those with special needs are included, and stand behind this.  You shouldn't be afraid to speak to some one just because they have a disability, but you should choose your words wisely.  I recommend doing this when speaking to anyone. 

WARNING - Momma Bear Mode activates upon the slightest idea that you are treating my child unjustly.  Do not question my son's special needs.  Do not question anyones.  Just because you can't see the disability, doesn't mean it isn't there.  

USE KIND WORDS.  BE KIND TO OTHERS. THE END.

Learning a New Language

I never thought that I would learn another language.  I speak English, and I speak enough Spanish to get me by in an emergency.  After graduating high school, I thought my language learning days were over!
ENTER MY SON WITH A HEARING IMPAIRMENT
Even when we learned that his diagnosis included profound hearing loss, I didn't really think sign language would become a part of our lives.  We did baby sign with Abbie, and with Brady.  Helping them communicate with us before they were able to speak was wonderful.  Signs like "more", "please", "eat", "thank you", "all done", and "drink" were the only thing we taught and practiced.
I knew the ASL alphabet from my childhood, but spelling out words is still very challenging.  Trying to figure out the letter that is being signed while spelling a word is not easy!
As his therapies began, and we met more and more people that could sign, we added signs to our vocabulary.  We use signs like "play", "you're welcome", "calm down", "help" often.
So, when I was invited to attend the Parent Child Advocate Group this month, I was excited and eager to have the chance to learn more!  I registered myself and the kids, and we headed to the meeting with no expectations!  Upon arrival, we were thrust into the world of hearing loss in the best way possible!  Ironically, we knew one of the families there from VCU Audiology Camp!
The kids were taken into a room to play games and do art.  The teachers in these classes spoke and SIGNED everything to the kids!  The children were learning signs without having to SIT and learn!
The adults were in the main auditorium.  There were people there with all different levels of proficiency in sign language.  Many of those attending were profoundly deaf children and their families.  They knew a lot of sign and had many conversations in silence.  I am completely infatuated with watching an ASL conversation! A signed conversation is really a beautiful thing to see.
In our household, sign language cannot and will not be our preferred method of communication.  However, I want to ensure that we can communicate with Brady, and am willing to do whatever to make that challenge easier.  Learning sign and incorporating it while we speak makes it easier for us to understand what Brady is saying.
We were at the meeting for 4 hours!  The first 2 hours were intense learning, and then we broke for lunch.  I debated leaving at this point, because I felt very overwhelmed and defeated.  It is hard to feel lost for 2 hours straight!  BUT... In reality, I wasn't lost at all!  The last hour was a quiz on our knowledge of the signs we learned, and I was shocked to see how much I retained!

I learned 47 new signs!!!

Yes, you read that correctly!  The theme of the language learned this month was school and military, so there is a large chance that I will not use a good amount of the signs that I learned.  However, I think I can apply them, and I will continue practicing them!  My sign vocabulary includes about 75 signs and the alphabet! 

This wonderful group meets every month, and I can't wait to go again in August!

Thank you so much to Andi for inviting me, and for encouraging me through the class!  You are such a blessing!  

Dear Parents with "Normal Children"

I sat on a movie set this morning, filling out paper work for my minor children to play extras.  I was sitting at a table beside my children, while our full time medical attendant kept them entertained with crayons!  My back was to the table of 6 kids while I completed the forms, and I suddenly heard something that made me very sad.  One of the little girls, asked "What is on his head?"  When I turned enough, I could tell she was pointing at my son.  Brady is 3, and wears a cochlear implant on his left ear, and a hearing aid on his right.  The question isn't what bothered me, and neither was the pointing.  It is what happened next that really made me think.
Our attendant, Cassidy, responded with "It helps him hear."
The little girl replied, "he can't hear?"
Cassidy said, "not without these special ears."
Then the little girl's mother chimed in, "Shhhhh, that's enough."

PROBLEM
When a child asks these questions, they are innocent.  The child is curious, likely hasn't seen something like it before, and genuinely wants to know it's purpose.  Adults forget sometimes that children ask that obnoxious "WHY" question a lot, because they actually don't know the answer.

So to the parents of the many beautifully curious, "NORMAL", children... I want to ask you a favor.  I can't speak for all special needs parents, but I can speak for our family.  There is NOTHING wrong with my children!  They are amazing, and completely perfect.  We are not ashamed of ANY thing about them!  Brady has visible disabilities, and Abbie has some that you can't obviously see.  We aren't ashamed of them.  There is nothing to be ashamed of!  We are happy to answer questions, and even encourage them!  When a child asks me a question about Brady or about Abbie... I perk up!  It gives me a chance to educate someone young and moldable!  I can teach them about this, and they will learn that things like a cochlear implants, wheelchairs, walkers, braces, and so much more can actually provide Brady ABILITIES, instead of leaving him enabled by his disabilities.  I can teach them that Abbie's medication helps her stay safe.  I can teach them that sign language helps us understand Brady.

I see NOTHING shameful in these opportunities, until a parent jumps in and makes it uncomfortable.
When you hush your child, tell them not to ask questions, or even worse... walk them away from us, it makes us feel like we are lepers.  Some people avoid eye contact, some avoid conversation, others literally run away from us.  It is hurtful.  You can't catch a brain abnormality, epilepsy, or a hearing loss.  There is nothing contagious about my children's handicaps.
So, please... let you children ask questions.  Let them learn that "NORMAL" is a terrible word, and a concept that should be all inclusive.  Explain to them that sometimes people need things to help them hear, see, walk, eat, and live.  Explain to them that those people are perfect, just like they are.
Don't pretend like we don't exist.  Don't teach your children to see through us, avoid us, and treat us like we don't matter.

We are blessed that Brady has glasses, they help him see!  We are blessed that Brady has a cochlear implant & hearing aid, they help him hear!  We are blessed to know some sign language, it helps him communicate!  We are blessed to have medications, they keep my kids from having seizures.
I am so beyond blessed that I am able to raise Abbie in a home with a sibling who has an obvious disability.  She will never think less of anyone who has a disability.  It is NORMAL!!

What I Have Learned About the Hearing Impaired World

My youngest is 3.5, and he is the sweetest little boy you will ever meet!  His smile is electric, and his persistence is enviable.  He was born with a rare brain abnomality, and sometimes, life is challenging.  When he was a newborn, he failed his hearing screen on the left side.  Eventually, we had a sedated ABR done, and learned that he is unable to hear anything from his left ear.  He also has a moderate hearing loss in his right side.  The hearing impairment led to the hearing aid on his right ear, and in October of last year, his cochlear implant on the left side.  When you think about the fact that he has only had the ability to fully hear the world for about 8 months, you would be stunned at his quickly developing vocabulary!
We have the amazing team at VCU Audiology to thank for Brady's incredible progress.  He has also had many amazing therapists that have worked with him in Early Intervention, and now Chesterfield County Public Schools.  Each person we have worked with has made this process a little bit easier!  This week, VCU Audiology is hosting an audiological camp called Camp T.A.L.K..  This camp is specifically for childen with hearing impairments.  Last years camp was amazing, but this year's camp has kicked last year's butt!  Brady has enjoyed every second of camp, and even cheers when we pull into the parking lot!
One of my personal favorite parts of the camp, is the Parent Education classes they hold each day.  Camp started on Tuesday and ran through Friday.  Tuesday, we had 2 different speakers!  Jackie & Kathryn told the parents their story.  Kathryn was born with a hearing loss, and had a very long and difficult journey with her cochlear implants  She is now in college, and technology has come a long way since she was diagnosed with her hearing loss.  Jackie, her mom, told us about her adventure in the hearing impaired world over the last 20ish years.  I took away a lot from this discussion, but one of the most impacting things I learned... saddened me very much.  Kathryn told us that the Deaf Community is not very warm and embracing to cochlear implant owners.  They told us of their involvment with the AG Bell Society, which gave Brady a grant this year!  This group focuses on the Deaf & Hard of Hearing whom wish to speak a spoken language.  As Jackie and Kathryn left a convention hosted by AG Bell, they were stunned to find protestors that lingered outside.  These people actually protest against people getting cochlear implants, and learning to speak instead of learning sign language.  I am sad to think that on top of the difficulty Brady will already encounter in life due to his disabilities, the deaf community will not embrace him either.
After Jackie & Kathryn left, we were able to speak to Pat!  Pat is in charge of the dispute department for IEPs with the Virginia Department of Education.  I imagine that working a job like this would be draining.  It is basically the complaint department for any student or parent whom has special needs.  Pat was kind, listened, and answered every question for all of the parents.  It was so nice to have someone on our side and making us feel comfortable with the IEP process.
Wednesday, the speaker was Stacy, an Occupational Therapist & Assistant Professor at VCU.  She was very informative, and talked to us about sensory processing issues.  Since Brady has sensory processing issues, I was all ears!  She explained to us how children can be understimulated or overstimulated and can either seek, crave, or avert to sensory input.  She also gave us some really great ideas on feeding and teeth brushing... which can be seriously challenging for families with sensory processing children.
Thursday, the speakers were Mary Ellen, an Assistant Professor at VCU.  She teaches the teachers for Special Education!  And she was joined by Phyllis Lupini, a Speech & Language Pathologist with Chesterfield County, and a personal friend!  She was Brady's Speech Therapist in his classroom during the past 6 months!  We adore Phyllis, and I was super excited to see her!  They taught the parents how to read a book to our kids.  You may think that is a common sense type of concept, but it isn't!  When you have a typical child, it can be difficult to keep their attention and read them a story.  Now, take a hearing impaired child, a non verbal child, a child with learning disabilities, or anything else... and it makes this simple routine not fun for anyone.  Adding song, movement, and tactile add ons, mixed with dramatic voices and faces, and it was a true experience!  We had 3 babies in the room, all of which were chattering, babbling, or crying... until Phyllis began reading this book!  The same concept can be mixed with memorization!  Do you know how to spell BOLOGNA??  I know how to spell it because of the commercial that featured it's spelling in a song!  I know all 50 states in alphabetical order because I was taught a song.  I know the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish because we had to stand and say it every day for a week... but the standing part actually made it easier!  Moving while learning is key to allowing your brain to absorb the information. 

Friday was our last day, and we had the opportunity to ask Dr. Peterson, a cochlear implant surgeon for VCU, and Shaun, an audiologist at VCU whom specializes in cochlear implants, anything we wanted about cochlears!  It was such a great opportunity to ask things that we had on our minds after the past week.  It is rare that you get to ask those types of questions without booking an appointment, so it felt like a special treat!  They were both very friendly, patient, and knowledgable!  
Another awesome part of camp, is the community that the parents get together!  We meet so many families going through the exact same thing we are, and we hear their stories, their ideas, their questions... we learn from each other!
I am so sad that camp has ended, and am already looking forward to next summer!
VCU Audiology is hands down, and simply put... AMAZING!  Thank you so much for what you do, and thank you so much to everyone who has helped us in our journey through the hearing impaired world!

Learning to Tell Time

I spent my day, getting next week's lesson plans all ready to go!  One thing the plan mentioned for next week was working with Abbie on learning to read a clock.  Without purchasing anything, I wasn't able to find anything that REALLY showed her how to read a clock easily.  SOOOOO... I created a file, and a Clock Tool that gives me that ability to teach her in steps!

First, we will learn where the numbers go on the clock.
Then, we will learn about the minute & hour hand.
Then, we will learn how to read even hours.
Finally, we will add in different times of the day!

The Clock Tool is pretty simple to put together.
HERE is the link for downloading the file!

Here are the step by step instructions for building your clock!

Print pages 2 & 3 of the document.  

I recommend printing on card stock, and not printer paper.

Laminate Page 2.

Cut out the pieces on the 3rd page, and wrap them in shipping tape! 

This is my way of laminating little pieces, without having to cut apart a sealed laminated sheet.

Punch a small hole into the center of the clock, and into the hour & minute hands.

Attach Velcro to the back of each number, 

and put the opposite piece on each space for the numbers on the clock.

Finally, attach the clock hands to the clock with a brad.

I placed a piece of shipping tape over the brad on the back of the clock as well.

You are done!  It can be used in so many ways, and I hope you enjoy using it with your child!