Good Grief...

Last night was a rough night. Jeff was in Sioux City for a dinner with a Doctor. It started only minutes after tucking the children into bed. I was down stairs finishing the dishes and watching a little bit of T.V when I heard a loud "thud". It sounded like a child fell out of bed, but I became alarmed when I heard no crying. I ran up the stairs at lighting speed only to find Zachary laying on the floor in the hall having a seizure. I was scared. This seizure appeared to be different than the others we have seen. It seemed more involved and severe. Typically, Zachary is coherent during the first minutes of his seizures but this time he was completely "out of it" from the moment I reached him. I did not know if the seizure came first or the fall came first, but either scenario frightened me. I decided to call 911. Ellie and I said a prayer together and within minutes his seizure stopped. Six firefighters and paramedics showed up at our door quickly after placing the call. I was comforted and felt at peace to have them there. Zach was sleeping by this time, and I knew there was no need to transport him to the hospital. They took his vitals, asked a few questions and were on their way. Jeff had called Bruce to stop over and check on us. We didn't end up needing his help but it sure was nice to see a friendly face among the sea of rescue workers. Ellie was especially thankful to see him, he brought a smile to her face and she wiped away her tears. Seizures have become a part of our life. We know how to treat them, watch for them, and what the side effects look like. Jeff and I are a good team-we each have a role and we respond quickly to one another in the event of a seizure. Last night, I was on my own. Well, I had Ellie with me but she was crying in my lap. It's so important we don't neglect her fears and needs when so much of our energy is focused on Zachary. She is a special girl with a very sensitive heart. With Zachary snoozing in bed, Ellie and I went in to snuggle in our bed and wait for Jeff to come home. I treasure that time with Ellie because it's one time I can count on her chatting about the important things in 3rd grade. I learned that Spencer has a webkins named Oreo. She really loves her "agenda book" given out in class. She and the other girls call "Mckenna", Kenna as a nick name. And she couldn't wait to get back to school and broadcast the news that her mom called 911 and 6 firefighters showed last night. These are the little things that make life interesting and unique . And, most definitely the things that make parenthood so rewarding. That and three precious sleeping children.
"Sweet dreams, my little ones. "

"Let's rock!"

The twins have adopted a new motto for the year..."3rd grade is what you make of it so, let's make it rock..." For all you Hannah Montanna fans out there this is a take off on her current hit "life's what you make of it" Since last week we have been singing it daily with anticipation for school to start. And today's the day. Bright and early this morning the twins set off to start 3rd grade. Along with the excitement came butterflies or"first day jitters." They woke up, got dressed, brushed teeth, fixed hair and ate breakfast without so much as a whimper or a grumble. In other words this was the first "peaceful" school morning for us so far...ever! Here's hoping that the calm attitude carries with them throughout the year. We had fun! They were each cooperative in having pictures taken as well. The only struggle came when Ellie tried to put her arm around Zach for the the photo. He is not interested in having her so close. At least not until lunch time...they sit together for lunch and have since first grade. I'm so thankful for that. I know Heavenly Father had a plan in store for us when we had twins. We certainly were not expecting or even prepared to be parents of twins at the time. But as always He knows best. In more ways than one we are blessed with having had twins. I love nothing more than hearing that Ellie is there for Zach. I know she is a role model for him. Zach has taught her many things as well. Ellie doesn't see the "differences" in people she just sees the good. She is example to us all. "Oops" I strayed off the subject of school. It was a great day. Zach loves the desks. Isn't that just like something I would of liked in 3rd grade? Ellie told me during homework, she couldn't wait to go back. That's surely a good sign, right? Goodnight for now.

Our little boy is growing up

This is my first clue, while at his open house ( special ed. dept) and in the company of his teachers I mistakenly called him Zachy. He very quietly but sternly asked me not to call him that at school. My little "Zachy," is to big to be called such a baby name at least in the presence of school mates. I knew the day would come- just not so soon. I love "Zachy" we took to that name in the hospital, and clearly it has stuck for years. Clue #2, I was singing a Hannah Montanna song (o.k, so I'm not cool anymore...) in public and Zachary told me it was embarrassing him. My first experience with embarrassing the kids. I'm afraid many more years will follow. Clue #3 He has the darn cutest front tooth peeking out-Finally! The cute tooth was my inspiration for the below photos. Not only is he growing up- but, look what a smiley guy he is lately. Those of you that know and love Zach know how difficult it is to get him to smile for the camera. So, you see those photos with a smiling Zach that is my clue #4. He has outgrown that dreadful phase where he frowned in every picture. Clue #5, I have seen so much improvement in his behavior this summer. He has become very independent, learned how to swim this summer, and he is understanding his limitations without so much frustration. We are on the road to a mature young man. Zachary and I also had a very important talk this past week. I touched on the subject of his cerebral palsy and why things are so difficult for him and not Ellie. He asked a lot of appropriate questions. He wondered "why." It broke my heart to have this conversation with him but we know it is imperative. Jeff followed up later that evening with a similar discussion just a different take on it. He adds humor and handles everything so well. Zach is beginning to understand- yet he knows his great potential. We stress the importance for him to set goals and that anything is possible. Immediately following our discussion Zach announced his desire to become an athlete and compete in the special Olympics. I researched it online and sent away for some information. Look out Omaha, here comes Zach! Zachary continues to light up our lives with the sweet sentiments he says daily. I wish everyone could wake up in the morning with a little whisper " I love you just the way you are, mom" like I did yesterday.

Do you know what tonight is?

If you have an 8 year old daughter you know with out a doubt...it's the premiere of High School Musical 2. Ellie has been anxiously awaiting the sequel to High School Musical. The Disney channel has had a constant buzz of promotions saturating the network for quite some time now. They sure know how the work the "tweenie" age girls. The countdown began today, with frequent announcements from Ellie of how many hours till showtime. She invited her good friend, Kylie, to come over and watch together. Kylie showed exactly 12 seconds before the show began. I know this because there was a timer running across the t.v ticking down the seconds. Ellie was worried she wouldn't make it but, lo and behold she ran through our front door just in the knick of time. The girls are in their jammies and snuggled up in the "anywhere chairs". Right now they are snacking on grape soda, popcorn, m&m's & licorice. I don't suppose Ellie will fall asleep before midnight with all the sugar in her. I couldn't help but overhearing some of their conversation-main topic is"Troy." Nothing better than listening to their sweet little giggles, & watching them try out the new dance moves. I'm going back to join them. Goodbye.

Simply Irresistible

Avery and I spent a "girls night"out at the mall- our destination, Gymboree. Avery is a fun shopping partner because she enjoys it as much as I do. Infact, she is the only person who can keep up with me or even wants to be with me on a shopping trip. We make quite a team. We happened upon a princess backpack with a diamond tiara on it. Last year Avery used a hand-me-down from Ellie. This year, this sweet child has her" very own" princess backpack. She is overjoyed. Can you remember the joy from such a simple pleasure? She must of thanked me a dozen times. I heard a steady stream of things like this..."You're the best mom ever", "Dad, is going to freak out( obviously, influenced by her older sis) ", "I love you sooooo much, mom". "Thank you, thank you, thank you". I literally heard her say "You do the nicest things for me- two times." She is 3 . She is simply irresistible. I must admit the times we share with the kids alone are so refreshing. Each child is very unique. When we spend "one on one" time we recognize the tender moments and can focus on the little things that make them so special. I want it to last forever. I want to remember holding their hands, the sweet conversations, snuggles and especially the kisses.
Avery went to bed tonight with her backpack tucked in beside her. But, before we turned out the light, she gladly modeled her new accessory.

Ellie was invited to her first sleep over. We have decided against letting her actually spend

the night but, she can stay out late. So far it has gone just as I suspected. She has phoned home 3 times. Once, to tattle on Julia. Second, a call asking me to come join her at the party. Third, to let me know that the PG movie says bad words...butt and shut-up. Jeff is on his way to pick her up as we speak. I bet she still had fun. She just doesn't stray to far from home. Goodnight, I think I hear Jeff and Ellie pulling in now.

Out of the mouths of babes!

I have never been one to diligently keep up with a journal. Truthfully, I rarely write in it. I know the importance of record keeping and documenting history. I love the thought of sharing our life and stories with our children's children someday. I consider this blog to be my "new and improved" journal and am thrilled to have this method in which I can share our stories. I do have many other forms of "remembering the little things" that I have worked on through the years. Scrapbooking remains my favorite way to preserve memories. But, we also have a book that we keep close at hand to jot down the funny & endearing things that our children say. The list is very long and always gives us a good chuckle when we reread it. I thought you might also enjoy some of the entries. Here goes...


Ellie age 3 1/2 - After waking up in the morning with a "scratchy" voice she said, " mom, my voice is broken."


Zachary age 31/2- On a winter's day as I buckled him in his car seat, I didn't realize his left hand was tucked inside his coat. He said, " I think my hand is hiding from me."


Avery age 3 - Driving thru the McDonald's, she said," When I grow up I want to be a cheeseburger man."


Ellie age 31/2 Ellie has always looked out for her brother...One afternoon she said, I'm making sure Zachary is being a good boy. Don't worry, mom, I give him a hug after I put him in time out!"


Zachary age 4- Zachary always thinking about daddy said, (After going poo-poo for the first time on the potty) Don't flush it I want to save it and show daddy....Lucky Jeff.


Avery age 3- Jeff was pretending to gobbler her up because she was so cute and she replied, "No eat me, eat pancakes only" Avery loved pancakes at the time and clearly thought about them quite a bit.


Ellie age5- she said to Jeff " Do me a favor, and call me Angel from now on"


Zachary age 5 - This night Jeff gave the kids a blessing as they start kindergarten the next day. Jeff was touched by emotion and cried during the entire blessing. Zachary said" Dad, why did you use a different voice"


Avery age 3-singing the sidewalk saying..."don't step on a crack or you'll break your mother's back" Avery says " don't step on a crack or you'll break your mother's heart"


Ellie age 5- For dinner we had chicken and stuffing, she said " Mom, I don't want anymore filling I don't like it" I guess stuffing is quite filling, ha.


Zachary age 6 - I wore sandals to church and he said, " Mom, you aren't wearing any socks your feet are not modest."


Avery age 3 -after getting frustrated trying to keep up with Ellie whistling ,she said" I can't istle, I only blow air"

Thanks for indulging us and reading these things that very well may only be meaningful to us. Again, I am thankful for the convenience of my new journal and will continue online (& printing) my journal entries. Love, Laurie

I've been tagged

In the cyber world of blogging I have been tagged to answer the following questions.

List of jobs I've held
1.Nordstrom
2.Reunions unlimited
3. Pottery Barn for kids
4. Gymboree

Places to go for a weekend getaway
1. Kansas City
2. Chicago-future plan
3. The Wisconson Dells-future plan
4. Nauvoo

Places I've lived
1.Omaha,Ne
2. Denver, Co
3. Salt Lake City, Ut
4. Provo, Ut

Movies I can watch over and over again.
I can watch most movies again because I either fall asleep
or forget all about it as soon as I'm done watching.

Places I've been on vacation
1. Washington D.C
2. South Beach, Fl
3. Palm Springs, Ca
4. San Diego, Ca
5. Hawaii

First Thing you thought of when you saw
your significant other.
1. Funny, Funny, Funny ( Jeff gets tired of hearing he's funny, but it's true)
2. Tall, athletic, nice dresser & handsome

Favorite Foods
1. anything sweet
2. anything from Cafe Rio
3. anything I don't have to cook.

Best Landmark Kiss
1. at a drive in movie
2. on the beach in Hawaii

My guilty pleasures
1. trashy tabloids...people, US, Ok, Star
2. Target, anything and everything Target
3. Surfing the net and blogs
4. scrapbook mania nights

If in a jam with spouse what tactics do you use to
get out of the dog house.
1. Make a big yummy dinner.

Places I'd rather be right now
1. shopping
2. snuggling with Jeff
3. on vacation

websites I visit daily
1. my bank
2. blogs
3. email
4. TMZ

Now, I get to tag my other buddies
1. Breya- your next

Happy Birthday Grandma

Happy Birthday to Grandma! We love you and are thinking about you.

Grandma is special for many reasons and we love her. Grandma is notorious for doing the "little things" that make people happy and feel special. Grandma thinks of us on each and every holiday and always sends cards. The kids are thrilled to get mail and even more so when they see it's a card from grandma. It is so fun! Grandma loves to read, and has surely influenced our kids with the same love. She loves to give books, what wonderful gifts we have received from her. Grandma thinks of us often and calls us to let us know. The kids love the phone calls and fight for their time with Grandma. She is helpful, caring, loving, and giving! Grandma is famous making yummy treats at our house...cakes, bread, cookies and chocolate peanut candies. Thanks for being such a wonderful grandma, mom, and mother in law! We are thankful to Dianne for all she does for us and wish her a very happy birthday!!! Celebrate!

Love, Laurie, Jeff, Zachary, Ellie and Avery

Grandma is special to us for many reasons.

Never Say Never!

Zachary continually amazes us and always takes on a challenge. Wednesday night was no exception. Jeff is in charge of the youth boys program, and each week they plan a new activity. This night in particular the boys were invited to go on a water skiing excursion. Jeff took Zach along for this special night. I was not sure what to expect but knew Zach was in good hands. I am always confident the kids are safe and happy when they are with Jeff. I couldn't wait to hear about the trip and was expecting to hear that Zach enjoyed the boat but the water was to chilly for him. Not the case...Infact, Jeff said Zach was fearless! He loved it. Starting with the life vest, the fast boat ride, tubing with daddy, and finally with his own ride on the knee board. He loved it all. Zach was a little dare devil on the lake and quickly learned the hand signal "thumbs up " to increase the speed. Never say Never! He held on tight to the rope with both hands. The smile on his face was priceless. I am sad to of missed this adventure. Thanks to Jeff for taking pictures and to all the men and young boys who shared their boat time with Zach. What a great and memorable experience for Zach and a proud moment for Jeff as he watched his brave little dude take off on the knee board alone. Now, if we could get Zach to tackle the challenge of reading with the same enthusiasm. Ha. We've got our little snuggle bugs camping out in our bedroom tonight with an abundance of duvet's and pillows. I've got to go now to massage Zachy's arm, little lefty is sore. Zach proudly proclaimed this morning that he has "sprained his muscle" from water skiing! We are so proud of him.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

One of my favorite things...listening to my children breath when they sleep. It's the most fullfilling and completely satisfying feeling of pure love. And it is that thought that brings me to this post. There's something so special about the sweet and simple pleasures in life.
These are a few of my favorite things...
Zachary's kiki (his PINK blanket)
the perfect freckles on Avery's face
Jeff
Ellie's big beautiful permanant teeth
snuggling with Zachary in the afternoon
laughing so hard your stomach hurts
crawling into bed at night
hearing the kids prayers. I will never tire of the most humble and grateful prayers that come from their hearts.
the way Jeff loves his family
staying in hotel rooms on vacation
cafe Rio
the freckles on Jeff's elbow
People magazine
a phone call from Jeff in the middle of the day
seeing the kids waiting in line to be picked up after school
watching Ellie read "The Friend"
Sunday afternoon naps on the couch
movie night with all the trimmings...popcorn, soda, and candy
going to bed early
shopping with Jeff
having a "grown up" conversation without the kids and
having a "real" conversation with the kids
the first day of school
finding bargains
being at the pool and feeling the sunshine beat down on me
the cornfield in the back of our house
Zachary & Ellie's love of the scriptures
listening to my kids playing
Avery's lisp
snugglig in bed with all 5 of us
Ellie and Avery hugging in the morning
driving
soup at Panera with Avery
diet cherry coke
Grey's Anatomy
the way Jeff makes me giggle when I've had a bad day
cookie dough
Zachary's love for his dad
Fresh flowers
watching Avery twirl her hair
after a crazy Sunday morning, the calm feeling of being in church
crushed ice at Kum-n-Go
rountines
BBQ's
birthday parties
going out to dinner
having our parents in town, staying at our home
The miracles that are Zachary and Ellie & the peaceful joy of Avery
Jeff's sensitive heart and love to me
wasting time on this blog...and on that note, I've off to the grogery store and drycleaners.