Monday, March 16, 2009

Where have we been?

The short version-lots of appointments, but things are good.

The long version-keep reading to get all the details of the past week

Oh, how I've missed my blogging! It seems every week is busy, but last week was insane! We were home on Monday, trying to get things done around the house, but everything took much longer than planned. Jared and Stephanie came out for dinner, which was really nice as we hadn't seen them in awhile. It was so good to catch up. Then the chaos began! 

Tuesday morning we took MJ to preschool then went to the elementary school for Emma's transition meeting. We met the speech therapist for the school district (who happened to go to school with Emma's present therapist and also attends our church-small world). We also met the preschool teachers and discussed Emma's therapy. Her ST would do another evaluation and she would have a complete developmental eval to determine if she qualified to attend preschool through the school district. Then, we set up another meeting for April to finalize goals/plans. We went into the classroom and discussed their format. The program is very language rich and I think she will benefit greatly from attending. After that meeting E, J and I headed to Boise to see a pediatric eye doctor. A few weeks ago I noticed a light colored spot in Jayten's pupil. The pediatrician looked at it and made a referral as she wasn't quite sure what it was. Fortunately, it looks as if it's a fibrous membrane from the iris and is nothing serious. Not a cataract as was first expected. We go back in six months for another check. She said he seems to be tracking normally and responded to the tests she did. At some point it could affect his vision and cause a lazy eye, but that condition is treatable. We are thankful it is nothing more serious. MJ was able to have a playdate with a friend after school, so she enjoyed that.

Wednesday morning we ran MJ to school, then came back home briefly. We picked her up and headed to hair appointments for all us girls. Then, we went to Walmart for dry goods, then to ballet for dance class photos. 

Thursday morning started off with dentist appointments for MJ and I. Emma even jumped up on the chair to get her teeth counted. We have another cleaning in six months, so hopefully she'll let the dentist look at her teeth more. Her cleanings will start next year. Emma had her speech session that afternoon as we had to reschedule it from Tuesday. Her therapist did her final speech eval that day. She scored in the average range for receptive speech and below average for expressive and articulation, therefore qualifying for continued speech services. This wasn't a surprise. We expected her to continue needing therapy, but are very proud of the strides she's made. Lately, we hearing more pronounced sounds including t, f and k. She's also adding some phrasing like "can't reach, I'll wait and Jayten's awake."

On Friday morning, I had a computer guy out to update some hardware so that ate up about two hours of time. That evening, the five of us headed to Nampa. Emma got to spend the weekend with her Nana. Josh and MJ ran into a couple stores while Jayten and I stayed in the van. Then, we all went into Target then made a stop at Sonic for some dinner. MJ really appreciated the one-on-one time with us. 

Saturday morning MJ and I played Chutes and Ladders and colored pictures. Again, she appreciated not having to compete for attention for awhile. In the afternoon I had a photo shoot, so she stayed with Josh. They got to check the cows and play a new Wii game-Nascar Kart Race. Lots of fun! 

On Sunday, MJ, J and I headed to church. I've still yet to make it there with all three of them by myself, but we'll get there! After lunch, us three loaded up again to go to a friend's open house. It was a nice afternoon. MJ and I both got time with our friends. Then, we met Katrina and picked up Emma. She had a great weekend. They went shopping and to church on Sunday. Emma remembered the nursery there and ran right in. She also greeted the Pastor's wife with a hug. I think she came back saying even more words. It's neat to hear about what she did and said while she was away. Her personality really comes out when has that one-on-one time as well.

So, from busy week to busy weekend. No appointments so far this week. Hoping for more time at home and less time in the car. I have a date with the housekeeper-oh yeah, that's me :) and my bookwork computer. I now have less than a month to update the books and get them to the accountant before tax day. Ugh!

I promise the next post will be more fun. It will have some more kiddo updates and photos!

Serious.Life Magazine

The March issue of Serious.Life Magazine is out. Go check it out. 


Prayers and praises

For the last several months we've been praying for several children who have been battling cancer and other sicknesses. We continue to pray for them and thank God for healing in others. You can link to a few of them at the bottom of our blog. There are so many people suffering in the world today, but there is also so much hope. I have found that by focusing on praying for others it as helped me appreciate so much my healthy children and all the blessings I have. I have seen people, complete strangers, from all across the world come together to pray for and support each other. So despite all the sorrow we may see, there is also much joy.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

March 3



Friday, March 6, 2009

Dale Jr. fan






Jayten watched his first Nascar race last weekend. Josh had gotten him this little Dale Jr. outfit. Hopefully Jr. will have better luck these next races; the year isn't starting off so well. But Jayten still looked cute! 


Recipes

The other night I made a great potato soup and it was so simple. I made it up! Hopefully, your adventurous enough to follow along and attempt it yourself. I don't really think you can mess it up. 

Easy Potato Soup
1 bag of shredded hashbrown potatoes
1 can of chicken broth plus 1 cup of water with chicken boullion (or you could use 2 cans broth)
1/2 cup chopped onion
8 oz. fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
Velvetta cheese (this is the real scientific part, I just put in about a 1-inch slice from a large block. I didn't want it to be too cheesy.)
Diced ham (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

I put the frozen hashbrowns and onion in a large pot and added the chicken broth. Once it was heated through, I added the rest of the ingredients and continued to heat and mixed throughly. Added salt and pepper to taste. 

Peanut Butter Cake Bars (Can't take credit for this. It's from the Simple & Delicious magazine my mom got for me. And I followed the whole recipe! Quick, easy and yummy. They also made a lot. I had enough batter to put it in a 9X13 and a 8X8 pan, and the brownies were still at least an inch thick.)

2/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 pkg. chocolate chips

In large bowl, cream butter, PB and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine, flour, baking powder and salt in another bowl. Add gradually to sugar mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread into 9X13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Let cool on rack. Cut into bars. Makes 2 dozen. Depending on how thick you want them, you could also spread them in a jelly-roll (15X18 pan). Enjoy!