Easter Egg-Stravaganza!

When I told Ethan we were invited to an egg hunt for children with autism and their families, he replied, "That is going to be the worst egg hunt ever!"  After laughing and agreeing, I did wonder what it would look like.  It was pretty fun, though.  The organizers had some great ideas.  For one, they included sensory bins with eggs in them.  For children who may not understand the idea of a hunt, they could sit at a table and rifle through Easter grass.  Bubba tried it out and found probably every chocolate in the bin in like seven seconds.  They also had a couple of bunnies the kids could pet and a whole bunch of people blowing bubbles for the kids to play in. 

The most heart-warming part of the event for me was watching the brothers and sisters helping their autistic siblings.  For our kids it has burden but a much greater blessing to help Bubba.  His big sisters remind him to put his clothes on, flush the toilet, clear the table, shut the door, etc, etc, etc.  They cheer him on when he finishes a puzzle or colors a picture.   And someday his baby sister will probably do the same for him. 

Something I hadn't counted on; while watching the kids playing on the slides I talked with another mom for a bit.  We were pointing out our kids and as I motioned to Bubba, who was squealing and  wearing this doll beanie he occasionally likes to shove on his head, I felt as if I was seeing my son for the first time as an autistic child.  Not as my baby boy, but as a child with autism.  It was almost like an out-of-body experience.  I think that probably happens to all parents of special needs kids at some point.  I just stared at him for a minute and saw how joyful he was.  He didn't look anything like a "typical" kiddo, but he was clearly having the time of his life!

So Saturday did NOT end up being "the worst egg hunt ever".  It was, instead, enlightening.

Happy Heart Day!

In honor of Valentine's day, I have some special pictures to show you.

This was our latest science project; taking a peek at the heart of a sheep!  Yay.  As you can see, the girls are overjoyed.  :)  I was in my element, showing where the different parts were located, as the girls were making gagging sounds.  Perhaps second and third grade is a little young?  But no matter, we're studying anatomy this year so they better get used to it!

And now for a more traditional Valentine's picture:

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Super Pop!

I know.  Lame.

But, I personally thought our little superman lollipops were adorable.  The tag reads "Have a SUPER Valentine's Day!"  Thank you very much, Pinterest.  You're the best.

Hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day!

Special People of the Day

Today I want to write about two gals that I love:  my friend "T" and my sister-in-law, Melissa. 

I'll start with T.  We very randomly became friends over five years ago when she and her family were put into our small group.  I remember meeting them and wondering if we'd have anything in common besides our kids.  Turns out we do!  T. could easily have been raised in the same household as me.  We are both frugal and not really "material girls".  She is easily the top friend I confide in and thankfully still calls me a friend after knowing all my faults!  :)  Her friendship is a gift.

Now on to my sister Melissa.  I wish I could know her better; she doesn't live near us.  But I've always kind of been in awe of her.  She seems to succeed in everything she tries.   She has always been so encouraging to me and I love how much she loves my sweet babies.  Someday we must take a vacation to see her and the rest of the fam!

Happy Birthday Calico!

Our precious baby has turned two and I want to record a little of what she has been up to for her birthday.

It's traditional for Ethan's parents to take our kiddos to Build-A-Bear on their birthdays.  This was her first time.  She chose the penguin from Happy Feet and named it "Flop". 

This morning she had an entire fake conversation with Grandma (my mom) on her cell phone.  It ended with "I luff you too.  See ya 'morrow!"  For the record, we could probably get rid of all her toys as long as we let her keep her cell phones.  She has four.

She wanted to brush my hair before her naptime.  This was a first.  She complemented me on my barrette, saying how "pity" it was.  While brushing my hair, she kept leaning over my shoulder and asking "Are you byoo-fow, Mommy?  Are you byoo-fow?"

Why do they have to grow up so fast?!

Special Person of the Day

I knew I'd get behind on this. 
Didn't think it'd happen two weeks after I started it.  ;)

Well.  A special little girl turned NINE last week and this is for her. 

This is the girl that makes my bed and cleans the kitchen without being asked.  She made beautiful earrings for me with beads and paperclips for Christmas this year.  She loves to toss the football with her daddy and go to the library with me.  If Ethan and I had tried to dream up the perfect big sister for our other kids, we wouldn't have been able to imagine such a great girl.  Love you lots, Spunky!

(hanging with her baby sis!)

New Artwork

I don't know why I just don't paint all of the time.  I mean, it makes me happy and sometimes people buy the completed projects, so why not?  But I think all creative people get in a rut once in a while, right? 

Anyhow, some of the latest projects.  I would love to have more scripture around my home, so I decided to start putting it into the paintings.  This one is for sale, but in the meantime it's fun to have on the wall!

The following picture is for a VERY special upcoming project.  Little Miss Spunky is turning nine years old this Wednesday and she's getting a big surprise.  Her baby sister is almost two, so we're going to redecorate the baby's room and give it to her sister!  Spunky has never had her own room and she has shown a lot of responsibility in the past year.  The best part of this is that she has no idea what's coming.  She's going to play at a friend's house Tuesday night while we scramble to move furniture, hang curtains, etc.  Her favorite colors are turquoise and lime, so that will set the tone for the rest of the room. 

She has no particular interest in peacocks, but it was different and fun.  I can't wait to post pictures of the completed room!

Christmas Gifts!

In the above pictures I am modeling this season's garage wear, a 15-year-old ski coat my hubby so graciously let me borrow to stay warm while making Christmas presents.

We basically gave the same gift to everyone in our family this year.  Ethan and I made these adorable welcome signs to put in front of the house.  And because we're brilliant, we started making them one week before Christmas.  Yep, that's right.  I learned to use a power sander and sanded at least 50 pieces of wood.  I also used a radial arm saw . . . whoo-hoo!  But I only used it once (under careful supervision), because as a person who has flooded the bathroom by leaving water running (twice), I can be a little distracted.  Power tools and distracted girls do not a happy pair make. 

What's the verdict? 

Advent Calendar 2011

The kids are super excited that it's almost December 1st, and I've decided to share our list of activities on here to help anyone who may want it.  :)  So, without further adieu . . .

1.  Go to the library to check out Christmas books.
2.  Write a letter to Santa.
3.  Play a board game as a family.
4.  Read the Christmas story from the Bible.
5.  Make ornaments with our friends.
6.  Study the names of Jesus.
7.  Make paper snowflakes.
8.  Bake bread to give to friends.
9.  Family Movie Night!  (The Santa Claus)
10.  Make Christmas cookies.
11.  Build a fort and have dinner in it.
12.  Deliver cookies to the hospital and daddy's work.
13.  Learn about the real St. Nicholas.
14.  Create a nativity together from scraps and craft supplies.
15.  Go to the dollar store for the kids to buy gifts.
16.  Family Movie Night.  (It's a Wonderful Life)
17.  Go out to look at Christmas lights.
18.  Make a Gingerbread House.
19.  Playdate with friends.
20.  Go caroling.
21. 
22.
23.  Fireplace/guitar/hot chocolate
24.  Nana and Grandad's house with the cousins!

We're still missing a couple of days, any suggestions?

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Even though this is a day late, I just had to share the funny St. Patrick's Day dip that Spunky made for us yesterday. She REALLY wanted to make a special snack for her sisters and brother after nap. She had absolutely no help from me because I was busy with something else. Here's her recipe:

1 part peanut butter
1 part honey
1 part applesauce
1 (large) dose of green food coloring

Serve with carrots. They all loved it!