Friday, October 26, 2007

I've had my moments.....

This week I've had my moments and I have to share this moment that Teagan and I had it was one of those oh my goodness she is 5 and I am the mommy of a 5 yr old little girl that is so smart and fun to listen too Gosh I LOVE HER!!! I picked her up from school yesterday after a scary thing happened we went on our way home ans we were chatting I asked how her day so she told me about Syrus this little boy her BOYFRIEND can you believe my little girl has a boyfriend so she goes on to tell me how they talk and sit by each other, they play on the playground together yesterday they rolled down teh hill da da da it was one of those moments that made the day ok, it made me smile, it made me so happy jsut to sit and listen to T talk and just be there with her awesome!! By the way she informed me today that she now has 3 yes 3 boyfriends lol.Can't wait to meet all 3 on Tuesday at her Halloween party. time up gotta run will share more about my moments later~

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

FOREVER

That is how long it has been since i posted on this blog. So much has been happening here in the last 6 weeks that computer time has been at the bottom of my list. We decided to try Mav on the Gluten Free Diet he is doing good on it the first couple weeks were really tough and stressful butit has been worth it we have gotten to hear so many words t's awesome!!!I am trying to get Mav his own personal aid at school which has been very very stressful and overwhelming I want whats best for my lil man and he needs the one on one time but not everyone sees it that way so I have been fighting and being a pain in the ass but I got too. We have had sickness in this house too it's crazy I swear someone is sick every week ahhh. Teagan loves school and she has now mastered the art of tying her own shoes and writing her name on her own papers totally awesome so exciting!!! Avery is too funny she wants to go to "cool" (school) just like the big kids so she and i have joined Mav's class a few times she really enjoys hangin with the other kiddies. My mom has been helping me alot the lst couple weeks which is wonderful since it has been tough and stressful with all that is happening didn't really think she would be doing all that she is helping with school, listening to me cry, babysitting but she is and it just wows me. I think she is finally seeing what it is like to walk in Mandy's shoes it's not all popcorn and soap operas. Louis is doing pretty good except this morning he hit a deer with the van so now we are going to have to find him a new car I really think that van called the animals out or had a big let me hit ya sign on it or something lol. Gotta go my me time is up~

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

We went to Openhouse tonight at school it was interesting. Got to meet Teagans teacher and see her class. Your never gonna believe this the little girl that choked T last year is in her class this yeah my tummy started turning and flipping the minute I saw her. I did let T's teacher know about it and she told me not to worry T will be safe with her and that she was glad I let her know about the incident. I am a little more nervous for T now I just hope all goes well for her. Mav got to go to his class too he loves school the little dude was so happy there and didn't want to leave we had a little meltdown and stares but hey it's life it happens and we get through it just when it happens you (the momma)feel every single eye on you and you feel as if you are the smallest person in the room only about an inch tall.
Do you ever feel like you are failing?This is something I deal with I especially feel like it when I am around certain people and they compare how they are and how I am and my fam are. Not gonna name anyone in particular but after tonight I was all nerved and upset second guessing myself am I really doing all that I can? am i doing the right thing? what if? am I failing? (*note to me I need to scrap this feeling*)
Tomorrow is Mav's first day of school it's a little nerve racking not as bad as last year but still nere racking. I think things will be fine he is in good hands! Teagan starts on Thursday and goes all day it's going to be a really big change for her but I think she will like it once she makes some friends her own age that she will see often she loves people esp nice ones :) Will share First Day pics tomorrow and Thursday. gonna try to get some sleep sorry for the babble if you read all this thanks so much and really I'm not crazy I'm just a momma lol.
Toodles~

Friday, August 31, 2007

Happy Anniversary Louis


Love you!!Louis and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary yesterday. I guess I can't really call it celebrating since he is still sick poor guy can't even eat he's on a sprite diet for now. He did suprise me with these beautiful roses it made me cry even when he feels like poop he still remembers his love for me. The kiddies and I celebrated with pizza and get this Mav brought me a cake mix yesterday and wanted to make it so we (mav,Teagan, and i) whipped it up right before daddy got home. Mav was all smiles and as soon as the cake was out of the oven had to have his share lol such a cool kid!
Not much planned for the weekend gonna chill with the fam. HOpe you have a wonderful holiday weekend! toodles~

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

one more week

That is all the summer vacation we have left. man time has flew by. Kids are getting excited about school at least I know Teagan is Mav will be next Wed when he knows what is happening again. I am both happy and nervous about the starting of school. Happy because I will get a few hours 2 days a week to myself and Avery which will be nice a little down time not on my toes lol. I am very nervous about Teagan going all day not sure how she'll do hopefully she will find some friends and love school. Also nervous about Mav going back, he has had change this summer which is a good thing but with change come some bad things too like the loss of old words and now I think his hearing is getting more sensative because he has these screeching episodes and I worry about how those will be at school. So Khristine if your reading this before i am able to talk with you be prepared for a mommas little cry fest when we chat about Mav. I just worry so much about my babies which is good but bad too I have been thinking about all this for over a month now and it has really gotten to me my belly gets all upset and the tears come the nerves go nut and I shake yikes I think i am fallin apart lol. ok on to other stuff...
Louis has been sick the last few days I mean sick he is ralphin and the whole nine yards poor guy I have never in the 8 yrs that we have been together saw him this sick. He still gets up everyday to go to work too. No one else in the house is sick thank goodness hopefully he will be all well soon!
Was able to scrap a bunch the other day which made me so happy! Got some things done for myself and some other projects for others too.
Today I think the kiddies and I are going to go to the park and have some fun! We went to Gma and Gpa's house yesterday it was nice getting out. Gma cut Mavs hair too since that is a difficult task for me to do by myself and he adores Gma so it was a little easier to do it there.not much else just going to enjoy the time we have! have a great one toodles~

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Not much happening around here jsut chillin with the fam and spending lots of time with the kiddies before school starts. We went school shopping this weekend was fun. Have a few more things to get and the kids will be set till they need winter items. Good moods good times good things happenin here! Toodles~

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Fun time



We had a pretty good weekend just the 2 of us can you believe it? I couldn't lol. Gma called Friday and wanted to take Mav and my mom took the girls. We already planned to have a sitter on Saturday because we had a wedding to go to. It was nice spending time with Louis I love it since we don't get much alone time just the 2 of us don't get me wrong I love my kiddies but it's nice to take a break and get reconnected with my hubby. Anyways the pic here is of Louis and I on Saturday before the wedding as you can see we got dresses up woohoo not something we do at all lol it was nice Louis looked so handsome and he gave me butterflies when he told me I was beautiful. We had a great time at the wedding it was a hot one but still lots of fun. I was a little nervous going since I would see old classmates and wasn't sure how they were going to act toward me but it was great I saw lots of friends mostly guys got to talk and hang out.It was crazy I kinda stepped out of my shell and got jiggy on the dance floor with the bride and one of the ex star basketball players from school I still can't believe I did that but it was fun and Louis said I looked pretty good everyone had a smile and was enjoying it lol. Louis and I danced which we never do so it made my heart flutter. Love him! I couldn't believe it I actually drank beer too I can't stand the taste but man when its over a hundred degrees and that stuff is ice cold it tastes pretty darn good! OH fun times for sure!! We got invited to another wedding in Sept hopefully it won't be as hot woo never forget the heat on August 11, 2007 that is for sure! Congratulations Christy & Justin!

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Have a minute?

Have a minute go sign up for the Making Memories newsletter here MM Newsletter when you get to the box that asks who referred you please put Mandy Koeppen. Even if your not a scrapbooker sign up Louis my hubby did. I think they send the newsletter once a month its really neat, gives you some great ideas and shows all the new MM product which is fab!

Going to try to find a minute or a few minutes for myself to create some things today. Haven't been in a good mood in a few days but today I woke with a smiling cuddly little guy in bed with me so we cuddled awhile and started to watch toons before the girls got up which made me happy and in a better mood.Today the girls seem to be in better moods too which is a very good thing. So heres to a good day Hope you all have a good one too!
toodles~

Getting closer to school time and I am getting scared and nervous again will share more on that later~

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Some of my fav Summer shots


Mav, Jess, Avery, and Teagan bahaing at Mamaws house.

Jess and Teagan catching crawdads at the river

A momma's view

Mav relaxing trying to catch a ride on the current.

Mav and Piggy

Loev this pic was able to get it while riding the mini train at the fair just me and my guy.

Ridem cowgirl. Teagan just had to ride the mechanical bull at the fair.

Love her smile she was all about the rides at the fair.

Thanks to Pampa Mav and I got to ride the mini train at the fair. It was awesome this guy was full of smiles! Love this time that we shared together!

Loved this riding on the Merry Go Round with A.

Monday, August 06, 2007

Happnins here

This weekend we went school shopping. We got good bargains at Old Navy not only did we find alot on clearence but when I got there the girl told me that they had a 20% off sale they give you a bag you fill it and of course I stretched and filled lol anyways you fill it up and what's in there takes 20% off the price even sale stuff. I was pretty darn happy. We also hit Steve and Barry's T got some pants and Louis got shoes plus he had to get a "my sister is the brat" shirt for Avery. We also got some school supplies which was good but what happened while at the check out sucked! WARNING for all of you that think Mandy is sweet here is the not so nice side. I very strongly dislike stupid people especial those stupid people that treat my son like shit. Nop only does Mav wear the I have Autism button on him when in public I also put an Autism ribbon necklace around him attach the button to it so people would see why he was acting the way he was. Getting to the stupid people story now.We are at the check out and Mav is in the cart Louis took the girls to the car and was going to pick Mav and I up at the door, so we puts all the stuff up there to check out and Mav flips out sceaming and crying and of course we have to have one of the stupidest bitchy lady checkout person there is she gets all huffy with me and in a nasty voice says" What does he want?" He wants his CARS crayons I tell her she gives them to him and he didn't stop cause she had scooped all our stuff up close and under the pile was his CARS markers he wanted them too. SO she says it again in a naty tone what does he want as I am trying to settle him down and comfort him as she takes her sweet ass time checking us out So I tell her he wants his markers and then he is fine he just needed his stuff ya know. I just wanted to reach out and slap the lady hello he has the frickin button and ribbon right there that gives you a clue "I'm not misbehaving I have Autism please understand." Read the damn button people! Instead of getting shitty and impatient just smile or turn away don't stare or make it worse for kids and the mom that is doing everything she can to make it a better situation for the child and all around.Please understand and be nice.So after that I went out of the store ranting and raving and poor Louis got his head bit off because of stupid people and what does he have to say "well say something to the people you know this world is filled with them!" I do say something but people should se ethe button too.Back to the Happnins..
Sunday we decided to get Teagan a bed since we have been saying yes we'll get you a bunk bed and then you have to sleep in your own room not in Mav's or on the couch like she likes too. We got her a new pine bunk bed and some pretty bedding for both top and bottom. Of course bargain shopper Mandy looked for the stuff that was on sale in the ad this week but guess what I got an even better deal then the ad we went down the clearence isle and you'll never believe this I got 2 $90 Martha Stewart bedding sets with the whole nine yards, shams, pillow covers, sheets, blanket, skirt etc for get this $12 yes you read right $12. I was floored myself it took a bit of talking for Teagan to get these since she wanted the other bedding that was in the cart first but we ended up with these beautiful sets and the look gorgeous on the bed. She loves her new bed! I also got Mav a bedding set for $3.50 complete like the other ones.We got the beds here in town and wouldn't you know with the luck we have the girl brings up one mattress for a bunk bed I was like what the hell a bunk bed with one mattresses?So we set off on a wild goose chase for mattress yesterday afternoon we had to go to 5 different stores before we ended up with 2 of the same mattresses. All the kids love the bunk beds so it's been fun watching them play in there. What a weekend it has been lol.
What else? I haven't been feeling so hot lately I think that I am going through one of those hormonal changes or something it sucks. Kind personal so if you don't want to hear just click away form the page now lol . Aunt flow droped in for a visit this weekend.I have been having aunt flow (PMS) visit only every 6 weeks to 3 months which most people are like oh wow you are so lucky but no no no no luck with my system it means something is wrong and Man it hurts like hell when flow finally shows her ugly face. I have had so many probs with female stuff that it scares me but I kinda tough it out since I hate going to the DR and the last time I told her about it she told me it's ok if you start going once every 4 months then call me. Anyways it sucks it kicks my big butt and if you know me there is alot of butt to be kicking lol.
Wow crazy I usually don't get too personal on here hmm must need to vent. Oh also got to talk on the phone with mY friend Michelle on Friday it was so nice to hear her voice again I have missed her so much it's been a couple years since we talked.Luv her!
OH OH Teagan just had to go to the beauty parlor this weekend she insisted that she have a hair cut so I got to take her Saturday after the whole stupid people thing happened and she brightened my day made me laugh and smile watching her get beautified. She got her hair layered and trimmed it was cute but she had to sit straight forever which for a 4 yr old girl isn't fun. When the trimming was done the girl asked if she wanted it styled T looked at me like what so I told her did she want her hair all curled up and beautified like MOms was a few weeks ago? Well of course she wanted the whole beauty parlor experience and I am glad she did the girl curled it up and it was so cute T felt like a princess and it was awesome to see her feelin special. She had to hear it from dad how beautiful she was he is the one that she knows always tells her the way it really is and he told her she was BEAUTIFUL!! Love my family!!!
toodles yapped long enough~

Friday, August 03, 2007

The Goat Herders





These guys are so funny! Not the best pics but they make me laugh everytime I look at them. The big white goat is Molly the mama, the little white goat is Belle, and the brown one is Lucy.

July creations for YSS.com







The July YSS kit features Basic Grey papers and some really awesome and exclusive to YSS embellishments.

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

words words words and more words

Avery, Mav and Teagan too all have new words and sayings which is totally cool. It's so funny to hear these words coming out of my babies they are getting so big where does the time go? Avery has been gainin alot of words like stop, juice, mine, NO, Hey baby, yuck, poopy and lots more she so funny cause she has all these little gestures and faces she makes with each word. Mav this guy is totally cool and he knows it he says I coo which is "I'm cool!" with him its so exciting but a little part of my mind thinks ok now which word is he going to loose because everytime he gains a word another is lost so glad I got "I wuv you" recorded because we haven't heard it only a couple times since the first time. And MIss Teagan she has been full of words since the minute she knew she could talk but man that girl comes up with some of the darndest stuff I swear and of course she tells everyone everyon elses biz lol so if you need to keep a secret my advise is not to tell T. I think alot of the words and changes I am able to see right now are because mom has been here for a week and a half camping helping out, and letting me sit to think and observe a little more then what I normally get too.
GUess what..... we have added to the funny farm again lol we now have 3 pygmy goats. Belle, Lucy, and Molly are loads of fun the kids love them and boy its a sight to watch my goat herders. will put pics on tomorrow. We got the goats after going to the fair and seeing how much the kids loved them. They make great pets and are so friendly. Mav loved on particular pig at the fair too so we are thinking about getting him a potbelly piggy. Mav seems to like the animals that are different you know the ones everyone else looks at and says " man that is ugly" or they sigh and walk past to the cuter ones. There is something about Mav that animals really get to they react different to him like he understands them and they him. The girls are total animal freaks if we were millionares we have loads of property filled with animals but for now we have almost 4 acres with 3 dogs, 2 ponies, a cat, 3 goats, a hamster, and a couple fish.
I have decided to post a little fact every once in awhile about me that most may not know so here is the first which is related to the animal topic above.
I was kicked in the head by a horse when I was 9 yrs old. I had to have emergency surgery to pull my skull out of my brain and to remove air and water on the brain. One of my near death experiances.It didn't stop me from getting back in the saddle though I love horses to this day! I still have the scar on my forhead most think its a vain but it's not, it doesn't bother me much anymore it's there and reminds me what happened and makes me think how precious life is and how in an instant it can be taken.
Well this is long so I will wait till tomorrow to yap some more got so much spinning in my brain lol. Toodles

Just wanted to say "HI" to Chell if your reading this so glad we are in contact again I miss ya!!!!

Monday, July 23, 2007

It's been awhile

I'm still here just lots has happened for the Koeppens in the last month. Trying to get back into our routine again. I will be able to post regularly now too. For those of you checking in for a Mav update sorry its been so long but here is some info on the mav man. Mav is using words and its so funny to hear them coming out of him like they have been even if we only hear the word one time we get so excited. My mom has him saying eddy, et, go and running around giggling too cute!No is a big word and one of his favs. He is counting to 10 and has made it to G in the alphabet.he has learned some signs not that he uses them but he has tried a few on his own. Food issues with Mav are not getting better but I did find something that he likes Cherries the real Michigan picked cherries who'da thought that? not me! He tried watermelon but he only sucks the juice and spits the mushy stuff out but at least he tried it.Still tryign to learn all that I am even trying to learn sign language who would have thought so many things could be said with 2 hands it's got my brain spinning. Teagan and I watch a TV program that is sign language for kids so she is getting in on the learning and teaching wagon too. It's crazy how much she has matured this summer it's like she is understanding Autism and that Mav is different and she is there for him protecting, teaching, and big sistering which brings tears to my eyes she even is asking questions about Autism and conversating about it and Mav. Avery and Mav are learning there words together. She is starting to say juice which is helping Mav to use "jaja"or "juice" to get his own too. hmm what else will have to think about it more and get back on here to post. Again sorry its been so long. toodles~

Thursday, June 21, 2007

My date with Mav

Yesterday was my date with Mav. We went to see THomas and Friends Live on stage at Devos Hall in Grand Rapids. OMG it was an awesome experience! I seriously had butterflies like you do when you go out on your first date not sure if it was the nerves about going or if it was excitement that I was the one getting to do this with Mav. He was happy on the ride there but fell asleep on the expressway so when we parked momma had to wake him up and he wasn't too happy so I was like oh crap what am I gonna do. I lost his Autism button (which louis found in the drive when he got home) I kinda panicked cause that thing explains his little quirks and people don't look and judge you so bad knowing that he isn't just misbehaving he has Autism but I didn't have it so now what am I gonna do? Tell who I need to tell if I need to tell anyone. We had to ride the elevator which scared the crap out of him so he was clingy then we got to the opening where you could see the concession/vendor stand with Thomas galore and we headed there oh I wish you all could have saw it my little dude lit up and had a smile from ear to ear it was such a mommy moment for me. He got a bag full of goodies who could say no to that smiling little dude not this momma. He got this wand with a Thomas on the end that glows he loved that had to carry it with him. We had to wait for a few minutes before they would let us go to our seats but he did good, the wand helped kept him occupied. Then we got to our seats which were perfect for us aisle seats the last 2 so if we needed to get up no disturbing anyone else. He sat there and took it all in it was great watching him.The show was suppose to start at 4 but didn't start till about 20 minutes after four so that 20 minutes was a little yikes factor we had to get up and walk because Mav has a mini meltdown nothing bad jsut needed not to sit.So we walked over by these windows which he loved he could observe all the people without them observing him. SO the show fianlly started and this is my OMG moment my little dude was so happy and excited that the tears started flowing for momma sounds corny I know but after all we been through experiencing this with him was wow so hard to come up with the words to describe it just wow. I did have to explain to the ushers and the lady sitting next to use that mav has Autism and that we didn't mean to bother them but we had to do what we had to do to keep him from having a melt down and the usher thought we needed to sit in our seats but after explaing they understood and heck I paid good money for those seats wasn't bothering anyone I was gonna get up if I wanted to.Mav sat on my lap and in his seat for the whole show he figited and moved but was nothing compared to what I thought would happen I was prepared to leave 30 minutes into the show. He was so happy I loved it!!! He wasn't much for the singing and dancing but when "Thom" as Mav calls him came out on stage all eyes were on him. The trains were really cool! When the show was over he didn't want to leave and that is when we had a meltdown that wasn't too much fun but we got through it and headed to the vendors again just to make sure we got stuff for the girls and a couple more things for Mav for doing so good. The only upsetting or bad thing about going yesterday is you couldn't take any pics during the show or of the trains if you did you had probs with security and since we were on the aisle and the Sguard was right there I didn't dare try to sneak photos . Its ok I have the memories in my mind and it was awesome.Louis really wished he could go and I could tell that he was a little upset that he didn't get to experience this awesome moment with Mav. I was telling him alll about it lastnight and you could see it in his eyes he was so happy and proud yet upset wishing he was there with us. He loved the pics I did take and he could tell by the smile on Mav's face that he enjoyed it and had a great time. Hopefully next time daddy will be able to go with us.We went to piuck the girls up last night but only came home with one child Avery lol the 2 big kids stayed with Gpa and Gma lastnight and of course the Dude always uses words around Gma he tells her lastnight "Go Gramma" I love that he is so like me when it comes to the relationship with Gma and she adores that little dude. Oh He got another mohawk too and he is a total DUDe now he rubs it and love it all spiked up too cute!!OK enough for now will catch up more later. Here are some pics from yesterday not the greatest but the best I could get Devos Performance Hall is a hard to get good pics I think.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

oops the pictures I had posted of the layouts and altered projects aren't working will try to post them again later this week.

Friday, June 08, 2007

A few pics from Yesterday








Teagan and I had a miniday together just us 2. We had lunch, went to the parks, and did a little cheap shopping. It was nice and she really enjoyed it. Going to try to do this with all the kids a few hours of one on one with mom. Trying to work out a schedule to do the one on one and the me time thing also trying to work in a date night once a month for Louis and I. Chaos but hoping I can get it all worked in here and there. I am really trying sometimes I feel like if i were being graded I woud get that big fat F but like I said I am trying and it's life it's not perfect.Today is another fun day just Mav, Avery and I. T went to Gma's and Gpa's house lastnight to spend the night. I am going to take Mav to see my dad here in a bit and take A to Nana's (my mom)then maybe chill for a little bit. Hope to scrap tonight but not sure what Louis has planned. Going to have a good day!! Happy Friday to all! Toodles~

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Some Mav stuff




Decided that it was time to give an update on Mav and what is happening with him. I know some of you are looking on here thinking she told us to check here to see what this little man is doing and she hasn't put a darn thing on here lately. SO here goes

Words yes words:
"Thom"-Thomas
"Ni Ni"- night night during nap time
"Bye I yuv You" said this to pampa after the soccer practice. He thought no one heard him but guess what momma slammed on the brakes and was jumping for joy screaming did you hear that did ya?
"Ello"-Hello too cute
"Sowee" Sorry
"eddy GO" when he goes on the slipnslide
He is still humming the Bob the Builder song since we watch the movie over and over it's cute I need to record it too.
lots of jibber I think he is very frustrated in his own little world right now which really sucks.

THings we have been doing
SlipNSlide oh man this is a big hit with him and it is working both with words and Sensory stuff.
The pool loves his water sometimes a good thing sometimes not so good
Tampoline again words and physical stuff he loves to jump jump jump
Grams got him a Thomas puzzle that he loves he has been putting it together a few times a day everyday.
We have been listening to the music that was played during music time at school and he's really not liking it but we are doing it and I think by the end of summer he'll like it again.
Coloring he got a new Shrek coloring book for the D Store loves his Shrek
Eating popsicle oh he is loving these which is cool since he usually doesn't like cold stuff.
Went to the park a couple times this was fun since he loves taking a dip in the foutain.
Some HIghlights so far have been going to work with Pampa the little dude loved getting to be with Pampa. It was too cute when I left he came running after the van like they do in the movies just to get one last kiss and hug from momma loved that ugged at my heart.The sliNslide for sure is a hit.Mav got to go to the movie theatre for the first this past Sunday with the week that we had we all needed to get out of the house and have some fun so the girls went with Nanna and Mav, momma, daddy, and Jess went to see Shrek the Third. Mav has been kind off and we had a really bad storm this weekend so I didn't really know what to expect but to tell the truth for a little man that has Autism in a loud, dark movie theatre with lots of people he did good. We had to get up a few times and he was a little squirmy but did good. He did fall asleep during the last half hour which to me was the best part of the movie.
2 Weeks from tonight we will be sitting watching Thomas on stage and I can't wait to see him when we get there he is going to have a blast jsut him and I.
Here are a couple pictures of the Mav man.
Toodles~

Friday, June 01, 2007

Not so good

I'm not going to be online for awhile, Some things happened here this week that I am having a very hard time dealing with. Why do things have to happen the way they do?

Thursday, May 24, 2007

It's been a week since my last post wow hard to believe. We have been playing outside alot lately which is so much fun. Grams and gramps surprised us last Sunday with a new trampoline w/ a enclosure thing so the kiddies are safe. The kids love that thing Mav is using his words while jumping too which is totally cool he says "I jump?" Heck ya you jump little man. He giggle and jumps then bounces to a lay down position too cute. Teagan has so many stories now from jumping on the trampoline I broke this while I jumped or I jumped so high I ... well you get the picture a 4 yr old full of stories lol. A just doesn't know about that thing yet. My big kid Louis aka hubby loves it too mav and dad have a blast on it.
This is Mav's last week of school he gets out for the summer tomorrow which is cool but hard since I'm not sure how the summer will go being that his routine will be different and he won't get his daily dose of Khristine and Marilyn but hopefully we will see them during the summer. We are going to make some play dates with Maddie his little girly friend from school he really does like her and she likes him too he is her "Mabick" she is too cute! Also going to try to get lots of fun activities in for him and T this summer since they both need it. Avery and I got to stay with him at school today which was fun took some pictures of his friends so he has the pics to look at this summer. A had lots of fun hanging out with the other kids too.
Teagan is visiting with Gramps and Grams for a few days which is always tons of fun.She will have lots of stories when she gets home for sure. I need to get grams and gramps a digi camera and show them how to work so that they can take pics while the kids are down there they always have fun and I wish I could see all the things that they do while they are there hmm will have to talk with Louis about getting the camera. Mav is going on his Adventure with Gma and Gpa this next week he loves their bed its comfy and shrek is always in the dvd player.
Not much planned for the holiday weekend just staying around home think. Oh we are putting up the pool. Well Mav is ready to go outside so I guess that is my cue to get off here will post more later if I can~Toodles

Friday, May 18, 2007

Quick post

Well the sickness hit this house again or maybe I should say hit poor Mav again ugh. He only was able to go to school one day this week but hopefully will be all better now and will return on Monday. Everyone else is fine so I think it might be something with his system seems like we go through this whole intestinal thing every few months him. I have read that kids with Autism can have probs with this which is no suprise since Mav has some weird eating habits. It will get better I know it will.
T goes for more testing today so mom is babysitting Mav and A which should be fun lol and I will get a minute to think ans a little peace while waiting for T to get done.
It's finally pay day for Louis again so tomorrow is a big shopping trip for Mandy woohoo.
Toodles~

Monday, May 14, 2007

oh more to share...

We went to a Garage Sale after school got out on Friday and Mav got a Bob the Builder matching game the cool part was when we got back to the car he started singing in his own little way the Bob the Builder theme song it was awesoem wish I had a recorder but I have it recorded in my head too cute made big smiles that day!
Oh yes I have to also add that we ordered the tickets for Mav and I to go see THomas and Friends LIve at Devoss Hall on June 2oth this should be fun he has been looking at the flyer for it for months now and I know he is goign to be blown away when he sees Thomas on that stage. Oh I am geeked about this one! I am on the look out for some girlie stage show now so I can take the girls I made a deal with T that is she would stay with Mammaw while I took M to Thomas that I would make a Girls day out and go see a Barbie or princess thing with her and A.
I have to tell you about Teagan this girl makes me laugh with some of the things she has been doing lately she is funny. She has been telling me mom remember when I was a little girl?.... Mom you know I am older now there are so many things I can do now... Um no she is still a little girl but I go with it and listen its cute. She has also been singing alot and making her own songs up kinda funny since I use to do that when I was a kid love hearing them. SHe has been very helpful with Mav too I think she is seeing and understanding that he is different and needs the help (and mom needs help with mav too at times) which is totally awesome she is an amazing child and I love her so much she is really maturefor her age(most of the time).
Ok now I need to get off here will share more tomorrow. toodles again lol.....

Adventures

are such a cool thing! Seems like my family has had alot of adventures lately and they have been fun. The kids love the word adventure too! SO many adventures though mean less time on the computer which is ok too! I love the fresh air and spendin glots of time outside with the kiddies we are having fun and are very Happy (there is that word again)!
Some Adventures from teh last couple weeks include:
A trip to Toys R Us just me and the 3 kids that was a kinda wild adventure but fun we found lots of stuff that we are going back for this weekend after daddy gets paid.
Garage Saling oh man we love this so much fun ones trash is anothers treasure and we have found our fair share of treasures lately ie. puzzles, a laptop computer, and a few odd and ends.
A big adventure in the big backyard loves these adventures so many things out there critters, toys, fresh air and so many photo opts that I have had with the kids and DH.
A trip to Goodwill love this place again ones trash is anothers treasure and woowee did we hit the jackpot this last week. Mav got 2 THomas shirts and was so happy love those happy moments. I found some goodies for my scrapspace oh gotta tell abotu this cool spice rack things that I am going to use for embellies will have to take a pic but it reminds me of the new KI experiment looking tubes. FUn Fun!
One of the biggest adventures and the girls would say the best of all would be mom coming out with her camper to camp this past week. The 2 girls adore Mammaw and she adore them too! THey camped and did lots of fun things right in the front yard lol.
Not so fun was our pony geting out and DH chasing him down the road ugh I am getting so sick of that pony but the kids love him so I am giving one more chance to clean up his act.
Hmm what else I know there is alot but can't remember.well this is enough to read lol so will try to be back tomorrow with more interesting things to entertain you with. Toodles

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

WOW


that is all I can say this little man amazes me. I heard 3 words that I have been wanting to hear for so long but wasn't sure I would ever hear for the first time lastnight. Mav told me "I YUV YOU" It was awesome I have tears in my eyes and goosebumps on all over just typing this. I tried to video tape him but he didn't want any part of that so we videoed the wall and voice recorded him. I LOVE him so much and I am so proud!!! WOW!!

To all that are helping raise awareness about Autism all the support has been Awesome and I thank you so very much!!!

Friday, April 27, 2007

Happy Day continued....

Well I delivered the Happy Meal and can I tell you that it was the best $3 and sum cents I have spent! I can't tell you how happy it made that little guy and how it moved me to see him so happy and feeling so special it was awesome I am lost for words to describe. He was so happy and full of smiles omg awesome!! After school I took my kiddies back to McD's for their Happy Meals and decided that I needed to buy and extra one for a special little girl that is in the afternoon class I was so happy and felt so good that I knew I had to spread the love a little more and I knew she would love it just as much as he did. So the kiddies and I went to drop off the other Happy Meal and Khristine and Marilyn were suprised to see us back again and they were all smiles too. I don't know what the little girls reaction was I will hear about that on Monday but I can tell you I had a very Happy Day. I didn't know a little box could make one feel so special it was one of those moment I will never forget, it's one of those life changing moments, it's one of those moments that make you thankful, it's one of those moments that makes you want to make a difference, it's one of those moments! Make someone smile it really feels good!
Toodles~

Happy Day


That's right today is a Happy Day here! WHy? Just cause that is what I want it to be! I am wearing my green shirt today and for some reason this color makes me Happy and makes me smile. I am going to make one little boy's day today Happy too. I am going to take him am Happy Meal and make him feel special! Doing this for this little guy will make me happy because I can picture the smile he will have when he gets his Happy meal (it's not Mav I am talking about it's another special little guy). I have also told T what we are doing and she is pretty geeked about it too and asked do we get Happy Meals today too mom? Well of course it's Happy Day!I am a little geeked if you couldn't tell lol and I sound like a weirdo with this Happy Happy Happy thing but hey come on get Happy with me! So here's a challenge do something today that makes you Happy, write down 10 things that make you Happy, Take a Happy picture. Yes, Happy is my word this year I have it all around me on my desk,wrote down, in pictures, and in the head. So heres to a Happy Day!!
Toodles~

Picture of Teagan's Happy face this picture always makes me smile!

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Oops Mommy Moment...

yeah that's right I had another oops or should I say DUH Mommy moment today.When we took Mav to school I noticed the sign for Kindergarten registration but didn't think much of since I just knew T was scheduled for Friday at 8 am WRONG it was today at 8 am and we made it thank goodnesss I looked in my little back book when we got back in the car we had 3 minutes before the appt. Everything went good I asked if she cooperated since it was early for her and she has been a little not so friendly in the morning but the tester lady said she did good and was even a little chatty.After she said chatty I thought oh great what secrets did she blab this time? This child is so good at telling others all sorts of info that you really don't want your 4 yr old telling but like she says it's the truth mom well ya but you don't have to tell everything even if it is the truth. She reminds me of that girl in the movie Kindergarten cop that says"Boys have a penis and girls have a vagina." Oh the joy of children lol.
On a scrapping note I finally ordered my goodies yesterday with the gift card D and Holly got me for my Birthday. I am very excited since I ordered some fun stuff (it took me 4 days to decide lol).
I have to share I made a mini album for Mav's Teach Khristine and she loved it. I was so nerveous about the book but she was happy and so was her hubby he took it to work with him today. She gave me permission to put it on the net so I will share pics later after I get them uploaded since I travel at turtle speed it takes alot longer.
I am loving 7 Gypsies right now man that company rocks so many cool supplies to use! Also loving MME transparencies they are neato to use! Love my Daughtry cd too awesome songs and get me reved up for the day. Love seeing Louis driving his Mustang gets all those old butterfly feelings back when I see him. Love hearing words coming out of the kids Mav has a few new ones this week and so does A. love the great outdoors it's been nice and sunny so lots of Play happening here and T just loves outside and all the critters coming out.Love seeing smiles they are everywhere such a good thing!Love creating and love the reaction that my creations are getting.Love Beef Jerky man that stuff is good.Love my online buds they are some awesome girls!Love being a momma (I spell it like this cause that is how it comes out of Mav's mouth)! Love life and what I have in it!!!
Hope you are having a great week and take the time out to right down 5 things that you are really loving right now.
Toodles~

Monday, April 23, 2007

Aww look at them...


2 Beautiful healthy puppies a little boy and a little girl.Yes that is right Miss Foxy finally had her puppies on Thurday April 19th via emergency C-Section.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Autism Speaks created a music video of the Five for Fighting song, "World", which features images of autistic children and their families.

It is a truly moving video and was the work of Bill Shea.

The band is generously donating $0.49 to Autism Speaks for each time the video is viewed - the funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure.

When you have a moment, please visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along to your friends and family.

They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this goal.

What Kind of World do You Want

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Birthday Girl Me....

Yep that's right I had a Birthday today and it turned out good. I even tried to document the day by taking pics kinda like a picture journal thing anyways I got the brillant idea last night and put the camera by the bed so I could start it as soon as I got up. 5 am I heard Foxy under the bed thinking she might be having her babies I woke Louis to have him see what was going on no babies just nawing on something under there lol but I got a picture of this sleepy head lol. THen i had to get up at 7 to take Mav to school took some pics and off to school we went. We took some goodies to share with our friends in Mrs. M's class since hey it's my Birthday and I wanted to have goodies and celebrate with these awesome kids anyways guess they loved the goodies Louis said. I got some pics of the Mav man in action before the battery thing showed up on the camera and I realized I had to leave to go home so A and I could go to the DR. Got home charged the battery then off to the DR we went Louis had to pick Mav up while I was gone. Anyways A got 2 shots today nothing like taking the baby for shots on your Bday. Got home and Louis had to go do some running so we spent most of the day on the road today and man am I tired. Got home and I got a call from my buds D and Holly I have to say these 2 ladies are awesome, I love them, they are true friends they are there in the good and bad times, they listen to me cry and laugh. THey suprised me today with an awesome Bday gift and it totally made my since there has been alot of change and not so much fun happening here this really lifted me up and made me feel good. Thanks Girls!!!XOXO I also got 2 calls from my biological father today which was a complete suprise I didn'tget to talk to him since we were gone almost all day but just knowing that he took the time out to call and remembered my Birthday really ment something to me this year.T brought me home a Carebear cake today the kind with a bunch of cup cakes that surrounds a small mini cake it was too cute she was so proud of it. Louis took me to the SB store while we were out too and I got a couple stamps and some cool paper so happy! Got a pretty card from mom too she always gets the pretty ones they are almost the same sayings every year but they are still pretty. had pizza with the kiddies tonight and oh Louis cleaned the house and got me the Daughtry CD which I have wanted for awhile and I was really suprised an happy to have a clean house and some new tunes. Wow this is getting long but it was a good Bday and will try to ge tthe pics on here tomorrow gonna surf a min then off to bed. toodles~

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Rambling

Do you do it? I tend to alot lol. I was reading some earlier entries I have made an I do alot of rambling like I am now hmm imagine that. ok so sotp rambling and just post what's been happening(this is not good i sound like I am talking to myself now.

Lots of change happening here but change is good right? I guess sometimes it is.
I got to finally sit in Mav's class a couple days this week and see the Mav in action and it was so cool! I got to see him put the puzzle together and wow it was one of those moments for me. So proud!!He is too cool!
Went to Toys R Us this weekend donated to Autism Speaks and the nice cashier gave me some stickers and the buttons that the assoiciates at the store get to wear I thought that was pretty cool.
I had a little bit of an emotional thing this weekend wasn't good but at least I think it is all out of my system. I think it has something to do with my Birthday tomorrow it's a big birthday for me and I just am not feelin the love for it.Oh well it will be over tomorrow night then no thinking bout it for 365 more days.
I keep thinking about Ali being in Michigan and not being able to meet her this year but hey that's life get over it right there are things you have to wait for and this is one of them.
T is spending time with Great Gramps and Grams she got to go shopping yesterday and pulled the whole what did momma do when she was younger thing on Grams. I think it took Grams back and relive those special times her and I have had.
Grams sent up my BDay card the other day and it made me cry she put some mushy notes in it.She is one person that really thinks I am something and is proud of who I am. Love her!
Avery Ella is that a Daddys girl to the fullest. She is up his butt all the time it is kinad cute though.She is getting a bunch of teeth and gets to go to the DR tomorrow for some shots fun fun for momma.
Oh got a few more layouts done for YSS the other day they are in the gallery over there I need to add them here maybe later.
That's all for now this is getting to be a long entry lol toodles~

Saturday, April 14, 2007


Autism a word I never thought would be a part of my life but it has become a word that is said everyday , it is thought of almost every minute of the day, it is a word that sets my son a part from others, Autism a word that has forever changed our lives.

In 2005 I noticed that Mav was different he wasn’t talking what he did say was a repetitive tucka tucka sound, he played for hours alone, he had really bad tantrums over what I thought was nothing, he wasn’t responding to his name , he just wasn’t there he was off in his own little world. I thought there might be something wrong so I talked with family and friends and told them my concerns but they all passed it off as he’s a boy , boys do things and develop slower then girls. I wasn’t going to settle for an answer like that I knew deep in my mommy soul it wasn’t just being a boy it was something more. While surfing the net one night I came a cross Autism Awareness in the signature of a fellow scrapper on a message board and I also came across the word Autism on Ali Edwards blog after reading about Simon I wanted to know the signs of Autism since what Ali was writing sounded like the things Mav was doing so I searched it out on the net and there the signs were and Mav had almost all of them I cried could he really have Autism ? I vaguely remember hearing about Autism in High School when the real "Rain man" came to Hastings but Mav wasn’t like him so maybe it wasn’t Autism . I remember talking to Louis and other family members about Autism but they would have no part like I said before it was oh he’s a boy but Autism stuck with me I researched and reread again and again just so I knew what to say when it came time for his 2 year check with the DR. In November we had Mavs 2 year check everything was great he was healthy and then the DR asked if I had any concerns or questions which I usually don’t but this time I did that word Autism came out of my mouth it surprised the DR so I asked him could Mav have Autism? I went through the list I had in my head as much as I could remember of it since I was a ball of nerves that day and again I got no I don’t think it’s Autism he’s a boy and things are different with boys but since I was so concerned about it the DR wanted Mav to be evaluated. I called around to get us set up for evaluation, we were sent to see Marcy a speech therapist with the school system here. She did the evaluation and she too didn’t think it was autism but she was concerned about Mav’s speech delay so she sent us to Early On and that’s how we met Miss Dawn. We were suppose to see Miss Dawn in early DEC but since I was 8.5 months pregnant with Avery and having problems with the pregnancy we had to put it off till after she was born. In Late Jan we had our first visit with Dawn she did some evaluations on Mav and set up home visits to work on his speech and other issues. Dawn also wanted to set us up with more evaluations to determine whether it was Autism and unlike the rest she didn’t say he was just a boy and different she really knew what my concern was she understood I needed to know what was going on with Mav and she was going to help me get the answers. We were set up with a social worker Ellen from the school to do more testing related to Autism, an Occupational Therapist Jackie since Mav has a lot of sensory issues, another Speech therapist Kris, and a Psychologist Erin. All these women came to the house at the same time to do their testing and that day was one of the hardest days of my life. To have 4 complete strangers staring at you like you’re a monkey in the zoo and asking the same questions over and over again watching your sons every move and having him get so overwhelmed that he retreated to his room was a bit no a lot overwhelming for this momma. After they left I fell to my knees and cried I just didn’t know what to do or how to react to what had just happened what did they think, what were they talking about when they left, omg my house, what if they think it’s just me a bad mom and the what if's just kept running through my mind I will never forget that day. A few weeks later we had to go for more testing with Erin the psychologist Mav hated that she needed him to do things that he didn’t know how to do or just didn’t want to do so he threw himself on the floor and she gave up for that day the next week we had to go back for the same testing this time it was different she knew him a little better and got what she needed and the test was done thank goodness. Erin was the one who would determine whether Mav had Autism we had to wait a couple weeks to get the test results from Erin the wait sucked so much second guessing myself maybe I am a bad momma, maybe I did it wrong with him, maybe maybe maybe! During the couple weeks between testing and results we had another visit with Jackie the OT and we had our weekly home visits with Miss Dawn. Then wait was up in May Dawn and Erin came to the house sat with me on the sofa and explained to me the results. They told me something I had known for months now that my son Mavrick at the age of 2 became one of the 1 in 166 children (now 1in 150)to be diagnosed with Autism. On paper Mavrick is severely Autistic, in some areas he is delayed 2 years this was one of the hardest things to be told and is still hard to think and talk about. I cried my eyes out there on the sofa that day even though I knew I was going to hear those words it still was too hard our lives changed everything changed.. After being told mav has Autism I was told that he should attend school in the fall. what? He’s still a baby is all I could think and how was I going to send him to school what is he needs me and I’m not there I can’t , I won’t but I did. We had Mavs first IEP a couple weeks later where again we heard about the tests and the things that would be happening with school in the fall again I was very overwhelmed it’s hard to have 10 sets of eyes on you while hearing this again and as I sat there weeping I will never forget the words that the Ellen told Louis and I “He is still Mav Autism or no Autism he is still Mav.” I need those words and they help even on the emotional days which I still get I repeat those words and add a few to them. We had home visits weekly then twice a week during the summer with Dawn and Miss Laura these women did some great things to help both Mav and our family and we will forever be thankful for them even though at times they pushed till his breaking point and no momma wants to see it I now know why they did and I thank them!. In the fall of 2006 at the age of 2 mav started a special ed class for non school age children it was another hard day since he is still my baby but school has been great for Mav he is doing good he has made alot of progress this year.Mav has an awesome aid in class that he took too right away the first day named Marilyn he loves her I think he bonded so quickly with her not only because she is a sweet lady but because she could pass as a relative she has the look :)!He also sees Marcy twice a week and is starting to use more words which is awesome. He sees Jackie once a week and has made some good steps in his sensory stuff too. Mav loves school and I am glad that he is going, he is in good hands when he enters the door and momma isn't such a worry wart about school like she was in May of 06 lol.Things have been good with Mav he progresses and has some regression but with every regression it seems be take a giant leap forward which is worth it. He is an awesome child that I love more then words can express and I am blessed by him and his autism. You are probably thinking how can she be blessed by autism well let me tell you since Mav has been diagnosed life is now seen through a different set of eyes I don’t take the little things in life for granted anymore since those little things are what mean the most.3 of my favorite words are live, laugh, and love.Those affected by Autism will know why these are my favorite word but for those who are out there wondering why ... You need to Live- Live life to the fullest you can't dwell on the fact that your child has Autism. You need to Laugh and Smile- we do this all the time because of those little moments the smiles, the smooches,the giggles,and the Mavness. You need to Love- there is so much love in my heart for this child and the love that he gives me is amazing!
I know I am missing bits and pieces of our story but this will give you the idea of what we went through to get to where we are now and make you aware of Autism. There is no known cause or cure for Autism right now so please spread the word it’s time to solve the puzzle!!

Thursday, April 12, 2007

This One Time... HI

Hello Friends! I hope you're doing well. I've decided once again to give this whole blogging thing a go in hopes that I'll ...