Mother of Boys

Rocky Top Therapy Center

Laurie2 Comments

This semester Davis was accepted into the Rocky Top Therapy Center.  It’s an amazing program that our school district provides for kiddo’s who lack specific types of social development.  Such as improvement in the individual’s confidence and discipline while improving gross and fine motor skills, posture, balance, and coordination.

 

Davis went every Tuesday morning from 7 – 9am for nine weeks.  He picked his horse, Swifty, and every week he cleaned, fed, and took care of him.  At the ranch Davis was taught how to learn the body language of Swifty, build trust, and developed a strong bond with him.

Davis’ confidence skyrocketed thanks to this experience and the therapists were so incredible to see the specific needs of Davis and taught him how to find his “calm place” that he uses on the horse in real life experiences as well.


At the end of every session, they ended their day with “ups and downs” where they gathered in a circle and shared one high point in their life or for that day, and one low point.  This has really helped Davis to verbalize his feelings and see the great parts of life as well.


On the last day, we as a family were invited to come and meet Swifty and see Davis in action.  He was so wonderful with the horse and it was amazing at how well Swifty responded to Davis.  You could tell how well they knew each other and enjoyed each other.  It was really cool to see.

The boys loved seeing Davis work with his horse!

Dylan was completely adorable during “ups and downs”.  He said that his “up” was being able to watch Davis work and ride his horse and his “down” was that he had to wait 2 years until he could attend Rocky Top.  {{giggle}}  


I didn’t have the heart to tell Dylan that he may not be able to get in.

It was such a cold morning but seeing Davis in an environment that he was completely confident in and hearing the stories of the therapists on how much Davis has grown and learned – warmed my heart.

Mother of Boys

Trying New Things

LaurieLeave a comment

This is a very short video clip of Davis catching his first football during a game!

A while back I overheard my oldest son, Davis, say that he “would never be a sports person”.  I’ll be honest, I gasped and it made me really upset.  What really bothered me was that at 10 years old he had already decided something so profound about himself.

Naturally, I took that boy aside and we had a chat.  You see, I have raised Davis with the drive to allow him to experience the world so that when he gets older, he’ll have all the facts to decide for himself what kind of person he does or does not want to be.  I feel so passionately about this and have  sought out specific experiences to try and make them well-rounded individuals.

I’m not fully explaining myself the way I’d like to.  But raising a child with high-functioning autism – I decided when he was toddling around that he would live in OUR world and I would not allow him to slip away and live inside his own reality.

The time try out flag football was now upon us.  It’s the one sport that I’ve been dreading to make Davis try.  All of his close friends at church and Scouts play on a football team.  Davis says he is scared to play football.  {{um, I am scared for him to play too!}}

I’m at the YMCA signing Davis up for football and wondering how on earth I’m going to be able to spin this in a way he’ll accept.  {{cuz it’s all about the way you present it}}  Later that day I saw a Cowboy’s Jersey his size and I bought it!  Then when he was in a great mood, I took him aside and told him that now that he’s approaching Young Mens he’ll need to have another life experience that will help turn him into a man.  Then I presented him with the football jersey and told him that I signed him p for flag football with his best friend.

{{the boy was in shock!}}

Davis is always good for a dramatic reaction and this time was no different.  HA!  He dropped his jaw and stood there a bit of a panic.  Jason explained a few rules of flag football and gave him the confidence that he’ll do a great job.

The flag football season is now over and Davis LOVES football.  He had an excellent coach that took great care to make Davis feel important in the game.  Davis was the center and got to hike the ball at every play.  Because Davis held the ball every single time he was out on the field – he felt completely connected to his team and really tried his best.

Davis team was 6:2 and he ended up catching the ball twice!  This was more than we could hope for.  After every game Davis and I talked about how important it is to try new things and do the best we can every time.  He is no longer afraid to play football with the boys at Scouts and since this experience was so encouraging – he even wants to play next season.

{{whew!}}

I am so proud of this young man and the courage that he has to overcome the challenges that he faces.  Who knew that playing something as simple as flag football could completely change a young man’s outlook on life and now allow him to see himself as “a sports person”.  {{giggle}}

Mother of Boys

Trying New Things

Laurie3 Comments

This is a very short video clip of Davis catching his first football during a game!

A while back I overheard my oldest son, Davis, say that he “would never be a sports person”.  I’ll be honest, I gasped and it made me really upset.  What really bothered me was that at 10 years old he had already decided something so profound about himself.

Naturally, I took that boy aside and we had a chat.  You see, I have raised Davis with the drive to allow him to experience the world so that when he gets older, he’ll have all the facts to decide for himself what kind of person he does or does not want to be.  I feel so passionately about this and have  sought out specific experiences to try and make them well-rounded individuals.

I’m not fully explaining myself the way I’d like to.  But raising a child with high-functioning autism – I decided when he was toddling around that he would live in OUR world and I would not allow him to slip away and live inside his own reality.

The time try out flag football was now upon us.  It’s the one sport that I’ve been dreading to make Davis try.  All of his close friends at church and Scouts play on a football team.  Davis says he is scared to play football.  {{um, I am scared for him to play too!}}

I’m at the YMCA signing Davis up for football and wondering how on earth I’m going to be able to spin this in a way he’ll accept.  {{cuz it’s all about the way you present it}}  Later that day I saw a Cowboy’s Jersey his size and I bought it!  Then when he was in a great mood, I took him aside and told him that now that he’s approaching Young Mens he’ll need to have another life experience that will help turn him into a man.  Then I presented him with the football jersey and told him that I signed him p for flag football with his best friend.

{{the boy was in shock!}}

Davis is always good for a dramatic reaction and this time was no different.  HA!  He dropped his jaw and stood there a bit of a panic.  Jason explained a few rules of flag football and gave him the confidence that he’ll do a great job.

The flag football season is now over and Davis LOVES football.  He had an excellent coach that took great care to make Davis feel important in the game.  Davis was the center and got to hike the ball at every play.  Because Davis held the ball every single time he was out on the field – he felt completely connected to his team and really tried his best.

Davis team was 6:2 and he ended up catching the ball twice!  This was more than we could hope for.  After every game Davis and I talked about how important it is to try new things and do the best we can every time.  He is no longer afraid to play football with the boys at Scouts and since this experience was so encouraging – he even wants to play next season.

{{whew!}}

I am so proud of this young man and the courage that he has to overcome the challenges that he faces.  Who knew that playing something as simple as flag football could completely change a young man’s outlook on life and now allow him to see himself as “a sports person”.  {{giggle}}

Mother of Boys

Trying New Things

LaurieLeave a comment

This is a very short video clip of Davis catching his first football during a game!

A while back I overheard my oldest son, Davis, say that he “would never be a sports person”.  I’ll be honest, I gasped and it made me really upset.  What really bothered me was that at 10 years old he had already decided something so profound about himself.

Naturally, I took that boy aside and we had a chat.  You see, I have raised Davis with the drive to allow him to experience the world so that when he gets older, he’ll have all the facts to decide for himself what kind of person he does or does not want to be.  I feel so passionately about this and have  sought out specific experiences to try and make them well-rounded individuals.

I’m not fully explaining myself the way I’d like to.  But raising a child with high-functioning autism – I decided when he was toddling around that he would live in OUR world and I would not allow him to slip away and live inside his own reality.

The time try out flag football was now upon us.  It’s the one sport that I’ve been dreading to make Davis try.  All of his close friends at church and Scouts play on a football team.  Davis says he is scared to play football.  {{um, I am scared for him to play too!}}

I’m at the YMCA signing Davis up for football and wondering how on earth I’m going to be able to spin this in a way he’ll accept.  {{cuz it’s all about the way you present it}}  Later that day I saw a Cowboy’s Jersey his size and I bought it!  Then when he was in a great mood, I took him aside and told him that now that he’s approaching Young Mens he’ll need to have another life experience that will help turn him into a man.  Then I presented him with the football jersey and told him that I signed him p for flag football with his best friend.

{{the boy was in shock!}}

Davis is always good for a dramatic reaction and this time was no different.  HA!  He dropped his jaw and stood there a bit of a panic.  Jason explained a few rules of flag football and gave him the confidence that he’ll do a great job.

The flag football season is now over and Davis LOVES football.  He had an excellent coach that took great care to make Davis feel important in the game.  Davis was the center and got to hike the ball at every play.  Because Davis held the ball every single time he was out on the field – he felt completely connected to his team and really tried his best.

Davis team was 6:2 and he ended up catching the ball twice!  This was more than we could hope for.  After every game Davis and I talked about how important it is to try new things and do the best we can every time.  He is no longer afraid to play football with the boys at Scouts and since this experience was so encouraging – he even wants to play next season.

{{whew!}}

I am so proud of this young man and the courage that he has to overcome the challenges that he faces.  Who knew that playing something as simple as flag football could completely change a young man’s outlook on life and now allow him to see himself as “a sports person”.  {{giggle}}

Girly Girl

The Christmas Gag Gift Party

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Every year one of my fabulous friends hosts an adult only Christmas Gag Gift Party. It’s one of my favorite nights of the year!
This year the runner up for the best White Elephant gift was larger than life size stand up poster.  I’m quite sure that this is going to pop up at all kinds of places throughout the next year.  I was bummed that I didn’t get it as I had all kinds of plans for it.  {{evil laugh}}

Chanda made this hysterical vinyl lettering tile, “HOME Where The HO & ME Come Together”.  {{bwaahaa!!}}  Holy Crap that’s so funny.

This year, there’s been a long-running inside joke about the “panis”. Therefore, Lisa D made a panis reducer complete with suspenders. It was hysterical.
Urban Definition:  Medical term for fat that hangs over the waist line “like a separate entity”.

Lucky us, we ended up with the Luggable Loo and His and Her’s portable urinals.  Yep, we were stoked.  {{said sarcastically}}

I don’t have a picture of the winning gag gift because I was the lucky duck who opened it up.  There is a video of it which I’m quite sure will pop up at some point.  Yep, sadly it’s a blackmail video.
Let me set the scene:
I pick a gift and I realize it’s a little wet at the bottom which I thought was really weird.  I open up the card and it was a gift card to Red Lobster.  Cool!  I thought I hit the jackpot as I’m a practical girl and I was thinking “date night”.  At any rate, I open up the box and something MOVED inside it!
{{Scream!}}
{{Hysterical Scream!}}
I’m thinking it’s a snake and it’s going to slither out of the box!

{{More hysterical screaming and trying to find a way out of the room.}}

Mike thinks this is hillarious and brings the box to me to get a picture of me in my terrified state.
{{I’m still thinking it’s a snake – so at this point I’m starting to get MAD.}} 
Then I hear the word “lobster” and I settle down.  I look inside the box and there’s a plastic bag inside filled with water.  So the lobster was mostly covered up and when it moves, it’s movements get exaggerated by the water.  That’s why I thought it was a snake.  
{{grrrr}}
So yes, the winning gag gift was a LIVE lobster with a $25 gift card to Red Lobster.
Turns out the jokes on me.  I didn’t even end up with it when the night was through.  Dadgum It.  So all I did was fueled hysterical laughing and inside jokes at my expense for years to come. {{oh joy}}
All said and done the party was crazy fun and we had a great time!  
I hope this posts gives you some cool white elephant gift ideas – but um – leave the live animals at the store.  {{wink}}
Family Cruise Director

Thanksgiving in Hot Springs

Laurie2 Comments
 
This Thanksgiving was hands down one of the best we’ve had so far.  Now that the boys are older, traveling, bunking in a strange cabin, and being away from the Xbox is a lot easier!  The boys seem to surprise me daily as they’re growing up and becoming responsible young men.  Who knew that would actually happen?!? {{giggle}}

 
This year was just like the past two, we traveled with some of our favorite people on the planet and picked a mountainous place to celebrate Thanksgiving.   This year it was Hot Springs, Arkansas.

We’ve created our own traditions and rhythm:    Hiking, Cooking, Eating, Playing board games, Campfire, Smores, Skit Night, Turkey Bowl, 3D Movie, and a lot of laughing!

 
This year the cabin was out of this world!  It had a huge hot tub and the kiddos took full advantage.  Never-mind the 40 degree weather. {{snicker}}

 
We all went hiking, took family pictures, and had a picnic lunch.  It was 2 years ago during our hike that I ruptured a disc in my back.  Needless to say, I was a little freaked out on the walk.  I desperately tried to hide it as my boys kept asking me if I was OK and begging me not to hurt myself.  Man, I’m hoping one day to fully  heal emotionally from that experience.  
Good news is I didn’t have any problems and it was an unforgettable day.

 
Here’s our annual family picture in the mountains.

 
Thanksgiving is always a treat as I have my sister-wives to cook all the important stuff!  {{not really sister-wives of course, we were just joking about how great it would be to share the cooking every night.}}  
I was in charge of the stuffing and pies.  Dude, I get off easy every year.  This is proof that I can cook – I just hate every minute of it.  The girls are always surprised when I come with baked goods. {{bwaahaa!}}

I’m also in charge of the kids table every year.  Having my new printables site made my job uber easy!
I went all out this year with placemats, straw labels, mini root beer labels, and muffin toppers.  It was so much fun to put together!  That’s so my thang.  I will be really sad when Drake gets too old for the kids table.  Thank heaven I have a few more years.
  
This was the first year that we had 12 year olds in our midst.  My goodness this is such a strange time in our lives as a parent.  {{you know what I mean!}}

 
All the little kids were absolutely darling and had a blast.  By far this was the easiest year to entertain them and play with them.  It was a true delight.

This year, I am exuding gratitude.  I’m exhausted as I’m not used to this strenuousness work load.  However, every day brings something new.  I’m so honored to have this man by my side through it all.  It’s been a rocky ride with the boys, but it’s such a relief to be able to see the fruits of our labors.
Speaking of, Davis bore his testimony in front of the entire congregation at church 2 weeks ago.  Sadly, I wasn’t there to hear him as I was in bed from being sick for 5 days.  But, he came home beaming and recounted the entire thing.  
 You know, you take care of them day in and day out desperately trying to teach them to be good fathers and husbands.  You feel like you’re a complete failure because they fight you to brush their teeth, and then they stand up in front of hundreds of people and tell a story about an experience they had while on a camp-out that strengthened his testimony of Jesus Christ.  Talk about a 180.
My little boy is most certainly turning into a man.  Thank heaven for these little glimpses of strength and that what you’re trying to teach them is in reality sinking in.
I have much to be grateful for.
Business Owner

My Gig with Marhsalls & TJ Maxx

Laurie1 Comment

Do you remember when Proctor and Gamble flew me out and I got to meet Tim Gunn?  Well, I got another great trip this time to the head offices at Marshalls & TJ Maxx. I already blogged about it over on Tip Junkie and that lead to another great gig.

They have contracted me out to create three gift guides for them.

  1. 12 Days of Christmas for the Family – complete with printable tags and poems
  2. Gift Guide for Men – I’m giving away a $200 gift card {enter quick!}
  3. Gift Guide for Kids

So that’s what I’ve been doing – shopping! {{giggle}}  It has actually really opened my eyes to a completely new way of buying brand names.  I tell ya, this one has been life changing.  I do not like to dig through stuff – I want to see it laid out pretty on a cute rack.  Well, they do that at both TJ Maxx and Marshalls – it just takes a bit getting used to the layout of the stores.

HA!  Who knew I would be the one to learn so much and have such a great time showing people how to shop.  I’m so grateful for this new gig and completely humbled for the opportunity.  I just hope I don’t screw it up.  {{crossing fingers!}}

Mother of Boys

The Boys Wish List ~ Grandparents Please Read

Laurie3 Comments

Davis ~ Spy Gear
Last year the boys and I started {quite accidentally} a tradition of going to Toys R Us and letting them take pictures of their Christmas wish lists.


Davis ~ Mind Flex
The two older boys scoured the store with the camera while Jason and I tried to convince Drake that he does indeed want something other than Batman.

 
 Davis – Transformers Devastator Showdown


Dylan ~ Nerf Dart Tag
 
I think it’s so much fun seeing how the boys pictures turn out and what they end up asking for from Santa. {Neither of whom believe anymore but they play along.}

 
Dylan ~ Ultimate Mission Spy Set
I used to do an e-mail wish list and every November I would e-mail all the grandparents what they wanted.  I have become a lot less obsessive compulsive and now just post their pictures in hopes of making their shopping trip a little easier.

 
Dylan ~ Spynet Laser Strike

Dylan & Davis ~ Halo Toys from Mega Blocks
You see, we have 7 sets of grandparents!  So they end up getting a lot of gift cards but they’d rather get a toy.  It’s so cute because they remember for years later who bought them each toy. It’s actually quite adorable that they put so much love into the toys they receive as gifts from their grandparents.
You might have noticed that there aren’t any pictures of what Drake wants.  Um, yeah.  We’re still working on that.  At this point, anything with a blue or black cape will be just great.  {{giggle}}
Mother of Boys

Life is Sweet with Gingerbread Cookies

LaurieLeave a comment
 
Today I had a lovely lunch with my girlfriends at Panera Bread and saw these yummy gingerbread cookies. I immediately thought of my little sweeties at home and bought them.  They were soft, gingery, and delish!
The rest of the day, I shopped for the next gift guide segment I’m doing for TJ Maxx and Marshalls.  I found the coolest gifts for men and will feature them on Tip Junkie on Monday with some crazy cool prizes.  
With every job I accept, I find myself learning a new skill and stretching myself even farther.  Working with TJ Maxx and Marshalls so far has been a dream job and I’m terrified that I’m going to mess it up.  
Right now I’m working hard to stay true to myself, deliver relevant content to my readers, and make the brand happy.  This is all so new to me that at times I’m a little lost.  Hopefully, my geniune excitement for the project with show through and people will like the final product.  {{crossing fingers}}
Business Owner · Girly Girl

DIY Crafts: Broken Jewelry Initial

LaurieLeave a comment

I landed the coolest job with Charming Charlie in October. I made three broken jewelry projects they’ve posted them on all onto their site.  My favorite by far was the broken jewelry initial that I made entirely out of Charming Charlie accessories.  {{squeal}}

I’ve hooked you up with video as well as pictured instructions.  Here you go:

I’m such a dork in the videos but I really like how the projects turned out.  Each one has it’s own vibe and it was such an amazing opportunity. The silver “C” I made is my favorite.  I believe they’re going to give it away on CharmingCharlie.com but I haven’t seen it live yet.