Holiday fun!

I'm a little behind posting this... but it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here!

We always have a good time as a family putting up the tree and all of the decorations around the house! My girls never touched the tree when they were little... I was so worried that Justin would tear it apart the second it was up. But nope! Not interested in the least!

Now it really feels like Christmas! The girls have enjoyed watching a Christmas movie every night before bed! Fun times so far and many more ahead! Happy Holidays!

Little sucker!

Okay... this is so exciting to me! If you read my last post, you can see that J-man finally got the concept of holding his own cup and actually drinking from it! HUGE step! (which just happened Friday!) We went to Speech Therapy yesterday. She wanted to start teaching him how to drink from a straw. (among other fun things as well) She warned me that it would take time. Possibly several therapy sessions. Who knew that it would only take FOUR tries in a 5 minute period! YIPPEE for my little sucker! He really wasn't wanting a drink, but I HAD to get it on video! I am so very proud of my little man!

Best Birthday EVER!

As many of you know, I don't make a big deal out of my birthday. In fact, I usually "wish" the day away. For no good reason really, I guess I just don't like the attention. (But a HUGE thank you to all of you who wished me a Happy Birthday!) Yesterday was the best birthday ever! If you didn't read my previous post... stop NOW and read that first. As you read, we were working on the drinking motion (with toys) in therapy just two days ago. I so badly would love it if he would hold his own cup. Well, watch this!

HE DID IT!
We weren't even expecting it to happen! He grabbed his cup from the table and threw back his head! From that point, I pulled out the camera to capture the amazing moment on video!
And get this... FIREWORKS in December! We have no idea why they were going on, but it sure made me feel special on my birthday! We had a great view from our table at Cafe Rio.
Yippee for a fabulous day!

Happy Mommy!

J-man usually has 3 different therapies each week. Physical therapy, Speech therapy, and Occupational therapy. Yesterday it was time for OT. He was cranky that day, which in turn can make Mommy cranky. He has been hitting himself a lot lately because he can't express himself and most of the time we don't know what he wants. He's frustrated, so he hits. It has been hard to watch and makes me sad. I hope and pray that he can pick up on more signs and figure out that pointer finger so that we can help him. Anyway... It was one of those days. I was so close to canceling his therapy. Can I just tell you.... I am SO glad that I didn't!
The therapists are always loving up on him, which I LOVE. I warned her that he wasn't in the best of moods. Boy, she sure turned that around! He was all giggles in therapy. We have been working very hard to get him to hold and drink his own sippy cup. (We have been told he is very weak in his arms) She decided that would be our focus for the day. She put toys in a tupperware and taught him how to dump towards him and then put the tupperware on his head. (the cup to mouth motion, only more fun!) She seriously only showed him how to do it about 4 times.

Then... he dumped the toys...

and put it on his head!!!

He was getting so many "Yippee's" and "Good Job" from us. It made my day! I know we have many challenges ahead of us, but I wouldn't trade them for the world. I love my Justin!!

UDSF Christmas party!

I know what you're thinking! They look thrilled, don't they?! Actually, the picture would have been darling... but I happen to have a very outdated camera that snaps ten seconds too late! You get the idea anyway!
We spent the evening last night with a lot of cuties! It was our first time going to the Utah Down syndrome Christmas party. The kids had a fabulous time making picture magnets...

and doing the hokey pokey!

Justin was in on the fun too! He can shake it when he needs to!

There were some very talented dancers! I hope Justin can bust a move the way some of these kiddos did when he gets older! They were so fun to watch!
Justin scored a prize of his own when it was time for the Freeze dance! Luckily big sis helped him freeze when the music stopped!

It was good to see a few of my sweet friends that I've made through all of this. I'm hoping to have a get together soon so we can all hang out again!

Turkey and Football!

Thanksgiving was so fun this year! It's always great knowing that my parents will be in town and we will all be together!

The guys and kiddos had a great time playing football outside. The weather was perfect!

Of course Brynn was off in her own world. She found the only spot of snow left and made a mini snowman! Justin and I were watching the game from the sidelines!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thankful A-Z *V,W,X,Y,Z*

I am cheating. I am going to finish my thankful posts in one big one so I can enjoy the holiday season with my family! I have enjoyed this challenge. It has been great to reflect on all of the wonderful things I have in my life! I am truly thankful...

V
I love a good vacation! I am always trying to find the time and a way to go! Always will!

W
I am always up for a good walk. Doesn't matter if I'm with my family or friends. If you want to walk... I'll be there with you!

X
Is there anything better than xoxo's? (Hugs and Kisses) I didn't think so!

Y
Mmmm..... yogurt! I could (and sometimes do) eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Z

I love going to the zoo with my kiddos! This is the first year that we didn't have an annual zoo pass and I actually missed going!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am truly thankful for each one of you. Love you!

Thankful A-Z *U*

U

I am VERY thankful for The UNITED States of America!
"God Bless Our Country and ALL WHO DEFEND HER!"

Thankful A-Z *T*

T

I am so very thankful for my Taylee! She is such a sweet daughter and a wonderful sister. She is seriously a female version of her Daddy. We always joke that we know how he would be as a girl! They are so much alike it's not even funny! Tay Rae is the wild one at home, but the quiet one when we are out! She always knows how to make us laugh... her giggle is hilarious! I'm proud of you and the little lady you are becoming! Love ya bunches sweet heart!

Thankful A-Z *S*

S

This time of year I am always reminded how thankful I am for sunshine! This is when I miss it the most! Here are a few reasons why...

flip flops

family walks

flowers
puffy clouds

pedicures

vacations
picnics at the park
walks on the beach
outdoor exercise
trips to the zoo
boating
summer clothes
blue skies
popsicles
dinner on the patio
oh my....
the list could go on
and on
and on....

Thankful A-Z *R*

R

Reading - We aren't hard core readers around here, but we read. We have always read books to our little ones before bed. It's so fun to watch them read to each other as they get older. (sometimes the older girls fight over who gets to read to the younger ones!) I love to see my kids get into a good book! As for my reading material... US Weekly magazine baby! (Hey... at least I read!)

Radio - I constantly have the radio on! Doesn't matter if I'm at home or in the car... I LOVE music! In fact... my oldest reminds me of myself when I was her age. First thing she does when she goes into her room... Turns on her radio!


Razors - Ugh... could you imagine a world with no razors? How could I possibly survive? We will keep the razor companies in business with three daughters. Too bad shaving is such a pain!

There you go... a few of the "R's" that I am thankful for!

Thankful A-Z *Q*

Q

I am very thankful for my in-laws, J & J Quick! I didn't meet them until a few days before our wedding day, but we had several phone conversations that did the trick until then! They are very wonderful people. They would give you the shirt off their back. They have always been there for all of their children and do a fantastic job as grandparents too! My kids love the little "city" she has made up in their loft. The grand kids can't get enough of it! Luckily they only live a few blocks away! They do a great job of keeping things fun and exciting!

We love you guys and are so very thankful for you both!

Thankful A-Z *P*

P

(winter 2009)

I am very thankful for photos.... especially the ones from my talented sister, photosbywendyg.com
I can never have too many pictures of my family! Each year we get an updated family picture taken. Each summer I have my kids pictures taken since all of their birthdays fall within 6 weeks of each other. I love new pictures! It is amazing to me how much their sweet faces change! Thank you Wendy for all of your wonderful work!

(summer 2009)

(winter 2008 - The day after we found out that Justin had Down syndrome! I'll never forget this photo shoot!)

Thankful A-Z *O*

O

One of the things I absolutely love is an outing with my family! We have so much fun just being together!

Disneyland (pregnant with J-man)

Monterey Bay

boating

Even a simple Sunday drive up the canyon!
As long as we're all together!

Thankful A-Z *N*

N

Today I am thankful for the month of November. It is the month that reminds me of all the many things I am thankful for...

EVERYDAY THANKSGIVING

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings each morning, thank you Lord, that I can hear. There are those who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes tightly closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you, Lord, that I can see. There are many who are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off the effort of rising, thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in the magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and moan my fate from day to day, and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for the gift of life.

Thankful A-Z *M*

M
I am extremely thankful for Miracles.
A miracle is an extraordinary event caused by the power of God. I love this song by Sarah McLachlan. It's so simple, yet it says so much. Each time I hear it on a friends blog... I have to turn up the volume. Enjoy the music and all of life's miracles!

(yes, this post is a tad early... but tomorrow is going to be busy for me. So enjoy it early!)

Thankful A-Z *L*

L

I am such a big fan of laughter! How boring life would be with out that wonderful sound and expression of happiness! One thing that is never missing when my entire family is having a gathering is laughter! We laugh, and laugh, and laugh! Most of the time it is just because we are tired! My favorite is when I hear kids laugh. There is nothing better than knowing that your kids are happy and having a good time! Justin has his new "fake" laugh down, and I can't help but laugh every time he does it! Here is a video of sounds of happiness and laughter! I am so thankful for the giggles!

Thankful A-Z *K*

K

This couldn't have worked out better.... I am so thankful for my wonderful parents, Kent and Kathy! I love them so very much. They did such an amazing job raising their seven children. I just hope and pray that I can raise my kids as well as they raised me and my siblings! It seems too overwhelming at times, but they made it look easy! They were always there for us and never judged us, even when we were teenagers with attitude! I love the unconditional love and support they give all of us now as we are grown, in relationships, and with families of our own. They are very encouraging and supportive of what we are all going through. They have been grandparents for 12 years now and are extremely loved by each of their grandchildren. I miss them like crazy and can't wait for the day that they can join all of us here in Utah! I love you Mom and Dad!

Thankful A-Z *J*

J

My sweet little angel, Justin! Oh how I am extremely thankful for him! I know I just wrote about him in this recent post, but it is letter "J" today, so I get to talk about him even more! His personality is really starting to shine! During these last several days he has accomplished so much! He is saying Mama (something he was saying months ago, but stopped), Dada, baba, and all other kinds of jibberish! We love hearing him talk around here! He blows kisses, gives high fives (sometimes high ten!), waves hi and bye, shakes his head "no", signs for "more" whenever he wants anything, gives kisses, and his latest accomplishment... climbing the stairs! His favorite things by far are cars and balls! It is so much fun to have a little boy around here! I love my little J-man and am thankful for him beyond words! This video is a little slow going and very dark, but I had to catch this very proud moment!

Thankful A-Z *I*

I

Mmmm..... ice cream! Diet coke might get me through the day, but ice cream is what tops off my night! It is very unusual if I go to bed with out having some! My favorite way to enjoy ice cream.... when I am freezing cold! That's right.... I start me a warm bath and take it in with me! I am so thankful for ice cream!

Thankful A-Z *H*

H
I LOVE my Hubby and couldn't pass up the chance to let you know how thankful I am for him! We have been through some amazing things as a couple. Some more difficult than others, but nothing that we couldn't handle together as a couple! Together we created four beautiful children, whom we love with all of our hearts! He is such such an awesome Daddy! He works so hard to provide for our family. He has an amazing amount of faith, and I love him for that! I feel very blessed to still be able to call him my best friend. I love him with all of my heart and am so excited to be able to spend an Eternity with him!

Thankful A-Z *G*

G

I am truly thankful for the gospel! It has taught me so much and continues to teach me! It teaches us God’s plan for the salvation of His children and includes all the commandments, principles, and ordinances required to live in His presence... which I am so excited for! We all may have different beliefs, but we are united as we try to follow our Savior!

Thankful A-Z *F*

F


I am so very thankful for my Family and Friends! I would be 100% lost with out each of you in my life! I know I don't have all of you in this picture, but it is a good picture of both family and friends together. This post would go on and on if I listed each one of you by name. If you are a family member or a friend... this post is for you! You have all been an amazing support to me and my family no matter how long we have known each other. Some of you I have yet to meet, but I still consider you a friend. I love you all and am so very thankful that Heavenly Father put you in my life!

Thankful A-Z *E*

E

I am so incredibly thankful for my blog! - emilyquicknfamily.blogspot.com I never thought in a million years that I would be a blogger... but once I was introduced to it, there was no turning back! I initially did it because I knew a lot of my family members and friends had blogs. It was a great way to keep in touch with them since some of them didn't live near me. Then when I clicked on my first blog with a Down syndrome connection... a whole new world opened up! I love all of the new friends I have made. Even though many of us have never met, you are an amazing strength to me. I love all my family and friends out there in this blog world!

Thankful A-Z *D*

D

Now did you really think I would pass up the opportunity to be thankful for my liquid oxygen?! I love Diet Coke, Diet cherry coke, Diet Pepsi, Diet cherry Pepsi.... Mmmmm.... better go crack open a can!

Thankful A-Z *C*

C

No... you are not seeing things. I am so thankful for Chick-fil-a! I know that might seem funny to many of you... possibly even me, but it's true! My life would be so boring with out my several visits a week to the chick! Their waffle fries... DELICIOUS! And of course, all the Diet Coke that I can drink! You know it's bad when the workers know me by name! Not only do I go there with my kiddos to meet up with my wonderful family and friends, but I have met so many amazing people there! Too many to mention, but you know who you are! It's okay... I know I'm silly, but I love you Chick-fil-a!

Thankful A-Z *B*

B

My beautiful, funny, wild, dinosaur loving, Brynn! I am so thankful for my youngest daughter. Things just might be a little boring around here if she wasn't part of our family. She is sassy and independent... but never goes a few hours with out telling someone, "I love you like a dinosaur!" We might not know what that means, but what we do know is that she LOVES dino's. To be compared to that... is HUGE! She is so much fun to hang out with and makes each one of us smile! Love ya bunches dino baby!

Thankful A-Z *A*

Here it is... November already! The month to give thanks! Through out the rest of the month, I am going to *try* to post something everyday that I am thankful for. Thank you so much Cathy for giving me this wonderful idea! I absolutely love it! To make things a little fun, I'm going to list them using the letters of the alphabet... just like Cathy!

A
I am so incredibly thankful for my sweet daughter, April. Each time I post something about her with a picture, I can't believe how much older she is looking! She is turning into a beautiful little lady, inside and out! She is my twin. We pretty much are exactly alike! (only... I remember keeping my room spit spot!) I would be lost with out her. She is everything I could have ever asked for in a daughter! Love ya girly!

A day in the life of

JUSTIN.....

This is one of Dad's favorite things to do with J-man! His hopes are that someday they can do P90X (work-out program) together! You can hear Justin giggle softly a few times. He LOVES therapy with Dad!
This video is short, but it gives you an idea of what we do daily with Justin to strengthen his core.