It's that time!

... Time for the annual Utah Down Syndrome Foundation
Buddy Walk, September 18th!
I know everyone has families of their own and crazy schedules. This isn't to pressure anybody in any way! We understand that a lot of you won't be able to join us. This is just a reminder to those who would like to come! If you didn't make it last year, this is what you missed out on!
Just click on Justin's sweet picture to your right to donate to his fundraising page and/or join his team for the Buddy Walk!
Hope to see you there!

Just the way you are...

I know this video has been saturated on facebook and even other blogs... but I LOVE it and had to post it on mine! When I hear the original song on the radio, I can't help but smile!
THIS IS DARLING!
(It makes my previous post seem like no big deal, because I DO love my sweet Justin Just The Way He Is.... and that's ALL that matters!)

Pure sweetness...

I knew it was bound to happen sooner or later. I am very used to people staring at Justin or whispering to their partner, "Did you see that boy? He totally has Down syndrome." But that's ok. I am a proud Mama. A VERY proud Mama. It's something I have gotten very used to. But the other day when we were out as a family, Justin was doing his DARLING wave. He will wave to everyone... and he won't stop until you wave back. He is persistent. Well, he was waving frantically at this young woman. She would stare at him and look at her friends and laugh. (and it wasn't a nice laugh. It was a... oh my gosh I am totally not waving to HIM laugh.) She was NOT going to wave back. I was the only one who could see the situation. So I asked Tyler to grab him. I didn't need or want to see anymore of their actions. As soon as Justin was out of her sight, she says to her friends, "TOTALLY has Down syndrome... Hahahaha!" Tyler could see the look in my eyes. Luckily my girls didn't notice what was going on. We were having such a wonderful night out as a family and I didn't want to cause a scene. I chose to leave it alone. But I'm not going to lie... it hurts. I guess I am writing this post because we need to educate our family and friends to PLEASE treat our children and other people who are differently abled like you would treat anyone else. I'm not asking for much. Just a simple smile or wave back is all I ask...

Why would you deny this cute little guy?

So tonight as I was cuddling with my sleeping boy... I gave thanks to my Heavenly Father for blessing us with such a sweet spirit. Because that's exactly what he is.... PURE sweetness!

Welcome!

I am going to assume that if you are reading this... you have my new blog address! Thank you Kristin for the help! I thought I had to start all over! I plan to blog more often now... I promise! Hope to find everyone well!

Some changes...

Hey friends! I am going to be changing my blog address. If you'd like to keep reading, please e-mail me and I will let you know what it will be. This might be easier than starting all over...
tequick (at) comcast (dot) net

Help!

There is a way to get your blog printed into a book, right? Has anyone done it? Were you happy with it? Is it gonna cost me a pretty penny? I need some info my friends! Once I do this... my blog will be waving good-bye...
But it won't be forever...
Hope everyone is well!

The blog has been neglected...

BIG time...

So we'll see what we can do to catch it up a bit!

6th grade and 3rd grade already! (they started two weeks ago. Remember... the blog has been neglected)
The BIG kindergarten year! She started last week and loves it! She is giddy about going... until she gets there. We've shed a few tears, but we're getting through it!
Their teachers are fabulous this year and they all have great friends in their classes! That always makes for a wonderful year!
Since we are year round... this is their last week of school before we go off track! We're excited to be able to enjoy a little bit more of summer!
And of course Justin... who continues to keep us on our toes! He has a new found love for slides! Can't get enough of 'em! His favorite spot... HIS chair where he requests to watch Baby Signing Time over, and over, and over again!
I haven't had a chance to post about the upcoming Buddy Walk... but it's right around the corner! September 18th to be exact! I will get the info posted soon so that you can register to be on his team! We'd love to see you there!

Whew.... I actually updated the blog!

3 weeks...1 post

Three weeks ago my 5th grader and 2nd grader had their last day of school....

and oh how we LOVED their teachers! (poor Taylee cried for 2 hours straight. So did her sweet teacher...)

We had to turn the frown upside down... so off we went to start our summer!

California FUN began!
a little firework action...Camping at Pismo beach baby!

Taylee's only request for Grandma.... S'mores!
Ummm.... April wasn't too fond of the fishing thing!

Back home... Early Intervention summer fun at Wheeler Farm!

Summer fair with Great Grandma!

Despicable me as a family!

Oh boy did we have fun these last 3 weeks! We had fun with cousins, friends, and grandparents. Many sleepovers, late nights, and other fun activities that weren't captured on camera.
A new post will be coming soon as a new school year approaches tomorrow....
A 6th grader, 3rd grader, kindergartener, and pre-schooler! Wow, I think I'll be busy!

Terrible Two's?!

When he smiles like this... he melts my heart. Luckily, he does this often! (whew) But another thing he's been doing more often than I'd like is everything that falls into the terrible two category. Let me break this down for you...
hitting
then hitting again
biting
then hitting after the bite
pulling hair, earrings, or anything that hangs
tantrums - and by that I mean big boy tantrums like I've never seen before
... and just to clarify - We do NOT let him get away with it. We have been telling him "We do NOT hit, bite, etc." He'll look at you all sweet (do a little fake cry) and whack you with the other hand. Ask my sisters, mother, friends, etc. They've experienced it. (so, so sorry)
Yes, I'm venting. If you want to read something more positive, scroll to the end. (Look, my posts can't always be sweet and happy. This is reality, right?)
I know he's 2 and all 2 year olds go through this. I also know that he's a 2 year old that can't communicate like most other 2 year olds can. He's also a 2 year old that can't do what the other 2 year old kids are doing (yet). I KNOW he's frustrated, but so am I. Any advice would surely help. I love my munchkin.... he's such a great blessing. I truly wouldn't trade him for the world. Just looking for some guidance!

He keeps us laughing. This is his new trick. Once in a while he'll bring his hands up and balance on his head. Funny boy!

We are very proud of him! He's been holding our hand and walking a lot lately. (one of our goals with Early Intervention) While we were in California, he decided to take a few steps. Yes, it was for something yummy... but a step is a step! I tried to upload the video... but blogger wouldn't let me. Some of you have seen it on facebook.
On a positive note... once in a while at the end of the day (when we are both totally exhausted) he'll fall asleep in my arms. There is NOTHING better than that!

Thankful Thursday!

You know.... being a Mommy isn't always easy, but I sure do love my munchkins!

14 years ago today...

I married my best friend!

And these 14 years have been the best years of my life... I love you!

Someone freeze time... please!

As you've seen in my previous posts... it's been "birthday season" at our house. (we are behind on birthday pictures this year. Hopefully we'll get those taken next month) They are all a year older... and it's been making Mommy a little sad! I feel like my babies are slipping through my fingers...

Now she's 11

Now she's 8

Now she's 5

Now he's 2

"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be."

"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for."

"Parents have the glorious opportunity of being the most powerful influence, above and beyond any other, on the new lives that bless their homes."
~ L. Tom Perry

"Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be." ~ David Bly

It's the simple things...

Justin and Daddy 2 years ago! LOVE his smiles!

Special Day for Tay!

Saturday, June 5th, our sweet Taylee was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! We are so very proud of her and her decision to follow our Savior.

I love this sweet picture of Taylee and her Daddy who gave her the most amazing blessing! You cannot deny the spirit that is felt on such a special day!

(please ignore my face... I was talking!)
But I LOVE my sweet family and I am Eternally grateful for them!
Taylee, we know our Father in Heaven is proud of your decision! We love you!
Thank you to all of our family and friends who came to support her. I forgot to take pictures after the fact and I am so bummed... but Thank You!

Another birthday girl!

Happy 5th Birthday!

Happy Birthday to you my little Brynnster! This is a big birthday for you... turning five means starting Kindergarten! I'll sure miss you during the day, and so will Justin! You are such a great sister and friend! Pure joy to be around! Love you so much Brynn!

Birthday girl!

Happy Birthday!


It is always amazing to me how quickly the years go by. I cannot believe my sweet, second child is already turning 8! I love you so much Taylee. You always make us giggle... always! How boring life would be with out your silliness! You are a fabulous sister to your siblings and a wonderful daughter! Thanks for making us proud to be your parents. We love you to pieces big girl!

Wedding in CaLiFoRniA!

We were lucky enough to make a quick trip to California this past weekend to see my brother and Sarah get married!

But let's not forget the two that "introduced" them in the first place! That's right... this is me and my good friend Michelle, who happens to live down the street! She is the sister of the bride... and I am the sister of the groom!

When I said quick trip... I meant it! We left Utah Thursday afternoon and caravaned with my sister and her family... (Brynn graduated that morning!)

and headed straight to Mesquite to stay overnight to help break up the trip a little!

Needless to say, the kids had a BLAST! We will definitely stay at that hotel again! From there we met up with my brother and his wife and hit the beach! Corona Del Mar was gorgeous! I've been to many California beaches... but somehow missed this one! LOVED it! (thanks Tara!)

And so did the kids! The weather was just right! Justin didn't want to get out of the water even though he was shivering like crazy!

Their wedding in the LA Temple (Saturday) couldn't have been more perfect! They are a gorgeous couple and the weather was beautiful!

The reception was gorgeous! I really wish I would have taken more pictures. I hardly took any. Maybe because my sister was the photographer, so I figured I'd get copies!

It was short... but it was perfect! We packed up and hit the road Sunday morning. I am so thankful for my awesome family and friends and look forward to creating memories with the newest member of our family! Welcome to the crew Sarah!