Saturday, October 30, 2010

Trick or Treating at Daddy's Work

Yesterday Zach had his big costume parade at school and Erin had picture days at one of her schools...We all decided to meet at his school for the big parade at 2. I had been there most of the day volunteering, so I brought Erin up in her costume and she got to walk hand in hand with her brother through the parade. After they did their round, we chose to leave early and then go to Brandon's work for a trick or treat event there. All the offices decorate and pass out candy to the kids. Zach and Erin loved it and had fun being in Daddy's world for a bit. Here is a photo of them together there. I will post pictures later of Zach's parade and Erin's pumpkin patch day too...I couldn't pass up this cute photo!
Zach the Magician and Erin the Bee. :) Happy Halloween 2010!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Erin's Costume Parade at UCUMP

As always I try to get my pictures on here in the right order and then it comes out like this...all out of whack. Oh well. You get the idea I am sure.
Erin's preschool that she loves had a costume parade this AM...they did a few laps around the bike area and showed off their cute selves to all the moms with their flashing cameras. Erin had a blast and was so smiley. She loved getting to wear her bee costume and especially her antenna. I love that she actually says that. We had planned for her to be a witch, but I found this costume on a fluke about a week ago and showed it to her. She has never mentioned the witch again, so it will go on ebay next year. :) I love the bee and she seems to as well. She got to wear it to dance Monday too, so she has at least gotten some good use out of it. She will get to wear it Friday to Zach's school to watch his parade...last year I didn't dress her up to go watch and she was like the only sibling not in costume...so I can't do that again. Then we will hit up Brandon's work for a parade and trick or treating and then more fun at a party at her other preschool Saturday night. I think it will be a fun filled week of activities and the first year they both can enjoy this "holiday" together. I am excited to head to the party at her preschool since it is a church and will be calm, safe and fun.
Here are the photos of her parade. Her teachers are the pink crayons...all the teachers wore crayon costumes. Her main teacher is Mrs. Maresh. She is the hot pink crayon and honestly the only person I have ever met that could look that cute in a crayon...she is beautiful and Erin loves her. All the kids looked adorable...Especially my little bee. :)
Making their lap around...
Miss Erin...
She loved it!



Coming out of the room, all the kids were so excited to see their moms, but they all stayed with their teacher and walked around. It was so cute.
There she is!
I love that she is the only child waving like the teachers...Mrs. Maresh said she is a CEO in the making...I wonder...

Fun, fun, fun...Such a wonderful age!

Pumpkin Painting....

Our annual tradition (since Zach was 18 months old) we have painted pumpkins. He only recently got into the carving idea...so the painting is always a big hit. Both kids love to paint and do arts and crafts, so this was a fun thing they both could do together. We also painted some pictures after the pumpkins that they hung on their bedroom doors for decorations. So much fun to see them use their imaginations and enjoy creating. Here are some pictures!





Sunday, October 24, 2010

My Little Man...

Oh this little boy...I know I spend an awful lot of time on here talking about Zachary. And I know everyone has opinions about me as a parent too. But none of you live my life, day to day, every day. None of you experience my life first hand as the mom of Zachary, the mom of Erin, the wife of Brandon, an AF wife and still in there is Susan.
What most people don't realize is that I am well aware of my flaws and how far from perfect I really am. I know I yell too much. I know I need to be more patient, I know that I need to learn to not get upset over some of the things that upset me. I don't have the best self esteem and I tend to worry much more than I should about things I can't change.
I am well aware of my flaws...I am working on them daily. I see changes and I see when I fail terribly.
I know that I am blessed beyond words. I don't feel sorry for myself. I don't feel like I got a raw deal.
Reality is I like my life. I love my children and I am happy. Every day is full of ups and downs, challenges and triumphs, but it is mine and I am thankful for it all.
Most of all I am thankful for the chance I have gotten to watch this little boy grow. He has changed so much that some times it takes my breath away. Even though I see him daily and the changes shouldn't be so pronounced, they are. I have spent so much time working with him and watching him work toward this progress, it never goes unnoticed, uncelebrated and unappreciated. I am simply amazed at him most days. I am still frustrated at times that some things are still a struggle. That he is so impulsive and makes many choices I know he should know better than doing. He is still fidgety and restless. He gets frustrated easily, but is more able to control that and has coping skills to calm down. He sees the world in black and white. He is often at a loss without a schedule or plan of what to do.
But...he is loving, happy, full of smiles and laughter. He is super smart...reading and math scores are in mid 2nd grade range. He is doing 2-3 grade work in his class so he is kept challenged and focused (God Bless his teacher). He is a good big brother and plays well with Erin. He loves his dog. He loves the ocean. He working hard to try to learn new things and improve on things he struggles with. He loves to read. He is a whiz on the computer. He follows rules well and enjoys doing work at home with me...doing workbooks and school work is a favorite for him. He is my best friend.
For 3 years before Erin was born so much time was just Zach and I. Brandon was deployed or working insane hours, never home, TDY and limited in his time with us. I spent so much time with Zachary and knew him so well. I feel like I still know him so well. I am so thankful to him. He made my time in CA bearable. He gave me smiles and sunshine through many long days. He has taught me more than any book, teacher or class ever could. He has given me the opportunity to dream, to hope and to realize goals that maybe seemed to far away to touch. He opened my eyes to many things greater than me. I still teaches me. He amazes me.
This week at his annual ARD (IEP), I went in without fear or knots in my stomach. I didn't dread what I would hear. I sat ready, hopeful and grateful. I know he has come so far. I know he still has far to go. But, I was for once ready to hear what I was told, good and bad. I wasn't afraid that they could tell me anything I didn't know or anything we couldn't overcome. He still has some areas that he needs to work on, just like me and like everyone. But the amazing thing is that he like me is trying. Each day he works on things. He is aware when it is pointed out that he did something he isn't supposed to do. He continues to improve and most of all try! He also is seeing his improvements and for the first time expressing pride in himself.
His teacher had so much to say about him. Some funny, only to those of us that know him so well. We can appreciate the humor in some of the things others might find odd or strange. We discussed his strengths, the changes we have all seen and areas to keep pushing. She is a great teacher than gets it and is on it. I am thrilled.
So after 3 years of doing this ARD business, I finally left one knowing I didn't get all I wanted from the school. Still no OT, still feel like some things aren't perfect...but I got compliments and a picture of my son that was glass half full. A room full of people sharing my hope, my vision and all of us knowing he can get there, we can help and it will happen.
I am so thankful for this boy...I watch him sit and work on his workbooks full of smiles and I am so full of love and joy...I know that this journey is far from over, but I am enjoying the view from this peak and thankful for a time where we can embrace the beauty for a while. It hasn't always been easy and the uphill battle isn't all behind us...rough spots are waiting around the corner. But, I know that we can handle them. Dare I say we can conquer them. He has grown up and matured so much and maybe, just maybe so have I.


My wonderful Zachary Jay!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Beautiful Weather...

The weather here has been so beautiful. No, it isn't normal fall weather for sure, but it is great and should be enjoyed. We had so many falls in CA with high wind and the nights got so cold so fast. It has been nice to be able to let the kids play outside in the evenings and enjoy the pretty weather. I am a bit sad all their fall clothes are still in their drawers and closets, but I am working hard on counting blessing these days not complaining about problems. So...thankful I am for the fact they can have dinners outside and play up until bath time. They love eating at the picnic table and enjoy siting alone, chatting and being silly. It is a lot of fun to watch them. I can't get enough of these two...

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Bracken Pumpkin Patch

Today we did our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. We chose to return to the one we went to last year, which happens to be the home of one of Erin's preschools....Bracken United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch. They do a great job with it and proceeds go to her school, so a win win for our family. Both my kids went to this school in the summer for Joy Camp and both are asking to go back next summer...so we mine as well give back to them too!
We were thrilled to discover this year that if you go on a weekend they have hay rides and train rides...the kids were in heaven. Plus free donuts and cider! We had a great time as always and got some great pictures of the kids. I am loving their fun ages.
It is so interesting to hear them talk, not just to us, but to each other. To watch their friendship form and see how they are growing up as people. I love the excitement of the simple things. We had wanted to drive to a farm about 45 minutes from here with a big maze, games, and a petting zoo, but in the end we chose this and it was great. It was a beautiful day here and so nice to enjoy it with my family. I feel so blessed to have these two children in my life.
Here are some photos of our fun day...
I love the love between them...
Beautiful faces...
Silliness...
My two blessings...
On the train ride...they had a ball...
What a cute thing....
Can you tell they were excited?
Off they go...
Erin kept her eyes on us...
The boys...
Me and my pumpkins...
The TX way to do a train ride. :)
Ride number two...
Erin pulling the pumpkins, all by herself!
Handsome boy.
Little rascal...
Cutest pumpkins in the patch...

Erin and I....
The back of their t-shirts at the church...I thought it was neat...
My goofball!
Giggles and hugs...
Brandon and I...

Happy Fall!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Visitors!

Here are some photos from Sea World...as always they loaded backwards...One day I will get this right!!!
We had a nice visit...too short in many ways, but better than nothing for sure. It was nice to see all 3 cousins play and interact...to have Amy and Jacob see where we live was a big treat for us. I hope they had a great time, we enjoyed the chance to show them around a bit and just have them here with us.
We went to Sea World and the Riverwalk, but I didn't get any photos at the River walk except for the one of Amy and Jacob...
So here they are....

Erin and I...
The boys getting soaked at the bottom of the Atlantis ride...they rode it 10 times...thanks to Brandon for being a trooper!
Waiting to get soaked...
Amy and I...photo by Erin. :)
One of the killer whales waving...sadly they had to stop the show after this since the whales were refusing to do their "tricks"...Erin was thrilled since it meant no splashing!
Amy and Jacob at the River Walk...
The boys in front of Sea World...all decked out for Halloween...
Me, Erin and Zachary...
Zach, Amy and Jacob
My guys!
A great visit had by all I hope!