More fun with crafts and gift giving...



Handprint/snowmen ornanments


This time around are the crafts the kids produced for gifts...with assistance from me.. and of course some from pinterest!... On pinterest I found ornaments similiar to these, but adapted them a bit.  The intial project used blue ornaments, but I found clear plastic ornaments and snowflake confetti at my local arts and crafts store. 

Trevor is very into "I cut" right now... He loves to use a scissors... he actually uses them better than he holds a crayon or pencil.  We need to work on correcting that, but I am not sure where to start?!  We are just happy that he enjoys projects so much, just like his brother.  We made the blue snow affects by filling the ornanment with 4 different colors of blue (cardstock from the scrapbook supply!)  ...then they cut and they cut and they cut somemore... we actually had to use 2 nights for this portion of the project -- just for filling the ornanments... it is alot more area to fill than you would think!  I curled some longer blue strips around a pencil just for some more interest.  We used small drinking cups to stabilize the ornaments!!.. It worked great!  Then we applied white paint (we used cabinet paint, that I had on hand) to some little hands and made the snowman scene/handprint.  I let them dry over night and added the details with acrylic paints later the next day.  Of course I needed the year and the name matched up to the hand print for future reference. 

Isaac begs to do "projects."  So, not surprisingly -- while we were shopping for the ornament supplies we passed by the unfinished bird houses.  Isaac was VERY persistant on getting them to paint for Grandma and Grandpa.  So I gave in... yet another project to do in the busiest time of year...But I couldn't have been happier that I did -- give in --.... The boys painted for almost 2 hours...as I was taking pictures during the process I could see the glow in their eyes that showed their pride.  (They are not the prettiest bird houses I have seen, but they are created with pride.)  When we got home with our bag full of projects...the boys couldn't wait to get started...so much so that some fits were had, as it was bed time and time didn't allow for the start of their adventures. 

Isaac concentrates with his tongue sticking out...lol!

So while the kids were getting ready for bed and sleeping, I painted the basecoat on the houses...Thank goodness I did, cuz their was ALOT of little parts that needed to get covered. They had all night to dry.  BUT as soon as the boys had eaten...a very well eaten...breakfast. (They had a project to do!)  They started right in... I got alot done in the kitchen that morning as well... I just helped when a new color was requested and rinsed out their brushes.... So a project that at first, I felt wasn't really needed...ended up being a very appealing idea for a couple of little boys and the gift recepients. 



One of the HAPPY recipients!! -- Grandpa!



Burger time!

In case you didn't hear me the first time... PLAN YOUR PARTY'S AROUND YOUR CAKES!!  Do I sound bossy?...It really is the easiest way to do it!...I promise!  Come up with an idea... figure out your cake and go from there!!!!!

Here is a perfectly....cute...example why!  My God-Daughter was so excited with her birthday approaching!  She expressed something that she had figured out!... She is in the middle of a stack of 3 birth-dates in a row within our extended family.  So she called herself the "hamburger" and the other 2 were the BUNS! 


Her Mom asked if I could make a hamburger cake -- the rest of the party fell into place after that!!! (At least that is how I see it!!! ha ha)  She prepared a special "surprise themed" birthday party around that adorable little girl's thinking!  So I got to create an amazing and amazingly simple cake perfect for the occasion! 


She was so thrilled once she realized what the theme of her party was!  She was gleaming!  (She is a shy, quiet girl ---but her smile said it all!)  So, I was happy that my creation could help with that feeling!  -- Even when I am not there to see it -- It is the reason why I make them...It pays off in the end!

They served sliders and had those little hamburger gummies too! (I think they are Sponge Bob??)


The 2 BUNS are father and daughter!  FUN huh?! 


I baked 2 white cakes for the buns...the "hamburger" is a brownie mix...cheese is fondant (everyone thought it was cheese --made me grin...must have been a good color --!...that would have tasted horrible on cake...yuck!)  and everything else was piped buttercream frosting... (lettuce was made with a leaf tip!)  The hardest part was figuring out how to serve it!  It was a tall and heavy cake!  But worked out perfectly!

What a perfect party!  I had so much fun...

Crafty gift giving...

We had an early Christmas (my side of the family) this past weekend allowing more time to enjoy our family, and not rush through sharing gifts.  So I can start to share something we created for gifts!

For-going the “gift card” option for Christmas?… yes please.  I am not saying they are unwanted gifts.  In fact I like to get them.  But I just can’t wrap myself around giving them.  I do like to give a restaurant gift card for special occasions, like anniversaries and such (thank yous!!), but I love to be much more personable than what they can offer me for Christmas. 

I guess you could call me the “crafty” type.  But, you … yes YOU could do any of the small projects I made for Christmas gifts this year.  (My kids helped with some that I will share later on… so I know you can do it too!)  Especially helpful -- just for brain storming if not anything else -- is that lovely pinterest website.   It is where I found and adapted my scrabble art ideas.

I was looking for a used scrabble set…miss matched/unused items... whatever was available, but I was unable to locate one.  People had a hard time giving up their old games… they were more than willing to borrow it to me, but I don’t think they would have appreciated what little I had to give back! I don’t play scrabble, so it wouldn’t have bothered me. – I only play games I can win!  Ha.. well it is true I guess!  (I didn’t look too hard, but was able to find a new one for under $10!!)  I made all three of these with one set! And not too many extra pieces.  (I did “make” a few of my own letters – can you tell?  I just reversed the tile and drew on the back with a fine tip sharpie – there are only 2 “M”s in the whole set… did you know that?)  Remember, I don’t play!

The best advice I would give for this project is to find the “frames” first!!... Then you can mess around with the layout of the letters.  I was very lucky to find the “cherry” frames!  They worked perfectly with the double mat spacing to allow for space of the tile.  You can use a shadow box of any kind too.. which is what the other frame is.  It allowed a fun space for the “tile holder” to slip in and add more of the game feel to it!... I put a piece of scrapbook paper on the back of the “together” one and for mine.. obviously.. I used the game board…The shadow box allowed for a nice background already, which is a plus.  So much fun to make and give.  (Isaac helped me find letters… for most of it -- until he got bored!)  I think they enjoyed them too!...

Placed my new art above the
chaotic entry way/drop zone in our house!

When my sister (with a 4 year old daughter) opened hers she stated, “Hmmmm? Quiet?”.. ha.. I told her maybe she was looking for quiet around the house!... and I had to use a “Q” it is worth more points… lol!

So, I urge you to be creative – one of the biggest challenges for gift giving... I understand! (and then make one for yourself too -- you are going to wish you did!)

Some good news arrived in the mail yesterday…although somewhat inappropriate to mail such important news in my mind.  I suppose if the results would have been opposite we would have received a call??? 

Anyways the psychologist shared Trevor’s evaluation and results of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale with us.  

CARS is a diagnostic assessment method that rates children on a scale from one to four for various criteria, ranging from normal to severe, and yields a composite score ranging from non-autistic to mildly autistic, moderately autistic, or severely autistic. The scale is used to observe and subjectively rate fifteen items.  Total CARS scores range from a fifteen to 60, with a minimum score of thirty serving as the cutoff for a diagnosis of autism on the mild end of the autism spectrum.  (Thanks again Wiki!)

Trevor’s CARS score was 20.5, which is in the “non-autisic” range.  !!

In the Vineland Scale he was scored as Low in 2 areas…Communication and Motor Skills, of which we were aware. 

So in summary – with some relief—we are back to dealing with Apraxia and are on the right course for him! 
He is still making great strides with his speech!  According to his speech language pathologist, he has major speech delays, but she can see great progress already! 

His Grandma visited briefly with us the other day and could tell the major improvements just since Thanksgiving!  Such a relief to hear that others, not with him everyday, can understand my child! 

He is still his very determined little self.  Good and bad moods come with that.  I think he is starting to trust in others more too -- including parents, friends, and strangers…we shall see what the busy and full holiday season brings.  But look out if he wants his way…I am quite sure he still feels that we don’t always understand what he wants, yet we do --but the answer isn’t what he is looking for. 

Let’s keep up the progress…determined little boy!  Love you with all my heart!

It's a FAMILY TRADITION...

Traditions are often brought up during the holidays, but they are around us 365 or 366 times a year.  Some of my friends are starting a tradition of the “elf on the shelf.”  (A little elf sent from santa to assist him in making his naughty and nice list.  Kind of a secret spy for Santa.  The elf surprises his/her family in the morning usually acting goofy/naughty.)  I think he is a wonderful idea!  Makes for some good family time.  --Maybe someday, but the way mornings go in our house currently, there is no time for a sneaky little elf.

As I had mentioned we are trying to make the tradition of the train around the Christmas Tree…well the mutilated train isn’t feeling like a working tradition right now… Poor thing is abused by its loving and devoted boys.  I guess we will be getting a new “Choo Choo” next year.  We have minor traditions about the tree being up before Dec 3^rd  (Ok so it is just my tradition – birthday)…yet still a tradition, no matter how small.  Around the holidays, being together as a family…what day, and where… all fall under the traditional category in my book. 

There are numerous comments on facebook and within the community regarding too much Santa and that the true meaning of Christmas is disappearing, but I believe that Santa is a true meaning of Christmas.  He is a tradition…a family tradition.  The issue to me -- is how the “Santa” can be handled.  The children (and many adults for that matter) need to know the WHOLE story around Christmas and why it exists.  There is nothing wrong with a saint (St. Nick) that was/is generous enough to give to children.  Gift GIVING is a wonderful tradition too.  Its all in the traditions of Christmas, and how your family explains/deals with them is your tradition also.  I don't think it is too commericialized.  In fact I am glad there is so much commotion regarding the holiday.  Christmas represents giving it is what Jesus and God have done for us -- all they do is give. 

Holiday traditions can become more challenging as loved ones leave us to be with Jesus, or families grow bigger, move away, etc...  Holding onto traditions are an important part of who we are and who we become.   They are hard to let go of and make adaptions too, as it is what holds a family together.  It is about making memories. 

A tradition is a ritual, belief or object passed down within a society, still maintained in the present, with origins in the past.  {Wiki ;) }

Other traditions may be not even be thought of as such.  I had a conversation recently that had me thinking about a family tradition my parents have instilled in us (their daughters).  As the definition states: it has origins from the past…so I am quite certain this said “tradition” has been developed from their origins and hopefully it is a tradition that can continue well into my offspring as well.  The tradition I am referring too?  Being the best you can be, going above and beyond, and accomplishing much with little to no reward or expectation in the end… As McElroys we don’t give up, we don’t compromise ourselves when the world turns a direction we weren’t expecting…heck as Bremers (My Mother’s side) we don’t either.  We have our bad days, down sides…but we are VERY persistent in our tradition.  It isn’t in our character to give up or let someone else down. 

The biggest challenge may be in meeting the expectations of this tradition.  It isn’t like there is a said limit in this McElroy/Bremer expedition…never has been…never will be, just simply being proud of yourself, and making others proud too.  It is quite a challenge.  Maybe we put too much of this pressure on ourselves.  But it isn’t a tradition that I am about to let go.  My kids aren’t even into a school system yet, but I fear the challenges set forth on them even now, just knowing that the traditions of our family will continue and continue to be a challenge as we are facing them and disappointments throughout our lives.   

Please continue to hold dear the traditions established in your lives.  It offers us motivation as well as memories.

To Disappoint...

Have you noticed that it is easier to recover when you disappoint someone else than it is recovering from disappointing yourself? 

Disappointment is the feeling of dissatisfaction that follows the failure of expectations or hopes to manifest. Similar to regret, it differs in that a person feeling regret focuses primarily on the personal choices that contributed to a poor outcome, while a person feeling disappointment focuses on the outcome itself.  (Of course from Wiki) 

What can happen or be achieved towards taking the next steps through life if we are holding on so tight to the disappointment we have not yet recovered from?  Will something be missed, skipped right over as your emotional attachments are breaking there bonds. 

Things happen for a reason and they are out of our control....If only I can start believing that.

HE helped ME out...

Do you ever feel like things you do to keep your family going go unnoticed (all the time)?

If only those husbands could and would understand it.  Friday night was a dousy.  Joe needed all this praise for “helping me out” around the house that day.  We were both off Friday afternoon…with my job changes (same job, just a different company) I will soon be working those Friday afternoons again.  So I guess “I” will need more of that help around the house. 

When though, did it become – ONLY MY JOB – to do the laundry and make supper and clean up/pick up the house…even get the kids picked up from daycare?  Grocery shopping and putting them away?  These were all examples that Joe listed (and did THAT day) that needed some sort of “credit” for his generosity ???  Where is my reward for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday….. oh yeah it doesn’t end, does it?  And just some down right recognition for going above and beyond for “participating” in the everyday “chores” EVERY week?  What about the person who is obviously seen as being the soul provider of achieving those tasks – ALWAYS? 

I am NOT saying Joe doesn’t do things around the house – even mostly outside.  BUT – there is no need for him to be overly praised and thanked, if I can’t get that same amount of daily honor for my accomplishments?  Maybe even the accomplishment for just surviving another day of motherhood?!  When I am outside (and I realize it is seldom) cleaning up the yard…helping to shovel (thank goodness for no snow yet!!) and just keeping things together outdoors… I don’t ask for this recognition of “helping” Joe out.  It is my yard too.  I realize we each have items that we take care of more often, it is more practical that way, but it is still both of our duties in having a house, taking care of it, feeding ourselves and others, and fathering/mothering …period…

Another minimal, but important example of spouses overlooking what we just seem to achieve with ease:  I was working on addressing the Christmas cards and Joe stated rudely… I thought you did those last week?  Really?  What I did last week was:  fold, seal, and place stamps and return address labels on the envelopes.  All that I needed to “finish up” was addressing them.  Just goes to show that he doesn’t even know what goes into a “simple” task that just “gets taken care of”, does he?  But I am sure I was taking too much time away from something else he figured I needed to “get done” that night. 

If I have learned anything over this Friday “discussion” about him “helping ME out,” is that everyone should be appreciated for the “little” things they do.  Even when they accomplish an everyday task…. Just more cause for everyday commotions throughout this household.  Giving gratitude is important… but it goes both ways.  (AND don’t leave out the kids…they are the ones that REALLY need the gratitude!)  Everyone participates around a house – it is the only feasible way a household could run. 

Oh the Things a 5 year old says…

Uffda!!! Ha ha.. To be a 5 year old again!  I guess I wouldn’t go so far as to say his phrases are due to his “innocence,” but they do make me laugh.

A story I heard about him – on Thanksgiving his Uncle was asking Isaac and his cousin what they wanted for Christmas – His younger, female cousin responded… “A Pony”  (typical 4 year old girl response right??!)… Isaac questioned her with, “Why wouldn’t you want a Unicorn?!”… Not sure what Isaac’s response was, but he has told us that he is asking Santa for a remote controlled monster truck that has “things” that come out the side to shoot real bullets” – Oh great!  Yeah that is just the toy that he needs. 

This morning Isaac was waking up still sitting in bed.  I thought he was sick the way he was caressing his throat… “Mommy, my neck is sooooooooo dry….it needs Chocolate Milk.”  Ha.. I am sure it does!  I have heard before that his tummy is “soooooooo dry”.  Isaac was convinced he wasn’t going to get any milk…oh, chocolate milk-- the way his voice was “begging” for some.  When I told him he needed to get dressed first and then he could have some, he seemed so shocked… I told him it was morning and time to wake up any way and he said, “No wonder my body was up!”

A few days ago he was watching TV and a commercial came on (maybe ProActive?? – I didn’t see it).  He said “Mom – people use that stuff to get rid of dry and polka dotted skin!”

For supper last night – we attempted fish sticks again, used to be Trevor’s favorite meal… He ate the banana again and that was all… anyways Isaac wasn’t going to eat them he “only likes Daycare’s fish sticks.”  (wonder where he has heard a phrase like that before – Daddy?)  BUT – I did get Isaac to eat them and he even said “Yum” – once!  (My secret? – I was baking cakes and he could lick the spoon when I was done, if he finished his sticks!!!  Lol!)   and he did!

Both boys are very excited about having the outside of the house decorated for Christmas!  We count the “lit up houses” on the way home from daycare!... Trevor starts counting… “One…Two…Mommy see Mommy??”  pointing away at the lights...before I even know we are playing the game again!  Our house is # 26, or 17, or 34…we aren’t very consistent counters, huh?

Mommy's "Little" and BIG Helpers...

Someone (from the North Pole?) must have warned my kids... THANKS!!

Now I have 2 boys that have become Mommy's little helpers.  We have accomplished a few projects together!  Today Joe started and the rest of us assisted the decorating of the outside of the house for the Christmas season.  It looks pretty nice!  We have some HUGE Christmas balls hanging from the blue lighted house and trimming the HUGE evergreen tree... Ok so only around the bottom of the tree.  We are all scared of heights.. Need to hire someone I suppose.  Oh if only, money grew on that same tree!  So we don't decorate very high!...But it still looks festive.

Isaac was our DJ as we started our Christmas cookies.  Trevor (just after bath!) and Isaac both sang us the SWEET melodies of We Will Rock You, and Sweet Serendipity!!  As well as a little jiggle of a dance now and then too!  It truly is sweet to hear Trevor nail those lyrics better than I can, and to watch both have so much fun dancing.. just don't let them catch you smiling while enjoying their entertainment... I guess they get embarrassed??!! Oh so cute. 

Isaac inserting the Kisses
For the "Reindeer Noses!"

 So as we finished half of our Christmas baking rockin' along!... the boys were great helpers and throughly enjoyed themselves (Maybe MOMMY the most!!).  They were especially good at Reindeer Noses --  Round pretzel with a hershey kiss melted inside and a M&M or other candy coated chocolate on top!!!... The boys were able to do 90% off them on their own...They were very excited! 

Then thanks to pinterest we have a new favorite... HOMEMADE Butterfingers!... A bit more time consuming, but SOOOOO worth every second!.. YUMMMMMmmmmmmmmm.... My mouth is watering... Good thing they are in the freezer, or they may be gone. 

I am not sure what else we will make -- the Caramels a co-worker has been spoiling us with = absolutely amazing -- but I am not sure I could get them to turn out...I think I will try, but if anyone breaks a tooth (because I know they will be too hard) over Christmas -- I am not getting them "All they want for Christmas" (is my 2 front teeth!!!!)  because I am officially done wrapping and buying gifts this year!!!!!  I think that is the earliest EVER.  I guess the MN shopping expedition really paid off!

Even Daddy Helped!!

We have been doing lots of other "projects" too, but can't share them yet... DO NOT OPEN until Christmas OR baby niece's arrival!

Now to get the house and myself together... going out for supper tonight!  Happy Birthday to ME!... I am 29 = STILL!

and a Lump of COAL for naughty boys...

What a crazy night last night was.  I still have a headache.  Every little thing that is our everyday life was an issue last night. 

It started with me trying to “help” Trevor take off his winter gear when we arrived at home.  He wanted to do it…. MOMMY….. I didn’t know what was for supper….so I thought I would quickly start noodles cooking on the stove and see from there… Well of course it turned into Mac – n – Cheese… (Homemade version, but we didn’t have any beans –an issue of it’s self… Yes beans on top are the best and those of you who know that probably don’t make homemade Mac-n-Cheese without them either!!!....)  After dealing with Trevor for over 45 minutes while just attempting to get that on the table, I was going crazy. 

He always wants these “snacks” as soon as we walk in the door, and it’s one after another…cheese, fruit snacks, cherries, crackers, crackers….more crackers.  I have been trying to stay strong about only having one before supper (for months now)… and if it is soooooo persistent, then I am trying make that snack appear as part of supper by having him sit at the table while eating it... He wasn’t having any of my ideas last night = they obviously were not his ideas.  He threw his crying tantrum for over an hour last night… I finally got him to calm down and start eating a banana at the table…supper was SOOOOO close to being done, and Daddy walks in from work… “Trevor, why do you look so sad?”  His eyes were swollen and red from crying.  That triggered another moment of despair.  He just couldn’t explain… determine what he wanted.  At first it was more snacks… after time outs and “carry yous”…no kisses and a bunch of NOs from both of us…There was no pleasing him whatsoever.  He booked it out of his chair and moaned into the living room until Isaac was done eating.  So 3 bites of Banana.. and his “snack” of cheese when we walked in the door last night, is all that 3 year old had for supper. 

Then it seemed like playtime was going to satisfy him… Up until this point, Isaac had been good… It is his time to play the iPad when we come in from daycare, so of course he was good.  (I guess that should change now – maybe Trevor needs it then??)  He even ate well, asking for seconds too!!... They were both playing well together.  Until….

BANG … “Oh ---  Trevor I didn’t know your head was there….”  He expressed… not so innocently.  Yeah there -- right under the train track part you were threatening Trevor with -- swinging it around on purpose.  OH, He didn’t want time out… “I didn’t do anything…”  One of the first “bloody” injuries we have had in our house (thankfully…) but HE didn’t do it… right in front of our faces.  They very top of Trevor’s head looked very sore…. Bloody and bright white around that…icky… and ouchy.  You know when Isaac is extremely guilty, because he SAT still (not laid down and begged for his blanket or a toy like usual)… in time out very quietly… It was a LONG time out too.  Even after that long time out… he only lasted 3 minutes and he was playing around with the tree lights.. on and off.. on and off…. Joe warned him many times… of course Mommy was the one that put him BACK IN TIME OUT. 

Thank goodness baths and bed times were right around the corner.

So, it’s a good thing I kept all my receipts for the Christmas gifts!!!... I am now out on the adventure for the Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals on COAL. 

A Shopping we will go....

Over the Bridges and through the horrible drivers --  into the first “bad road conditions” of the year -- we went.  It was a long 8 hour trip to the “cities” for a shopping expedition.  Normally it only takes about 4 hours to get there, but for the first snowy weekend of the season, it seemed to take forever.  I guess someone really wanted us to BOND more!... So that is what we did.  “If it weren’t for stupid drivers, there wouldn’t be accidents!”  So I guess that quote was a bit of a dah??!!!  But really… if there weren’t those drivers slowing down to 25 miles an hour, who think they are being safer -- when everyone else is safely traveling at 40mph there would be no need for the domino effect of brake lights and swaying cars from the slippery roads.  When we have to break to go around you… it isn’t safe for you either.  And on the opposite end… you, out there that thinks you are such a stud to drive 60 mphs weaving in and out of traffic… you didn’t get very far hanging out in the ditch there did you?   Hmmmm did you have to brake too?   So honestly people… Driving in the snow isn’t that big of a deal… just use the pace that is set and drive safely that way.. not “stupidly!”   OK, OK I know… not all accidents are preventable, but some could be eliminated if people just used some common sense!!...

Plans changed a few times…from should we stop at the outlet malls for shopping in the sleeting, snowing, and bone chillin’ windy weather (each being a different store, so we would have went outside often)– or the winning vote was to continue on the interstate at 40 mph toward the hotel and shop inside for comfort!!!...

First stop was a must!  IKEA!!!... I finally got to experience it!  SOOOOOOooooo am headed back to it!  Especially, once the house plans and building are underway.  Just the inspiration from the rooms – it is different than what we are used to here in Norwegian ND!... Even though IKEA is Scandinavian!  So much fun – could have spent hours and mega dollars as well… I took about 20 pictures to remember things!  So a Minnesota shopping trip for the house is a must in the FUTURE!... We will have to bring a trailer—UFFDA!... Ha…

Uff, Uffda, … Ya sure you betcha!.. Ok so the latter one was mostly used as a joke, but I suppose we used the others all too often!... So much fun to laugh and enjoy ourselves, just visiting. 

I am quite sure I accomplished more CHRISTMAS shopping than the other ladies that were with… uh ummmm… buying for themselves… ha ha………ok with those great deals and items we don’t see everyday, how can you not?!... Don’t worry I bought some for myself too!... But the most fun I had shopping, was finding “toys” that we just don’t have around Grand Forks.  I can’t wait for Isaac to see his bow and arrow and sling shot sets (nerf-like items)!  Nothing better for turning a little boy into a country boy!

So much fun – quite certain it should be an annual event!!!.. minus the 8 hour part!  Be safe driving this winter!!!  And make sure you are home before dark!  (ha ha… Family joke!!!)  The deer are out during the day too!!!!!!

Busy Busy "Bees"...

My absolute DEEPEST apologies… I am not leaving behind my blogger family… just been soooooo super busy, I don’t even know where to begin. 

Like most of you, I am sure the holiday season has come in full swing.  I only have 1 gift left to buy!!!... Paying for them is another story… but we should be about to the free airplane (Delta miles!!) seats for Disney!  Ok so that is a ways off… but the American Express is pretty full right now… I hope they forget to send that bill this month!!  Yeah right…. One of the only things that is actually running on time in my life.  Those darn bills just keep showing up don’t they???  We had an amazing time in our Minnesota shopping adventures!  I will blog about them this coming week!... Some words - of mine, I suppose, I shouldn’t repeat… Horrible drivers… ha ha!

Isaac is excited that the Christmas season has filled our house!  The decorations are making it merry and bright!  --and it smells like Christmas too!... Yummy scents filling the house!  Joe worked this weekend, Friday and Saturday, while I had it off, so the boys and I …and “I”…. did most of it!  When Joe got home he was about murdered with over-joys of little boys to put up the tree…MORE importantly the train that goes around the tree.  Since Trevor was born. – so a whole 3 years now—it has become our Beland Family Tradition to have the train around the tree.  We may need a new train for year #4... it is quite abused.  If you haven’t figured it out yet -- BOTH boys are infatuated with Trains… I hear “Choo, choo”… or mention of trains in the house all day and I am sure it is nowhere near ending.  Nor do I want it to be.  I am so glad they can me passionate about something.  I hope that trait can stay throughout their life.  Not necessarily trains, but having a passion for something is crucial.  Without a passion, life would sure be boring. 

Trevor is truly ENJOYING his new speech sessions… The last time I brought him he pointed to the door with excitement and started getting his winter gear off before we even said “hello.”  You should HEAR Trevor SAY  "Hello"… it is sooooo adorable.  There was so much amazement from myself this weekend. The words that were flying out of that 3 year old’s mouth absolutely melted my heart!  WOW… I cannot even believe the progress --even in the last week.  It is unbelievable.  That is all I wanted for Christmas!  And it is already unwrapping!  Seriously, you – someone that isn’t around him much—could even understand it!  (Most of it!!!—I still can’t get some of it.) You have no idea how blessed I feel!  Thank you-- iPad, Speech Therapy, and FISH OIL… I think it is the miracle drug!  My high recommendations if you weren’t a believer before!   So much progress in so little time!

That is keeping us busy, and Isaac is busy with Kindergarten activites.  We have Gearing Up for Kindergarten again this Tuesday night—last one for a while, but the fun projects we come home with are continuously keeping us on our toes!  FUN!  An introduction into homework I suppose… I hope I can say “fun” about that in the years to come… I doubt it.  If there are any preparations out there for that… every idea is welcomed!  As I am sure that will be a motherly duty -- not fatherly-- although it should be BOTH!

Had a great and busy weekend for the Mary Kay Business.. with "Pink Friday" specials.  Just trying to have fun with it and get some great deals out there, while enjoying great products for myself!  Of course, I had 1 cake too!  Never ending!!  But enjoyable!... 2 more this week, so no time to make one for myself. 

Mostly keeping us on the tips of our toes and the verge of tipping over -- are constantly changing plans and ideas between realtors, builders, and ourselves.  We are officially looking to build/move!  (So—you can see why we are busy!)  Most importantly we want to get into the country a bit.  I have always been that “city” girl… ok so "town girl"…Finley wasn’t very city-like with 600 people!  But, I have never lived in the country… it is sure to be an experience.  We aren’t going too far… it, the area we are debating, is only 3 miles from Grand Forks.  So just far enough for me!  But very excited to have “land” the boys can run around in and be “free!”  I am sure many baseball games will be played!!!  One of the discussions we had with the boys, included Joe asking them, “Do you want to live in the country, or out of town?”  So I guess we all know what Joe’s decision was…since they are one in the same thing!!! 

Many decisions and I am sure many “discussions” to follow... already had a few of them… I guess I should add, “mind reader” to my list of spousal duties!... So I am sure there will be plenty of major decisions to encounter on this journey, but worth every one in the end???!  I hope so!

May this holiday season bring us more delights – if only through the eyes of our kids!

Pride of the North!!?...

Isaac stormed in through the garage door last night all excited… I had anticipated the news… “Mom!!!... --oh just wait mom…”  He quickly got undressed from his winter gear, yes this Mom finally got out the winter gear and he was excited to wear that too – (not so much of the same excitement from me!)  He then continued up the stairs with a huge certificate in his hands—almost tripping over himself!  “I passed ‘d mom!!! – I did 12 Bobs”  (He always adds an extra “d” to the “ed” words??!)  He can now be in level 2 of Swim North Dakota swimming lessons and is wondering when he can start them already. 

Last night he couldn’t settle down and go to sleep… It was one of the worst nights of going to bed he has had in a long time… I could tell he was excited and couldn’t resist asking more questions and popping out of his sheets to attempt another one.  “When I am done with level 7, what do we do then Mom? – Go back to level 1”…lol… I couldn’t resist… by this time it was almost my bedtime, so he was on a short leash. 

I am very proud of him… conquering his fear of going underwater so quickly.  Going from just blowing bubbles and begging us not to put him under—whenever we went swimming – to 12 Bobs and jumping in by himself --  in 8 days!  Pretty good progress!  So I guess it was good to put him in lessons!!! Ha ha… I knew it would be, but now we are even more challenged to get swimming throughout winter so the excitement continues and more progress can be made!

I am also thrilled that he can be so proud of himself!  Kind of a relief, because he can get “down” on himself pretty quickly.  I asked if he wanted to call his Grandmas and Grandpas to share his achievement… “YES!” – who are we calling first?… I wasn’t moving fast enough.  I have often been “worried” about how to teach my children pride and about boosting their self-esteems.  I guess this triumph has verified the little accomplishments can mean a lot to him as well!

We have also conquered the bed wetting!!!  Pretty well anyways… not many accidents within this last month.  He finished his chart last week (we still need to get his “prize”… he isn’t too concerned I guess?!)  and I asked if he wanted another one or if he was a big boy now?... “I don’t need another one Mom!!!”

So the Swim ND certificate has replaced the “I woke up dry” chart displayed in his room! = with PRIDE!

ADVICE...

I have been receiving a lot of it lately.  –for many reasons… How people deal with a vast array of situations is dependent on the advice they receive and give.  What would we do without it?  How do we deal with too much of it?  (Sleep less...either way!  As I have been getting "older" -- not until next month!!! -- I have seen my sleeping patterns are dramatically affected by stressors. = yuck)

Also Determined as Victimizing Instead of Cited as Encouragement??????  I know that may be a far stretch as to the meaning of ADVICE.  But all the same it is true.

From one of my favorite websites…Wikipedia:  Advice (also called exhortation) is a form of relating personal or institutional opinions, belief systems, values, recommendations or guidance about certain situations relayed in some context to another person, group or party often offered as a guide to action and/or conduct.  Put a little more simply, an advice message is a recommendation about what might be thought, said, or otherwise done to address a problem, make a decision, or manage a situation. Advice is believed to be theoretical, and is often considered taboo as well as helpful.

But how can we live or cope with life’s situations without the motivational advice friends, family, and the other “support” staff we run into throughout our lives.  Grandparents, spouses, therapists, doctors, co-workers, the man down the street that calls me “Bev” because I must have mumbled when I said, “Deb,” the acquaintance from the grocery store……Advice is given everywhere!

Whether we are supplying the advice or absorbing it.  Whether we request it or not.  There is stress attached to both ends. 

When we are the suppliers = Do we advise our friends “too much inspiration” -- as to feel pushy—sharing our opinions and circumstances as a threshold for how they can deal with a situation that is highly, and possibly completely opposite as ours was?…Should we share our thoughts and expectations as how we really feel, or how we would pursue the issue…or do we hide behind the true feelings just to spare the feelings of others, offering only “support” which may resemble the easy way out.  I suppose it depends on the one in need of the advice and what the advice is about, yet some “suppliers” are willing to share their advice regardless of thinking first.  Pushing the limits –always.  

How do we sort the information given and taken in…It can be overwhelming, although at the same time we need these “advisors” in our lives to help us stay on track and sane.  We should be expected at the same time to be that advisor for supporting others.  That is a 2 way relationship… friends, family, spouses……..CHILDREN.  I believe the innocence of children is some of the best ways “advice” can be provided.  They will tell you exactly how it is without over thinking every situation first, as I know I am guilty of. 

I suppose – no matter how bad we think we are struggling with life…there is always someone out there hanging on by a thread…we need to remember to be strong when others need us too.  So continue to braid those tight strings of support for your everyday relationships, and increase the quality of advisory roles we are placed in, because even though the advice given can be interrupted as harsh, or as encouragement – we all need  it… it is called a “shoulder” to lean on.  It’s how we communicate!

Even though we try to avoid it, sometimes we still ask the questions.  "Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't." (Erica Jong, How to Save Your Own Life, 1977).  –again thanks Wikipedia!

With all of the current happenings in my life (a GOOD reason why this blog is behind a week!), it had me thinking about the advice we receive if we ask for it or not…if we think we need it or not….it is there—because we do-----we need it!

Making Progress...

Isaac heads to his 4^th swimming lesson tonight… We are going to the University for lessons--closer to the house, but there are alot of lessons at the same time = lots of commotion, I suppose same is true at the Y.  The first night he nervously went under water about 4 times… now he goes 4 in a row!  His wide open eyes, as he peeps out of the water for his next breath, still portray the nerves, but you can tell he is ecstatic about getting into the water.  He is in and out …sitting on the ledge... all too often in my opinion.  He told me he was cold after Tuesday’s class…I told him he needed to stay in the water!  There is only one other kid in his class.  So I was hoping for a bit more pushing from the lifeguard.  But the class is good for him – I will admit that.  I am sure that I am critiquing a little more than most—but we are on day 4…encourage more of something else-floating, jumping in… not just underwater!!! Ha…not that I am telling anyone what to do… I am behaving myself.  Since I was a lifeguard and Joe too, I didn’t find the sessions necessary—it was Joe’s decision – a push from his dad—to put him in lessons.  We honestly just needed to find more time for him to be at a “pool” vs. the lake… where it takes more courage to “walk” into the deeper water, I think.  But it is just letting my little boy enjoy “his” time, so that is worth it… Trevor is not in swimming lessons yet (next year!?).  He would love it too, but this “Isaac” time is needed for him.  One of the bigger reasons why we joined Gearing Up for Kindergarten too!  He deserves our one on one attention as well.  I am not so called, “worried” about Isaac transitioning into a mature boy and entering school, but he deserves my attention and alone time with his parents too!!!  Now he is getting more of that – Isaac time—and I am quite sure he LOVES it!  I stayed home for the one on one time with Trevor last night and Joe brought the camcorder to record the proof of progress... really all we got was a memory that is full of noise and motion sickness... ha... the pool area is noisy...and the 12 minute clips are a bit much for a 3rd session of hopping in and out of the water...Maybe a steadier hand on the last night of lessons will prove more progress for Isaac!  ...so far, Dad has provided 12 minutes of proof for a 5 year old's love of the water!  Dizzying!  ha ha... he knows he isn't a camera man!  --all in all a good memory on record!

Fish Oil = miracle drug?????  Maybe so… I am already a believer…No Trevor’s words aren’t clearer, but there are sure more of them = already?  He was starting to head out of  the plateau just prior to starting the mineral, but I trust that it is a supporting factor in the big increase of vocabulary.  These are words we have heard before, but normally those words go into hiding for a while…I hope they stick around!!  That would be HUGE progress!  A cause for welcomed COMMOTION in the house! 

He attended his 3^rd speech session on Wednesday.  He already started “playing” !!!!!!!  When Joe got to daycare to pick him up for his speech session, he started crying…telling “Daddy, no eech…no eech.”  So, Joe was thinking it wasn’t going to be a successful ½ hour.  But he (and myself) were pleasantly surprised with the outcome and his courage already!  Of course starting on this good track – Trevor won’t have speech due to Veteran’s Day and school being out on Friday… hope next Wednesday isn’t too far away to stay on track… but for now…more fish oil in applesauce…FYI don’t but it in Mac-n-Cheese...they didn’t eat it.  Not sure why it would “flavor” that vs the applesauce differently.  Need to go grocery shopping tonight –Need to get yogurt and give that a try too.  Thank goodness they both LOVE applesauce!  They have been getting a lot of it!

Progress for everyone – helps relieve this mommy’s mind for now!!!

Mini Makeovers...

As I had mentioned before, I love to “re-decorate” rooms.  The boy’s didn’t NEED much for their birthdays this year, so we decided to give them new bedding sets and re-paint their rooms.  They both love showing off their new rooms! 

It is very enjoyable and stress-relieving for me to makeover an area.  From start to finish I enjoy each step…coming up with the plan of attack, watching the boys all excited about what is happening throughout the venture – answering the questions about How? Why?  …and of course the finished project.  It provides the sense of accomplishment that people can actually SEE.  All too often we take great strides in life – with really no “material” proof of what was done.  Just the everyday parenting as a whole is an example of succeeding with “little” rewards—ones that I wouldn’t trade for anything, but the fact that you can actually SEE progress in a project and get “physical” recognition from it, is an important part of pride in your life!  This is why I try to hang all the kids’ art work from daycare at least for a little while…even though it may cause “clutter” – it shows off the pride they put into the abilities, and shows them we are proud of it too.  Isaac often asks me – “Mom can we do a project?”  I am so glad they can enjoy it as much as I do and we can do those things together!  I guess this is the reason why I am “crafty.”  --the need to feel you have succeeding and completed something!?!

So I did some very basic “upgrading” to big boy rooms for their birthday “projects!”

Isaac’s room got an urban make over.  He now has the full size bed (from the crib).  And it is decked out in a “checkered” type bedding with blue, orange, grays, and black.  There are big boy things all over the comforter.  Motorcycles, helicopters, race cars….street lights. 

So the graffiti like squares I painted on the wall mimic the patterns from the bedding.  Isaac’s room was already a baby blue, so I removed the “baby” by keeping the blue on top (mostly because of the vinyl saying on the wall—needed to be preserved) and adding the bright orange on the bottom with the black border.  There is definitely no baby left in that room.  He was sad that the "treasure chest" (toy box) moved into Trevor's room due to lack of space, but other than that he was satisfied!

See how he had to ACT just like Isaac
and "Pose" on his Bed...They are
watching EVERY move!

Trevor’s room became a bit more colorful.  His new dinosaur bedding matched many of the colors we had around the house already.  The “architectural walls” throughout his room offered me many options for placing pops of color around the room.  I stole the rest of Isaac’s blue and orange paint and put them on a wall… I used the yellow from Isaac’s old nursery and a green from the basement down stairs.  Didn’t cost me a penny!!!  Always a plus!  (You can’t see the green in any of the pictures, but it brings color in by the door.)  Keeping the biggest 2 walls the neutral khaki helped tone all the colors down a bit.  (and made less work for me – remember this is a mini makeover!)  It was easier than all the stripes I previously had in my mind.  !!

The new bright green curtains add even more excitement to the room...and they are room darkening A PLUS!!! Esp for nap time!

I still love their names on each wall.  It really lets them know it is “my space.”  I think little—or big boys—need that too!

My boys are growing so fast.  No nursery left in our house.  I did get to help with my future niece's new nursery this past weekend though (so much fun -- I love it!)...Maybe I will get to share that in the future too!... I think I need her in the picture too -- "posing" for me!

The OTHER "A" word...

Trevor had his second speech session at the school.  It was reported that there was already improvement from the first day of speech, but he was most definitely scared... shaking in my arms as he reached for the door just before I was leaving.  I came back in ½ hour and he hadn’t participated in any “play” but he only cried for a few minutes = the improvement.  When I entered the room, he was “hiding” his face “in” a cabinet…just peeking out the corner of his eyes to be sure he wasn’t missing anything too fun.  The SLP told me a few “break in” iPad apps she uses… he thoroughly enjoyed the talking puppy one we played all weekend.  You can pet him, of course he burps – always makes kids laugh- and when you talk he will repeat what you said.  It was pretty evident that we as parents can understand him better than the puppy…  Other then “hello” –which was clear- whatever the puppy would repeat sounded just like Trevor – proving that they aren’t “really” words yet and you need to interpret them.  So, we will see what Wednesday’s session brings and if he wants to play “puppy” with them. 

Then Mommy and Trevor went to his “well-child” visit Friday afternoon.  It didn’t go “well.”  He was extremely nervous that I was going to leave him again.  Glued to me in the waiting room for 20mins…He didn’t cry until we went back to be weighed and measured and I had to let him down.  He didn’t want a sticker…nothing.  We went to the exam room and he did his blood pressure check REALLY well while sitting on my lap!  After the nurse left and in between the doctor coming in --about 15mins… he had calmed down and I continued to assure him I wasn’t leaving--it was probably a plus that they were running behind.  So he started lining up blocks as he does at home often.  As the pediatrician entered he asked if there were any concerns from me? And I brought up the apraxia... Trevor continued to play with blocks throughout the visit until he was “checked over” by the doctor.  He “categorized” them a few different ways…there was probably 30 blocks…separating (lining them up) them into big and small…and by colors.  I was pretty proud of him.  The doctor seemed a bit nervous about it.  Do 3 year olds not do that?  After the discussions the doctor stepped out and Trevor “got ready” to be checked out.  He did extremely well!  So proud of him, letting the doctor move his legs around, look into orifices, etc…

After the examination and his skimming of the SLP's notes, the pediatrician suggested we bring Trevor to a psychologist to get evaluated for Autism.  That “A” word is mentioned throughout the apraxia blogs and other websites I have been discovering.  I am not going to lie…it has been there in the back of my mind since we started this process, but he is so cuddly – on his terms though, and only to a select few?  So, is that why?... I had always “ruled it out” because he loves to be “arry ou” –held (Carry You).  Sometimes he loves to be rocked, but he usually wants to be close to you anyways –sitting together, lying in bed… His social skills are not adequate, but apraxia’s reasonings seemed to fit Trevor quite well. 

Of course the next “opening” for a psychologist’s review is in 2 months.  Jan 2^nd…we are on a waiting list…just wonderful that I can dwell on it longer.  But really what would we change right now anyway.  Trevor still needs to warm up to his new SLP and get aquainted…and he still needs to work on speech skills.  So eventually we may need to increase therapy and introduce different types, but for now it is all about adjusting…mom, dad, and Trevor. 

Either way we are still going to advocate for the best services we can find for Trevor…if it means more “running around,” then that is what we will do – together!  Most importantly I want him to be that “child” and not miss out on that, but of course there is the feeling of despair trying to help him avoid the blemishes that come with growing up under any diagnoses.  It is truly tear-jerking and all the more reasons for an increase of commotions in our lives.