The Dickson Family

Mr. Personality

2010-07-03T10:40:00.003-06:00

Grace and Mom

2010-07-03T10:39:00.002-06:00

Grace and I got haircuts. Check it out!

Celebrating Baby Baker, June 19

2010-07-03T10:23:00.005-06:00

I had the pleasure of helping to with a baby shower for my dear friends, Nicole & Kyle Baker. They are expecting their first child September! It was a really great time to get together with friends from church. I made this cake, with coordinated with the decorations PERFECTLY (and we didn't even mean too!!)

Nicole & I

Mommy & Baby Baker

My baby girl...ok, she's 9 but she will always be my baby!

Grace was Nicole's helper for opening the gifts.

Family

Baby Abigail...isn't she precious?

My other dear friend, Heitza is also expecting her first child in September.
Girls, let's try NOT to have babies on the same day, ok?

It was a fabulous day!

Moms

2010-06-29T14:53:00.000-06:00

Not Me Monday

2010-06-28T11:26:00.004-06:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. Check out her blog and see what she HASN'T been doing lately!

I have NOT been running all over the place, taking three kids to three different camps, in two different towns.

I have NOT been falling asleep on the couch by 9:00 pm every night.

I have NOT watched the Twilight movie saga and am NOT really excited for the next movie.

I have NOT been buying baby clothes, on clearance, for my good friends!!!

I did NOT eat cereal for lunch today. Not me...I always eat well balanced meals.

What have you NOT been doing lately?

Hanging Out With My Boys at the Petting Farm

2010-06-16T15:44:00.003-06:00

I got to spend a day with my boys at the petting farm recently.

We had so much fun!! We held some baby ducks.....

fed some hungry goats...

milked a "pretend" cow...

milked a real cow...as you can tell, it wasn't John's favorite activity but I am proud that he tried...

posed for pictures...

smiled.....

I love John's expression here....I am TOO cool for you Mom!

rode a pony....

waited very patiently...

and made silly faces.

Seriously, it was a great day with my boys!

Daddy

2010-06-03T19:00:00.001-06:00

Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Friends

2010-06-03T18:56:00.004-06:00

I am thankful that in God's design He planned it so your path crossed mine. God has blessed me with some wonderful friends! I am grateful for them! Here are just a few of them:

And, isn't baby James the cutest!!!

Summer Is Here!

2010-06-03T18:48:00.004-06:00

It must be summer!

Summer is....

corn on the cob...

sunshine...

brothers....

playing in the sprinkler...

friends...

fun!!!

Out of the Mouths of Moms

2010-06-02T15:29:00.006-06:00

MckMama has started a new blog carnival~ Out of the Mouths of Moms....head on over to mckmama.com and join in the fun....

Here are a few things that I have said recently:

"I appreciate your help but let me be the mom today, ok?"

"It's just part of being in a family."

"No, Jeff, Mommy doesn't have a baby in my belly."

"Please eat...you don't want to? Then, you can eat this for breakfast."

"Because I'm the Mom...that's why!"

"I'm mean? I take mean Mommy lessons while you sleep!"

What have you said lately?

Celebration of the Arts

2010-05-24T15:02:00.003-06:00

On Thursday, Grace and Daddy went to
celebrate the arts at her school.

She did a great job. I am so proud of her!!!

This is a "wall pocket" made out of gray clay. Then, she painted three layers of paint (with little rocks in it). They baked it in a pottery heater. It was beautiful.

Grace is showing Daddy her portfolio.

These are the words that Grace uses to describe herself!
I especially like "caring, helpful, and respectful".

Uncle Mac

2010-05-17T10:12:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, we lost a great man. My Uncle Clayton, or Mac (as he was known to everyone), passed away. This is a really hard time for us and for his family. (Clayton was the oldest of my Mom's brothers.) I will be heading out east sometime this week to be with my family.

To Joanne, Phil, Charlie & Russ (and all the wives & grandkids):

I love you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you! See you later this week.

Clayton & Joanne's Family (minus a few grandkids)!

Uncle Mac & Joanne

It's Been SO Long!!! :-)

2010-05-14T15:27:00.004-06:00

A new year! A new blog design! Lots to share!!

It has been so long since I have written on the blog!! Life has been interesting and
I look forward to sharing with you! I am going to try to write at least once a week, so stay tuned!

Lil' John's 1st Day of 1st Grade

2009-08-20T08:10:00.008-06:00

Today was John's first day of first grade.

On the way to the bus, we listened to a message from Nana.
Lil' John said, "Jeff and Grace, you can't listen because the message is for me, from Nana.
She is wishing me a good first day of school!" So cute!

This is Lil' John's bus!

Lil' John was so excited to meet his new bus driver, Tina.
He said, "That must be my bus, and my new bus driver, Tina!"

Lil' John introduced himself to Tina, his bus driver.

Here he is...

Goodbye, Lil' John! Have a great day!

Autism Sucks!

2009-08-14T17:43:00.003-06:00

So, I have known this for a while but today, I am just reminded that Autism SUCKS! I swear (except I don't) I will never understand this. Some days are great...some days are well not so great. We've been having some not so great days.

Today was the play at camp. My John got so overwhelmed with the noise, the people, andeverything that was going on. What could I do except sit with him and just hug him as he covered his ears and rocked. Yep, autism sucks.

In days like these, I cling to these words:

"YET, JULIE will rejoice in the Lord, JULIE will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is JULIE'S strength; he makes JULIE'S feet like the feet of a deer, he will bring JULIE safely over the mountain." Habakkuk 3:18

God has blessed me with a sweet, smart, energetic, happy and lovable little boy.
Really...who can ask for more?

Going Bald For Mindy

2009-07-19T14:36:00.003-06:00

John has a new hair cut. It's for a good cause. Our friend, Mindy is fighting breast cancer and the chemo has made her hair fall out. So, we are praying for her, but John shaved his head for her. If you can, please check out her blog:

http://amidlife-ajourney.blogspot.com/

I think he looks great!

Making Pepperoni Rolls--A Family Tradition

2009-07-19T14:32:00.004-06:00

The kids helped make pepperoni rolls for dinner.

Step 1: Roll out dough.

Step 2: Ask Mom, "Is it flat enough?"

Step 3: Get flour everywhere!

Step 4: Look, we're done!!!

Remove from oven, brush with garlic butter. Serve with heated spaghetti sauce!
A yummy Mehaffey family tradition!

See Ya

2009-07-08T21:12:00.002-06:00

It was nice to see Aunt Missy & Uncle Roman. We don't get to see them very often
(they live in Kansas). It was so great, just to spend time with them! We love you, both!

A Wet 4th of July

2009-07-08T20:48:00.005-06:00

It started raining on Friday night and it rained for 24 hours straight. We spent a very soggy day in our tents and outside in the rain...trying to prevent further flooding.

Like our mote? Water was pooling under our tent.

Wet tent!

This is where 9 of us (3 kids) spent a big portion of the day!

Still smiling!

Craft time...trying to keep the kids busy & happy!

"Seriously...it's my birthday!"

We just helped our neighbor pull his trailer out of the mud.

:-)

Cornerstone--Part 2

2009-07-08T20:16:00.004-06:00

Don't you just LOVE this face? John sent a lot of quiet time in the van. He was a little overwhelmed with the whole "camping" thing but he did a nice job of "using his words". It was a big adjustment for him!

Mary Jane cooked the whole weekend for us! She is awesome! Here, Melissa & MJ are eating peach cobbler! Nope, we didn't eat hamburgers once!!!

Menu for camping:
Ham & baked potatoes
Turkey & vegetables
Brats & hot dogs
Biscuits & Gravy
Eggs & Bacon
Chicken taco salad

YUMMY!

Playing in the kiddie pool with Grandpa!

Isn't she beautiful?

The kids entertained themselves for HOURS with clothes pins! Who knew?

Grace *aka* fish!

Aunt Missy braided Grace's hair.

As you can tell, she LOVED it!

Cornerstone Festival 2009

2009-07-08T17:57:00.003-06:00

We spent July 1-July 5 at Cornerstone 2009 in Bushnell, IL. We camped with Grandma & Grandpa Dickson and Roman & Melissa. It was a good time, with family.

Our welcome sign!

Our camp site...

The kitchen/dining room...

Uncle Roman, helping Jeff with bubbles!

Grace & bubbles...

Just Being Kids

2009-07-08T17:52:00.002-06:00

Painting...

Smiling...

Getting messy...

Being silly....

Relaxing!

Father's Day--June 21, 2009

2009-07-08T17:44:00.003-06:00

For Father's Day this year, we went to West Virginia to see my dad. He is recovering from quadruple bypass heart surgery at the end of May. We are so thankful that we got to spend this time with him. He was thankful that it was only for 3 days...the kids wore him out. :-)

Nana and John...classic!

My Daddy...with a beard!

Can we play, Papa?

This picture says it all...
We love you, Nana & Papa!

Jeff's 4th Birthday--July 4, 2009

2009-07-07T17:37:00.002-06:00

Whatever You're Doing Inside of Me

2009-06-26T10:57:00.003-06:00

Whatever You're Doing Inside of Me
Sanctus Real

It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
All I can do is surrender

(Chorus)
Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos
somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving into something heavenly

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Revaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow your will
or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is you want from me
I give everything I surrender...To...

(Chorus)
Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos
somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to something I can't see
but I'm giving into something heavenly

Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to to release all my held back tears

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life
something heavenly

It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time breathe in and let everything out

John's 6th Birthday

2009-06-14T19:29:00.007-06:00

It wouldn't be a birthday without....

cake (yes, I made the Wall-E cake)...

party hats...

Grandpa...

painting....

friends....

playing...

hanging around...

pool?

candles...

Kyle's hugs...

friends....

good friends...

eating cake...

Kyle eating cake...that fell on the ground (10 second rule!)

presents!!

John's New Bike

2009-06-14T19:26:00.002-06:00

John got so many cool presents this year for his birthday!
Team Lil' John (which comprised of Nana & Papa, Mom & Dad, Grandma & Grandpa) went together and got him a really cool bike, complete with helmet!

He loves it!

Swimming!

2009-06-14T19:17:00.005-06:00

On Saturday, we had a swimming party! Well, we didn't get to swim until about 4:30 pm
because the horrible weather we have been having lately. There were a party goers that braved the "brisk" water. But, as you can tell...fun was had by ALL!

Johnathan was cold...

Now you see him...

Now you don't!

Jeff didn't like the cold water!

Can't wait until the weather is warmer so we can truly enjoy the water!

Happy Birthday, Lil' John

2009-06-12T04:30:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday, my Lil' John!
Mommy & Daddy love you very much!

John and Mom

2009-06-08T17:39:00.000-06:00

Jeff's Many Faces

2009-06-08T17:35:00.000-06:00

Summer Fun

2009-06-08T17:17:00.004-06:00

Fun At Lamb's Farm

2009-06-08T17:05:00.005-06:00

I went with Jeff to his preschool class to Lamb's Farm. It was a cold, rainy day but that didn't stop Jeff. We rode the train...we had a picnic...we saw some animals!

Best of all, I got to spend the whole day with Jeff!

Jeff had SO much fun!

Olivia

2009-05-24T11:19:00.002-06:00

Olivia went to be with Jesus yesterday. See her blog for details...

http://thechattpack.blogspot.com/

Please remember this family in your prayers!

Celebration of Learning and the Arts

2009-05-21T19:50:00.003-06:00

Today, we had the pleasure of going to Grace's School for the "Celebration of Learning and the Arts". The school was decorated with student artwork. There were lots of opportunities to experience the arts! Grace's class made a quilt about Abraham Lincoln. It is PROUDLY displayed in the hallway at LINCOLN School!!

Check out the square that is second to last on the bottom.
Grace made that square!!!

Then, we got to hear a great concert by the best singers in the world...our kids!!

Isn't she GORGEOUS?

Grace had a speaking part. She said she was thankful for the last day of school! :-) Another little kid said he was thankful for beef jerky. So cute!

It was a lovely night and a great way to wrap up the school year!
Can you believe she will be in 3rd grade in the fall?
I can't!!! I'm SO proud of you, Grace!

Grace & Corn

2009-05-20T16:38:00.004-06:00

Boys Will Be Boys

2009-05-20T16:08:00.004-06:00

I talked to my Dad on the phone today. He's doing great and we were laughing about his hospital gown being too big for him and the fact that he felt like he was wearing a dress. I was laughing so hard that I didn't notice that Grace had come into the kitchen. She said, "Mom, you should go outside and look at what my brother's are doing." So, I followed her. And this is what I found...

Check out that evil smile...

I guess boys will be boys!

Mother's Day....Continued!

2009-05-11T15:18:00.003-06:00

'Grace made a card for me and gave me the sweetest little flower pot with a flower!
I can't believe my baby girl is 8 1/2 years old!

Lil' John made me a really sweet card, in which he wrote in it ALL BY HIMSELF!!

My kids rock!!

Sponges

2009-05-11T13:40:00.002-06:00

To all moms:

Children are like sponges,

they absorb your knowledge.

They sap your strength,

soak your resources and

drain your energy.

But with one big squeeze,

they give it all back!!

Tuesday

2009-05-10T20:45:00.002-06:00

So, it's that time again! I call it shopping for a new class for Lil' John. See, at the end of this school year, he will be too old for his current class. So, we get to go shopping for a 1st grade class. Because our school district doesn't offer the type of class that is the "least restrictive learning environment" for him, he will be bussed to another district.

On Tuesday, we will be visiting two classrooms, in two different towns. Both classes are a step up from his current class, which is good as our goal is to transition him back into a mainstream classroom, in our district. His IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) is scheduled for May 27, so we have until then to decide.

Am I nervous? Sort of...I know that God has the perfect place for Lil' John. Pray that it will be clear to my hubby and I as we visit these classrooms!

Speechless...

2009-05-07T12:57:00.001-06:00

Mother's Day...Jeff Style!

2009-05-07T12:36:00.006-06:00

In honor of Mother's Day, I visited Jeff's preschool class. They had a really cute little program. I was so proud that Jeff stayed on his "circle" and sang the songs. He was so proud to show me his flower pot and was eager to dive into the treats. He even fixed my plate for me! It was a great morning. Well, after a few pictures, Jeff looked at me and said, "Ok, Mommy, you can leave now!" That's my Jeff!! :-)

Mommy & Jeff

Singing a song...

He was so proud of the little flower pot that he made!

Eating a cupcake...yummy!

Smile? Now...

Jeff and Mommy....

A closer look at the flower pot...

15 Things About Me

2009-04-25T12:36:00.003-06:00

I really like to bake. I bake everything: cakes, pies, cookies...and I take requests!! I recently made a 3-D duck cake, a lemon cake. I make my own pie crust from scratch. My favorite pie is cherry. What's yours?
I have seen Wall-E about 30 times, and I still really LOVE it! It is just so cute. I love when I hear Lil' John say "Eva"!
My favorite movie is "Sleepless In Seattle". Makes me cry everytime! I love the movie so much that I named my teddy bear "Howard" which is Jonah's teddy's name in the movie. Yep, I LOVE IT!
I really like to watch Sci-Fi. Yes, I noticed that there where 3 cylons from Battlestar Galactica in a recent episode of CSI. Yes, I know which episode of Star Trek that they modeled that episode after. Yes, I'm in LOVE with the Doctor on Doctor Who. (Yes, John knows!)
I miss my friends from college so much. I miss hosting Sunday night homeade pizza nights. Wish we all lived closer so we could hang out like we used to.
I love to scrapbook! I love my Cricut. I don't get to do it as much as I'd like but it is so fun to be creative. I love Monday's & Saturday's when I get to have some uninterrupted scrapbook time with my dear friends.
I am a mom to three beautiful children, whom I love very much. My children are teaching me more than I ever thought possible.
I love my crockpot. I use it all the time!
I can't get my day started without my coffee. Period...enough said!
I cry...a lot!
I have a wonderful husband, who is very patient with me.
I'm not a perfect mom and I am ok with that. I just try to do what's right for my kids.
I am a sinner, saved by God's grace.
I believe in God's sovereignty. It brings me great comfort that nothing surprises God. He knows that Lil' John is autistic. He knows that my husband will probably lose his job. He knows every struggle that we face in our marriage. God never gets frustrated or starts to wring His hands. This did not come out of the blue for Him. God is not on Plan B. This is still Plan A.
My favorite verses in Scripture: Isaiah 40:26-31

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

John's Invisible Inserts

2009-04-18T18:02:00.005-06:00

I took John to see his orthopedic doctor last week. They decided that he is doing so well, that he only needs inserts inside his shoes. So, let me show them to you.

Yes, they are short and little.

They disappear into his shoes.
As John would say, "They are invisible!"

When John started wearing inserts at age 2,
they were up to his knees.
Now, at age 5, you can't even really tell that he wears them!
So awesome!

April Fun!!

2009-04-18T17:55:00.004-06:00

Jeff's new pajamas!! So cute!

Silly boys!

My kids...aren't they awesome?!

Princess Grace...cheesing for the camera

John...in his own world

Jeff, the baby....

Easter Cake

2009-04-18T17:53:00.003-06:00

I made a 2 layer lemon cake with whipped topping frosting for Easter.
It was so yummy!

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-18T17:37:00.004-06:00

Grace found an egg...

So did John...

Grace, don't step on it!

I love eggs!

After the egg hunt...we are so happy! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!

Easter Sunday

2009-04-18T17:24:00.006-06:00

It was a beautiful Easter Sunday. We had a wonderful worship service at our church. Over 200 people were in attendance. The music was awesome! Pastor John delivered a wonderful sermon and we had 18 kids in the Children's ministry downstairs! It was a great morning! Following the service, we went to Wade and Mary Jane's for a yummy Easter feast. We enjoyed ham, cheesy potatoes, bread and much more!

Coloring Easter Egg

2009-04-11T13:04:00.001-06:00

Jeff's Legoland Injury

2009-04-11T12:57:00.004-06:00

Jeff went to Legoland with his preschool class on Wednesday, April 8. He had a great time, especially on the slide. Well, there were LOTS of kids on the slide. Jeff decided he would swing on the bar, instead of going down. So, Jeff got in the way of a "big kid" and got kicked in the face. He has a nice black eye! I don't think he got the memo that it is only 4 days until Easter!

(The above picture was taken Wednesday.)

It looks a lot worse today....we'll see how it is tomorrow!
\

Ace of Cakes?

2009-04-11T12:40:00.004-06:00

I made a cake for a baby shower for a lady in our church. This is her first baby. The theme was rubber ducks so I made a duck swimming in the pond. There were a lot of steps.

Step one: Bake Cakes.
Step Two: Make 12 cups of icing.
Step Three: Make 3 more cups of icing, when I realized I won't have enough!
Step Four: Tint 15 cups of icing!!

(Note: Each batch of icing (3 cups) had 1 stick of butter, 1/2 stick of shortening,
4 cups powdered sugar, vanilla, milk)

The naked duck!

All done! I am pretty proud of him!

Spring?

2009-03-30T11:27:00.003-06:00

Does this look like spring to you? We woke up on Sunday, March 29 to this....snow...heavy, cold, wet snow on top of ice. YEA!!! The kids had a great time....as you can see!

Now, that we've gotten this out of our system, can spring please come to stay?!

Setting Your Expectations High!!

2009-03-06T17:41:00.002-06:00

This clip speaks for itself. Grab a kleenex!

Updates

2009-03-03T15:44:00.003-06:00

Hi, all--

I thought that I should update you on Grace's surgery and other happenings at the Dickson house in February.

Grace's Surgery: Grace's surgery went fine, however, she developed a high fever in the hospital and we ended up staying four days (instead of two). I stayed with her in the hospital. John (along with my dear friend, Carol, Grandma/Grandpa & Suzanne) held things together at home while I was with Grace in the hospital. She missed a full week of school (including her Valentine's Party!) A week and a half later, she missed three days of school, due to another fever. YUCK!!! She is back to school and doing fine, now!
Lil' John gets to start attending a regular education P.E. class. He did great today and he really liked it! Hopefully, this is the first step in our road back to mainstreamed school!
Jeff was sick all last week. He ran a fever and was vomiting . So, on Wednesday night, we took him to the ER, to get re-hydrated. It was a long night. He was a pretty sick boy. Today was his first day back to school after missing almost a week.
I spent most of the day yesterday KILLING the sick germs in our house!!! I am so tired of us being sick!
John got his last part to his new computer and he spent yesterday evening, putting it together!
I scrapbooked 4 pages yesterday morning, with my friend Carol. I think we are going to scrapbook every Monday morning...what fun!
I was in my first accident and got my first ticket today....no injuries., thankfully!! But, I have been driving for over 15 years, and this is my first time getting a ticket! BOOO!!!

I'll post some pictures next time of our February happenings!! :-)
Hope you all are healthy!

Happy Birthday To Me!!

2009-03-03T13:44:00.003-06:00

March 1 was my birthday. I "ran" away for a weekend of scrapbooking heaven with my friend, Carol. On Friday, we got a hotel...ate Chinese food...and watched the funniest movie... "The Women"! I highly recommend this movie!!

On Saturday morning, we slept in (until 8:30) and then went scrapbooking! We scrapped from 10 am until 10 pm....I got 14 pages done in our 2008 Family Album!! Yea!!

On Sunday, the family and I went to church. After church, we went to my in-laws house for some yummy lasagna and some REALLY yummy chocolate cake!

What a great birthday weekend!

"Can You Believe They Said That?"

2009-03-03T13:27:00.002-06:00

My three lovely children have been keeping John and I laughing so much lately! I would like to share some of the incredibly cute things that my children have said in the last week...Enjoy!!

This morning, the conversation with my 3 year old goes like this:

Jeff: Mommy, Mommy, come here!
Me: Yes, Jeff!
Jeff: I'm not sikamore!
Me: You're not a tree?
Jeff: No, Mommy...I'm not sikamore (sick anymore)!

Here's the conversation I had with my 8 year old:

Grace: I wish I could date Jeff.
Me: Why do you want to date Jeff?
Grace: Because he's so cute!
Me: You can't date anyone that's related to you.
Grace: Ok...can I date Nolan?
Me: Nolan? From your class?
Grace: Yes...
Me: Why?
Grace: Because he's so cute!
Me: What does it mean to date?
Grace: It means you kiss.
Me: You can't date and you can't kiss anyone. Boys have germs!
Grace: Well, you kiss Dad...
Me: Does Nolan want to date you?
Grace: Only when I pick my nose!
Me: EWWWW!!!! (Then, I go into a big speech about picking her nose!)
Me: Bottom line....no dating, kissing or picking your nose!!! :-)

Here's the conversation that John had with our 5 year old:

Lil' John: Daddy, I want sloppy joes for dinner.
Dad: Ok, I'll cook the hamburger.
Lil' John: (goes to the cabinet and gets the sloppy joe sauce) Here Dad, I have the sloppy!

Lil' John at my 32 Birthday Party on Sunday:

Grandma: Mommy is 32.
Lil' John: Really?
Grandma: Yes...that's why we are putting all these candles on her cake.
Lil' John: Well, Mom's cake only needs 5 candles because she's not old!

Julie

Grace's Surgery--February 9, 2009

2009-02-07T20:09:00.004-06:00

On Monday, February 9, Grace will be having surgery to remove a cyst from her neck. It is a thyroglossial duct cyst...not cancerous, thank goodness. But, this week, we had a little drama (like we need more of that!). The cyst went from the size of a pea to the size of a large jaw breaker. I took her to the pediatrician and she had an infection, so we got the antibiotic started on Wednesday. Dr. Attar asked us to put heat on it for 30 minutes, every 2 hours...this was how Grace spent most of Wednesday...laying on the couch...looking miserable. We went to the surgeon and he okayed us for surgery on Monday.

So, we'll be at Lutheran General Children's Hospital. She'll be staying overnight (I'll be with her). Pray for her, as she has never had surgery before and never been put to sleep. Pray for a quick recovery. Pray for John and I, as we walk this road with her. We are THANKFUL that we aren't alone.

Fun In the Snow--January 2009

2009-02-07T19:57:00.002-06:00

Jeff Goes Bowling--January 2009

2009-02-07T19:40:00.005-06:00

Jeff went to a birthday party for his "girlfriend", Shaylea! They went bowling. Imagine 10 3-4 year olds in a bowling alley....it was...well, an adventure! The kids really had a great time. Jeff even got a strike. :-)

Check out his cute bowling shoes!!

I did it!

All the kids were standing over their bowling balls...they weren't willing to share!

I think she said, "Jeff, leave my cake alone!"

Shaylea and Jeff

Finally, An Update!

2009-01-23T22:14:00.002-06:00

I wanted to update you on the many happenings of the last month. Let's start with my wonderful hubby. John is back to work after having 2 weeks off for Christmas. It was a nice break for him...he works so hard. However, 2 weeks ago, his employer laid off 15 people. We are thankful that he was not one of them. But it's been tough...these are his friends. John is caving this weekend with the church group. He also has a Metallica concert on Tuesday! He's SO excited!

Grace is happy to be back in school. She loves being 8 years old...yikes...my baby is SO old! She has sold 150 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies!! She LOVES being a Brownie Scout! There's been some drama with Grace, however. Two weeks ago, we found a lump on her neck. After a very frightening day at the hospital, it was determined that she has a thyroglossical duct cyst. It is benign and not dangerous. We were hoping they could dissolve it by medication. However, she is having surgery on Monday, Feb. 9 to have it removed. She'll stay overnight at the hospital. She'll also miss 2 weeks of recess/P.E. (which upset her more than having the surgery). She is a wonderful little girl.

John is adjusting well to his new school. I think we are actually getting our Lil' John back. He's happy and more even tempered. Academically, he's doing great. He came home yesterday and spelled January!! :-) We recently went to a new doctor and they have decided to change his medication, so we'll see how that goes. I'm pleased that he has made the transition to the new school well. He is a sweet, loving little boy.

Jeff is doing great in preschool. He is cutting and even coloring in the lines!! Amazing! He is still a stubborn, strong willed-child. Lately, he's been really clingy to Mommy. We are getting ready to take Jeff to his "girlfriend" Shaylea's birthday party on Sunday. They are going bowling...bowling with a bunch for 3-4 year olds....sounds fun!

I am Cookie Mom again for Brownie Scouts, which means I take care of ordering all the cookies, distributing them, and collecting the money for the troop. I am also volunteering in Jeff's class next week. I'm still working at the church. Just trying to keep up with it all is exhausting. I get to have 2 scrapbooking days in February!! I can't wait!!

My mom called me yesterday and told me she found 2 lumps in her shoulder. She had an x-ray today. She'll hear from the doctor on Monday and she'll possibly have an MRI. I have to admit that I'm nervous. I'm praying that it's nothing serious. Please keep her in your prayers.

A friend reminded me today that God doesn't give us more than we can handle. That is good...but Lord, my plate is a little too full right now. God is good to us and He has richly blessed us beyond what I could ever imagine.

I promise to blog more. I have a ton of pictures to share!

Christmas Party With Friends Part 2

2008-12-20T16:49:00.002-06:00

Decorating cookies was high on the list of important things to do! Check out our "creations"! The kids really enjoyed it!! They were the best sugar cookies I have ever tasted! My friend, Cindy, did an awesome job!! I think I ate more than the kids did!! Opps!!

John's Last Day At Washington

2008-12-20T16:31:00.003-06:00

The class made John a book.

Mrs. Filippo read the book to the class.

John, Syndey, Alonso and Mrs. Filippo

John and Mrs. Filippo

John was blessed to have these very special people in his life. The team of teachers and administration at Washington School really worked with us and John to make this class work for John. We are so thankful for this wonderful group of individuals: Mrs. Licke, Mrs. Filippo, Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Cowen, Mrs. Johnson, and all the wonderful aides that worked with John.

Learning To Lean

2008-12-09T14:31:00.000-06:00

I am learning to lean on Jesus today. I have been overwhelmed and anxious about the upcoming changes for Lil' John and our family. It's been tough. So, God gave me this verse today:

O Lord, because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings. My soul CLINGS to You; Your right hand upholds me. Psalms 63:7-8

But, daily, I had to lean into God's perfect timing and goodness for my peace. I find myself there again today. "Checking MY expectations" at the door and entering a place of trust and dependence on God's good and perfect plan for our whole family.

Jeff's Our Star

2008-12-01T11:03:00.003-06:00

Every week, at Jeff's school, they celebrate the accomplishment's of one student in each class. Well, last week, Jeff was the star!!

He is a star for helping at clean up time!

(That's great for a 3 year old!!) We are proud of him.

He carried his certificate around and kept telling us...
"I got my picture taken!" It was SO cute!

Changes Are Coming

2008-12-01T10:53:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to ask you all to pray for our family these next several months. Lil' John is struggling in his current classroom. We have made th decision to move him to a classroom, in another district, that is especially for kids with autism.

This has been a tough time. It started about 2 weeks ago. We had John's parent teacher conference. About 2 hours before the meeting, the Director of Student Services called me. Basically, they told us that this class isn't working for John. He is struggling and is getting overwhelmed. This causes him to "bounce" around the room, "flutter around", and it is tough for him. This lack of attention is causing him to have some issues (with academics)--story comprehension, writing. They have gave us two options.

#1 Stay in current class with full time aid. Pros: Stay in current class, help keep him on task Cons: Won't teach him "how" to block out distractions, more people in a very small room. Won't teach him how to adjust to the world...because let's face it, the world won't change for John.

#2 Go to a class in a Gurnee school, specifically for kids with autism. Pros: Trained specifically in autism, be able to teach him and us how to deal with distractions, smaller class size, teacher/student ratio better, help us with stratagies we can use at home. Cons: Gurnee (long bus ride to and from school) John's current teachers are going today to visit the classroom (to see if they think it would be a good fit for him.) John and I have visited the class and are sure that this is where John needs to go.

His current teachers are great. We don't feel ANY pressure to choose one option over the other. They really do care and want the best for John. They told us that they have had several students come back to District 75 after being in this program and they are doing very well.

We will be working out the details at his IEP meeting tomorrow. Please pray for us, as we make this big change.

Thanks for your prayers!

John's Thanksgiving Play

2008-12-01T10:41:00.003-06:00

John's clas made a village. It was awesome! The pictures are blurry b/c my camera was dying...

John was an Indian and he wanted to wear his "Indian" shirt for his play! So cute!

His line was "I taught them how to plant pumpkins!" He did a nice job.

Going To The Pumpkin Farm With John's Class

2008-12-01T10:29:00.003-06:00

Checking out our pumpkins...

John and his friend, Jamie...

John and Wilson

Mommy & my John...

Mrs. Filippo's Kindergarten Class

It's Been A Busy Fall!

2008-12-01T10:25:00.002-06:00

Well, it has been so long since I have posted! It has been a very busy couple of months. We've been to the pumpkin farm, played in the leaves, dressed up for Halloween...the list just goes on. I'll post a few pictures now, and I'll post more later!

John's Kindergarten Accomplishments

2008-10-16T12:52:00.002-06:00

John is doing well in kindergarten and finally is adjusting to life in kindergarten. Here are a few of his accomplishments:

Eating hot lunch!! "I love it, Mom!"
Getting a job
"Stop, Think & Breathe" when he doesn't get a job
Getting moved to the highest level reading group!! :-D
When asked to count to 25, he counted to 40!
Reading (actually reading) books to me!!

We are still working on following directions the first time (which is hard because he is impulsive), but we are thankful for these small steps in the right direction!

My praise today:

Thank you, God that you are with John during the good and bad days! Thank you for giving me a peaceful heart, when Lil' John is overwhelmed and having a bad day. Thank you that your mercies are new EVERY morning. Thank you for Lil' John, Grace & Jeff.

Princess Grace--October 2008

2008-10-16T12:45:00.003-06:00

John Sick--October 12, 2008

2008-10-16T12:38:00.002-06:00

Jeff and The Prayer Bear

2008-10-16T10:51:00.002-06:00

Jeff Getting Juice

2008-10-16T10:39:00.005-06:00

Jeff decided he wanted some juice. "I do by myself" he told me. So, I swallowed and let him do it...here's what happened...

Ok, now take the lid off...

pouring...

Opps...I spilled...

Look, I clean up!

Ahhh...juice!

Tea Time at the Dickson's

2008-10-16T10:30:00.003-06:00

Fireman John

2008-10-16T10:24:00.002-06:00

Swinging!!!

2008-10-16T09:59:00.004-06:00

So, John really as not liked swinging. He hasn't done it...it overwhelms him and he gets scared...up until now!! Check this out!!! John LOVES to swing! He just wants to keep going HIGHER, Mommy!! We are proud of him!

Grace has mastered swinging and can now "pump" herself! You go, Grace!

My boys...loving the swings!

Fun At The Park--October 2008

2008-10-16T09:42:00.003-06:00

Climbing the spider web...

Getting too high for Mommy's comfort...so Daddy climbs up to help!

See, I'm fine!

We have been spending a lot of time at our local park, before the weather gets bad and we can't play outside. The kids are really enjoying fall!

Jeff & Matthew's Pumpkins

2008-10-03T12:49:00.004-06:00

Going To The Pumpkin Farm

2008-10-03T12:26:00.003-06:00

We went to the pumpkin farm with Jeff's preschool, OLLO. Jeff and I spent the day with my friend Carol (and her boys, Matthew & Johnathan). We had a good time, however, it was COLD!!! Should have dressed in warmer clothes! Anyway...

Carol and I before entering the corn maze.

In the corn maze...after 20 minutes, we had to drag the kids out of there. They were so tired of walking!

Feeding the animals...

Jeff and Mommy, on the hayride!

"Baby chicks! Don't touch the glass, Jeff!"

Matthew & Johnathan

So, we told the boys to all hold hands as we were walking through the farm. So, they did...they ended up playing "Ring Around The Rosey". Guess they are good at following directions!

"Looking at the roosters!"

Mr. John

2008-09-24T14:41:00.001-06:00

Need I say more?

Eating Papa's CoCo Wheats

2008-09-24T14:32:00.002-06:00

Papa, these pictures are for you!! On Saturday, we fixed Papa's CoCo Wheats! As you can tell, the boys really enjoyed them!

Kohl's Children's Museum with Uncle Steve--August 2008

2008-09-22T15:01:00.003-06:00

While my brother Steven was in for a visit, we went to the Kohl's Children's Museum. Here they are outside the museum.

Making abstract art with Mom!

Steve and John

Learning about art...

Playing at the water exhibit...our favorite part of the museum!

Future Soccer Star??

2008-09-22T14:56:00.002-06:00

Playing With A New Friend--Sept. 7, 2008

2008-09-11T10:01:00.004-06:00

We had spent the afternoon with some new friends. Kevin, Dana and their 2 year old son, Ethan came over for dinner and fun. Dana and John used to know each other from long ago and found each other again on Facebook. It was a great evening, full of fun, food and good friends! We can't wait to hang out with the Winstead family again!

A Self Portrait & Writing--Sept. 9, 2008

2008-09-11T09:31:00.003-06:00

Jeff's first drawing of himself...

John is getting better and better at writing his name!

Jeff Goes To Preschool--September 8, 2008

2008-09-11T09:05:00.002-06:00

Jeff is attending a preschool program at Washington School this year. He gets to ride the bus on Monday, Wednesday & Friday's! He loves his teacher, Mrs. Rhodes and loves to ride the bus!

Waiting for the bus with Sissy...

See my new backpack?

Say "School!"

"Cheese!"

"Is the bus here, yet?"

"My bus!!"

Sitting in the back of the bus...

of course!!

He had a good first day. It turned out to be a long day with delays on the bus, so by the time that he got off at OLLO, he was tired, cranky and all around a grump. His second day was better, but he is still adjusting to his new schedule. Hopefully tomorrow will go better!

Where Were You?

2008-09-11T07:56:00.002-06:00

Disclaimer: I am not a writer but I felt compelled to write something today. Maybe just for me....maybe for you....

See, I would often laugh at my mom and dad as they “remembered” where they were when the US landed on the moon and where they were when Kennedy was killed. Now, I have my “where were you” moment.

September 11, 2001…do you remember where you were? Do you remember what you were doing at 8:46 AM (EDT), when the first airplane smashed into the North Tower. Do you remember what you were doing at 9:03 AM, when the second plane crashed into the South Tower. Do you remember the moment that the towers crumbled to the ground?

I do…I was watching the morning news and getting my then 9 month old daughter, Grace, ready to visit Grandma so that I could go to work. FOX news immediately picked up the story, just a minute or two after the first plane hit. I watched in horror as the north tower burned. I remember sitting transfixed to the television. Then, I watched the 2nd airplane crash into the south tower. I remember being so shocked and horrified that I couldn’t move. I remember calling John and my family, just to make sure they were ok. I dropped Grace at Grandma’s and then went to work. I don’t remember what I was working on…I can’t recall anything else from that day. I remember being scared when hearing about the plane crash in PA and the attack on the Pentegon. Scared for my family, scared for our country.

Today marks the 7th anniversary of the attack on our country. Remember that day…remember those almost 3,000 people that lost their lives on that day. Remember the brave firefighters, policeman, and ordinary people who risked their lives to save another. Remember the solders who fight EVERYDAY for our freedom.

That was a day that I will never forget. It changed me. It helped remind me to be thankful for everyday that God gives me. It also reminds me of the horrible death and the sacrifice of Jesus for me…so that I can be free….free from my sin. And, my hope in Jesus. Not in my circumstances and not in the things that are happening around me. You can have this same hope…it’s for all…it's free...all you have to do is ask to receive it.

Summer Fun 2008

2008-09-02T13:25:00.005-06:00

Here are a few highlights of Summer 2008:

5 birthday parties

A visit from Nana & Papa

A visit from Uncle Steve

Several trips to the water park

Several trips to the playground

A parade

Many cookouts

Too many precious memories to count!!

Summer Fun 2008

2008-09-02T12:59:00.005-06:00

Summer 2008 continued...

These were taken at John's best friend's
birthday party!

"Cheese!"

My good friends Carol & Cindy...planning the next mommy's night out!

John & his best friend, Matthew!

Jeff, "the rock star"!

"I didn't do anything!"

First Day Of Kindergarten...Part 1--Sept. 2, 2008

2008-09-02T08:10:00.004-06:00

We had some extra cute time with John this morning, before we put him on the bus for his first day in Kindergarten!

We are so proud!

"Mom, you're cute!" Then, he kissed me!! :-D

"I love you, Dad!"

John's First Day of Kindergarten...Part 2--September 2, 2008

2008-09-02T07:44:00.007-06:00

Today, Lil' John starts kindergarten!!
Here he is, all dressed up in his new shirt and new backpack!

Walking to the bus & saying "Hi" to Robert, our friend and bus driver!! John was really excited that Robert is going to drive him to school!

As the bus pulled away, I shed only a few tears. God reminded me this morning that 5 years ago, John and I gave him to God. God loves this little boy more than I ever can. So, even though I want to hang on to him, he's in God's hands. And I trust God with my little boy!

Thoughts At The Bottom Of A Beanstalk

2008-08-30T19:13:00.003-06:00

This little story was given to me by Lil' John's kindergarten teacher. Watching Lil' John go to kindergarten has been an emotional, scary but exciting time for our family. This story just about sums it up!! Watch out...you'll need a tissue.

Once upon a time there was a little boy named Jack who was about to climb his very first beanstalk. He had a fresh haircut and a brand-new book bag. Even though his friends in the neighborhood had climbed this same beanstalk almost every day last year, this was Jack's first day and he was a little nervous. So was his mother.

Early in the morning she brought him to the foot of the beanstalk. She talked encouragingly to Jack about all the fun he would have that day and how nice his giant would be. She reassured him that she would be back to pick him up at the end of the day. For a moment they stood together, silently holding hands, gazing up at the beanstalk. To Jack it seemed much bigger than it had when his mother had pointed it out on the way to the store last week. His mother thought it looked big, too. She swallowed. Maybe she should have held Jack out a year...

Jack's mother straightened his shirt one last time, patted his shoulder and smiled down at him. She promised to stay and wave while he started climbing. Jack didn't say a word.

He walked forward, grabbed a low-growing stem and slowly pulled himself up to the first leaf. He balanced there for a moment and then climbed more eagerly to the second leaf, then to the third and soon he had vanished into a high tangle of leaves and stems with never a backward glance at his mother.

She stood alone at the bottom of the beanstalk, gazing up at the spot where Jack had disappeared. There was no rustle, no movement, no sound to indicate that he was anywhere inside.

"Sometimes," she thought, "it's harder to be the one who waves good-bye than it is to be the one who climbs the beanstalk." She wondered how Jack would do. Would he miss her? How would he behave? Did his giant understand that little boys sometimes acted silly when they felt unsure? She fought down an urge to spring up the stalk after Jack and maybe duck behind a bean to take a peek at how he was doing.

"I'd better not. What if he saw me?" She knew Jack was really old enough to handle this on his own. She reminded herself that, after all this was thought to be an excellent beanstalk and that everyone said his giant was not only kind but had outstanding qualifications. "It's not so much that I'm worried about him," she thought, rubbing the back of her neck. "It's just that he's growing up and I'm going to miss him."

Jack's mother turned to leave. "Jack's going to have lots of bigger beanstalks to climb in his life," she told herself. "Today's the day he starts practicing for them... And today's the day I start practicing something too: Cheering him on and waving good-bye." (Author Unknown)

First Day of Second Grade

2008-08-28T06:59:00.002-06:00

Today is Grace's first day of 2nd grade. She is catching the bus at Calvary Church, where I work. She got up early and was really excited to start 2nd grade! We are so proud of her!!

Here's the bus!!

Ok, Mom...I'm on the bus...it's time to go!

Really, Mom...get off the bus!!

Things I Love About Being A Mom

2008-08-11T16:32:00.003-06:00

1. I love getting hugs and kisses from my kiddos!! (Even though Grace thinks she's too old for that!)

2. I love hearing Jeff say "Cuddle me". Hearing those words makes me drop everything, run to him, pick him up, and cuddle him!

3. I love hearing Lil' John say, "I love you, Mom!" or "Mom, you're cute!!" Then, he flashes those big blue eyes at me and my heart melts!

4. I love hearing Grace say, "Mom, I can do it myself!"

5. Getting together with other moms, letting the kids play, and being able to have an adult conversation!!

6. Being able to pray with my kids every night, before they go to bed!!

7. Treasuring every moment, because one day, they will be gone!

Lil' John When He Was Little!

2008-08-07T09:03:00.003-06:00

I am working on John's baby book and my mom found these adorable pictures of Lil' John, when he was little! So cute!!

Do you HAVE to hug me?

I'm dancing!

I LOVE the buttons on the phone!

Let's go shopping!!

Hanging With Grandma & Grandpa

2008-08-07T09:00:00.000-06:00

Grandma & Grandpa helped watch the kids while John and I were away for the weekend, celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary!

The Terrible Threes!

2008-07-17T07:57:00.002-06:00

I know that many parents hear that when their child turns two, he turns into a terror. Well, I have to disagree. Our Jeff just turned three. I have to tell you that this is much worse than when he was two...he's worse than my other two kids!

So, Jeff absolutely REFUSES to do anything he doesn't want to do. For example, he doesn't want to go to bed and stay in bed. We do our "bedtime business" and tuck him in and leave the room. Within 5-10 minutes, he's up and running out to us. John and I take turns putting him back in bed. This goes on for at least for 1 1/2 hours. Then, he finally falls asleep.

Also, Jeff will NOT go potty. Now, he can and often stays dry through the night. He has the best bladder control of any three year old I have seen.

In Jeff's defense, he is the baby of the family and gets a lot of mothering from his Big Sister. And he's cute! Really cute!! Ok, I know this is just for a season. 15 years from now, I will look back and look at these "problems" and smile!

So, if you have a three year old, cuddle them more and hang in there because this is just for a season! (I'm talking to myself, too!)

Seeing Old Friends at the Science & Industry Museum

2008-07-14T14:11:00.002-06:00

On Friday, we had the rare treat to spend the day with some friends from college, Joe & Mary Meek. Joe & Mary are stationed in Hawaii. Joe is a nurse and Mary is a lawyer for the military. They were in Illinois, visiting family. We had the awesome pleasure to spend the day with them, exploring the Science & Industry Museum in Chicago! We had an AWESOME day!

Mary, Katie Mae, Joe, Tripp, John, Julie & Jeff

My Chapel buddy, Joe and his adorable son, Tripp!

Tripp is a miracle and a cuddler!

Jeff & Katie Mae, exploring the German sub before they told us we couldn't take pictures....secrets??

Katie Mae Meek: She asked us to go with her at the end of the day.
She is so sweet!

Cooking & Eating Smores!

2008-07-14T14:05:00.003-06:00

Cooking marshmallows with Daddy!

These are the best smores EVER!!

Swimming in Our Backyard!

2008-07-10T07:52:00.003-06:00

So, Nana & Papa got this really cool pool from Dollar General for $15. We inflated it and put it in our backyard. It wasn't a particularly hot weekend, so to prepare the pool, we boiled water on the stove and put it in with the cold water from the hose. Yes, the kids are spoiled!!!

Jeff still thought the water was too cold!! He didn't want to sit in the water!

John, of course, loved the water and didn't care how cold it was!!