Nathan went to his favorite gal's birthday party.  Her first party!  She is such a treat to know.  She gets excited when she sees him coming

Happy
Birthday!

Making Christmas candies!

Thanks to big sister Nicole

 I came home to a plate full of Christmas candies and big smiles on her brothers' faces.

Last night was fun making teacher presents!

Stirring sticks to go with the hot chocolate packs.

Chase was able to deliver the gifts while Nathan slept til 1:30.  He did manage to find the energy to make it to the party at 2:00

Back to back Christmas concerts tonight.

Samantha first then

done with Brooke's and Chase said, 

"Now we go to Nicole concert."

You can really hear Brooke's piccolo.

Chase working hard to put some finishing touches on the Christmas tree.  

He got a little scissor happy with my notes.

Wonderful time at the bowling birthday party...

 

This was the first time Chase has been bowling!.

Loved that Nathan kept his eye on the ball to see how many pins he knocked down.

This is the second time Nathan has been bowling.  Thanks to Dom for the second invite.

There are no words for today...only tears.

12-14-12

HE will hold the children tonight.

All I want for Christmas is my

two (sorta) front teeth!

Here she comes again...

Can't wait to see her tomorrow!!!

Home for the holidays.

Christmas Parade!

Brooke played piccolo!!

We had a fun day.  Lots of smiles and lots of candy. 

Yes, she is the short one on the end.

My piccolo player.

Taking candy from a Storm-trooper.

Mommy and her not so little men.

He finally got into it!

Notice Chase waving to Santa.

Good brothers

Great way to prepare for the SWAN Christmas party....

Christmas Dance 7th grade!

I will blog it tomorrow...
so tired from the conference.
Glad Elaine Hall was the last speaker.  I wasn't drowsy then a bit!

Conference....
license plates...

Great day at Mission Possible.

Learning even more!

Just when you think you can't squeeze any more information in...someone inspires you!

Special Artists Academy reception for this session. 

Boys looked so big in their suits from their cousins. Rockin' the hand-me downs!

And thanks to Sam who was assigned to take pictures at the Nativity tonight.  Does this surprise me?!  Oh well, SIX gave a wonderful Christmas performance.  No surprise there either.

So wonderful to be back at Special Artists Academy!

This session flew by though.

Reception....tomorrow.

 Thanks to SCIL we spent a night at the theater!

Nathan was so happy he could hardly contain himself.  Before we left he had resigned to the idea of staying home.  Since a lot of his therapy sessions have ended (until after Christmas) I have noticed him not being as smiley.  He loves to go and be busy.  My theory is that since so little is able to come out (verbally) that he needs more input to properly stimulate his mind


 

 What a night!  Chase was exhausted by the end.  It takes a lot of energy to be still and quiet if your normal speed is high gear.  Nathan was so happy he attracted the attention of an usher.  She was quite kind as she asked him to be quieter.  It worked-for about 15 seconds.  He refused to leave when I presented the idea and had won over the hearts of those around us by the end...

She is 13!!!

Another teenager.  I was down to one for about a month.  Nicole turned 20 in October.

A brief respite...

And if you know Samantha at all you can guess that this was her favorite present.  (from cousin Adam-he picked it up at work)

The Christmas season has officially started in our home!

Thanks to Make-A-Wish for the tickets to breakfast with Santa at Bass Pro!  Nate and Chase had their smiles on.

Luckily the kids were able to help convince Santa to come off vacation and get back on his sleigh!

 

I love being in the Make-A-Wish family.

Each time we have an activity or event we relive just a bit of the boys' wishes.

 

I am so very thankful for all I have and all the opportunities that surround my family 

each and every day.

And, the faith I rely on for my strength.

Thanksgiving at school...

 Chase celebrated with the first grade.

Nathan and Chase in Mrs. Lawson's class.
Nate ate pumpkin pie for the first time ever.  Actually pie for the first time ever!  New things are happening...exciting!

So is this number 2 or number 1 returning...?

Thanks to my professionally trained animal handler for making our humble abode mouse free again. 

You know the saying though...the one about three strikes you're out.

Went to Truman's Jungle Boogie tonight with Chase.  He wouldn't dance so I pulled him on the floor during "Old Time Rock and Roll."  Then they played "Who Let the Dogs Out."  Needless to say he was hooked!

Okay...he was so cute I couldn't decide which one to post.  Thanks Quillen.  I can't believe I forgot my camera.  

And, thanks for offering to take the pictures.  I am still working at being in front of the camera.  I probably wouldn't have asked!

Quillen, a true mommy...she knows to take more than on picture.  While kids take cute photos no matter what.  Tired mommies...not so much.

  What an intense night.  Miraculous and mournful.  The family and friends of Scott Clarke gathered for his memorial.  I came away inspired.  Finding direction.  The strength of a family knit together in the gospel cannot be separated by death.  
  His father-in-law told of Brother Clarke's feelings that "it is a privilege to serve your family." Truly it is and should be treated accordingly.

Scott Hansen Clarke

December 9, 1970-November 10, 2012

Tonight was the boys last hippotherapy until spring.  Nathan decided to push the limit.  He has ridden on his knees before, but HE added the airplane!

We love Dynamic Strides!!!

Now we just need to figure how to help them fund an indoor arena.:)

Here is the story from HTV.

Titled Nathan's Friends.

What a wonderful job they did on presenting how pets can provided needed therapy and love.

And, I am not just saying it because it showcases Nathan's bond with Mia.

They won an award.

Great Job

Kaley Prier and Caleb Brown

Here is the youtube link

 Just a note...this was filmed before I started getting sleep.  (except for tonight)

Tonight my heart is saddened by a family's loss.  Any post I try seems to be wrong.  This blog is about making the most of your life.  But, sometimes we have to pause and let silence take the lead, if even just for a moment.
So for tonight I ask a moment of silence for Dr. Scott Clarke.

Big thanks to S.C.A.N. for arranging Springfield's first Sensory Sensitive Movie

and

The Home Brewery for sponsoring the event and making it affordable for families

and

B & B Theaters Ozark/Nixa 12 for hosting us.

We had a great time watching Wreck-It Ralph.  But, then again we have always enjoyed going to the movies.  It was nice to be surrounded by friends with no pressure to create the perfect movie experience for all those around us.
One family I spoke with said this was the first movie their son has attended.  Nathan had a great time hugging everyone.  It is wonderful organizations that make our lives so sweet.  What a wonderful and supportive community.  I hope we can do it again.

 

 

Can someone tell me exactly when Nathan outranked me as far as the authority figure in this home?

Mia knows she is not supposed to be on the bed!  When I told her to get down she just snuggled in closer to Nathan.

And, to all you smart alecks that will say I lost control the day he was born.

You are right!

It just took the dogs until late this summer to figure it out.

Interesting....  As I prepare for someone to come into my home and evaluate Nathan for home health services I ran across a posting from a friend.
I have been looking at getting a bit of help for some time due to the lack of sleep that Nathan's needs bring.  And, the intense schedule we keep.  I thought just for a time until I can get caught up.  My struggle is even though there are dishes in the sink, clothing that needs to be folded and floors that haven't been mopped since Nicole's last visit...how do I let someone else care for him.  He is my son.  He has teachers and therapist who tend to those needs, but I am his mother.
This is what I read.  I will use this as my anchor as I decide what services we will request.

“The most significant visions are not cast by great orators from a stage. They are cast at the bedsides of our children. The greatest vision casting opportunities happen between the hours of 7:30 and 9:30 PM Monday through Sunday. In these closing hours of the day we have a unique opportunity to plant the seeds of what could be and what should be. Take every opportunity you get.”
― Andy Stanley

Because he is my son.

Okay...so I still believe in a quarter.  But the second shift tooth fairy started $1 long ago...

So when Chase went to bed he was told by his sister that he would have a dollar bill under his pillow in the morning.

First shift fairy didn't have anything less than a five.

But, I figured he has had only one day of school since his parent/teacher conference where we discussed that he has no understanding of the different values of money.  I told her (the fairy) she was safe to leave the five.

This morning I asked him if he checked under his pillow to see if the tooth fairy had come.  He ran down the hall.

Then I heard...

"I got a five!!"

44...yikes!

I better get busy with my bucket list.

Either that or finally clean my kitchen.

(at least I think that is how old I am...memory seems to be fading)

What a fun day!

Brooke's senior pictures.  Beth of Beth Stacey Photography gave Brooke the session she has been dreaming of.  Can't wait for her to post the sneak peaks!
Then the band dance.  Hoping for pictures soon.  And, yes I was a chaperone.