Got Water?

The children are fascinated with water.  Of course, we would all love a pool...but that just isn't happening around here.  So, we turned on the sprinklers and I think they all had fun!

So Excited!

So Miss Michelle's birthday is still a few months away, but today we purchased her gift! Shh. She doesn't know but she will have so much fun! So what is this gift you ask? The beautiful young lady below has something to do with it. Yep! Her concert!

A Few Picks

A couple of months ago we noticed something growing in one of the planter beds in our backyard.  Lonnie and I asked the children about it and if any of them happened to know who planted something and if so what it was.  Michelle asked if whoever did it was going to be in trouble.  We assured her that no one was going to be in trouble we just were curious.  She then proceeded to tell us that she planted carrot seeds.  Oh really.  And boy did she.  There are even carrots growing in the grass just outside of the planter.  Obviously she wasn't too careful with planting the seeds.  Anyhow, I went to pick some of them today and this is what we found! They are huge!  The ones on the left I just bought at the store.  Interesting comparison.  We also have planted many more things such as strawberries, red and green peppers, tomatoes, grapes, cucumber, corn, lettuce, squash, green onion, and more (I just can't remember)!  This is our first garden and it sure has been fun for everyone!

Book of Mormon Reading Chart

Miss Michelle will be turning 8 in about a year and a half.  I know that that may seem far away for some, but holy cow that came fast!  One thing that I have wanted for my children is to read the Book of Mormon before they are baptized.  Obviously, she cannot "read" the book on her own yet but she can repeat what I say! :)  So that's what we are doing.  I am hoping to read a chapter a day with her.  I started early because I'm sure, no matter how good my intentions are, that there will be days that we will miss.  I am kind of sad when I think about the fact that I have started this with my oldest child.  They grow up way too fast.  Please feel free to download this Book of Mormon Reading Chart for your own use!  If for some reason you can't or if you would prefer me to e-mail it to you just leave me your e-mail address.  

Ever Wondered

In case you've ever wondered what the meanings are behind the autism symbol here you go!

Today We Are Grateful

It is no secret that we have difficult children and things can be very challenging around our home. Mr. Mason, in particular, has a very difficult time with things that are very basic. He has been a handful and requires constant supervision. We have seen many specialists and today we finally received his diagnosis. It does not come a surprise to us, as we have felt like this is what he had through our research and readings. He previously had been diagnosed with ADHD at the age of two. Today, however, he was given the diagnosis of Autism. Although we knew that there was just something different about him and had suspected this disorder, it is still a difficult diagnosis to swallow. It is hard to see the struggles that he goes through on a daily basis and to know that there is nothing we can do to help him is just plain awful. We are so grateful to have this very special young man in our lives. He has blessed so many at such a young age. I hope and pray that he will continue to grow and recognize the things that his body is trying to tell him so that he can learn to control himself and his urges. So, if you happen to meet or know someone who has autism here are my thoughts on these special individuals.

A mazing
U nique
T rusting
I ntelligent
S incere
M isunderstood

Chore Charts

I have been looking forever for a good chore chart....AKA one that will work for us.  With two children now able to read, but one of them still needing picture cues for a lot of things I didn't want to have to recreate one every so often.  So with a lot of time spent I am so glad to say that they are done! (Except for Gage's.)  Here's how they work.  Each child has two sets of cards that are different colors.  This one is Michelle's and the chores that are to be done daily are yellow and then she can do extra chores (the ones that are pink) to earn money.  We are also trying to teach the children about tithing and figured that they would need some sort of income so now seemed like the perfect time to implement this.  :)