Time to Spill the Beans...

Well I figured that now was just as good as any to share some really big news! We are moving. Surprised? Probably not. Anyhow, here's the scoop. Mason and Saige have both been diagnosed with Autism and quite frankly what the school district out here where we live just was not going to cut it for us. Mason was going to be placed in a self-contained classroom with MR children and we felt like he really wouldn't be academically challenged, and therefore would become bored and get into trouble. Miss Saige, who mind you didn't speak to her teacher at all her first year of preschool, was going to be placed in a mainstream classroom and pulled out for speech therapy. Um, you are going to put a child that hasn't said two words to a teacher in two years in a classroom of 23+ children with 1 teacher and you expect her to be fine. Good luck with that! Anyhow, to say that we were not enthusiastic about these two "solutions" would be an understatement. So we got looking into what we could do. I know that these children are bright and can be taught anything. However, I also know that I cannot even come close to providing them with the social aspect that they would be receiving at a school. So we were determined to get them into the very best program possible. My sister in law works over in the Litchfield Elementary School District and has had nothing but good things to say. So, we checked into it and they have a wonderful program. Just as important to me is how enthusiastic and genuine the vice president of special education was. I was really impressed with her. Her excitement for the programs they offer and for the progress the students have made was undeniable. Now the problem was how to get them in. We tried a variance but no luck there. We found a home that we were going to rent for a year and thought we were good....until we found out that we can qualify for another home right now. There was a home that we had in mind and now that we were pre-qualified we jumped on it. So, we signed papers this past week and the home should be ready in about 4-5 months. This home has just about everything that was important to us. Large lot (1/3 of an acre), enough room for our family (4 bedrooms), had to be a single level, beautiful kitchen, and I am so stoked that my car will fit in the garage! It's the simple things in life! :) So there you go. Probably too much for one post but hey that's my life! :)

Spread the Word

We are selling our new toy! If you or someone you know is interested please share this link or contact us! Thank you!

Pictures / Details

Saige Michael

Little Miss Saige also received the diagnosis of Autism today. Lonnie and I suspected this, but nonetheless, it is hard to hear it. So, now what? She has many problems socially, like Mason, but completely opposite of him. Mason is very energized and has a lot of behaviors. Saige is very mellow and often times is "in her own world". She does not communicate with others often. So Lonnie and I are really confused as what to do. I know that I can teach her anything, as academics is not the issue right now. However, I also know that I cannot provide a classroom setting like she would receive in a school setting if she were to be home schooled. Frankly, I am scared to death to put her in a mainstream classroom for many reasons. I'm afraid she will be the invisible child in the corner, who doesn't get noticed or helped because she is not a bother to anyone. I have issues with what children are being taught in schools. I worry about her being picked on because of her social issues. I fear that perhaps her depression will become greater. Why? Why must she go through this? Why must she have this? Will she ever be able to function "normally" and get along okay in society? I guess these are all questions that we will eventually find the answers to. But for now it is difficult. We don't want to make the wrong choice for her or others in our family. Through it all we are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support for our children and family from so many! We are truly blessed! :()

I Wish

I could do this and it be acceptable! :)  Happy Monday!!

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!