Planting Flowers

Today we planted a whole bunch of marigolds. Jake loved digging in the dirt, and even helped me pat down the dirt around each flower. However, he wasn't very happy with me when I would take away my little hand shovel from him to dig another hole. My favorite thing today was watching Jake sit on the sidewalk dazzled by the shadows being made on the ground from the tree overhead. The leaves were blowing in a slight breeze, and Jake was just mesmerized. I watched him for couple minutes, then he saw me watching him and had to ask, "what is it?" by pointing at the shadows and making his question sound "uhh?" I love how he has always paid attention to the details in his life. He has noticed his shadow since he was only a few months old, when most kids don't even bother with it until they're a toddler. He really watches the world around him and is fascinated with how everything works. Sometimes he looks at me and I know that he really SEES me. He has a lot of understanding in his eyes.
Kennedy is playing with Gavin right now (her favorite friend). I should probably go because I hear them filling up glasses with ice and running outside. Hmmm...this should be interesting.

Jake's Birthday

Jake had a terrific birthday. We went to dinner at Carrabbas with Brian's parents, who were up from Utah for a visit, then home to have cake and ice cream and open presents. Jake loved all his presents. When he caught sight of a little train grandma had given him, he squealed and could hardly wait to push it around. His favorite things in the world right now are trucks, balls, and books.

We had a good visit (minus the sonic boom Brian and grandpa created out back on the sand hill. But heck, it gave us an opportunity to meet all the neighbors when they came asking what was going on. You'll have to ask one of them to explain the details).

I had fun experimenting with my new camera that Brian bought me for my birthday. I'll add it to my favorite things list because I LOVE it! It is so small, but has 10 megapixels, super zoom, and tons of awesome features like a macro lens and easy-to-use shooting guides. I took some pictures of the kids outside, as well as my flower that I planted last spring between the rocks that I love! It's called creeping flox, and I think I'll plant some more this fall because it is the cutest spring flower. Anyway, hope you enjoy the pics.

I had a great Mother's Day, with two awesome gifts from my kids. First, I got to see Kennedy sing to me in church with the Primary kids. I couldn't help the tears in my eyes as I was watching her...she's getting big! When she came back to her seat, she gave me a huge hug and said, "Mom, did you like my song I sang to you?" It was great. Then, the next day when I got Jake up from his nap, he was snuggling into me, then suddenly he pushed away, looked up at me and grinned, then flinged his arms around my neck and gave me his first REAL hug! He squeezed so tightly and he even patted my back and said, "aahhh" while he was hugging me! Another tear-jerker moment for me as a mom. It was the best mother's day present I could ask for.

Please read this book!!

Jake checking out the cat drinking. How does he DO that??

I borrowed this book from the library yesterday, and I'm on page 175 today. If you have ever wondered what our life has been like for the past two years (I know, I know, you have all been dying to find out-but humor me), if you've ever wanted to ask me a question about Jake that you didn't dare or thought was too personal (by the way, I love talking about Jake, no matter how personal the question), or just want to know all of the thoughts/emotions/realizations we've had regarding Jake's diagnosis, read this book! Roadmap to Holland by Jennifer Graf Groneberg (2008). (Now picture the music at the end of the book reviews on "Reading Rainbow"-do do doo! Didn't this sound like one of those?)

Ag Day at Kuna High

Today I am taking the kids (along with some friends and their kids) to Kuna High for their big Ag Day, where they have live animals, farm equipment, etc. for the kids to explore. Kennedy is really looking forward to it. We're going with two of her favorite friends, twin girls who also happen to have pink .22's that they shoot together on outings with their dads. Brian and their dad happen to be scout leaders together, so it works out good for the girls.

Last night Jake stood by himself for about a minute! He also held our neighbor's hand and walked all around the lawn. I think it was because he had shorts on and didn't want his knees on the grass (flashback to photo of me at his age sitting on the grass with my legs and arms up in the air to avoid the grass). I think it won't be long before he takes those momentous first steps.

Welcome to my blog

All right, my sister-in-law is the one who got me started with this whole thing, but I thought it would be a great way to keep in touch with our family and friends down in Utah and elsewhere around the country. I'll try to figure this thing out and post some new photos soon (since I know that's the only reason the grandparents will drop by this site! :) By the way, if you don't want me to post your real name on this site (I'll only use first names), email me a nickname I can use when talking about you.