Much Appreciated Progress

After Mark, one of Tag's therapists, came for a visit on Thursday, I was feeling very down. He was really concerned that Tag was not spontaneously speaking. He told me that I needed to require more of him to encourage his speaking. So I have been trying to narrate all that I do in hopes of getting him to speak. I have also brought back a little sign language to get the communication going. On Friday we went to Costco and I grabbed a box of cheez-its to put in the cart. Tag said "Cracker"! I was so excited. He recognized that these were some of his favorite snacks and he called them by name. Then we were playing out back and he brought me the ball and said "ball"! Then last night we were sitting down and he brought me a drink to open for him. I gave him a sip and then closed the bottle. He wanted more and I helped him sign for more. Then he wanted another drink so he did the sign for more and said "more". I almost cried. He is starting to get it! He is putting names to objects and finding ways to communicate his wants and needs. Today Joey was reading a book with him and asked him where Donald Duck was. He pointed (I had no idea before this journey with Tag, but pointing is an essential part of development)to Donald and then to Daisy. Then Joey asked him where Mickey Mouse was. He pointed to Mickey and then to Minnie. He is such a smart kid and I am loving the progress he is making. Joey made a comment the other day that Tag is starting to come alive. I am so enjoying this and appreciating every bit of progress this cute boy is making. We are so proud of you Tag!

Mary's blessing

On Sunday we had the opportunity to go the blessing of Mary, Jeremy and Steph's newest little gal. Jeremy gave her the most beautiful blessing reminding her to live up to the name that she has been given. He also blessed her with the knowledge that he and Steph would do all they can to be good parents to her. So special. So grateful for the Priesthood. So grateful for a husband who honors his priesthood and participates in these special moments. What a beautiful day.

Mimi's Birthday Lunch

My Mom's birthday was on Wednesday and my dad planned a surprise birthday lunch for her. All of her children, except Tara, and our significant others met at PF Changs and she was so surprised to see us all waiting there for her. It was so nice to visit with my siblings and enjoy this time celebrating my mom. I am thinking that my dad better choose another location if he wants to surprise her next year. Not sure she would not be on to us if we did this three years in a row!

Quick Superhero Save

On Tuesday Nash was asked to wear a superhero costume to his preschool class. They were having a day focusing on imagination. He was so excited all week and told me he wanted to wear the gray batman costume. On Tuesday, we had both totally forgotten. Thankfully Mimi was over for her birthday lunch and she started talking about these little girls at her exercise class is superhero capes. This sparked a memory and I quickly ran down and got Nash the costume. I was so grateful for the reminder so that he could participate with his class. That was almost a huge mom fail!

Tag's 2 year check-up

Today we had Tag's 2 year old check up with Dr. Stampfl. I was a little anxious to go since I have been concerned about some of the delays that he is having. I expressed my concerns with autism and Dr. Stampfl quickly told me that he does not see any signs of autism. Such a blessing. He said that all of his behavior is so age appropriate. He does see a delay in his speech and wants to see him in 6 months to see how he is progressing. I am so grateful for a great pediatrician, who knows our family and knows how to make me feel better. He also agrees with the option to have him scoped with the GI specialist suggested last week. They want to see if he has any allergy cells in his esophagus. She is thinking this could be why he is refluxing and not willing to eat more of a variety of food. He said that Tag is growing in true Childs form. Here are his stats: Weight- 30 lbs- 80% Height- 36 in- 90% I love this little boy and pray that he will continue to progress. In my worrying the past week, I read on the blog about Nash's 2 year old check up. I said that he could say words but did not speak spontaneously. This is exactly how I feel about Tag. So grateful that I write things down. To be given this reminder helps comfort me. Especially since Nash is top of his class and shows no sign of the struggles he went through 3 years ago.

Tag is Two!!

I seriously cannot believe it! Our baby is 2! When did this happen? Tag is seriously such a blessing in our lives. He is our quiet little guy who loves to disappear and get into trouble. He loves Team Umizumi and Wallykazam! He loves to play with cars, throw balls, play outside, go to the park, play with bubbles, and jump on the tramp. He is always moving and is so funny! We love our little caboose. Do not know what we would do without him!

Friday Fun

After a hard week of worry, I have decided that I need to be more proactive in helping Tag come alive. I have been aware of his delays and have decided to engage more with him and the other kids. On Friday we decided to spend some time at the park. I LOVE watching them all have fun together. Such a blessing to have such good kids. Tag had the best time and nothing beats having him look me in the eyes with a huge smile on his face. I also love watching the older kids interact with him. I just know that he is going to get through the delays he is dealing with and we are going to make so many fun memories along the way.

Our Star Student

This week Nash was honored as the Star Student in his preschool class. On Wednesday he had to bring a poster and his favorite toy. On Thursday, he had to bring his favorite book to read to the class. Nash brought Dr. Suess, One Fish, Two Fish. On Friday he had to bring treats and I got to go in and spotlight him. He really wanted to bring Starbursts and I talked him into bringing twinkies also. After I told the class a few things about Nash, they all got to take turns asking him questions. It was so cute. He then passed out his treats and everyone said "Thanks for sharing". I LOVE his teacher and all the wonderful things she teaches them.

Viola Swamp

Harlee's class is having a March Read a Thon. They are trying to each read 100 books in the month of March. Last Friday they had someone come to listen to them read. Mimi went to the school as Harlee's guest. Then this Friday they were suppose to dress up like their favorite character in a book. Harlee wanted to dress up like Viola Swamp in the book Mrs. Nelson is back. I think she is the much cuter but pretty accurate version of Viola! What a fun idea to get them excited about reading. I love that Harlee has such a great teacher this year!

This is a marathon, not a sprint....

After much consideration and prayer, I have decided to go back to school and become a nurse. I am writing this down in hopes that I can look back and remember how right I felt about this even when the journey gets tough. I went on Monday to meet with the head of the nursing department. I have already applied to the school, had my transcripts reviewed, and now I am ready to begin. I need to take the college placement test for math. Once it is determined what math classes I need, I will begin the prerequisites for the nursing program. I only have five classes to take before I can apply. I also need to get my CNA and take another test. Once that is complete, then I can apply to nursing school. My hope is to use the next few years to get ready and then go to nursing school when Tag is in school. My goal is that by the time I am 44 I will have my degree. That gives me six and a half years to complete this lofty goal. But on the flip side, that gives me over 20 years to be a nurse in the NICU. I just feel like this is the right thing for me to do in my life. Until the kids all graduate from highschool and move on, I will just work part time. A couple nights a week when Joey can be home with them. Then I will move to full time when my nest is empty. I am so so nervous to go back to school but 6 years will come and go whether I try or not. I am scared but I just know that good things come from hard work.

Lucky Strikes Again

Clever trap but they were not successful in catching Lucky this year! He left them bags of green goodies for their wonderful efforts. He also stacked the pillows, turned over vases, and left his green mark in the potty! The kids loved seeing what Lucky had done for them. We followed the tradition and enjoyed some green eggs for breakfast. Gray was very reluctant to try them but soon realized they tasted the same! Luke mentioned at dinner that night that he did not believe in the leprechaun anymore. He might be the one Lucky forgets to leave treats for next year!

Leprechaun Trap

They are convinced that they are going to catch him this time! Luke and Harlee made a trap enticing the leprechaun to jump to "Airborne". When he jumps on what appears to be a trampoline, he will fall through and they will catch him in the box. I love watching their creativity at work! We will have to report in the morning if their efforts were successful!

Nash's Trap

It is that time of year again when that pesky leprechaun comes around to cause some trouble. Since Nash does not have school on Monday's, they expected him to make an appearance on Friday. So in preparation, each child in his class had to bring a trap. Nash informed me that his trap almost caught the leprechaun as he was leaving gold coins in the classroom. He worked so hard on his trap and we are so proud of the outcome! Before he left for school on Friday he said "Mom, you need to take a picture of me with my trap!" So grateful for the reminder so that I could write about it for the book!

Door Candy

It was time to update the wreath on the door from the fallish one that has been hanging since September. I went to Hobby Lobby and this is what I came up with. Much springier! Might have been cheaper to just buy one but I don't think I would appreciate it as much! Love the outcome!

Red Rockin' 2014

Saturday we ran our 2nd annual Red Rock Relay in St. George. This year our team consisted of KC, Brenna, Jaynie, Kim, Joey and I. We woke up bright and early and started the race at 6am! I ran the first leg and it was one of my favorite runs. The weather was perfect and I got to run 6.4 miles along the river trail. I beat my time last year by four minutes! Then Brenna was the next leg and she ran to the park by John and Darolyne's house. Then Kim ran and boy is she fast. The next runner was Jaynie. She did awesome! Especially since she just had a baby three months ago! Then KC ran the next leg and did such a good job. He was afraid since he had been sick for so long but he ran the whole leg without walking. Then the wind started and boy was it awful! Joey, me, and Brenna took the next three legs in the worst head wind. I think it will take a while for my lungs to recover. Although it was so hard, we all felt in such better shape than last year. Then Jaynie ran the coveted leg through Snow Canyon. She was followed by KC and then Kim finished us off. We had the best time and I loved getting to know all of them. I love doing these races especially with my best friend. Joey truly is my hero. I have grown so much from following his never give up example. What a wonderful race! Seriously cannot wait to do it again next year.