Cat drama

As you've probably figured out from posts past, we won't put up with cats going potty anywhere besides the cat box. Roxy has had issues and even been on antibiotics just in case she had a bladder infection, but nothing worked. So today Roxy is at the animal shelter. It's unfortunate. She's so pretty. But pretty isn't everything when they are brainless like that. I may sound callus or insensitive, but I'm just over it. I know she'll find a home very soon. She's too pretty not to. I'm a cat lover to the core, but not at that cost. So, it's on to look for another companion for Jagger. We are a 2 kitty family for sure. When we find the right cat it will be worth all the hassle. I do hope Roxy finds a good home. Maybe one that doesn't mind cleaning up accidents frequently.

Apple picking

We went to Julian today to pick apples. I've wanted to do this with the kids for a long time and finally just made it happen. Last night was a very late night. The young women had a sleep over at the YW president's house and I went over around 10:00 and didn't end up leaving until 2:00 am. We went toilet papering and I have to admit that I had a blast! Those girls keep me young...well, until I have to get up in the morning and function on little sleep. But it was worth it. So, we headed out this morning and I hadn't gotten exact directions to any particular apple picking orchard because I had read that they are everywhere. Yeah, right. Not the case or both Kirk and I are blind. Good thing my friend, Heather, had tried to give me directions to the one her family goes to. I'm not sure if we found that exact one, but it served it's purpose and I had a fantastic time watching my kids pick apples and run around. This was the perfect activity for Devin. No doors or cupboards to keep him out of. Just land and lots of room to run around. He had a ball! Before actually going to the orchard we drove around quite a bit to find somewhere and we ended up stopping in at "Moms" for ice cream and pie. My kids are always happy campers if they get dessert! I'm not a pie person, but I have to say that was the best pie ever! So, now that we have 4 bags full of apples, I'm going to be making some apple desserts this week for sure! Good thing I'm not a fruit dessert kind of person or I'd be in big trouble. So, here are some pictures I took today of the fun. And this isn't even all of them. I couldn't get enough pictures. Such a great spot for someone like me. My poor kids. Ha.

This picture made me chuckle. I got Devin in mid jump. He and Avery had a great time trying to jump from log to log.

And last, but not least and actually the first thing we did...

Play School

So, we stared 'Play School' today with some moms in the area. I don't know what his deal was, but Devin didn't want any part of it. Above is only 1 of 2 times he was happy the whole 2 1/2 hours. Maybe it's the change in his routine or maybe it stems from leaving him at preschool yesterday, but he was miserable today. Unfortunately for me he needs this so I will stick it out and hope he gets better and sooner rather than later will actually enjoy it. Today Erin was in charge and the theme was farm and farm animals. She did an incredible job. If Devin had been in a better mood he would have really enjoyed it. Just look at the adorable cake she made in the shape of a cow. Such talent. Well, next Wednesday is my turn. I can't even begin to try to be as creative as Erin, so it should be interesting. Wish me luck in the planning this week.

Another chapter begins

This morning cute little Devin started preschool. Gosh, this has been a weird couple of weeks. To go from 20 hours of therapy each week to nothing and scrambling for a preschool and then actually leaving him in someone elses care for 4 hours...well, I didn't cry, but I thought about it. When we told him he was going to go to school he was really excited. Then it came time to say goodbye and that was a whole other story. The poor guy cried and watched as Justin, Avery and I walked down the corridor. The good thing about this school is they have cameras in every classroom and so I decided to go check on him after dropping Justin and Avery off. He was playing and having a great time. When I went to pick him up he had just finished lunch and when he saw me he came running to me crying. It's got to be hard to go from having Mom at your beck and call for so long to being in a new environment for such an extended amount of time. I hope that he adjusts very soon because I just don't want to have to watch him cry like that every time. It breaks my heart. But I'm sure this is going to be a good experience for him and he'll end up loving it. Here's to preschool!

Our birthday boy is 3!

They grow up so fast, don't they? It's hard to believe he was ever this little...our smallest baby weighing in at 6.8 lbs. He's had a fun birthday that he got to celebrate twice. The first time was after Justin's baptism last weekend when his grandparents were here. He opened a few presents and had some cake. Doesn't get much better than that!

That was a nice time spent with family. Today, after church and a short nap, we headed over to the nearby pond to feed the ducks and do a little fishing. He had a great time and even caught his very first fish! Gosh bluegill are fun! You can catch a lot in a short amount of time. It's great for the kids. Of course Kirk would prefer to try for bass, but this is much more satisfying for the kids.

I think he got the fishing gene from Kirk. He really did love it. We then came home and had some dinner and he opened our present and then we had cupcakes. Yum!

Happy big number 3, Devin! You are our sweet boy and we love you!

Goodbye to training wheels...finally!

Ahhh the wonders of having a blog. I'm speaking of earlier today when I was out front with the kids while they were biking. Avery has had training wheels on her bike for over 2 years now, but hasn't needed them for quite some time. Kirk's been trying to get her to let him take them off for a long time, but it wasn't until today when I told her I'd take pictures and put them on the blog that she agreed. Yay! She did great and is loving it. Now she just needs a bigger bike. Thank goodness Christmas and her birthday are both coming up. Good job Avery!

Goodbye to Devin's team

Well, it's been quite a ride! I can't believe it's been almost 2 years since Devin started his journey with Regional Center. Then again, I can't believe it's ONLY been almost 2 years. It's been a long and successful time period. We had Devin's IEP (Individual Education Plan) with the school district yesterday and found out that he doesn't qualify for any services what-so-ever. We have mixed emotions about this. First of all we are inexplicably thankful that he has caught up enough not to meet the criteria, but on the other hand we know he needs the help and feel that maybe it's time for him to be treated like any other child his age and go to a preschool with typical peers. So, as of Friday we will go from having 20 hours of therapy a week to 0. What in the world will we do?! I have to admit I'm a little stressed about it. It's been a long time since I've had just one little one all day to myself. But that doesn't stress me out as much as the fact that this little one needs me to teach him in ways I've never considered before and I feel a lot of pressure from that. Although Devin has caught up tremendously he still scored at the low end of average for most area's so we feel he still needs some pushing and are in the process of searching for an opening at a preschool. Kind of hard to do at the last minute. Everyone is full that's I've called. In the meantime I have committed us to join a 'play school' type preschool that my friend has put together with some other mom's in the area. It will be a preschool type structure done in our homes as we each take a turn once a week. So, between that and putting him in an official preschool we are hopeful he'll continue to progress as well as he has. Now to find a preschool. Here are some final pictures I took just the other day with our wonderful team of therapists that have been the biggest influence in his life thus far.

Alejandra - his program supervisor responsible for making up his programs; Jennifer - his ECI responsible for carrying out those programs and teaching them to him.

Kim - his other ECI responsible for teaching him the program's; Tori - his speech pathologist.

Gosh, it will be weird to not see these people on a day to day basis after so long. We are so grateful to all of them for their time and energy given for Devin. It was totally worth it! Thanks so much guys! We'll miss you!

Justin's baptism

Yesterday was a very special day in our house. Justin was baptized! Our sweet boy chose to follow the Lord's commandment and took his first important step towards his eternal salvation. We are so proud of him and the wonderful and beautiful spirit that he brings into our family. We are grateful to all those that made this day special and memorable for him. In attendance were his grandparents,

our good friends, the Hank's family and my friend of many years, Allyson Zaret. She gave a beautiful talk on baptism. Thank you Allyson!

Our home teacher, Rick Mescall, gave a great talk on receiving the Holy Ghost and the blessing it is in our life. Thank you Rick! Justin's Primary teacher is the one in the floral dress, Dian Burd. He has really enjoyed having her as his teacher. I wasn't able to get near the amount of pictures that I wanted, but at least I got a few, right? It was the perfect day for a very special boy. Thanks again to all those that traveled far, knowing how important this day was to him and to us. We appreciate all your support! We love you, Justin! You are a wonderful blessing to both your dad and me. Heavenly Father is so proud of your choice. We hope that you will always remember this special day of yours.

Newest past time

Ever since we went fishing on that pontoon boat about a month ago the kids have had an itch to keep it up. Justin is literally obsessed. We have a little pond about a mile from our house that is now Kirk's, Justin's and Avery's new favorite hang out. They go over there for a couple of hours and fish for little bluegill (not sure if that's the right spelling, but you get the idea). They just love it!