Cole

Cole's comment towards the end of a speech eval.

(Leaning toward his mom using a whisper tone) "Mom, I am really good at this!"

And he was.  He blew the tests out of the water.

December

Chad's prayer:
Dear God, Thank You that You sent Your only Son down so that we can have Christmas.

12-10-12 Cole
Weight - 43 lbs
Height - 45"

Cason's Words

Oh my!
Full
Yucky (to a bad diaper)
Cole
Papa
Bible
Heath
Bye-Bye
Dadda
Home
Momma
Ducky
Phone
Hi

And more every day!

November Stats

Cason:
Weight:  28 1/2 lbs - 50th
Height:  34 3/4" - 75th

Cole
Weight: 42 1/2 lbs - 90th
Height:  44 1/2" - 95th percentile

Cason: Papa!!!

Papa is my new favorite word and person.  I wake up asking for Papa and say my prayers consisting mostly of Papa.  Sometimes, I am pretty emotional about my need to see Papa and cry until Mommy can get Papa on Skype.  Thankfully Mommy has pictures of Papa on her phone which has calmed me a few times.

After watching Papa cut up our downed tree, I am forever carrying around my chainsaw.  Sometimes I chainsaw over my head for which my mom is very thankful that it is a toy.  I also like to weed-eat the carpet and anything in my path.  The bubble mower is fun too.  I help Kaylee with her babies.  Sometimes they get hungry and I have to feed them.

Momma continues to be a repeated word.  I say is just for something to say but sometimes it grates on my Mommy's nerves, especially when whining is involved.

Whenever someone prays, I join them - out loud.  My prayers are "Papa, Papa, Momma, Papa, Papa, Dadda" over and over.  Then I end with a loud, praising, "A-MEN!"

In the last two weeks I have started saying words and quickly have gone to two-word sentences.  Usually these are "Papa home" and "My Dadda."  I am saying "apple" a lot and have started repeating words that I hear.  I also say, "Heath" when I see him in a picture.  "Bable" continues to be a favorite word as well.  The rest of what I say isn't really understood but I know what it is.  They will catch on soon.

My temper continues to be strong.  Last night I wanted dessert but didn't want to take the last bite of food to receive it.  So I picked up my plate and threw it on the floor.  I proceeded to slam my hands on the tray and then grab the spoon and hock is over the side.  Kicking ended my show.  Mommy proceeded to discipline me and then I was instructed to pick up the plate and spoon.  I immediately did and the issue was quickly over.

Halloween Pict.

Cole's Prayer Today

Cole's pray at lunch:

Dear God, I need Your help to obey Mom. Obey Dad. I don't need Your help to obey satan. God, You are my hero. And, You love me. I need You. Amen.

Stats

Kaylee
56 lbs - 90th percentile
51" - off the chart

Chad
67 lbs, 6 oz - 90th percentile
54 1/2 inches - 95th percentile

Our Family

It was a busy weekend for our family.  Mommy attended a concert that lead her to getting home way past her bedtime.  Daddy rode in a 100 mile race where he faced sleet, hail, and rain - and just happened to beat his record for this route in 5 hours and 3 minutes.  We served at church with preschoolers on Saturday night and then traditionally with our friends kept CFL hopping.  On Sunday, we prepared and celebrated Kaylee's 6th birthday.  Fun times, but we are tired :)

Cason

Mommy thought I had another bad ear infection.  Turns out it isn't my ears.  She is now blaming it on the four teeth coming in.

Weight:  29 1/2 lbs.

Height:  33 1/2"

Kaylee's 6th Birthday Party

We had a great time with Kaylee's 6th Birthday party.

We began with a pumpkin carving contest.  Each child had a pumpkin and chose an adult to help them.  The pumpkin faces ranged from basic to very detailed.  Kaylee and Marianne carved three stacked pumpkins.  Very cute.  Kaylee said that she was very glad that she picked Marianne as her partner and will do it again!  Kaylee chose the winning pumpkin which was a princess.  (Surprise, surprise!)

The kids had fun, but I think the adults did the majority of the work!

After pumpkins, the kids roasted hotdogs, we ate cake, and the kiddos played in the front yard while the adults stayed warm around the bonfire.  

What We Love and Don't Like

Kaylee:

Special Interests:  Babies, school and teaching, jump on trampoline, ride my bike, talk on the phone with Grams, play soccer

Favorite Color:  Blue

Favorite Food:  Pizza

Favorite Activity:  Going to school

Fear:  Really loud thunder


Chad:

Special Interest:  Peyton Manning, football, Wii, bike riding

Favorite Color:  Orange

Favorite Food:  Pizza, graham crackers and frosting

Favorite Activity:  Watch Football

Favorite Activity at Recess:  Play Kickball

Favorite Thing at School:  Math

Fear:  Thunder

Cole:


Special Interests:  Trains, reading, guns and swords

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food:  Quesidillas, chips, burritos

Favorite Activity: Play with trains

Fear:  Monsters

According to Chad..

Question:  What is the difference between a school and a hospital?
Answer:  A school sends kids home when they are sick and a hospital keeps kids when they are sick.

Question:  What is the difference between a cat and dog?
Answer:  When a dog chases you, your run away.  When a cat chases you, you go towards it to pet it.

Question:  Why is not okay to rob a bank?
Answer:  Because where would you put all of that money?



These are answers that Chad gave the speech pathologist during testing in August.

Welcome October!

Now that work has slowed down, I hope to update more often.  Otherwise my kiddos scrapbooks are going to have major holes in them.

Cason:  Happy, happy, joy, joy.  There is rarely a moment when I am not happy.  And if I am a grouch, there is something wrong.   A few weeks ago, I was fussy wussy.  Mommy took me to the doctor and I had a very bad double ear infection.  Meds and ear drops fixed me up.  And in a few days I was back to myself.

I'm still not talking much at least so others can understand me.  I would prefer to make sounds without opening or moving my mouth but the parents aren't going for this.  Slowly but surely I am adding a few words at a time but we will see if the pediatrician is satisfied with my progress in a few of weeks.  I am a big flirt and laugh a lot.  When people talk to me I hide my face but immediately turn for more.

I greet people that I feel I know by walking up to them to give a hug.  I have no trouble going to my church classes and my teachers remark on how easily adjusted I am.  They all say that they can tell I am number four of the family!  I give great kisses that make my Mommy squeeze me tight and giggle with glee.

Last night I said, "Daddy mowing."  Then when I woke up with a full diaper and a horrific diaper rash, I cried out, "Momma, Momma."  

Cole:  I have added a not-so-fun activity to my week.  Twice a week for 10 weeks, I am receiving allergy shots.  Testing confirmed that I am severely allergic to cats, dust mites, mold, and pigweed.  Immediately the allergist upped my allergy medicine to morning and night with the addition of two nasal sprays two and three times a day.  So far the allergy shots have made my allergies much worse but we are hopefully that it will get better soon.  I hate the shots and fight them hard.  Twice a week, Mommy is learning what it is like to wrestle a steer calf.  Thankfully, I get to play Angry Bird and watch PBS Kids while waiting after each shot.  We are praising God that I have not had any reactions to the shots.

Last Monday, I was getting my clothes on before we had to leave for school.  I said to Mommy, "It looks like Jesus is really living in my heart."  Mommy asked, "Why?".  "Because I am obeying," I said.

Obedience continues to be a challenge for me but I ask God every time that I pray for Him to help me obey Mommy and Daddy.

Kaylee:  I was awarded the top color in our behavior chart. This is my daily goal and I become disappointed if I don't meet this.  My teacher wrote on my chart that I am a "role-model for other students."  I talk continuously about school - what we are learning, what kids say, and what my teacher tells us.  This gives me even more material for my imaginary school and baby play.  I spend a lot of my free time making things for my teachers and friends at school.  I enjoy writing notes to everyone and struggle to figure out if the /k/ sounds is represented by a "c" or a "k" in a word.

Cason and I are very close.  We play games from his crib and my bed since we share a room.  If I am lying on the floor, he comes over and lays his head on me.  If he gets hurt, I am sure that he wants hugs from his "sissy."

Chad:  Speech therapy is once a week but we are praying for openings soon so that I can meet with Miss W more than that.   With four severe areas, it is a lot to cover in one hours time.  Miss W said my last session was the best that I have done!  Mommy and I spend time each day reading and covering specific activities from therapy.  My afternoon time goes quickly between playing a little while, getting ready for the next day of school, therapy work, and eating supper.

My behavior and compliance has been much better the last few weeks.  Miss W is taking me through several Autism/Asperger's activities to help me better understand people and things around me.  This has dramatically helped me as I am starting to understand why there are rules and the need to obey those responsible for me.  While I still have a ways to go, we are all thankful for this progress and the small amount of peace it has created.

Daddy and Mommy:  Saturday is the big 100 mile bike ride for Michael, although he has ridden a few 90+ mile joy-rides last month.  The weather is not looking favorable so he will have to decide what to do as it gets closer to the time.

With the addition of rain to the past month's weather, Michael has begun mowing again.  It is so wonderful to have green grass again.  Fall also brings about bonfires in the front yard.  We have already had one get-together and look forward to several more with friends.

Work has slowed down to where I am only working about 15 hours a week instead of 40 hours.    This has been nice as I am starting to catch up on things around the house that have been placed to the side for the last four months.  Then I will begin maintenance on some much neglected items on the website and begin some new additions.

Keeping up with Chad's therapy has taken a lot of time and energy but we are thankful for the forward progress no matter what the speed.  We are learning how to pack a boat load of items into the 3 1/2 hours after school.  This hasn't been an easy transition but we are all learning our new "normal."

With Mommy's Bible study ending, Daddy is starting back to into his accountability group and we have resumed Community Group.  We praise God for amazing friends who support us through the hills and bumps of life.

Cole's Big Decision - September 18th

Can you hear the angels celebrating? Another child has said "yes" to Jesus! Cole is a true Warrior Prince now!

This morning Mommy told me to pick out a book.  I chose the book A Warrior Prince for God.  As we read, we talked about what a true prince is and how Satan tries to convince us that we don't have to obey.  After reading, I continued to sit on the couch and look at my book while Mommy started lunch.

Then I said, "I want to be a warrior prince."  Mommy asked me how I can become a warrior prince.  I told her, "By asking Jesus into my heart."  Mommy agreed and asked if I want to do that.  I said, "Yes."

We talked about how I can have Jesus' help against Satan and that I can be a Warrior Prince if I simply believe and ask.  So we sat down and prayed.  I told Jesus that I believe He died for my sins and rose again and that I need His forgiveness.  I said that I want to live for Him and need His help.

Then we took the book and wrote my name and the date in the shield.

Cole's Stats

9/12/12

Blood Pressure - 104/50
Pulse - 84/min
Weight 42 lbs, 0 oz

1st Day of School

(The night before school.)
Mommy:  Are you going to be able to sleep tonight?
Kaylee:  I don't know.  I am just SO excited to go to Kindergarten tomorrow that I don't think I will be able to sleep.

(I think the picture below proves how well she slept.  That is the fitted sheet that she is covered up with.)

Kaylee:  (as soon as she entered the van after school)  That was so much fun.  I want to do that again.

Summer Update

It has been too long since I have blogged.  I know that in twenty years, I will regret that.  So today, instead of digging into work, I am going to take a moment to write down some memories for the kiddo's scrapbooks.

Chad:  The three month break from school is almost over.  I began summer break with swimming lessons and then a 1 1/2 week vacation at the farm with Grams and Papa.  July flew by with trips to Silver Dollar City, my birthday, and swimming at home.  Sadly, it has been too hot to do much playing outside but I look forward to the cooler weather so that we can do family bike rides.  I have helped Mom with watering of the garden and apple tree.

In July, I had a check up with an cardiologist.  It wasn't the report that we planned on receiving.  First, my resting heart rate is very low.  The card. instructed me to wear a monitor to make sure that my heart rate rose during exercise.  We received the results back and my heart rate ranged from 45 to 181 and this was considered normal. Secondly, we learned that one of my arteries is dilated.  The cardiologist instructed my Mom not to panic and not to let it ruin our summer!  But, we will go back next year for a check up and round of tests.  We are praying that the arteries and heart will catch up to the size and it will be normal again.

After working daily on school work, mom was not satisfied with the progress in reading.  I met with my Occupational Therapist for another round of tests.  While the sensory issues are still there, I scored age appropriate or advanced on everything except one area.  Mom and my OT were very happy about this!  This didn't solve our problem, so I tested with my speech pathologist.  

And we found our problem.  I have severe delays in several areas.  This has lead to several more tests and meetings for mom.  She is working with the school to get accommodation in place and I will begin speech next week.  Until then Mom and I have started a new way of learning to try and fill in the holes that I have.  Praise God that I catch on very quickly and am already making great strides to the new learning process.

I loved watching the Olympics and would have watched everything possible if Mom and Dad would have let me.  After watching many competitions, I tried to figure out what I want to do in the Olympics when I get older.

Kaylee:  Seven days from now I will be finishing up my first day of Kindergarten.  I couldn't be more excited.  Thursday I will meet my teacher and take my school supplies to my classroom.  I have learned how to put my hair in a ponytail and pig tails.  This will really help me in school if I need to redo my hair.  Mommy is really going to miss me but she knows that school is what is best for me.  Cason is also going to really miss me.  He and I are buds.  When I sit on the floor, he comes and sits on my lap.  I really, really like this.

I have "resigned" from my teaching position so that I can go to Kindergarten.  This was really sad but I still teach again next summer.  I still lay out folders and name tags for all my students.  Right now I am working on preparing myself for school by writing letters and numbers and working on math flashcards.  This is great fun for me.

Mom and I went some friends to a Tea Room for lunch without the boys.  We had tea, sandwiches, and orange rolls.  We dressed up and Mommy curled my hair.  Our friends gave me some dress-up doll stickers.  It was a highlight for me and I felt very grown up.

Cole:  Trains, books, guns, and outside play.   My imagination continues to drive my playtime.  I love to swim and ride my bike.  Silver Dollar City has been the highlight of my summer.  I love the Lost River ride and even rode the small roller coaster, Thunderation.

While swimming with Mommy yesterday, I surprised her by quoting several Bible verses in a row.  Daddy has been helping me at bedtime learn verses about self-control and obedience.  I know them very well.  Now if I can just do what they say!

Cason:  My family is trying to make me talk.  It frustrates me but I am slowly obliging.  Talking isn't high on my priority list, but walking wasn't either and I finally gave in.  Each morning I wake up saying, "ball, ball" as I look outside trying to find the beach ball inside the trampoline.  I pray at each meal time and at random times.  Suddenly, I squat down, bow my head, and fold my hands and whisper, "Sesus."  Then I stand up with arms in the air and shout, "Eh Meh."  This sometimes happens several times in a row.

A strong temper is still part of my make up.  I don't like being told no.  My scream is a little piercing and gets me in trouble!  If I can get hold of a pencil or pen I will write on anything possible.  Outside is my favorite place.  I love to climb up and down the swingset.  I went down the slide by myself last night.  It took me by surprise but then I was anxious to do it again.

Michael: Biking is in full swing but he is thankful for the cooler weather.  On one lunch-time ride, his Garmin registered 112 degrees.  But with the ending to fall comes the later sunrise which means he can't ride as early in the morning.  He is looking at two century rides the end of Sept and beginning of Oct.  His family is looking forward to it being cool enough for long family bike rides on the local bike trails.  Work is keep him very busy and we wish he could come home closer to time.  But we are thankful for Michael's job and how he continues to enjoy it.

Heidi:  It wasn't the end to summer that we expected but we praise God for the support system around us.  God has placed amazing people in our lives from doctors to therapist to friends.  I am leading a Bible study once a week with a group of amazing ladies who all deeply desire to grow in their relationship with Christ.  I praise God for the time that we have had and look forward to several more weeks.

ABCJLM has been crazy busy but God has been good.  Thankfully we have hired some help which has eased my burden and time commitment.  This summer I finished the ninth book and have enjoyed seeing the excitement come over it.  God is doing amazing things through the website and blog and we are excited to see where He leads us next.

As Papa's campaign manager, I got in on the political process by strategizing, helping write newspaper articles, and preparing brochures.  We were happy when the election was done and saw that Papa received 49% of the votes over his two opponents.

Well, I believe that about catches us up on events and I must return to work!  Now my kid's scrapbooks won't have as large of a gap as what it could have been!

Congrats Papa!

Papa won his 6th term for County Commissioner.  We are very proud of what he has town for his county and the state.

Kaylee made her own sign.

And here is the picture from four years ago when Papa won!

Kaylee's Daily Updates

Each morning Kaylee brings a written note to me which tells me what Cason said and did during the night.  She writes down the time and activity so that she can read the report.  This morning it was:

"At 7:15 Cason said 'up.'  That means he wants up and out of his crib (hand motions included)."
"At 7:34 Cason said 'in the pool.'  That means he wants to go swimming."

Chad's Stats - 8 Year Old

54 1/2" - 95th percentile
63.2 lbs - 90th percentile

Cason Update

Give me a few days without my siblings and I blossom. My understanding of language is really good and I am very good about obeying simple task like to sit down, go to the table, go to the garage door because Daddy is coming home.

It's evident that I know what I want and when I do not get it my little feet dance quite the jig!  My head shakes no but it really means both yes and no. I say "ball" for all things round and "up" but it sounds more like "uff."  "Bath" is another fun word.  "Please" is very plain and whenever i want something I sign and say please and then touch Mommy's check to motion her in the correct direction.

I still have to have everything neat and tidy.  I go around closing doors and drawers.   I pick up clothes and put them in the dirty clothes hamper.  I love to move the wet clothes from the washer to dryer.  I also empty the silverware from the dish washer and place it into the drawer.

Cars, tractors, and balls are my favorite toys.  I make vehicle noises as I push them around.  Outside is a favorite.  I ride my cars, swing, and swim.   In the garden I move the hoses for Mommy.  I love my blankie and fingers.  They make nap and bed time something to look forward to.

Grapes are my favorite food but applesauce and yogurt continue to be very yummy.  My pickiness has gotten better but still is not great.  When I don't want something I push it away or throw it.  Not a good choice as it gets me in trouble.

I climb anything and everything - except my crib for some reason, thankfully.  I climbed onto the couch and into the window sill a few days ago.  Mommy quickly came and got me as I was waving with one hand and holding on with the other.

I enjoy reading books and climb onto the couch to read on my own.  I have started coloring and find that fun.  My smiles are adorable and I love to laugh.