The Bryant Family News

There's a new Sheriff in TOWN.....

2011-11-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

First day of school

2011-08-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

We want to do a SHOUT OUT to all our NEEC friends and loved ones!!! We miss you guys.

Tennis anyone?

2011-08-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I have volunteered once again...this time to paint yard signs for the tennis players. It turns out it was a much bigger task than I thought it would....but its for the kids right! Hunter is playing this year, first year so not sure how much time she will be playing in matches but being part of a team is a good thing...playing or not. She has a full schedule this year, 3 college courses and mentoring, plus working still. We are very proud of her!!!

Hard to believe less than 30 days before school...

2011-07-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

Summer trips, long days of HOT sun, sleepovers with friends, going nonstop......is almost over for another year. WOW, how it has flown. Here I thought we had all kinds of time to finish summer projects, to get caught up and organized before the NEW school year. And now July is almost over and Junior Year for Hunter and Kindergarten for Tucker now stare me in the face.

We are still not potty trained...but we sure have grown our communication skills! Mimicking every word, nice or not. OHHH from the mouth of babes. :)

Hunter has worked pretty much all summer. She watches Tuck on Tuesdays but other than that she has been working or playing hard. She attended our "stay cation" with us after deciding after we had already reached our destination that she wanted to be there and felt she was missing out....a good feeling to know she would rather be with the family hanging out in the camper, making memories that will soon be just that....memories. Two more years at home and she will head out to school and NEVER look back. I will be lucky to see here at Holidays when she gets her freedom. She is so eager to start life outside of "home".

We almost have the basement done....after 5 years!!!! WOW. We finally hired someone to finish it as Todd and I were lost in all the mud/tape/and sanding of sheetrock. We definately made more work for the poor guy finishing it up for us. It should be ready for paint next week...just in time to get Hunter into her new room before school--we hope anyway.

Summertime

2011-07-13T16:57:00.001-07:00

OMG....

2011-07-08T19:56:00.001-07:00

I really do HATE computers....I dont know much, but enough to make me dangerous. I finally have the "back up" computer up and going....and it actually connected me to the internet!!! WOW. So exciting.
Anyway, all is well and I will post more later. Have a great weekend.

Life is goooood.....

2011-05-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

I know, pathetic. However, I always feel better when I bake.....and to see a cookie jar full of fresh, home-made, from scratch cookies ALWAYS makes me feel like I have accomplished the world!!! Silly......maybe...... but very satisfying!

Not to brag....but OK, maybe a little bragging

2011-05-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

Hunter and I won tickets to see Josh Groban in concert. And it was 5th row!!!! WOW, talk about an awesome concert. He sounds just as good live as he does on his cd's. (not many singers can do that.) It was an amazing time.

I wish my camera was a little more up-to-date, the close ups would be more clear but you get the gist on just how close we were.

Time for the tooth fairy

2011-05-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

Well, we got it out finally. With two ears of corn and the tooth just laying flat with every bite, Daddy finally got ahold of it and tugged. So exciting

First Grown up tooth making its way.....

2011-05-02T04:42:00.001-07:00

Tucker , as you all know, has caps on his baby teeth. It was odd a few weeks ago when the one on the bottom row started protruding outward. I thought he must have gotten it caught on something when he was eating. Well, yesterday I noticed a part of a tooth behind the protruding silver cap. PANIC....thinking his cap has slipped off the tooth exposing it. I couldn't get close enough to check it all out. I got the camera out to try to take a picture and then, and only then, did I get to see exactly what was going on. (it was a game to take a picture of his mouth--with his mouth completely over the camera lens--no good pictures of course) His tooth, BIG tooth, is coming in behind the capped one making it protrude outward. It is loose, the capped one that is, and will be falling out soon. Hunter and Todd tried all night to get their hands in there to wiggle it free but he wasn't having it. I have corn on the cob to make this week, maybe that will do the trick.

We were told his big teeth were atleast a year away when we had dental surgery. So I just wasnt expecting to see that tooth coming in. I sure am glad that is what is going on..I cant imagine the pain he would be going through if that tooth was exposed without the cap on it. OUCH.

So the tooth fairy might be visiting Tucker soon. How exciting right!

Easter at my house

2011-04-23T17:50:00.001-07:00

I am hosting Easter lunch this year. I think I have enough food and goodies for all. I spent today cooking homemade (from scratch) rolls, 3 dozen...cupcakes, rice crispy treats, jello salad, devil'd eggs, and brisket. The eggs are filled and ready for hiding....PLEASE let the rain hold off!

Tomorrow we clean, or at least make presentable, the rest of the house. I am very excited this year. I love cooking and hosting get togethers...don't get me wrong, I don't have to host all the time but I do so enjoy it. The preparation and the little extras make me warm and fuzzy inside. (even if they go unnoticed by others) Like the crispy treats...I tried to replicate those that my grandmother made when she was alive. A few of us are fuzzy on some of the details but we know it was either a bird nest with jelly bean eggs, or a basket with a marshmallow bunny stuck in the middle. SOOO, I tried to do both. The cupcakes, I whipped the icing and stuck in a piping bag to try to make them look like those on the Food Network channel....I lack the skill but I was very happy with them. It is amazing how just a little whip in the mixer and a piping bag instead of a knife makes a big difference. (makes it look like I did something spectacular) --as my husband would say, just dont break your arm patting yourself on the back. (I am just excited is all)

Happy Easter everyone! May the sun shine and the kids find lots of candy filled eggs.

Easter Pictures

2011-04-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Hunter has missed the past two years of School pictures and we haven't had any "in studio" pictures for ages. They are growing so darn fast. Sorry they cant be any bigger. (samples off the website) I will have more when I get the CD of all that we took.

Eggs...eggs...glorious EGGS

2011-04-19T19:18:00.001-07:00

Tucker and his eggs. It took a lot to get him into it, Little Bear is much more pressing then making darn ol' eggs....but he kicked in some he.

Hunter and her John's Hopkins University.....she just had to make an EGG.

Lazy, uneventful...nothing accomplished weekend

2011-04-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

Just me and Tuck ...doing nothing...dirty faced and lazy

OHHHH MYYYYY

2011-04-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

I am so far behind on blogging and updating everyone. Time flies, as we all know.

Lets see. Hunter turned 16yo this past week! She is now driving and had a ROCKIN' sweet 16 party, even if she didn't say so in so many words. Her theme was Club-16. We had black lights and strobe lights and wallpapered the entire place in black paper, she painted with reflective colors, we made STAFF shirts, we had a bouncer, we had a bar for refreshments, a DJ....we had it all and it turned out rather great.

Saturday we got to meet Rachel Coleman from Signing time. Tucker was excited at first then was ready to move on to more exciting things. He kinda got lost in the concert with the chatting, he loved the music though. It was good to meet her, she is such an AWESOME person! We wish Alex and Leah were there as well,,,,but I know they are all grown up now and probably sooo over the traveling thing.

We are looking forward to summer! The basement is almost completely sheetrock'd...ok, so only took 5 years to get this far. We are skipping the June vacation to Tuscon for now so we can get the basement complete. We are thinking possibly going later in the summer or even around the Holidays. Tucker has summer school until July 1. Then school starts back on August 17th, for which he will be a FULL TIME KINDERGARDEN STUDENT!!! OMG. WOW. Full days with adventure club after. We will be giving up our NEEC spot as of August 12th. Tucker will miss his friends there so much. They have had such a part in Tucker's developement and success...WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!

We will be having a graduation ceremony in June some time for him. Graduating from NEEC, going onto big school and out of Pre-k. Cap and gown, the whole works. Very exciting. I am working on a gift for all our special teachers/therapists and helpers for our good byes. (Kim I will be getting ahold of you for help :)

Thank you everyone for being so patient with the updates.

Dr Seuss week.....mismatch day

2011-03-01T10:20:00.001-08:00

pajama bottoms, under shorts , socks over the bottoms and a striped shirt......I guess that will do.

Riding "horse" and pretend play

2011-02-28T04:54:00.000-08:00

Tucker is so fun to watch... I have always enjoyed it because YES he is amazing. He has started doing more and more pretend play. Here he is riding his toy from Christmas, giving Woody a ride...galloping and falling off, saying NEIGH like a horse and just having a great time!

Growing up....

2011-02-24T16:20:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how the time flies. Hunter will be 16 soon, Tucker 6 and well,,,,that is all that needs to be said. As our children get older, so do we unfortunately. I have never really had a problem with birthdays....they are just numbers. BUT, the numbers keep getting bigger!!! When was it that we grew up and became parents? That we became bill paying, law abiding, caregivers? I think I missed most of it, it seems a big whirlwind of blurrrrr. OH , I remember the here's and there's....the big stuff. But when was, on what day was it, that I decided that sleep was more important than hanging with friends or going out on a date? When was it it that I decided I would rather take a day off work to do NOTHING-with no one around-- than go on a vacation???? When did ironing become exstinct in my home, and cereal for dinner??

Ok so maybe the "numbers" are going to bother me this year......

Valentine's box.....

2011-02-05T15:20:00.001-08:00

Man, I haven't had to make a box since Hunter was in grade school. It's rough,,,meaning not perfect, but will work for what it needs to be. The tip of the crayon opens up for the valentines to be dropped inside (that is why it looks lopsided) Could you even tell it was supposed to be a crayon?

Hope everyone is having a good weekend. Tuck and I are hanging out again as Todd and Hunter are both working. I really need to clean this house but honestly don't feel like it. So I am finding anything and everything to do but THAT!

Valentines for Tuck's teachers.....

2011-02-03T20:03:00.001-08:00

Well, I am at it again. Finding something for Tucker's teachers and therapist's that I haven't done before and that is "cute" and one of a kind. Nothing too big, but something to say "we love you". This is what I found....cute right.

I am doing the candy sundea's again this year. So this weekend and next will be busy, which is what I LOVE!! I just love to do crafts, it relaxes me and gives my mind a much needed burst. I plan on getting back to Tucker's scrapbook of his preschool years too. So close to being caught up in it that I dont want to slack too much.

Tucker is watching Toy Story 2 tonight.....I cannot believe it but we have not seen him since it started. He is not much for change especially when it comes to straying from Jacks Big music show and Little Bear....but hey, I am game for some variety.

Blizzard like conditions....

2011-02-01T15:13:00.001-08:00

and Todd is shoveling the driveway. I70, I29 and 273 highways /roads are closed due to winds and drifts covering the roads. Visibility is non existent.

Why is it, when you cant go anywhere you are chomping at the bit to GO!!!!

Polar Bear Plunge....

2011-01-29T05:27:00.000-08:00

Hunter is participating in the plunge today. The ICE was removed from Longview lake in preparation for the plunge. They are expecting 1100 people out there today at noon for this fundraiser for the Missouri Special Olympics. Hunter raised 317.00!

Here she is making her plunger for her head, part of her get-up for the event.

My little country bumpkin....

2011-01-26T19:42:00.000-08:00

Isnt he soooo darn cute!! Bath, breathing treatment and a good brushing of the teeth and we are ready for bed.

Dental surgery

2011-01-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

Well,,,lets see. Tuck did great but his teeth were in bad repair. SO, we lost our front two, they got pulled since there was not enough good tooth to hold a crown. He had several filled and I believe it is 6 crowns done. Crowns with white fronts on the top, silver crowns everywhere else. He is very cranky today but I think tylenol will hold him over. He keeps putting his hands in his mouth saying OWEEEE.

It was an early morning. Had to be at Mercy at 6am for 730am surgery. We go back in 6 months as long as we dont have any issues before then. No more sticky foods--fruit snacks and laffy taffy being some of his favs. Darn it....but I dont want a crown to fall off.

So, if you enlarge these pictures you will see his mouth filled with dental work. Poor baby.

Ugh....sorry so long to update

2011-01-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

Lets see. Another year started and it is flying by like all the others. Tucker has dental surgery on Tuesday. We aren't sure what time yet but will get the phone call the night before. We will be admitted at CMH for it and hopefully be let right back out afterwards. We are unsure what to expect, we know he had 6 cavities over 6 months ago. So they are planning on taking care of his entire mouth while they have him sedated. IF it entails pulling/capping/crowning or whatever, it will be done then.

I have been scrapbooking finally. Got all Tucks birthdays done and am working in his Preschool/Daycare book now trying to get it up to date before he goes into Kindergarten next year. WOW!! It has been fun to look back at all that he has gone through. It is amazing everything that went on, and believe if or not I had forgotten some of it. The nutritionist coming every week to get us off the feeding tube, the broken out cheeks from the feeding tube, the tear duct that was clogged and made his eye look so bad. It is a great blessing to look back and see where Tucker is today......as you can see in the picture, he is being a typical, dare devil of a toddler. AND it is so fun, and challenging and GREAT! ( yup his camping chair is sitting on top of the ROCKING chair)

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

I used to make resolutions....this year I am not......but IF I was to make them, the list might look something like this.

Get scrapbooking caught up

Lose 20 more pounds by March

Continue to exercise, every other day

Get Tucker potty trained

Get Tucker in his bed at night, falling asleep on his own

Find more time, HA HA HA HA, for me

But since I am not making resolutions I am going to do my best to do what makes my life more fullfilling. It may just include those things above and then some. (smiles)

I hope everyone continues to challenge themselves this year. Reaching goals, even if it is one out of ten that are set, makes us better. I am a list person, and to mark my list off one by one makes me jump for joy.

I am so grateful for my list of "non-resolutions". There were years I was just making it a goal not to lose my mind, to get through another year with my son, to get through another year of a marriage that was based on HIGH STRESS and very little time, this year.....I can concentrate on things that dont really matter in the big plan...because who really cares if I have my scrapbooks up to date? It just means that my life, after many years of blurrrr, is finally at a spot that I can relax and do some things that mean nothing! and boy does it feel good.

Happy 2011!!!!

And the cookies were decorated....

2010-12-23T05:31:00.000-08:00

IT has been a month full of busy. Every weekend full of stuff to do. This past week we finally got Santa cookies decorated for "leaving out" and the house cleaned for company.

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

My growing boy....

2010-11-29T18:57:00.000-08:00

Tucker helped me put up trees this past weekend, being very patient and handing me one thing right after another...until all 4 trees were up, decorated, lit and ready for the season.

Tumble cheer.....

2010-11-12T19:02:00.001-08:00

Northland buddies had their yearly activity at Edge gymnastics tonight. It is amazing how much change happens in a year. Check out this video! Last year we were behind him, pushing him up. We are so blessed!!! Tucker had such a good time.

Longaberger sale....

2010-11-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

I have taken a few lessons from Dave Ramsey over the past few weeks and am getting rid of some baskets that I have had and no longer use. If you are interested, I have big, medium and small ones. Some that come with liners and protectors. $50.00/$30.00/and $15.00.

If you or anyone you know would be interested.....just leave a comment.

Trying to snowball the bills, get rid of and breathe a little easier....just like everyone else.

The Thanksgiving tree...

2010-11-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

This year Tucker helped put the tree together. We put it in the kitchen each year, on the frig for easy removal. He loved it.....we named everything on the leaves as we placed them on the tree. He was so excited....and still is, to keep taking them off and putting them back on. (something I will need to work on because we have to retape them every time he wants to take one off....)

Mommy's or Daddy's day out

2010-10-29T10:13:00.001-07:00

OK, so pass the word. I am going to open my home to watch kids on Saturdays ONLY. The fee is $30.00 flat for up to 8 hours. If you have more than one kid the others are at 1/2 the cost. If you know of anyone that needs or wants a 8 hour window to do some shopping, or go to dinner, or do some errands without kids under foot. PLEASE pass along my name and number, or this site so they can see who I am.

You dont have to do an 8 hour time, but the flat rates apply. My hours would be anywhere from 9am-midnight. (Tuck has swim on Saturday mornings at 8 so I would be ready by 9)

Almost Halloween??? WOW

2010-10-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

My weekend has been spent with Tucker. Todd and Hunter have worked, Hunter running with her new boyfriend inbetween. I am still under the weather, cough that wont go away..and 3 visits to the doctor later still no relief. I have found a little energy today to keep Tucker's messes picked up....and that is a feat in itself. Pick it up and he has it all over the place again. Its a good thing, just hard when mommy is down and out not feeling good.

I am anxious for Tucker's first trick or treat experience. It will be interesting to see if he tolerates walking around to get candy or if he doesnt want anything to do with it. We will see.

Go Chiefs!!

Another one bites the dust.....

2010-10-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

Although a good song, the senerio in real life SUCKS!!! Another car is down and out. First the van with its transmission...now Hunter's car, which I was driving back and forth while the van was out of commission, is out with an ignition problem. Money that is spent before we have it, money that is for other things but gets detoured to the RIGHT NOW things that go wrong.

It seems just when you can breathe, you see light....WHAMMIE!!!! Right in the kisser.

I am thankful though....I need to see the good in this senerio right? One...I have two vehicles that CAN break down, two....we have money to fix the cars, even if it was to be used elsewhere.

Sometimes it is hard to remember how truly blessed we are...but we truly , truly are.

PLEASE.....

2010-10-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

I received a request today from Jack's mommy. For any of us that have spent any time sitting beside our loved ones who are sick, we know how important it is to receive thoughts and prayers. AND MAIL!!!! Please take a moment to send Dylan your thoughts. He is struggling right now and an outpouring from the community letting him know we are thinking and praying for him would do great things!! Please take a minute, draw a picture, send a card....

Dylan Wilkerson
c/o Children’s Mercy Hospital
2401 Gillham Road
Kansas City, MO 64108

Life must go on....even with MOMMY sick

2010-10-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

UGH. How come it is that when ANYONE else in the family is sick....it seems their life comes to a halt to get well. Do they even notice that I am sick?

I went to the doctor on Sunday. Bronchitis, fluid on the ears, sinus infection....came home with an inhaler, antibiotic and cough stuff that doesn't even TOUCH the cough that is so deep in my chest. Not better by Thursday and I will track back to the doctor for a chest xray to ensure it hasn't turned into pneumonia.

Apple dumplings and Shrek

2010-10-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

Tucker helped me make some apple dumplings tonight, then it was off to the bath and a movie/popcorn after.

Swim....

2010-10-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

Swim lessons were a success!!! Tucker will be attending a 30-45 min session once a week for the next 6 weeks with the option to extend. He was not afraid and did very well with the young man who was his buddy. Our goals, for now, are to learn how to float on our back for emergency situations in water and water safety.

I am sorry there are no pictures as I was not sure we could be in the pool area while he was in lessons, as we would distract him. But we could and he wasn’t so I will take some next week.

A sneak peek....

2010-10-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

Tucker got to try on his Halloween costume tonight and he was so cute! I am amazed but he wore the hat and was LOVING the muscles out front. He walked as though he was "ripped" and wrestling with everyone while he had it on. This should be a fun year for fall and all the holidays. I am very excited as we get to enjoy his blossoming personality and enjoy some firsts along the way.

This week we are going to start a swim lesson. Our local YMCA just started an adaptive swim class on Tuesdays for 1 month. Tucker loved the water this summer so I am hoping it goes well and he is a good student....I will keep you posted on that one.

Thank you Aunt Shelley for the TOOO CUTE CAKE!!

2010-09-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Step up for D.S/and Tucker

2010-09-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day for the walk this year. We had a wonderful crowd with wonderful people that have been through our journey with us. I cannot express enough how much it means to have amazing family and friends that stand by us, help us and support us. We love you all very much!!

Struggling...

2010-09-23T07:32:00.001-07:00

I have been struggling a lot lately. Between stress of everyday stuff to a teenager that wants to drive everywhere, with the attitude that she is invincible. My nerves are shot!!!

A dear friend of mine sent me an email today. One that hit home. With Tucker and his medical issues, church and religion have been something we have taken a back burner on. We have our own way of worship but not fellowship. Hunter struggles with the question "is there even a God". We try to tell her how could there not be, look at Tucker. Of course there is always a technological answer, there is no scientific proof..she says. That is my daughter though--show me proof, something tangible.

Somewhere, in the last 5 years, I have lost my fellowship with my Heavenly Father and in turn it has effected EVERYONE. Hunter mostly I think. I believe that everyone should be raised with a moral background, a background teaching them right from wrong. We have given that to Hunter but have lacked in the spiritual side of that. Listening to the voice, the spirit that should dwell with you to give you that feeling of doing the right thing....of TRUTH.

I truly believe that the reason I am struggling so stems back to the lack of my weekly study of truth.....of Church.

To Hunter..... this email I got today says it perfect.....I love you!!!

I would rather live my life as if there is a God, And die to find out there isn't, than live my life As if there isn't, and die to find out there is.

Step up walk reminder......

2010-09-20T18:18:00.001-07:00

What a great way to start Down Syndrome awareness month, which is October by the way. Dont foget that this Saturday, the last one in September, is the Step Up For Down Syndrome walk. We are going to be at Arrowhead around 9am, the walk is about noonish. We always take our group photo right before we walk the one mile lap....so we will see you there!!!!!

(*this is Tucker in his new "favorite" spot in the house-watching Little Bear of course)

Spoiled kids...?

2010-09-16T04:56:00.001-07:00

A good friend of ours told us last night that we raise our kids "spoiled rotten". This coming from someone who has NO kids and says he could not be with a "heavier" girl. ( he does admit that he is shallow) HMMMMMM and why am I upset? He infuriates me sometimes!!!!!

We will see if he ever gets married, has kids or is ever happy with life!!!

playing around Sunday.....

2010-09-12T16:16:00.001-07:00

Went and took some pictures outside....gorgeous day for it. Hunter and Todd were working and Aunt Carla had come over to get a perm. (yikes, she actually had me do it, which I have never done in my life...but it turned out OK I guess) I got the rest of the painting done, touch up done on the ceilings and baseboards and made 2 dishes of chicken and rice. It was a very good day.....

Birthday cake.....

2010-09-11T12:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Tucker......

2010-09-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

Today Tuck had treats at daycare with his friends....this will be his last birthday with them. He turns 5 tomorrow and will be going to school all day next school year. Can you believe it..... 5 years old!!! When he was born we had no idea how long we would get to have him with us....no one could tell us. It is amazing to look back and even more amazing to look forward at all that he will do.

Thank you everyone for loving our Tucker boy!

What a weekend....

2010-09-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

Man how I LOVE long weekends. Here it is Sunday night and I still have another day off. We have played at the park, painted things around the house, got the basement cleaned up and a little bit of cleaning. (more to come tomorrow, cleaning that is)

Tucker turns 5 years old this Saturday! We had a cardiology follow up this week. Tucker's heart is working wonderfully. Both sides have normal pressures. He was taken off his last med from our Boston trip. He is 3'1 and weighs in at 36 pounds. We will stay on 1/2 a baby asprin to keep blood thin for the mitral valve "smaller" left side. It will be watched but not as closely as before. We dont have to go back for 9 months now!!!! It is amazing the transformation Tucker has undergone this last year. It was a stressful, bumpy, rollercoaster of a ride....but a ride that gives me a high everyday living with my amazing son!

the itsy bitsy spider.....the Tucker way

2010-08-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

AWE.....first day and 6 cavitites later....

2010-08-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hunter had her first day of school this week and Tucker went to his first dental appointment. And, as the title states, 6 cavities....SIX!! All in the front and, of course, will require a surgery room for sedation to get them filled. He was not cooperative--big surprise right. They are going to put some sealant in his back teeth and check everything out while they have him under. He will get x-rays of his teeth and a good cleaning while under as well. The catch, no opening until Jan 2011. Dental surgery is not on top priority...which really is OK with me. I am not real happy about having to have a surgery room to have his teeth fixed, I really thought we were out of the surgery rooms for a long while.

Tucker starts school this next Monday. We have the backpack ready, supplies bought, new shoes and our outfit picked out. Hunter has a year full of challenge classes. I am not sure what she is thinking. She has chemistry, Spanish 2, algebra 2, English 2, and some other tough classes. She is watching kids each day after school and is still working on the weekends for a few hours. She got her hair cut and colored, eyebrows done and was ready for this year. As much as I hate it, she will be on her own before I blink. We had a rough end of the year last year, rough summer too but have come around to being on the same page again. I really hate being a "mean mom" but sometimes you just have to do it...the results were worth it.

2010-08-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

Good weekend....

2010-08-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

Todd has been at his moms building a deck all weekend, oh and changing a toilet, putting in a new stove and hooking up water to her existing frig. While he has been gone, I got to hang with my bestest bud Carla and her girls....we did hair and some fancy toenail paint jobs. (I was in desperate need since my polish on my toes is from....yes, gross and sad but true, our Boston trip a year ago) Thank you Carla. Inbetween girl time, I got Tucker and Hunter's school shoes, smoked some ribs, painted and cleaned out some stuff that was causing CLUTTER, oh and mowed the front yard. I havent even gotten to the upstairs yet....UGH, I guess I will finish my house cleaning next weekend of during the week sometime.

Hunter starts school on Tuesday. Tucker starts a week from tomorrow. Hunter will continue to work the weekends at subway and has been asked to watch the neighbor kids for 1-1.5 hours each day after school for another 75.00 every two weeks. That will be nice since it doesnt intail us toting her there. It is a big responsibility though because she has to remember that she has to be home right after school until she is done....which means no after school activities.

Now for the best news of the weekend. While I was picking up the doggy du du in the back yard tonight Tucker was on his powerwheel motorcycle and he was turning the wheel to make a turn before he hit the fence.!!! As long as we yelled to turn the wheel, he would turn....what a site to see him driving the length of the yard to turn and come back!!! That sooooo beats running along side of him to make the turn for him before he hit whatever was coming in his way.

UGH.....T G I F tomorrow!!!

2010-08-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

What a week. Training on a new computer system, new duties at work, Todd is out of town, Hunter is out of town so it is just Tucker and I. So no rest for mommy. Right from work into demanding child....but I do get lots of kisses and hugs from him so that makes it better!

I have lots to post but Todd took the lap top and I am on the SNAIL...SNAIL...SNAIL....so I cant do pictures right now.

I am looking forward to a weekend at home with some sun and relaxation. NOT. Hunter comes home and I have to take her back and forth to work each day and she wants me to tote her and her friends to Zona Rosa......the life as a mommy.... I do however hope to get some stuff done inbetween the windshield time, like clean my toilets (they are gross) and maybe get some painting done. (that is a big fat jump getting that done but I must show determination)

I hope everyone is well and doing great. Have a nice weekend!!!

Another first....

2010-08-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

This year has been full of "first's" for Tucker. With his full heart repair came a new freedom to live and do.....do and more do!!! Tucker got to ride his first carnival ride and attend his first Royals game this past weekend. He absolutely loved riding on the rides....when the worker would come over to take him off he would say 'AGAIN', she would then turn to me and say, "he wants to go again". He would stay on and go again and again and again....until I would offer the other ride as an option, then we would go and ride something else, over and over. A $15.00 wristband well worth it!!

The Royals game was hot but we were surrounded by our heart families. We tailgated and enjoyed celebrating our kids and the lives that have changed by those that have received their wings. We miss our friends so much...Jack, C.J, Johnny, Ava, and Gabi. They have been in our hearts and always will be.

Remember when.....

2010-07-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

we used to eat oranges like this. OHHH to see them in Tuckers bowl, hollowed out, nothing left but the peel. Tucker hasn't learned to put them in as teeth yet but I cant wait 'til I can get that picture.

Enjoying BBQ....home smoked

2010-07-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

Todd got a smoker for Fathers Day this year and BOY OH BOY does it make some darn good ribs!!! Today we did some baby back ribs and here is Tuck enjoying them. He loves ribs, well that and any other kind of meat that is. He fits the stereotype of "give me meat and nothing else" that most men do.

I know I have said this over and over again on this site...but this boy amazes me each and every day. Each day there is a new word and we pee on the potty quite a bit now, but have kinda let him set the time frame...as always it is Tucker time around here.

He is sitting beside me now, repeating the words to Shrek 2 as he watches it. He is waving and saying HI to everyone that is waving to Princess Theona as she comes into town to see her parents......and not letting go of his ribs!

I hope everyone had a nice weekend.

SAVE THE DATE......

2010-07-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

Tucker’s Troup is in its 6th year and we would like to have our biggest group yet! Please join us in raising money for Down syndrome. You can get information, sign up to walk, join our team, or just donate here. We will be tailgating around 9am that day, set up with tents and lots of food. It is a day of fun and celebration of our TUCKER boy and the accomplishments he has overcome!!!

Date is Sept 25th. Chiefs stadium. $20.00 before Aug 27th gets you a shirt with the team name on the back plus events of the day and food. (we will be providing our own food with the tailgate) You can also register the day of the event; however the team name will not be on the shirt. All information can be found here.

FINALLY......

2010-07-14T11:43:00.001-07:00

I have been trying to get Tucker into the dental clinic at Mercy and FINALLY I have an appointment. They are not currently taking new patients but she happen to ask if the patient was special needs....they always make room for special needs kiddos. YEEEESSSS.. So, we will see how the teeth are doing in August. (all these times I have called, they werent taking new patients, and she just happen to ask the magic question to get him in.....) Bad right? I feel like because he has DS that he gets to get into a dentist without having to wait....but then I remember what our family dentist had said about taking Tucker to him and the protocol to do so. There is definately an advantage taking him to Mercy where all his doctors are for the sedation to take care of his teeth.....so if they want to give me SPECIAL treatment because I have a SPECIAl boy, I will take it.

Jacks Heart Royals game night....

2010-07-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

August 1st Jacks Heart Fund is having a fundraiser at the Royals game where proceeds go towards helping families with extended hospital stays. Just hit the link that I have and go under "The Story of Jack" for connection to purchase tickets. They are great seats and cheap. 1/2 of the cost of the ticket goes to the fund. There will be tailgating before the game. Just tell them at the gate that you are tailgating with "Jacks Heart" and they will point you to the right lot to park.

Come honor Jack's memory with us.....

Don't some of our teens need to hear this...for SURE

2010-07-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2: The world doesn't care about yourself-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

Happy 4th of July!!!

2010-07-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

Last year we were in the hospital..this year we plan on celebrating our freedoms and the accomplishments made over the last year. Be safe everyone!!! Dont they look great!!!

Playdate with the "Will's"....

2010-07-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

We met up with some heart friends, Will Knipp and Will Robertson and their mommies today. The sun and water was nice....seeing our friends was nicer! We've missed them.

Long overdue UPDATE......

2010-06-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

Tucker is growing so fast. I have been wanting to post and just haven't taken the time to sit and do it. I sat here last night, changing the scenery a little and reading last years posts. Reading them brings back so many feelings, a flood of emotion from a time that seems so long ago. Seeing Tucker when we came home, his chubby cheeks with his dark hair and uni brow. The look in his eyes....the amount of meds he was on and the strength that this boy has. Today you would never know, until he shows you his belly.

Tucker is talking so much now, mimic anything he wants. It is hard to order drive through because he is yelling what he wants from the back seat. (of course it is ALWAYS burber, ies, diet coke ice please) He is jumping, not very far but he is getting off the ground. He can do a somersault, does "rosey" (ring around the rosey), he can count to 10!!!! He can dance with the best of them and will mimic the moves you are doing, but mostly it is round and round in circles and stomping his feet. He walks to the bus by himself in the mornings, tells everyone good morning and has to give hugs and kisses before I can leave the bus steps. He loves books and his cars, of course. I am trying to get him to kick above water when we are swimming, bought a board for him to hold on to to try. (we have been holding on to the steps at the pool but the next step is really close and I am afraid he will whack it with his belly since his kicking right now is a worm thing, belly out, butt up, belly in then butt up again-no legs involved at all---cute though) He loves the pool, not jumping in on his own yet though...however we can throw him from one person to the other as long as we dont let him go tooooo far under the water. The dogs are his best friends. Used to be he would yell for them but they couldnt get near...now he lays on them. He loves fruit and salad. He is definitely a MEAT eater. Beef and chicken, unless you are offering steak for dinner...then it is STEAK. He is the most polite little boy I know. Always a please, thank you, your welcome, HI, kisses and hugs all around. He says excuse me....oh and the not so nice things like, MOVE, stop, cut it out (his own version of that), and the newest word...NOW! I about fell over the other day when he told me to do something NOW. He now walks up the stairs without hands and one step at a time. He runs and we are working on coming down the stairs without holding on. He loves to "fold" the laundry. (it is cute to see him do his version of folding and throwing the clothes to the side as if to put them in a pile like we do) He can sit and fold the same load of laundry for hours....if Tucker is missing he is usually at the top of the stairs folding laundry.

Gosh.....I think I have touched on most everything. We (actually my sister) got him a tricycle that we can push and steer while he learns to use the pedals. Start getting him used to what it takes to pedal....then we need to learn to steer. UGH, we ride the power wheels and he doesnt pay attention at all...I have to run along side of him and turn before he hits something, to him that is the funniest thing ever. He gets to laughing so hard......a hard belly laugh he almost falls off the thing. (we ride in the grass, dont worry)

Hunter is working now. A few hours a week at Subway. She really, really wants a car!! Soon she will have more than her permit and I will have to give in and let the reigns go a little bit more....OHHHH how that hurts my heart a little.

Me and Todd? Well, work as usual and the house duties. Staining/waterproofing the deck, mowing,,,,you know the routine.

The man in action......

2010-06-28T17:16:00.000-07:00

Tucker does so well in the water. Who would know he was a heart kiddo.!

A year ago today.......

2010-06-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

Today I sit on my deck with Tucker splashing in his wading pool, talking to his animals that are floating with him....man what a long way he has come. AMAZING. A different kid, a different heart, a different life.

A year ago we were starting a journey we did not know the outcome of and today we are so blessed.

Arizona sun.....

2010-06-07T14:12:00.001-07:00

Tucker is doing great with the swimming and not so good on the potty training....still have 5 days. WOW. It is supposed to be 106 today....

Nice long weekend with nothing but WORK to do...

2010-05-31T09:56:00.000-07:00

Let's see....deck stairs stained, fence posts in and panels moved in one foot on the east property line. Lawn mowed, watered and pool emptied and refilled three times. In the pool, out of the pool SEVERAL times a day for Tucker. We leave for Arizona on Friday night....a drive with a van full and a little man that will try all of our patience. It should be a nice relaxing week away...our first family vacation since we had Tucker. I am honestly thinking of leaving my cell phone at home. ...no house work, no phones, no computers.....nothing but sun, water, food and books. OH and potty training and teaching Tucker to swim.

This is a picture of a humming bird outside our kitchen window. I am so excited to have them..I have tried in the past to have feeders and never saw one. Tucker even notices them on the feeder.

Video as promised

2010-05-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

He is still having a hard time getting the gas to stay....but we had a go for a while.

LOVE GARAGE SALES....

2010-05-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

I havent been able to get to many recently but I did get to go this past Saturday. And I found the bargain of the month. I had been looking to get a Power Wheel for Tuck but wasnt sure he could steer and use the foot petal. I, well actually my sister, found this for $10.00, battery and charger included. (I was with my sister when she spotted it) SO, it runs, the battery works and it is in great shape. I ordered some replacement tires just because the ones on it are broke in one spot which caused them to collapse making a flat place on them, so it wobbles, which could be lived with for sure. ( Harleys are rough rides anyway right) hee hee

But the replacement tires were 9.00 each x2 and we are still under $30.00!!!! (I know, great price right..) And TUCKER loves it! We need to work on keeping our foot on the petal and steering but as long as we have wide open spaces to practice in we will be good. I will post some video footage soon of him.

Alien invasion....and a frog too

2010-05-19T18:55:00.001-07:00

OK, so the red one isnt complete, ran out of rick rack...and the eyes are a little overkill but still serves the purpose as a snack holder. I made the big one in the middle for a gift that will be stuffed with our friends favorite snack. I hope he enjoys it as much as Tucker does his.

Bathtime fun.....

2010-05-17T19:17:00.001-07:00

OK, so it is amazing what you find when you clean under the bathroom sink. How fun are these colors for the tub. Tucker really got into it.

OH my sweet Tucker.....

2010-05-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

I guess the small amount I gave to him just wasnt enough....he had them under him and up his pant leg.

Tucker was saying the letters of his name tonight when he looked at them. T U C K, then when he realized I was wanting him to continue so,,,he was done. It is amazing how much he catches on to things and remembers things. He is also tapping his finger on his chin and saying "HMMMM, lets see". He does this at just the right times as well,,,like when he is trying to decide what it is exactly that he wants to eat while looking in the snack cabinet. He has started counting, while standing against the wall, then saying "ready". Like playing hide and seek. So many things. He pottied in the potty the other day again. I am going to try to get him completely trained while we are on our weeks vacation in June.

We attended a Community Church today with some very dear friends. I think we will go back next week. It is a very contemporary church, something we are not used to, but I felt at home for the most part. It was nice to attend a worship service, it has been so long since we have attended anything. It was so hard with Tucker sick, we were so afraid to expose him to anything other than the necessary. Now, I have no excuse. We definately need to be closer to our Heavenly Father and his teachings. Today was the beginning. (thank you Lisa and Gary for making us feel welcome)

OHHHH boy......

2010-05-12T17:21:00.001-07:00

Lets see...where to begin. Tucker was put in time out 5 times today at school.....FIVE!!!! Rough play and hitting. He is repeating everything you say.....tonight he is saying "yeah" and holding up his hand, saying "rock and roll" and our friend has him clinking glasses saying "cheers" right now. He is so fun and frustrating at the same time.

A little guitar hero and some relaxing is all the night has in store.

A straw solution....

2010-05-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

You have to go and look. Very reasonable, reusable, and very handy. Strawlution, a straw that goes in, but doesnt come out!! Man, it really does stay in too. Great for youngsters that think they need to pull the straw out of everything that has one in it...like my Tucker. Love them! And only 4.99 for a pack of 12...can even pick your color. Check it out.

A Disney theme....

2010-05-02T17:16:00.001-07:00

Hunter is having an awards banquet for the drama club on Tuesday night. She is going as Mike from Monsters Inc. We worked on it all day. Not professional to say the least but it will have to work.

Aliens.....recycled

2010-04-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

I took the pattern provided by Family Fun magazine and adjusted to fit our personalities....I love how the green one turned out. I am going to have to work on the yellow one still. I thought it could be a bee but it isnt right yet....so I will add some more eyes and make it an alien too.

You are supposed to sew the zipper on to the 2 liter bottom, however after sewing one together I have a thumb with a great big blister on it. So I hot glued the zipper on the green one, which worked really good until I got it all over the actual zipper part and got the zipper stuck. It definately wont hold up as long as sewing but long enough I think to get the use out of it. I love hot glue....so easy and works for so many things.

So what will we use them for? Pretzels, cars, dry cereal...whatever we want to carry in it. I thought initially that we would put things in them to save on the waste of the plastic baggies that we use...like chips and such. I think it will be durable enough to throw into a back pack without losing anything off it.....so who knows what we will be putting in it. (and if we do lose an eye, hot glue that sucker right back on. hee hee)

Another weekend...come and gone

2010-04-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hunter had her birthday party....an overnight campout. Little sleep but fun. I think they had a good time. You never know about these girls at this age, they never seem excited or show a bunch of gratitude. (hmmmm what is that anyway?)

I finished the painting of the barn that Todd's uncle made for Tucker. SO darn cute right? Perfect for him to play with, big enough to fit things inside that aren't exactly "barn" material but hey whatever works right.

Tucker is growing so fast, so is Hunter for that matter. I make her mad on a daily basis...teenagers!! I caught Tucker sitting at the table today, playing with his cars as I was cleaning the floor. He used the bar stools and anything else that was within reach to put them in and out, up and down. He played for about 30 minutes doing this. He is growing so fast. OH and he took his nap in his bed today! Usually it is in ours but I am going to try to break the habit of him being in our bed. Day one.....we will see how tonight goes.

WOW...another week gone by

2010-04-23T04:57:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how the time flies right on by anymore. Tucker will be 5, Hunter turned 15, Sheena is 22 (wow) and Brett is 20. AMAZING.

I wish there was a pause button sometimes, so I could stop everything around me, catch up on sleep, do some stuff without it getting messed right back up...then push play again without anyone knowing I paused them for just a while. I could take time to smell the roses, take baths, lay in the sun, read a book from front to back quicker, do my nails,,,, all without anyone knowing that mom is living it UP.

Wouldnt it be SWEEEET

Photo Preview

2010-04-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

Picture day and not alot else....

2010-04-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

I had such big plans for today but woke up in a depressed FUNK!!!! Not sure what or why it happened but it did. Bad mood and grouchy all day.

I did, however, get to meet up with Alisha to get the kids pictures taken. I am not real confident about the pictures just because it seemed Tucker only has one look anymore...and that is angry or frustrated. We might have gotten one picture of a small smile....not sure. Maybe she can photo shop a smile on his face...hee hee. (work your magic Alisha) Hunter is very photo friendly so I am sure we got a few good ones of her.

Maybe, hopefully....tomorrow will be better.

Pictures that I missed posting.....

2010-04-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Weekend "to-do's"

2010-04-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

OK. So I love to do crafts and be crafty. I have been looking for a new set of canvas boxes for our shoes. The ones I have are off white-ish and just bland with the new paint job in the hallway and up the stairs.....but Walmart wants 9.00 each to replace them in assorted colors. SO, I painted them. TOOOOO cute right? I am so happy with the way they turned out and it didnt cost me a dime. I LOVE PAINT, dont really love to do it but it is amazing what a new fresh color will do.

OK so then. On to a project I found in Family Fun. (love this magazine too) I am trying harder and harder to recycle things. I have made two more koolaid bags this weekend for friends and just attempted a "snack container" made of plastic bottle bottoms. Adorable for cheerios or the snack of choice in our house CHEESE IT's. Cute right. Just the cost of a zipper, 1.49 but probably could be found cheaper upon looking. SO, my little friends these cutie containers just might be one of your next gifts. :)

Other than that, some cleaning, touching up on painting some more (ugh I will be glad when it is completely done) mopping and the normal "wifey" duties.

Hunter had a singing competition today and they got a 1 , 1, 1 and a 1-, which means they are going to state !!!!

Todd is working and that about sums up the Bryant household.

Update tidbits....

2010-04-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

Tucker had his first Easter egg hunt, on Easter and it was OUTSIDE with all the other cousins.

We saw the Easter Bunny.

We have our first Young Athletes activity tonight at 5pm for the Special Olympics. (yeah)

Hunter turns 15 this week....UGH. (yup license taking this week as well)

Painting has started in the house this weekend. The hallways were the first to get tackled and I am happy to report that they are just about finished. Then it is on to the kitchen. (flat paint and Tucker prints dont go well, so satin/washable conversion going on)

We are enjoying the nice weather and being able to let Tuck play outside, in the sand and grass. He has bruises all over his little legs from doing the normal kid stuff, like falling down and climbing. BUT oh what a site....to see him fall, get back up and keep going. (usually there is a cry and a kiss for the booboo before going again but the changes in this boy are amazing)

Pictures and more on the tidbits later.

Saturday,lazy Saturday....

2010-03-27T16:07:00.001-07:00

Today has been a very nice, lazy, quiet day. Todd is working, Hunter is gone with her dad and Tucker and I have sword fought, played cars, taken a 3 hour nap, read books, did some tunnel time and are now eating popcorn and watching yet another episode of Little Bear. Perfect day for the crumy weather we are having.

Onery....

2010-03-22T17:48:00.001-07:00

Trying to take a picture and he turns his head flirting with me. I come around the other side and he turns it the other way....giggling all the way. How can I be upset..?

I have tried to get motivated to scrapbook tonight, no go. I have actually gotten pretty far in Tucker's baby book. I just have a few months to fill in and then journal in it. I am holding off doing the journaling until I am done with it so I can sit down with the blog and fill it out very thoroughly. It is so nice to have documented all that has happened in Tucker's life and when it occurred, makes going back and getting it on paper a little easier.

I have also started a current book of Tucker's activities. So I am trying to keep up with current events and catch up at the same time. I need to do the same with Hunters books. She has started scrapping her Freshmen year stuff but I still feel I need to do her books like in years past. I really need to find a spot that I can lay everything out and keep it out instead of putting things away each time. It takes so long to get organized each time.....maybe I will work on that. The basement isnt being worked on currently and probably wont for a year or so...so I could actually take a corner over for all my supplies..put a table there with everything spread out. Then I could go down and pick up where I left off instead of having to find my place again. HMMMM might have to seriously look into that.

Happy belated St Patty's Day

2010-03-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

Tucker update....

2010-03-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

I have been pretty bad at updating on Tucker. I have found that going back on the blog to see what was happening at what stages of his life has been very handy for my scrap booking. I need to keep doing this and am going to try do better.

Where to start. As we all know, he now knows his name and can point to himself and say it. He can go around the room and say who is there. He walks up and down the stairs one foot at a time now and has learned to slide down them on his bottom for faster arrival time. He continues to play with cars and loves his books. We are finally up to size 3 pants and size 4 shirts. We also recently moved him up to size 8 shoes. He can do and understands a lot of what we ask him. He puts his shoes away or gets them for us. He still requires one of us to lay down with him at nap or night night time. He is starting to feel some sensation when he pees in his diaper, however it is still after he goes, but progress. I bought some training pants but haven't done too much to push it just yet.

We go tomorrow to Jackson County Board of services to have Tucker participate in a public service announcement TV commercial. He will be in the I am a Son segment. (yeah)

He is talking more and more recognizable words. He now says, YES (accenting the S at the end), he requests what to watch on TV, he takes his trash to the trash can, he says yogurt, pizza, cereal, peanut butter, chicken, cheeseburger, fries, corn dog, pudding, milk, bath, shower, grandma, ,,,there are so many more. He will attempt any word out of the blue and more often then not it sounds like it.

We are only on two medicines, a dose of lasix and his thyroid med. Can you believe it? WOW. We came home from Boston on so many...down to the last one to wean off. He will always, more than likely, need the thyroid med.

I just cant get over how much my little boy has grown. He has been through so much. It all seems a blur looking back.....I cant wait to see what the next years have in store.

He speaks....

2010-03-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

Guilty.....

2010-03-10T17:38:00.000-08:00

Today was a day. A day that peoples words got to me, their attitudes effecting mine. I try not to, most days it doesn't effect me....but it is getting harder and harder to shrug off. I know we have control over our emotions, over how we LET people and their words effect us. I have been in relationships where words were used to control....words were used to "degrade" and words hurt, most times more than a punch in the face. Words do damage, damage to the soul, to our self esteem, to our minds.

Tonight I found a song by Train...the chorus is "words. theyll try to shake you. dont let them break you. or stop your world from turning. when words keep you from feeling good. use them as firewood. and let them burn. like stones in your pocket. people try to weigh you down."

I will never understand why people feel they have to tear others down....I guess so they feel bigger. I was raised to be respectful, even if you dont like the person. Even if it is your worst enemy, you treat them as you would want to be treated. What has happened to this world that everyone has to "one up" on the other?

I am guilty...guilty of letting words make me feel badly about myself and my decisions. Why? Good darn question. I deserve to be that person that they want to be without their comments. (cause that is why they tear me down right, because they are jealous....that is what I say anyway-whether is it my organizational skills, maybe its my head full of gray hair, or my motivation, or my middle toe that is longer than any others...it has to be the toe that makes them mean) hee hee

Exciting...

2010-03-09T17:16:00.001-08:00

Tonight I played around with a Cricut cartridge that I am borrowing. How darn cute is this right? Now, for Dr Suess' week I can create a GRRRReat page. I did some scrapbooking this past weekend. I actually got 6 pages in Tucker's baby book done. Slow and steady...and maybe when he graduates I will be done with all his pictures. The problem? Well, a picture a day of him usually makes for hard decisions on what to print. (yes, almost every day there was a picture, maybe two or three, of him until just recently.)

Crazy sock day

2010-03-05T04:52:00.000-08:00

His socks arent real crazy but over the pants and since they are Hunters, they are crazy today. The last day of celebration for Dr Suess....maybe they will eat green eggs and ham today.

Happy FRIDAY!!

Tucker and ME

2010-03-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

You just dont find many pictures of me on this site....I really do hate my picture taken. HOWEVER, I was reminded that even though I dont like them, my children need to have pictures of their mother too. SOOO, Tucker and I took a few tonight after his bath.

He is getting so big....heavy big too!!! I swear he has gained 5 pounds this week alone. Eats nonstop!! I am not exaggerating either. He doesnt seem to get full. Does anyone know if Downs kids have a problem knowing when they are full? I think I am going to have to start telling him no when he wants to snack all day. I had always prayed that he would be able to eat, by mouth, and not have issues. We got rid of the mickey button and I got what I prayed for....EATING by mouth. NOW, I have to fix, or look at, limiting atleast the calories he is taking in.

We are so blessed ......Tucker has come so far! He is, as I have always said, my Hero!!

Dr Suess and crazy hair day....

2010-03-01T05:01:00.001-08:00

Tucker's preschool is celebrating Dr Suess' birthday and today is crazy hair day. Not a whole lot I can do with Tuckers short hair,,,,,so spikes all over it is.

He took his favorite book Green Eggs and Ham along with his DVD to show all his friends.

I should have .......

2010-02-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

Darn it all to heck. I should have went downstairs before I printed all those pictures last weekend....I found a mother load of pictures that had been printed already. TONS of the same ones I printed again. UGH!!!!! I didnt realize how many pictures behind I am on scrapbooking. The only good thing, I dont have much after Tucker's first year printed....so I have to get everything while I was pregnant done and Tuckers first year. (not to mention all the Hunter events for those months/year) Then I can print according to the month and event as I scrap them. I am feeling very overwhelmed once again with all that I have to do to get caught up.

and they wait.....

2010-02-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

Tonight we made "rainbow" cupcakes. Not too bad for our first time. Tucker and Hunter couldnt wait 'til they were done.

Easy to make.....make cake batter according to box, white is the best. Color 6 different colors with food coloring. Line cupcake tin with holders and alternate your colors spreading each layer out. Cook. And VWALLA..... my layers didnt come out very well but the colors are there and they sure are pretty!!!

Mr Independent.....

2010-02-21T16:47:00.001-08:00

OMG.. Terrible two's at age 4!!!! YIKES. Mr "i want my own bowl, a big one like everyone else, one that breaks... Mr Independent.!!!! "I can do it, leave me alone, I want what I want when I want it...." OHHH MYYY!!

I printed 134 pictures this weekend. Got some put in books and the rest are sitting waiting.....waiting for the ambition to finish. I printed all of Tucker's first year, well I guess not all, I am missing his first 3 months after heart surgery when we were still in Mercy.....but I will print those soon so I can finish his baby book. I am on a "check it off my list" mood and need to get things done. And I cannot wait 'til spring!!! Todd and I scooped the driveway today, it will need it again by the end of all this snow. I am painting the Christmas bulbs I got at the end of last season, the shatterproof ones.....I got them in gold and am painting them John Deere yellow for Tuckers tree next year. The house stinks like paint......COME ON SPRING!!! (darn ground hog)

Weekend.....

2010-02-15T19:09:00.000-08:00

OK. Review......Friday night not much, Todd worked and Hunter had a friend over. Saturday I went to get my mom and watched my brothers kids. Hunter built a fort (see picture above with Tucker and his dirty face), the kids played hard. We made sugar cookies, played cars...a little bit of everything. They stayed over night and were picked up the next morning. They were so good! Stryker, he is 1yo, went to bed at 7pm and was up at 530am. Such a good baby. Sophia and Tucker played together very well...both are a little bossy so it was push and pull sometimes but they worked it out.

Then Sunday I got my birthday present early, made steak/potatoes for dinner and Hunter went to her dads. Today I went to my sisters house and made Todd a blanket out of his old Harley shirts. It is almost ready to go to the quilter. It turned out nicely. Good thing Kelly knows how to sew and sew well because it definately wouldnt have looked this good with me sewing it. Thank you Kelly! (yup, if you blow up the picture of the blanket, Tucker isnt feeling too good. Poor runny eyes)

OK. So my present. Gotta tell you. This weekend Big Lots advertised the Cricut Create for $99.00. Walmart had it for $184.00...well Walmart will give you the advertised price if you take the ad in. So I did and got it for the $99.00. Big lots was completely sold out and had people at the doors waiting to get it to get it. And I just have to say I LOVE IT!!! It is prefect for scrapbooking, cards and such. I have been experimenting with it and am anxious for next weekend so I can scrapbook. Check it out on line if you havent heard of it before.....very cool! ( I had never had Walmart or any place else for that matter match a competitors price before...I just might have found a new budget cutter)

So cool....

2010-02-12T04:44:00.000-08:00

Last night Todd and I had date night. Nice to get out and spend some time talking without kids screaming for your attention.

OK....so the cool part. While we were gone the Young Women from our church "heart attack'd" our yard for Hunter. Such a neat idea and one I will have to add to my library of fun things. Hearts on popsicle sticks stuck in the yard....all over the yard. So very sweet. Thank you for thinking of Hunter!!!!!

Maybe...just maybe

2010-02-09T07:44:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I had someone tell me “You are such a good homemaker”.

To me, that is the highest of compliments. My entire life that has been my goal, to have a home that is organized, has home cooked meals, and is full of kids. The “kids” part was changed when I couldn’t stay home and raise Hunter, something I am very much for. I didn’t want to have more kids if I couldn’t stay home, I felt that it wasn’t fair to them. I had a mother that stayed home, they should too. Ended up that I got divorced from Hunters dad and made it on one income anyway, so why couldn’t it be that I stayed home?

Anyway, that was my future as I saw it. Lots of kids, home with cookies (homemade) in the cookie jar. Super mom….my dream!

As we all know our dreams change over the years. I still work to make ends meet and to have insurance. My goals are still to be super mom but with a twist. I still try to have homemade cookies in the cookie jar, do the crafts, read the books, play on the floor with Tucker. I wouldn’t change who I am today, a version of my dream.
So to hear that I am a good homemaker….makes me feel very proud. Maybe, just maybe, I am doing something good, something right.

Super bowl...half time

2010-02-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

Tucker is listening to Josh Groban "Little Drummer boy"....his most favorite song ever. He asks for it and ...of course we play it, and play it LOUD!!!

Best commercial so far is Doritos....the little boy who punches the guy who comes to take his momma out and tells him that 1. you dont touch my momma, and 2. dont touch my doritos. Cute!

This weekend Hunter and I painted pottery and I got to go to the movies with Kim. Finished making the 23 candy bouquets. And today have cleaned house. It is now 730 and I could go to sleep if my head it a pillow. Tucker looks like he has been through a fight. Not sure how he got the scratch on his eye or the one on his forehead....ALL boy!!!

So, he is at my feet now. Game is on and music is off.....CARS, CARS...I guess I have to play cars. Hunter and Todd are in yelling for the Saints who just scored. I am cheering for the Colts just to make it interesting.

I wasnt impressed with the half time show, The Who might have been "kickin" back in the day but not so much now.