So Bro has been completely obsessed with Mr Potato head. It all started with a Toy Story Potato head dressed like Woody because he loved woody so much and now our potato head collection has become quite extensive. This boy can play with a Mr Potato head for an alarming amount of time which then spurred me to buy him more. Little did I know that the fact that Mr. Potato Head's bottom becomes easily reattached and not so easily attached would be such bother to Bro. Imagine turning around about every 5 minutes to find your ever so cute toddler looking up at you holding these two pieces and saying "Mommy fix it". How can I not. Ill be doing dishes "Mommy fix it". Laundry "Mommy fix it" Blogging "mommy fix it" Startled to death while in the shower" Mommy fix it!". Any how when we heard there was a Potato Head exhibit at the Natural Science museum in Orange County. We had to take him. This little boy who is terrified of all Characters at Disneyland and tantrums at the sight of Santa ran up eagerly to meet this life sized spud like he was an old friend. The exhibit was really quite fun as it incorporated Mr. potato head all throughout. I think it really was the best day of his life.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Mr. Potato Head and Bro
Monday, July 11, 2011
so very far
It doesn't seem so long ago when we were pleading with Sadie to point to a picture of Mommy or Daddy or herself when she was two years old. I remember sobbing while screaming her name half hoping for just a glance and half hoping she was deaf rather than autistic. Anyone who met Sadie today would not beleive it. It puts a smile on my face to think of how far she has come. I hesitate to say "how lucky are we" because it is not so much luck as it is this little girls determination. Of course I feel blessed, blessed that we have all had the strength and support to make it this far.
Sadie just graduated preschool (in May, yeah a little behind here). I am so excited and scared about kindergarten. She's not quite 5 yet, but she's too smart for another year of preschool and staying home threatens social regression in her case. I've tried to remember my kindergarten class. I remember a yellow tulip dress and Mr. Vidola playing the keyboard, (hey a kindergarten teacher rocking out on the keyboard- I never pondered how cool that actually is). I was so very shy however, I cringed at contention and anything rowdy. I remember "when in doubt go color". In truth Sadie will manage much better. She had an incredible teacher this last year. Ms. Adi's class was unbelievably organized and Sadie couldn't get away with her antics. I always knew that when I left Sadie in Ms. Adi's class she was safe and equally as important, always progressing. I hope you get to read this Ms. Adi and I thank you dearly for being the wonderful person you are!
Friday, July 8, 2011
So this is my first attempt at a mood board in photo shop. I usually make them from magazine clippings and photographs however the folder in which they are kept is bursting. This is my vision for my master bedroom. I figure I will collect slowly but surly. Give me a year (or two) and I hopefully I will have the eclectic retreat I dream of. I have had this vision for quite some time but it was fun to see it evolve in front of me. I have already painted my house the soft gray you see in the background. I love that with this color I can use a bold color palette without it looking too crazy. This also helps when your using the collect as you go method. That way I don't have to be so matchy matchy. I have also gone mad for brass and I even love how it look with a modern silver mixed in.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Chickens?
Doesn't this picture make keeping chickens look glamorous? Can't you just see me in a fun summery dress with some bright colored garden boots tending to a couple hens? Alright so common sense and "Animal Farm" tells me that chickens don't equal glamor however I seriously want chickens!
Ok so right now I think I want chickens. I ordered this book by Ashley English from amazon and it just arrived today, so I will let you know how badly I feel I need chickens in my track home back yard after I read the book.
I know I'm crazy because I actually have negative time in my life but I think when Sadie is in kindergarden I can possibly put in the time to clean and care for chickens. I have called the city and I am totally allowed to have a couple chickens in a coop in my yard. I just need something else going on. I have this vision of myself cooking healthy meals from my organic garden (while the kids play with the chickens). I am an knowledgeable advocate that helps other moms like me , while being Sadie's Girl Scout troop leader, constantly blogging about it and sending in so many manuscripts to children's book publishers I can't keep track. Oh and my floors are wood. (Sigh) Maybe it could happen. Until then I'm reading this chicken book and possibly investing in the yellow garden boots to keep the dream alive.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Great, I have the Kindergarden Slapster
Number one mortifying experience to date: Sadie hits principle of her school in the face during kindergarten orientation. Yes this really just happened not 40 minutes ago. Sadie didn't want to leave and so to reassure her that she would be back after summer, the Principal bent down to be eye level only to get her glasses knocked off by a disgruntled four year old. All I wanted to do was retreat to a deep dark cave were I've found my computer to blog about it. To get the scope of my mortification let me give you the back story. On Monday we had Sadie's transition IEP to decide weather she will attend a special needs class for kindergarten or a general ed class. Our goal was to get her in a general ed class with a one on one aid to keep her safe and help her when she's getting frustrated or distracted. This goal we kept hearing would be impossible because school districts don't want to fork out money for aids, it's just easier to lump all the kids into a special needs class. We hired an advocate (a person very familiar with special ed law) to attend the meeting with us. The meeting started off with Sadie's teacher doing a slide show presentation about Sadie with pictures and her achievements so that the team from her new school could get to know Sadie. It was so great, I just love her preschool teacher Ms.Audi! The team from the school Sadie will be attending for elementary consisted of a Gen Ed teacher, a Special Ed teacher, a speech pathologist and the soon to be slapped Principle. It was first offered that Sadie go into a special needs class with some time spent each day in the general ed class. Then our advocate spoke up and brought to everyone's attention that Sadie was academically above her typical peers and only had her physical disability, some mild behaviors(hitting) and some social goals which should not keep her out of a regular kindergarten class. The law is that the districts must consider the least restrictive environment and then place all the supports the child may need to succeed in that place. Micah and I kept emphasizing her safety and the new principle seemed just as concerned and wanted to do everything she could to make sure Sadie would be safe in whatever class the team decided. After it was decided that Sadie should be in a General ed kindergarten class, this ever so nice principle offered to hire an aid just for Sadie. We ended up getting just what we wanted for Sadie in part thanks to our advocate and to this principle. Afterwords the principle invited us to Kindergarten orientation and you know the rest of the story. Don't worry I did email her a apology before I started blogging. I realize it was probably unnecessary, she seemed very understanding (I hope). Anyhow one mortified mom right here, however I am so excited that Sadie is doing well enough to try a regular kindergarten class. Our hopes are that being around more typical children will help her socially but I'm still not ready to face the fact that she is old enough to go to kindergarten let alone smack the glasses of a principle.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
I haven't posted in soooo long! I guess moving will do that to you. Sorry no pictures yet, there isn't much to show as far as our house goes. I had dreams of sweeping in and making it instantly organized and beautiful. I know you already home owners are laughing and those of you who know meeeee are laughing harder. I constantly yern to be organized and yet fight this genetically messy demond inside me that would rather do anything but dishes. Moving into a very unkept house was slightly overwhelming it still is a little. I seriously thought we made a huge mistake until Sadie's first day in her new program in the Temecula school district. This SDC (special day class) is so organized and they have so many qualified helpers in the room. Every child's needs are being met in this class. I feel so at ease everyday I drop her off, plus there is no sand for her to dump in her hair, need I say more. Her IEP meeting went so well, instead of fighting with the people that are supposed to be helping your kiddo I wanted to throw my arms around them and cry tears of joy, I refrained of course but wow what a difference from our last program. I get emails from her therapists and every two months a progress report regarding each of her IEP goals! This is major! I've never seen a team work together so well for my Sadie. It's like every teacher and therapist know her every goal and they are all implementing them throughout her school day, and they keep me updated about it!!!!! Sooo worth living on ugly pink tile and no base boards, any way as far as a special need program I couldn't ask for more. Next month Sadie will be put in a class that models a typical kindergarden class with more typical pers. This program is to gage whether or not she will be mainstreamed next year. Kind of excited but kind of nervous about it. She just keeps doing so well! She has caught up to where she needs to be cognitively. She is doing much better socially and her speech gets better all the time (still using G for B and P) She has regressed a little with her walking but she is a determined little girl.
Little Micah just turned two. He talks up a storm! I love it! His new response to everything is "yeah yeah" (I think his uncle Dave taught him that). He is super into Toy story. He ran up to us yesterday with Hamm the pig and said " docker po cha" (dr. Porkchop) sorry but there is not a more adorable two year old on this earth! Sadie is loving everything "Tangled". She tries to get Bro to play with Flynn Rider, infact he is the only one who can touch Flynn because according to her he is a boy and so is bro. This formula however does not carry over to daddy for some reason.
All in all life is splendid and would be a little more splendid with a personal assistant, professional organizer and hardwood floors.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Where is "Star Search" when you need it, and other exciting news...
Ok so a few items to discuss tonight. First: Sunday, this is how it went.......Sadie is the very first speaker in the primary program. Her part is as follows "If ye love me keep my commandments. John 14:15" This is how the Primary Program got kicked off, " If ye love me keep my commandments. John ROLLEY DIZZY!" Many songs about our dear freinds from Sunflower Valley followed but I think she was drowned out from time to time and there was a disgruntled five year old standing next to her (I won't name names you know who you are) making the most vitious growling faces which was a great distraction (thanks Sammy, oh sorry I named you). All in all we survived. My Brother in law Dave was then immediately compelled to Ebay Bob the Builder toys the second we got home from church for Sadie's birthday.
Ok next, My dear friend Maria came down to visit her family and Disneyland in which I was supposed to attend as well, however Sadie has come with the stomach flu. It is the saddest thing ever! This is my first experience with throw up. I know I should be thankful I have been spared this long but it's sad and gross. Any how back to my friend Maria, she came bearing gifts of photography!!! She took these exquisite pictures of the kids earlier this summer and brought me the disc. I know there amazing. After your done gawking you should check out her website she's awesome.If I ever go into a far off dreamy look, this is what I am day dreaming about. My children running in a grassy field, sun flares, Sadie chasing after Micah. Ok really this picture was hard. I had to stand Sadie up then literally dive out of the picture before she would fall. Maria and I got quite the work out but it was worth it.

And the last order of business: As of yesterday Micah and I are first time home owners.... ya didn't expect that one did ya. I know I haven't blogged to much about our home search but my closest friends know that I was getting a little obsessed about owning a home and if I started to blog about it you would be reading piningforahouse.blogspot.com for the last two years. Any how I've been so giddy I couldn't sleep last night. Micah had to go by himself and get our keys last night while I was home with Sadie and her stomach flu, so it was a little anticlimactic but I met him out in the drive way of Jacki's house with the camera to capture the moment.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Curse you Bob the Builder (with shaking clinched fist held high)

Sadie gets really excited about things, to the point where it's to overwhelming to talk about. She dicovered Bob the Builder on Sprout one day and started to go around talking about all the characters. However when we try to talk about it with her she would yell "No No be quiet!" and put her hand over our mouths. My husband finally made a break through one day when he made a color accosiation. " Hey Rolley is green like your shorts Sadie" he said to her. She grinned the cutest grin and said "oh yes he is! Green like ME!" From then on we could ask her" What color is Rolley? and she would say "green like my shorts". That was all we were aloud to ask about Bob the Builder for another week. She slowly began to make other color associations as she started to like the other characters more and more. Now everything that is blue is "Blue like Lofty" If it's orange it's "Orange like Dizzy". The great thing is is that we can talk about this show she loves with her now and she will let us pretend with her (for a few moments) but it's better then not at all like everything else. So this is all great and good, her therapists are a little conserned about Bob the builder being mentioned in every instance and inserted into every song (isn't your favorite song " It's a Small Rolley after ALL") but I think it's a phase......................Oh Nicki it's the PRIMARY PROGRAM THIS SUNDAY!!!!!!!! CURSE YOU BOB THE BUILDER! So far practices have been short of a nightmare. You know how when you get overwhelmed and you just want to scream but you don't? Sadie feels that way all the time and she does. Her escape is Bob the Builder now so she randomly start to shrill out the Bob the Builder theme song in the middle of the program. "Follow the profit" is now "Follow the Rolley" and don't you worry Dizzy, Scoop, Muck, Loftey and yes even Pilchard find there way in every reverent sweet primary song. I sure hope the thoughts of the primary presidency match there nice simpethetic faces. I just don't know them that well to ask. It's not like they are going to ask me to kick Sadie out of the primary program, they love her. What would you do? Feel free to comment I'm so not easily offended. So far my plan is to just pray so very hard that no one notices and Micah will be on stand by if it's to overwhelming for her. Trust me I am really giggling at my dilemma. I will be sure to let you know how it goes down tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Oh my Darlings






My Sister Holly took these sweet garden pics. Nina's garden was the favorite hang out spot this summer. Sadie loves watering cans and Bro loves dirt. I love oxy clean.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Sadie's hot wheels

I feel so blessed today as I am reflecting on Sadie's progress. She is doing so well! We recently got her this walker so she wouldn't fall down so often. She is doing much better at walking but her legs are still really tight. She can walk from holding place to holding place but if she falls she has to crawl to something like a wall or chair or me to get up again. She can't stand still or go from crawling to standing yet. This walker has been great. It has really helped her posture and helps her to be a little more independent(good and bad for me). She used to not get very far when she would try to run off but now she has wheels so watch out! It has a cool little seat she can sit on when she gets tired. It's also been great for practicing self help skills like getting dressed and putting on shoes. It's fun to see her at church with the other kids in her Sunday school class walk (or run) to the water fountain. She likes to sit in it during singing time so she can actually sing "head shoulders, knees and toes" without falling down. Now only if it had a seatbelt to strap her in:) The best part is that she loves to use it. The other day I took it out of the van and at the same time a little boy Sadie's age walked by with his mom and said "wow mom whats that? I want to ride one of those!!!" It was really quite funny. She will still have to get botox injected in her legs for a couple more years and then maybe surgery can help her.
Cognativly she is doing awesome. Micah and I say it's like we are getting to know a new child every six months. It's like mentally she was always there and listening we just couldn't break her out of her own little world. Now she argues with us and tells us what she wants for breakfast. The change is miraculous. She has so much language so quickly. Her mouth muscles still have a hard time forming some sounds but the conversation is there. She is so smart. I can't even convey how exciting it is to finally get to meet your nearly four year old child and have her interact with us and others. She calls for me and asks me to play tea party with her! Last year I could not even imagine that was possible. All the work and all the therapy has been so worth it! And it makes it easier to keep going and to do even more. We will never ever stop. Every day it gets easier and harder at the same time. As some things get better, new problems arise but we just keep adapting.
I will alway ask myself, "am I doing enough". I think all mothers ask themselves that no matter what. I'm not quite sure how to get away from that. I think there's a little calm space in my heart where I know Sadie is going to be just fine but the uncertainty in my head will always be there.
Last day of school
Sadie and Ms. Patty
Saturday, May 15, 2010
My mama's day

I had a great mothers day! On Saturday I got to go to San Diego and get my hair cut by an old friend who happens to be genius with a pair of shears. I shamfuly admitt that it has been just shy over a year scince my last cut. So you can imagine how much fun I had checking it out on my computer camera, however not compeled enough to stop listening to my Dresden Files audio book and take out my ear buds. Hence the white cords coming out of my head.
On Sunday I got to sleep in... well I got to stay in bed anyway I can't reprogram for one day out of the year. Then I got called down for breakfast and was greeted with my sweet children and handprint artwork. On the way down stairs I found a little heart on every step with a drawing of Sadie's or one of there quotes like "hi mama whacha doin'?" or Brothers "YEAH!!" By the time I got to my french toast,eggs,bacon, and onion bagel I was all misty eyed. Micah and the kids (with a little help from Aunt Jacki) really made it such a special day.
Race for Humanity 2010
I just have to say thank you to everyone who contributed and supported us in the Race for Humanity! And thank you Nana and Auntie Julie for racing with us! We have started a tradition of supporting the New Vision Autism Center in the race for humanity. All your donations go into running this amazing center that helps parents like us figure out how to get the best services for autistic children like Sadie and is dedicated to educate people so more kiddos can have early intervention. So thank you soooo much for donating to our cause!!!!!

Saturday, May 1, 2010
Pink Milk
Yesterday I pranced up the stairs to collect a load of laundry while the children were so innocently sitting on the couch downstairs watching Yo Gabba. I was gone for two minutes, I swear two!! On my way down I was met by a pile of strawberry nestle quik dumped on the bottom stair and bro swirling an excited little finger in it. Sadie was then yelling "Bro took pink milk!" As I further investigated the crime scene I saw that she had reached onto the table, grabbed pink milk and a cup and sat on the family room floor to fill up the cup all the way with powder, it was then confiscated by baby Micah and he attempted to flee up the stairs. After cleaning up sticky kids and grabbing the shop vac I realized I really wasn't mad or even irritated I actually delighted in dealing with what I imagine is a typical kid catastrophe for once:)
Easter pictures......finally




Like most I enjoy easter for the true meaning and all in spring time nature that echoes it. The new budding flowers, the baby birds and all thats fresh and new. My next favorite part is the clothes! I love easter dresses and all children's easter apparel! This year I did skip the dress for Sadie, she just falls down too often and I wanted her to enjoy the easter egg hunt in Ninah's (grandma Smith) garden. I love playing photographer outside! Never mind my hand or that my kids will never look at the camera at the same time!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Bro is walking and Sadie is Blowing bubbles!!!
Yes! Our little Micah is WALKING!!! He just got up one morning and took some steps. Micah and I looked at each other with watery eyes. We both felt the exact same: Elated with his progress, relieved that he is developing normally and a tiny bit of sadness that Sadie still can't walk as well as he can. Mostly elated though! He is walking everywhere! He is so steady it's really quite amazing to me. He comes and grabs my hand to pull me places. He comes and looks for me when I'm out of sight. I can't help but love the attention:) He really is the sweetest child and gives me looks that melt my heart 200 times a day.
Next: Sadie is blowing bubbles!!! For some this may not seem to be much but if you new how long it has taken for us to get her to move her lips into the different shapes we use to speak, this is a major milestone! Today at physical therapy Sadie picked up the bubble wand and instead of her lips doing nothing while air blew out of her nose, she shaped her lips into a perfect "o" and a steady stream of bubbles came out the other side!! The best part was how proud of her self she was! Before I could say anything She said "I so excited!" (Thats what I say when she accomplishes something). She is just doing so well! She is starting to get out "m" sounds. Any movement of her lips has been hard for her in the past. She has low tone in her muscles there so normal things we do without thinking like drinking from an open cup and forming words are hard for her and she really has to concentrate. She is starting to say "mommy" really clearly but mostly keeps calling me "nie nie" I don't really mind I think I would be a bit sad if she stopped altogether.
All in all I really could not be happier right now. What on earth could be better then seeing these breakthroughs in your children's development. I can never take anything for granted it is all miraculous.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Once there was a snow man......



My sister, Jacki and brother in law Dave brought us home a special treat from Big Bear today! A truck load of SNOW!!! This is as good as it gets in California. Little Micah couldn't be happier. Sadie was conflicted, she didn't like her hands being so cold but she would not stop digging in it. Ahhh life is fun!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
My rainy Thursday
This week I got my clearance badge to volunteer in Sadie's special day class. I went today. I cried all the way home.
Let me start by saying that the teachers are great. I really do think that they are doing all they can. There is just so many children and not enough hands. All of these children's disabilities are on so many different levels it's impossible to address their needs as a class. It was only one day. I know I need to give it another chance but there will be much pondering and praying about what to do.
When we got home Sadie kept trying to go outside in the rain. I could not get her mind off of the loud raindrops pinging at the window. I came down to put a child lock on the front door. Sadie started to protest, then looked in my eyes and said "Nie Nie want to say hi to the rain" she opened the door again and said "Hi rain" and waved. I then carried her outside to wash away all our worries.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy Birthday Bro!
It was Bro's birthday on Tuesday! We aren't officially celebrating until this weekend but his Uncle Dave came home with a little birthday cake for him. I can't beleive he's 1!!!! I just love this sweet little face!
Monday, December 28, 2009

Yikes it has been a while! This has been a shall I say challenging year. I miss blogging! The thought of catching up on every little thing seemed overwhelming so I'm throwing that idea out the window and will just share the major events to get me back on track. Lets start with Sadie, I know it's so unfair that I let everyone into our journey with her and then stopped blogging, I know I'm awful.
This summer Sadie was diagnosed with autism officially. I new it was coming but it was still hard to hear. Exactly a year ago from that day I was at the Orange county Children's hearing and speech center praying that my kid just had a hearing problem. I wonder how many parents tear up from disappointment when the audiologist tells you your child has perfect hearing.
At the time we were on a waiting list to see a good nurologist at Loma Linda. After battling the waiting list and many fine employees from our insurance company 4 months later we got Sadie in and the nurologist diagnosed her with Quadrapaligic cerebral palsy to explain her ridgid muscle tone in her legs and weakness in her upper body. The idea that Sadie had CP had been thrown around before but as always to have the actual diagnosis handed to you is a bit of an emotional experience. However hard it is to have answers it is so nice to have some of the peices to our little puzzle named Sadie. The neurologist told us that CP was most likely caused at birth when Sadie aspirated maconium and didn't have enough oxygen to her brain for a time. Her delays and autism symptoms are most likely because of this. From the begining we have been doing everything we need to be doing so her treatment plan will remain the same.
Unfortunately at age three The Regional Center (a state funded program that has been helping us financially with all her therapies) cuts off and your left the school district to help a bit with a preschool program with speech and physical therapy worked into it. This transition has honestly been heart wrenching for me. Sadie went from having a therapist in our home twice a day and me taking her to 3 additional therapies through out the week to a preschool class were I don't know what the heck is going on! I hate it! We are trying to figure out how to get Sadie additional speech and occupational therapy but it is all very costly. I'm sure there are those of you who can relate to the hair pulling sensation I am feeling when you can't help your kiddo because of awful insurance or lack of doe! It's sooooo frustrating!
On a positive note Sadie is making strides. She has become much more social and aware of familiar people. She had botox injections in her legs a couple months ago to loosen her muscles. Her feet went flat for a bit, it was amazing! They are starting to stiffen up so we are going to do the procedure again next month, hopefully. Seriously if you saw video of her 8 months ago and compared it to now you would be astonished! She is really starting to peak out of her shell!
Little Micah is great, Sadie calls him Bro so now we all do too. He is so loving and a crazy boy! I pray all the time that he will have patience and love for his sister as he grows older. I've started to think too far ahead about who will take care of her when Micah and I are not here anymore. Bro says "hi" all the time in the sweetest voice. It is so cute especially when your telling him "NO" as he is reaching for an outlet or any of the dangerous things he attempts. I realize now that people really do use the child restraint in the grocery carts and I now have a child that WILL climb the stairs. I almost have a heart attack 3 times a day from my little guy. His development is right on with everything except walking but he will get there I'm sure. I can now see that Sadie was behind from the very beginning but I didn't know because she was my first.
I feel like things will just keep getting better, it's hard to imagine what things will be like when Sadie is not a sweet little toddler anymore. I've been noticing the special needs kids who are much older and there steadfast parents and I think "wow they have been doing this for a long time and we are just beginning our journey". I will try to be better at keeping up my blog, it does help me and I hope it helps someone else looking for answers too:)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
LOVE my kiddos LOVE my life!


I love my kids! Especially when they are both asleep at the same time! I just have to say that I have a great life! It's mostly because of my husband that my life is so nice, I just love him. He takes on all the extra things that I can't on top of what he already has to deal with, he lets me know how much he loves me nearly every second and he's the best father to our children. After watching and singing along to the Care Bear Movie II and putting Sadie to bed, Micah pulled out a new x box game. I had to put on my pouty face (it's expected), but secretly I knew it meant that I could play with photoshop. So I got to sit down tonight and play with some photos I took today. Aren't they cute!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Autism Run
I love how involved our families are. They are our best support system. I wouldn't be able to go through all this without them. A couple weeks ago Micah and I, along with my family ran a 5K for Autism in the Race for Humanity. It was super fun!

















