Elise's Last Day of School

Thursday, May 27th--Actually, the last day of school is tomorrow but we'll be camping. I sent Elise off to school with a gift for Mrs. Simpson. Just as with Brady's teacher, I got her a Willow Tree figurine. Elise picked it out and I think it was perfect for Mrs. Simpson. I forgot to bring my camera for the last day of school pic so the pic you see if of the first day of school. Mrs. Simpson has been an amazing teacher! She's patient, genuinely kind and just an all-around nice person. I volunteered quite a bit this year and found that every time I came in to the classroom she had the kids under control and listening attentively. I could tell the kids truly respected and loved her. Elise did so well this year. I am really proud of her! Every week there was a spelling test--there were 20 words in all, 5 of the words were difficult and counted as extra credit. She missed a total of 3 words the entire year! Needless to say, she's a great speller! She also did well in math (no surprise there since her dad is an accountant!) and just about every subject. Way to go, Elise! Next is 3rd grade!

Farewell Learning Dynamics Preschool

Monday, May 24th--Today was Brady's last day of preschool----ever! And it was snowing at the end of May! He just completed his 2nd year at Learning Dynamics Preschool. I absolutely love this preschool and it's program. It's been so wonderful and Brady has learned so much. His teachers (Mrs. Petersen, last year, and Mrs. Smart, this year) have been so amazing and learned about Type 1 Diabetes so they could be aware of any changes in him, if ever. Luckily, in these two years, we have never had any problems with his diabetes during his 2-hour classes, 3 times a week. We are blessed! When we first enrolled him we learned that the director and some of the teachers had taken some classes on Type 1 Diabetes and there is a manual on-hand at the front desk, issued by Primary Childrens Hospital. We have the same manual at home and consider it the "bible" for how to manage diabetes. We will miss Learning Dynamics very much!

Brady's first days of preschool: L-August, 2008 with Mrs. Petersen. R-August, 2009 with Mrs. Smart.

Next, Brady is enrolled and ready to go for Kindergarten. Another very nervous milestone for this always-overly-worried mom. However, there is validity to my emotions with Brady going to Kindergarten. For the first time ever, he'll be testing himself and managing his disease on his own--and he's only 5! Kindergarten is only a little over 3 hours long but it's too long to not test his glucose level. I've been assured there are plenty of staff that know how to help him, if necessary. I have some peace of mind in knowing the librarian is also Type 1 Diabetic and keeps an eye on the other 4 children enrolled at Pony Express with Type 1 Diabetes. This summer will be busy with getting Brady comfortable with testing himself and helping him to identify what his glucose numbers mean so he can act upon them. At this point, Brady can do everything to test himself but squeeze the blood out of his finger. After 3+ years of testing 4-6 (or more) times a day, the skin on his fingers is starting to get a little tough so getting the blood out isn't so easy for a little 5-year-old. I'm confident he'll get the hang of it by August. I'll still worry but that's just part of being a mom and dealing with a disease no young child should have to manage on their own.

Could It Be?

Tuesday, May 11th--We were at Brady's endocrinologist appointment today and one of the nurses made a comment about his new glasses. That got me thinking.......Could it really be?

Yes, it could really be. Brady use to look like Hermie the Elf, from "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". Now he looks like Ralphie. Guess what you're getting for Christmas, Brady?!? Anyone got some pink fleece I can sew?! he he he

Our Summer Trip to Washington.....

Monday, May 10th--.......will no longer be........because of this........Yep, they both had to get glasses. We never thought they would need them this young so we didn't have them on vision insurance. Pretty dumb of us! Of course, being young as they are, they have to have special frames and lenses they can't destroy easily. And special lenses and frames are not cheap. Elise is slighty near-sighted. Brady is 20/20 in the right and 20/30 in the left. He's far-sighted. We're hoping his glasses are temporary, for now, and that they'll correct the 20/30. So we won't be going to Washington this summer. I'm bummed, I haven't been home in 2 years. If my kids didn't look so darn cute in their new glasses I might just fall on the floor kicking and screaming and throwing such an adult tantrum they would be amazed and wouldn't be able to match it............ever!

Happy Mothers Day!

Friday, May 7th--Brady's preschool class did an adorable singing presentation for all the moms. It was so much fun to be able to go. His class sang two songs and then each child handed us moms a plant they've been growing and a questionnaire each child answered about their mom. So here's what Brady's said:

Why do you love your mom? Because she's my mom

My mom looks prettiest when: She goes to exercise (it's gotta be the Captain EO t-shirt I wear!)

My moms favorite food is: Peanut Butter Sandwich (add some strawberry jam and it's a fav!)

She is happy when: I love her

My mom is 34 years old. (great job remembering Brady!)

If my mom could go anywhere she would go: to the store (not quite, unless the store is in England or Egypt!)

Her best friend is: Kerri

Her job is: working (yup, that about sums it up!)

Brady's sweet little program earned him a kids meal at Arctic Circle. He was in heaven and so was I, thinking about how much I'm loved by my kids!

Elise came home from school with a beautiful plant she grew as well. Along with it came a questionnaire she answered as well. She drew fun pictures of each answer. I had some good laughs!

So here's what Elise said:

My mom is happy when: I do my jobs

My mom is sad when: Our cats died and we had to give away Bohdee (so true, so true)

My mom gets mad when: I don't do my jobs (grrrrrr!)

My mom smells like: perfume (courtesy of Bath & Body Works)

My favorite food my mom cooks is: white chocolate pumpkin cookies (they are delish, I must admit!)

My favorite thing about my mom is: She bakes

My mom looks funniest when: She wears her disco outfit (ahem, refer to here)

My mom looks prettiest when: She goes on a date.

If I could give my mom something special it would be: A beautiful dress (awwww, so sweet!)

My mom gets scared when: We get in a car accident (tru dat!)

My mom laughs when: Funny things are on the computer

My mom loves me when: I love her

I love my mom because: She loves me

I want to say thank you mom for: Being so special (tearing up!)

Such sweet kids, they are! The rest of the weekend was crazy hectic but Sunday was pretty nice. I got to sleep in, which was good because I went to a rock concert (30 Seconds to Mars) the night before and didn't get home till 1:45 in the morning. When I woke up there was a little display by the fireplace. I wish I had taken pictures! There were cards galore. The cards were very special and written with lots of love by Elise, Brady and Nate. While I haven't got it yet, I'm getting a very comfy outdoor/camping chair from Cabela's. It's what I want the most. Nate will be getting one for Fathers Day too, just a little early so we can bring them both camping in a few weeks.

When we got home from church, Nate cooked up a delicious dinner. We had pork roast, baked taters and Texas toast. Yum! Shortly after dinner we went to Nate's parents house for dessert. We brought a red velvet cake from Costco. My mom said it's really good and it was. Not as good as Dippidee but pretty good. We visited for a bit then went home and put the kids to bed. The peace and quiet was wonderful and I reflected on another Mothers Day. I know not every woman gets the privilege to be a mom. Motherhood is a blessing, one I don't take for granted. I am so thankful for my children, they mean so much to me. I can't imagine my life without them and look forward to so much more in store for both of them.

What Is That In Our Window Well?!?!?!

Wednesday, April 21st--Today we had some pretty crazy weather--heavy wind, rain, and hail. Brady was downstairs in the family room and Nate was checking on him. He noticed something moving behind the curtains of one of the window wells in the family room. Sometimes we see mice or voles in the window wells so he didn't think much of it. Then he opened the curtains......A big, freakin raccoon! Nate shouted up to me to come downstairs. I didn't want to see another mouse or vole so I said "No." He told it was something different. So I came down and couldn't believe this big raccoon was in our window well! As I was coming down I could hear Brady and Elise pounding on the window to get the raccoon to attempt to get out. Not very smart, so I told them to stop. The raccoon seemed scared and tired. We think he jumped in when the weather got bad. I thought, for sure, he would hiss and snap at us being next to the window but he was curious instead and just kept watching us. I called Animal Control to report the raccoon and they told me it was a pest problem so we'd need to call a pest control service and pay for someone to come out. I don't think so! So Nate went out, into the pouring rain, and put a board in the well and coaxed the scared raccoon out. Once it was out it bolted into the huge open field next to our street. We let as many neighbors know as we could that this could happen to them as well. Then I realized that the kids think raccoons are sweet little animals, after this experience. Luckily, one of my favorite shows is "Billy, the Exterminator". I put on an episode where he captures a raccoon from a house. The raccoon is hissing, snapping and trying to bite Billy. I think both of the kids got the picture and won't be going near a raccoon no matter how cute them seem! What a crazy day, indeed!

Bowling With the Family & Chili's

Saturday (night), April 10th--When everyone was rested from our beautiful morning/afternoon, we went bowling at All Star Lanes in Sandy. My dad loves to go bowling and even has a dance for when he does well. It's pretty hilarious. Moms shoulder has been hurting so she sat and watched while we all made fools of ourselves. Alishia and her family came along. As Blackburns, we naturally get a little crazy when we're together. Those that have been insane enough to join our family have learned "our ways" and fit in quite nicely. he he he So what that means is we don't just bowl the "right" way, we bowl any which way we like and make sure it's darn funny too! We had a great time! We all did pretty well. The kids always love bowling with the bumpers. I swear, the adults need to use those sometimes too!
After 1 round and tons of laughing we were ready to skeh-daddle and eat some dinner. Chilis sounded fabulous so we went there. There was a 45-minute wait but so was everything else so we waited. It was so worth the wait! I love Chilis! We all enjoyed our dinner and then Nate and I shared my most-favorite restaurant dessert--white chocolate molten lava cake. OMG! It's so good! We had a great evening....a great day. I'm so thankful for my family, they mean so much to me. I love how much I laugh when I'm around them and what a good time we have together. I know Elise had such a wonderful day and will remember this always.

Baptism of Our First Born--White Dress #2

Saturday, April 10th--Wow, this day came too fast. I've spent the last couple of months just reflecting on the last 8 years. I've thought about all the "firsts" we've experienced with Elise. So many precious moments that are near and dear to my heart. Where has the time gone? It's gone too fast! Today was such a special day. I teared up many times. You really do think, "My baby, she's growing up so fast!" It's a whirlwind of a feeling and it's quite mind-boggling. I felt a lot of pride today--pride in Elise for making this momentous choice and pride in Nathan for being such a wonderful father, worthy of being able to baptize Elise. I remember my special baptism day and I hope Elise will remember hers too.

The "White Dress #2" reference is from a song I love immensely titled "What Heaven Sees In You". There are 3 verses, each one

describing the 3 important white dresses a girl will wear in her lifetime. The 1st is her blessing dress, the 2nd her baptism dress and the 3rd is her wedding/temple dress. (When you watch the YouTube video link, don't be

surprised if you get emotional. For as many times as I've watched it, I still tear up every single time. It's so incredibly touching, especially as a lucky and proud mother I feel I am)

We got Elise her very own set of scriptures, complete with her name in gold. They came with a scripture bag. She opened her scriptures up right away and started reading them. Awesome! The dress Elise wore to be baptized in is the same dress I wore when I was 8. This dress is almost 26 years old and still in great condition. My Aunt Gail made it for me and it's

been worn by a few other of our relatives since. It fit her perfectly. The dress was made back in 1983 so it does look rather 80's-ish. Fortunately, that didn't seem to bother Elise (phew!).

I asked my sister, Alishia, to come early and do a double french braid with Elise's hair so it would be easy to fix after she was baptized. It worked perfectly! While Nate was baptizing Elise, I had a smile from ear

to ear. So much happiness and joy, watching the two of them. It was fast but amazing. When it was all through Alishia and I rushed to the bathroom to get her all changed and hair done. I think we did it in record time!

A few months ago I took Elise to pick out her after-baptism dress. It is a gorgeous white dress that she picked out herself. It is the one we had professional photos taken in. Since we don't know if there will be another girl to add to our family, I decided to splurge and get something really nice. It wasn't cheap but something we'll be able to hold onto, just like the dress Elise and I were baptized in. Perhaps Elise will have a daughter someday and she'll be able to wear both dresses.

Much of the program was full of loved ones we wanted to include. We had grandpa Dan say the opening prayer. Elise and I picked the songs, "Baptism" and "Jesus Once Was a Little Child". Brady gave the closing prayer, with the help of Nana, and Papa gave a wonderful talk on the Holy Ghost.

After we were done we all headed back to our ward house for a huge spread of food. Some of us had gone earlier to set-up. I was so happy it went fast! There are some decorative stuff I've had for a while to decorate Elise's room with. We hope to get started on that big project in the next month. In the meantime, I thought they would be perfect as centerpieces for each table. They worked out beautifully and Elise was so happy they were used for her special day. Elise had some specific requests for the menu. She wanted white chocolate pumpkin cookies and pistachio nuts. Anything else was up in the air so we chose Costco. We got meat and cheese trays, veggie trays and rolls. Grandma Rosemary made a fruit salad. I made my famous Auddah-pasta salad. We got a Costco cake. There was plenty of food. My dear friends and neighbors offered some much-appreciated help by doing the yummy drinks and even providing some cute containers to hold them in. They also came to help us set-up. I am truly blessed to have some wonderful neighbors! Nate's brother, Dustin, took plenty of pics (none of which I have right now, so I don't have any to post, but I have been told I'll get a disk eventually). He also made Elise a beautiful baptism book full of the pictures of this day and some of when she was younger.

At the end of the luncheon we did a pinata. I lucked out with Easter being the week before so got much of the candy on discount after Easter. Elise picked a large pink unicorn and we filled that thing tight with candy and toys. It only took a few of the little ones to knock that thing down. All the kids went away with tons of candy. Sorry parents! ; )

When everyone left and all was cleaned up we went home to relax. I was incredibly tired but still so full of reflecting and love for my family. This was such a special day--more than I could have ever hoped for. Everything was perfect and wonderful. I love my special 8-year-old girl so much!

A Day at the Aquarium

Friday, April 9th--My niece, Samantha, spent some time with us this week since both she and the kids were on Spring Break. Thanks to Nate's brother, Dustin, we've been enjoying season passes to the Aquarium, in Sandy. They have a new penguin exhibit so we went early Friday morning. We had attempted to go earlier in the week and it was horribly crowded, not a single parking spot in sight so we went to the mall that day. Moving on, we got there first thing and we were able to walk in without waiting in any lines because of the season passes. They even allowed Samantha to go in using Nate's pass---awesome! The aquarium is pretty small, compared to what I'm use to seeing in Washington, but there's plenty to see. Of course, the kids love the salt water tanks full of colorful fish, especially the ones that look like characters from "Finding Nemo". We got to the penguin exhibit and it seemed rather small for all the hype but we all enjoyed watching the penguin swim around and jump up to hard surface and many of them swam right next to the glass and just watched us all watching them. It was pretty cool! There is a touch tank with Sting Rays swimming around. Samantha put her hands in to touch them, it was a little creepy at first but she kept doing it in hopes Brady & Elise would give it a try. Elise wouldn't, just like me, but Brady did. He thought they felt pretty slimy. Yuck!

We had a great time at the Aquarium. Shortly after we were finished we got a call from my parents to say they had landed in Salt Lake for a special event that would be happening the next day. Hmmmm...........

Happy Easter, 2010!

Sunday, April 4th--As always, we had a wonderful Easter morning! To start the morning off, we were greeted with.......snow! I don't think I can recall a "white" Easter before. It was pretty weird and, unlike Christmas, not really appreciated. Oh well. Anyhoo, the Easter bunny hides all the baskets and then we all look for them in the morning. Of course, the kids decided to find my and Nate's baskets for us. We all got plenty of sweet treats. Each of us got a DVD (Elise got "The Princess & the Frog", Brady got "Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, Nate got "Sherlock Holmes" and I got a 2-in-1 "Ever After" & "Never Been Kissed"). The kids got a few toys, coloring books, and games as well. Since it was General Conference we were able to just relax at home, chomping on Easter treats and enjoying the talks at GC. Later on we travelled up to my sister, Alishia's house, in Salt Lake, for a huge turkey dinner. I used some of our hard-boiled eggs we dyed the night before to make deviled eggs---YUM! Everything was delicious and a great way to end our Easter day!