Knowledge is power!

I am learning...

That perfection isn't always ideal...

It's someone's "best" that matters.

I am learning...

That "different" isn't bad...

And we need to not only accept people's differences, but embrace them.

I am learning...

That my preconceived ideas about some things are changing...

As I learn more about those things.

I have not lowered my standards.

But I now realize, that maybe some are incapable of what "I" expect.

And who am "I" to set those expectations?

Knowledge is power...

It overcomes fear and frustration!

Looks like the Easter Bunny stopped by someone's house!

There must be some good little boys here!

Nate found his basket!

Looks like Evan located his too!

What did we get?

Haulin' out the loot!

McDonalds gift cards, chocolate rabbits, Reese's Pieces "carrots", Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Nerds Ropes.

Happy Easter all!

Christ is risen!

Easter "Eve"...dying eggs...

Let the silliness begin!

There is something about holidays, activities together, and the boys and all silliness breaks loose.

This was the good shot of Evan...you should have seen the one before it. 

I'm a good mom, I promptly deleted it and promised not to post it. ;)

Those silly boys.

Thankfully as silly as we were, no dye ended up on the table, floor, or our clothes.

We had a few purple/pink fingers though.

Yes, I'm a dork.

I get in on the silliness too.

I say Nate looks like he's about to sneeze.

Excuse my nasty hair, lack of make-up, and glasses.

Cutie patootie!

It's a wrap!

We're done!

More Easter Goodness!

I made some more Easter cookies to get in some more practice with Royal Icing.  I do believe I have finally found my favorite sugar cookie recipe and favorite Royal Icing recipe...though I'm always open to new suggestions!

"Happy Easter!"

"Huh?"

"You look funny!"

"My tail hurts."

"He is risen!"

I love the little letters.

I think they're so cute.

The finished product.

And I didn't even stress out this time.

They were pretty tasty too!

Yummy-licious!

Yum yum yum!

Good Friday was not so good...

So Friday began our journey of testing for the boys.
First we started out at Evan's specialist.  I was hoping maybe if we got there early, they'd begin early so we could get up to DeVos early.
No such luck.
As fate would have it, they were actually running a few minutes behind.
Which was no big deal.
We got him all signed in and he started his testing.
This was to take two hours...plenty of time to get Nate's test done.
No sooner had we pulled out of the driveway of Evan's doctor...
Nate puked all over himself and the car.
He wasn't sick.
But he's had so much drainage from this cough he's had...it just all came up.
So we rushed home to clean him and the car up.
I cleaned up Nate.
Jamie cleaned up the car.
Now...
We were no long running "on time" for DeVos...but behind schedule.
Thankfully we hit no major traffic and got there right "on time"...though they requested we be 15 minutes early.
So...as it turned out...it didn't matter anyway...
They were running twenty minutes late.  Argh.
And the test which was supposed to take 15-20 minutes...took FORTY FIVE minutes!
So...
We didn't pull out of the parking garage until 11:00 a.m.
Which is when we were supposed to pick up Evan.
He called us before I could call him.
He said they ran 15 minutes late and I told him to just sit and read in the waiting room because we were on our way.
As if nothing else could go wrong...
We were running on fumes and had to stop for gas.
We got to Evan around 11:45 so he only ended up waiting about 30 minutes for us in the waiting room.
We then had to zip Nate back to school so he wouldn't miss lunch.
Evan clearly missed lunch so we grabbed some McDs for him to eat on the way to school.
Thankfully...
Everything got accomplished...
It just wasn't the smoothest of days.
I'm just thankful it's over.

Don't sweat the small stuff...LOL!

Don't sweat the small stuff...we've all heard that saying.
My good friend Sharon put a little different perspective on it and it cracked me up so much, I just had to share it.

 "As I told my friend earlier...remember not to sweat the petty things and not to pet the sweaty things."

Thanks Sharon...you always bring a smile to my face when I need it! ;)

I'm the pasty white girl...

Don't hate me...

But I have to say, I don't really mind this cloudy, rainy weather.

Everyone who knows me, KNOWS I love a good thunderstorm.

But even rain, doesn't bother me.

(As long as I don't have outdoor plans, LOL!)

I rather enjoy it.

It brings me peace.

Now don't get me wrong...

I'm just as anxious as the next for some "warmer" weather.

NOT SUMMER...

But warmer weather.

I'm anxious to go outside and plant flowers and beautify my yard.

I'm anxious to travel up to Mackinac Island as we do several times a year.

But...

I am NOT anxious for the heat of summer.

I do NOT enjoy being hot.

I do NOT enjoy being sweaty.

My hair droops.

My make-up runs.

I sweat glisten.

It is NOT a pretty picture.

It is NOT comfortable.

I find no joy in the heat of summer.

I take no comfort in beaches, lakes, oceans, and the like.

Sand in my shoes.

Sand up my swimsuit.

Sand back at my HOUSE (inevitably).

I do not enjoy swimming with the fish.

P-U.

Stinky!

The very thought and feel of fish swimming around my legs gives me the heeby-jeebies!

I don't enjoy sitting baking in the sun.

No thank-you.

I like my skin the way God made it.

Healthy.

I may be pasty white, but hey, Twilight is still popular, right?

It's a vampire thing, LOL!

I would prefer not to go through the rest of my life with leathery, wrinkly skin.

I am however fond of a healthy "glow"...

Which I purchase from my local drug store in a bottle, LOL!

Just give me my Jergen's Natural Glow and I'm a happy girl.

Other than that, you will find me slathered in SPF 30 from head to toe.

So yes...springtime, you may return.

I am excited to plant flowers.

I would like sunny, "warm" weather for my trips.

But until then, I don't mind a few cloudy, rainy days.

The pitter-patter of it brings me peace and soothes my soul.

And to all the beach bunnies out there...enjoy.

I'll be the pasty white girl, enjoying a fruit smoothie in my Adirondack chair letting the breeze blow through my hair slathered in SPF of the highest degree, LOL!

Blessing

So today I went and met with the specialist that we are seeing for Evan's ADD evaluation and testing.
This was a "parent only" meeting.
And I am happy to announce that I am very pleased with our doctor.
He is very mild-mannered, laid-back, and easy-going.
He is easy to talk to and makes one feel comfortable.
He answered all my questions.
Addressed all my concerns.
And gave me some really good information.
I think Ev will really like him and it will be a good match.
And even if it turns out that this isn't something Evan has, he assured me that he could work with us to develop strategies to help his learning style.
I left the office with a sense of peace.
Evan starts his testing on Friday.
I am looking forward with high hopes!

What a difference a day makes...

So after my "poor pitiful me" post yesterday...
I go in to get my hair cut today.
My stylist proceeds to tell me what a beautiful hair color I have.
Wow.
Personally I've always found it rather gross.
Boring blonde.
Not honey blonde.
Not strawberry blonde.
Not platinum blonde.
Boring blond...plain and simple.
And dark roots.
Ugh.
And the older I get...
Grays!
But I do color it religously.
And she told me, "I love your haircolor.  It's so pretty.  All the different shades of blonde that streak through it.  It's really pretty."
Wow.
Thanks!
What a difference a day can make.
You never know what a kind word will mean to someone.
So when the opportunity strikes...
Never overlook the opportunity to speak a kind word!
You just might bless someone at the precise moment they need it!

One of "those" days...

Yes, today is one of those days.
I don't know why.
But they seem to pop up every once in a while.
Ever have "those days"?
Today, I'm having one of those days where I feel like a disapointment on so many levels.
In pretty much every aspect.
Some days, I really struggle with feeling...
Good enough.
Pretty enough.
Thin enough.
Bring up any topic and I can feel like a disapointment today.
It's just one of those days.
I have always struggled with my self-esteem.
Comparing my looks to other girls.
I can literally pick myself apart from head to toe.
Ever do that?
I have bad hair.
I hate my posture.
My nose is too long.
My lips are too thin.
My stomach isn't flat.
I am getting gray hair.
I am getting wrinkles.
I hate wearing glasses.
Ugh.
I feel like I am always striving, searching to improve my looks and failing.
Watching things on tv like Miss USA or the Oscars on the Red Carpet just really knock me down too.
I can pick out a beautiful girl or woman, and stare at her...and wonder...
"What must it be like to be so beautiful?"
"What does that feel like?"
So I slather on wrinkle creams...and scan my face for new wrinkles.
I color my hair and search for new grays.
I joined a gym two weeks ago and now will kill myself to get that flat stomach.
I don't mean to put myself down...because in some aspects...
I feel like that's a slap in the face to God.
God doesn't make junk.
But I just really struggle.
And not with just looks.
I try to be the perfect friend.
But I just don't seem to be good enough in that aspect either.
Either I totally stink at friendship or people just don't respond to relationships like they used to.
I often feel like I disapoint my family too.
Not a good enough wife.
Not the perfect mother.
And then there's just me in general.
I try to find my niche.
I just don't seem to be really "good" at any one thing.
Scrapbooking, stamping, knitting, cooking, gardening, baking/decorating, piano...I've tried it all.
I can do it all...somewhat.
But it's never "great".
I sit and stare at other people's work on blogs and sites in awe of how talented and beautiful they are.
Then I do something on my own...and sit there and pick it apart...detail by detail...finding mistake after mistake.
I hear people say "confidence" is what makes a person beautiful, talented, etc.
I honestly have none.
But I guess that's what dreams are for...beauty, confidence, talent, gifted...
So I shall keep dreaming.

One of our many upcoming appointments...and why my stress level soars...

It seems we have seen medical professionals more within the past month than in our entire life and it's only just begun.

It all started with visits to the dentist for both of the boys a month ago.  That went well.  No cavities for either of them.  Yay! 
However, Evan has one more baby tooth that just won't come out.  And as fate would have it, the permanent tooth that is still up in the gumline is laying sideways.  Great.
So today, we will make our way to the orthodontist for our FREE consult to see what can be done...or if it really needs to be done.
I'm sure they will try to sell us the world...thousands of dollars of braces.
You can be sure I will be asking all the questions of a parent without orthodontic insurance.
Is this absolutely necessary?
Is there any chance it will come down on its own straight?
If not, will it cause any major health threats to him (i.e. headaches, jaw prblems, messing up his bite, etc.)?
What will happen if we don't "fix" it?
Don't get me wrong...insurance or not...I WILL...NO MATTER WHAT...take care of my babies if it will affect their health and well being.
Now...is it a matter of a tooth just coming in a little crooked?
I've got several of those and have survived my adult life just fine.
So, we shall see.

Next on the agenda is Nate.
Nate has been battling ear/sinus infections and bronchitis for over a month.
We finally got in to see our regular nurse practitioner (you can be sure I will ALWAYS request her from now on) and she gave us some kickin' antibiotics that are finally helping him.
Also, Nate has to go have an echocardiogram done at DeVos.
He has what's called pectis excavatum...or rather his chest sinks in a little bit...a little "divit" in his chest cavity if you will.
So they want to check and make sure it's not putting any undue stress on his heart.
We appreciate your prayers for this.

Back to Evan.
Evan has always been an honor student.
Still maintains really good grades.  But this year, his freshman year of highschool...he's really struggled with focus, memory, concentration, forgetfulness, organization.
He will be tested for ADD (not ADHD) over the next month and a half.
We are praying that we get the help and results we need to help Ev not have to struggle.
He is doing awesome and trying very hard.
But it can become very frustrating and tiresome for him.
Again, we appreciate your prayers.

So that's us for now!
See why I've been a bit stressed/worried?
God has it all under control, I know.
But I am human...a mom...and I worry.
Doin' my best to give it to Him! ;)

Oh! Forgive my "mother's intuition"...I guess I don't know anything!

I swear...

I am really getting sick of it!

I guess we as parents don't know anything about how to raise our children.

Of course, we all need the occasional guidance of a doctor, pastor, teacher...

But seriously...

If one more person tells me how I should be raising my child, I think I may blow a gasket!

"I" am my children's mother!

I THINK I know how to take care of them!

I THINK they are turning out pretty well!

Sick to death of everyone telling us as parents how everything we do, is bad for our kids.

Sugar is bad for them...we're contributing to obesity.
(Excuse the fact that our dr. just recommended a higher calorie diet to put weight ON my two boys!)

TV is bad for them.

(Never mind that combined with mine and my husband's teaching, they have learned nearly all their preschool skills, various words in other languages, history, animal facts, and more.)

Computers are bad.

(Well how come nearly ALL of my son's textbooks are online and all of his homework has to be completed on the computer...and to top it off, they're giving the kids iPads next fall!)

Just a few examples.

You know, maybe I should just relinquish my parental rights over to the experts and the government! 
They seem to have all the answers, eh?

Quit telling us how to raise our kids!

Granted there are some bad parents out there.

MORE than "some" in my opinion.

But that doesn't mean the schools, experts, and government need to tell us what to feed our kids, how much exercise they need, how much video game time they should have, how much tv they should watch!

If I wanted to know...I'D ASK!

I'm a big girl!

I ask questions when I want to know.

Just ask my husband...

I DON'T LIKE BEING BOSSED AROUND!

LOL!

The thing is...they want to take away everything that the "experts" grew up with.

We all ate candy and potato chips.

We all watched tv.

On and on.

EVERYTHING IN MODERATION PEOPLE.

Don't take the fun out of being a child.

Grow up...learn how to parent.

Think for yourself.

We don't need "people" telling us how to parent our children.

Healthy food, moderate exercise, fresh air, good morals and work ethic, treating people with respect, kindness and love, generosity and friendship...

And God's Word.

That's all we need, thank-you very much!

She's baking...she's happy...

Today I decorated Easter cookies.

And although they're not perfect...

And although I have a lot to learn...

I was in my element.

I was so happy!

I spent the entire day decorating.

This was my third take on Royal icing.

I learned that, once again, Wilton fails me AGAIN.

I am not impressed with many of Wilton's recipes.

With the exception of the actual sugar cookie recipe...all of their icings and frostings have disappointed me be it in taste or texture.

I have found one Royal Icing recipe that I like the flavor and consistency of.

And I think that is the one I will be sticking to.

Now we have lots of yummy Easter treats to enjoy for the week.

And I will continue to dream...

And pray...

About a new career in baking.

My vision

"A man without a DREAM is a man without a future, and a man without a future will always go back to his past!"

Phil. 3:13

(Thanks for the reminder Aunt Marcia.)