So far...

Been a busy summer thus far. I will post about our South Carolina trip soon. What I want to say right now is that I started Nutrisystem today! I'm excited about the possibilities. I don't know how long we will be able to afford the program but I'm going for it. Here's the thing...I don't know if it's Ironic, or a Mean Joke, or JUST PLAIN FUNNY that my Nutrisystem Diet is delivered by none other than the SCHWAN'S MAN!!!!! HAHAHAHAHA....Please feel free to leave a comment!!!

Isabel's First Swimming Pool

Isabel took a dip in her first swimming pool yesterday. The weather was not terribly warm but she didn't seem to mind. The hose water was too cold so her mommy got warmer water out of the kitchen sink. The fun lasted longer than I expected but not nearly long enough. I just got settled to start some reading while watching them and viola...Isabel was finished!!! So...the fun was short lived but enjoyable just the same. She is quite the character and we found her laughing quite heartily at the wonder of pool water many times!!!! Looking forward to many more trips to the turtle pool!!!

My Baby Is Growing Up!

Kyleigh and her friends Kelly and Hannah went on a photoshoot. They had a ton of fun--I know this from the laughter of the 3 near adult girls who spent hours laughing and telling stories of their adventure. They were quite fun to watch--their eyes twinkled when retelling of the fun they had and laughing at their inside jokes that I was not always privy too. Thought I would share a couple of the pics they took.

Message of Hope

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTVECvTYpN0

Man With A Vision

About 5 years ago a man named Don had a vision for his Special Students, actually one of his many dreams for his students. But in this particular instance he came across this particular log. I'm sure he thought about it for quite a long time before he decided that this log wanted to become a lesson in life, love, loyalty, history, cutlure and perseverance. He taught his students about the history and meaning of totem poles and they researched Native American history. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from the Native Americans. Then he taught his special students about the ancient art of wood carving--an art form that is slowly disappearing. And so they began. He taught kids who were non-verbal and/or had physical and mental disabilities how to hold the tools safely and properly. He taught students who gave other people cause to be fearful that they would be allowed access to sharp tools. He taught the staff so they could in turn teach the students. It was a labor of love. Students who were afflicted with a myriad of disabilities from mental retardation, cerebal palsy and muscular dystrophy. Don modified and adapted the way they held the tools and the way they struck the chisel with the mallet. Kids and parents who thought they couldn't...soon learned they COULD! It was an amazing transformation to watch!
Then tragedy struck...twice!! A year and a half ago, our teacher and mentor passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. With the support of a wonderful administrator, some incredibly generous community members and Don's precious daughter, Camille, we would not have finished this labor of love. Camille came back and spend the last month with us to complete the project and now it is erected forever in the Redmond High library, just where it should be. Now generations will know about a man (turtle man) who believed in the impossible and the students he taught to dream and not set self limitations. Just 2 weeks ago, one of Don's speical students, Josh, succumbed to the muscular dystrophy that ravaged his body. Both losses were devastating to our little group...so the lesson in perseverance. The totem pole will have an official unveiling on April 1, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the RHS Library. Camille, Bless you and thank you for everything...I know this is bittersweet for you. I hope you know how special you are!! We all LOVE you--I love you!!!
p.s. I will post the totem pole pictures AFTER the unveiling!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Isabel would like to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day! She loves and misses all of you!! She is especially excited because tomorrow is her First Birthday!!!

Rock Band Baby!!

We were playing Rock Band and gave Isabel a turn with the drum sticks...she LOVED them! She banged them around like she knew what she was doing. She got soooo excited she was laughing and squealing and jumping around. It was the cutest thing ever!!!