Glasses are Way Cool

The thing I admire most about my Abby is the fact that she is very honest, and generally doesn't give a crap about what people think. She loves Pirates and has never been afraid to share her love with her girlfriends who are typically freaked out by her rapid collection of Davy Jones characters. She is who she is, and is really comfortable with herself.

I remember my parents making fun of me when Abby was really little, because I always had frank discussions with her when she asked questions. (Imagine discussing feelings with a one-year-old; I didn't get very far). I have always just wanted to teach her to be a kind person...nothing is more important to me than that, and she knows that. On the other hand, nothing has ever been "taboo." For example, when Abby was 3, she and I were watching some sort of show on TLC. On this patricular episode, two women were getting married. Abby turned to me and asked, "Mom, why are two girls getting married?" I was caught off guard and a little stumped as to how to answer her appropriately. Having a close work associate at the time who was gay, I really wanted to give her an answer that appeared non-judgemental without conveying undying support for the case either. So, after all this thinking I replied, "Because some girls decide to." (I know, incredibly smart right?) Abby remarked, "Wow. That sounds good to me." I thought, I guess at age 3, it would sound pretty good. Two princesses is better than one in her mind.

Anyway, Fast Forward a few years - and I have a little girl who comes home from school and proceeds to give me exact details of her day. I love hearing, and am glad that she feels comfortable enough to talk to me.

This was our conversation today:

Abby: "Mom, Rachel (her darling little friend at school) said that all the girls don't like the way she looks because of her glasses."

Me: "Well, that makes me sad. What did you say?"

Abby: "Nothing. Well, I actually told her that I liked her better with her glasses on because with them off her eyes are kind-of shut." (aka squinting:)-Again she is very honest)

Me: "That was really nice of you, I bet that made her feel good."

Abby: "Whatever. I sat with her on the bench at recess too because she wore a church dress and couldn't climb the snow towers."

Me: "That was really nice." (As I was trying to not seriously cry)

I know, this may be a minor thing to all of you. But, I work in an elementary school and see the absolute crap that our kids have to put up with on a daily basis. I also have a paticular soft spot for any child who may have something about them that makes them different. It has amazed me to watch Abby's sense of empathy grow since the birth of Deakon. She is such a wise little spirit who is so perceptive of others' and their feelings. (When we came home from attending the Chromosome 18 Conference this summer, she created a song entitled, Ring 18 is the Best Syndrome!)

I don't think I have done a very good job in a lot of ways and I know I have a long way to go as a mom. But, today, for a few moments, in between the talking back and drama, I felt like maybe I have done one thing right. Now, if I could only get her to stop asking for shoes every time we go to Target.

Happy B-Day Kel and BK

So, I am a little belated on the Kelli end, but wanted to wish both of you a Happy Birthday! (I am way jealous of all the fun stuff you got Kelli!) Hope you had and have a fun birthday radius.

The Tagging Game

Miss Julie tagged me and others (you all better do it) for one of these games. Because it is a first, and I like reading other peoples' posts when they are tagged - I am complying this time! I might be too embarrassed to ever do it again.
The rules are: you need to list 6 facts about yourself. When you are done, name 6 people you want to tag and comment on their blogs that they have been tagged and need to go to your blog for the explanation.
Here you Go - Some of the random stuff you never wanted to know!
1. "Nuthin but a G-Thang..."
I quite enjoy "Gansta" Rap :) The real dirty, non-radio edited rap. I am fairly certain my love began to grow while working with Gang Members in "Lock-up," considering that is all they listened to. I know, now that I am a mother, I shouldn't indulge - but, there's nothing like a good Tupac California Love or Jay-Z 99 Problems to lift my spirits. In fact, I was caught red-handed at a dinner with my very "straight and narrow" Principal (aka boss) when one of their son's began playing unedited 50 cent on my iphone (outloud). (Note: This incident did not stop me from continuing to download those songs.)
2. "Other Peoples' pain, does bring me some Pleasure."
I love reality TV - juicy reality. I was known to not miss an episode of Paradise Hotel when it was on a few years ago. American Idol, Biggest Loser, Project Runway all good wholesome staples which are enjoyable; but nothing is better than Miami Ink or my new favorite: Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. I love analyzing all their problems and pretending I don't have any for awhile.
3. "Sports are Cool."
I really, really like watching sports; live or on TV. I follow teams, know some players and get really excited on nights that my "teams" are playing. When the Padres played the Rockies last year in a play-in playoff game, i spent nearly $100.00 outfitting my kids and I. We also spent a good hour filling our house with signs which read, "Rockies Suck." (Blair and I tend to be a little competitive.)
4. "Cliffnotes Work."
I'll have you know that I made it through 3 years of English Honors and 1 year of AP English, probably only reading one or two entire novels. I vividly remember teachers saying, "The test will cover many things not covered in Cliffnotes." They lied. I always got "A's" in English, and even wrote the essay portion on the AP Exam using a book that I had only really read the Cliffnotes of (I passed). I am truely not as smart as my grades may have shown.
5. "I know I am a counselor, but I too have anxiety which is unresolved."
I am not talking your typical "I get nervous to speak in front of people" anxiety. That stuff doesn't bug me. I tend to get anxious about things that would really suck. For example: In fourth grade, I was petrified that we were going to all die by a nuclear bomb attack. When I worked for Youth Corrections, I was certain I was going to get Anthrax (because I had to check the inmates mail), and lastly, many of you know I was also quite sure that the cruiseship I went on last October was going to sink into oblivion (we were in a huricane :)
PS - I am also afraid of fire and sharp objects.
6. "I want some ink."
Seriously I do. I want a tattoo. I have an exact image of what it should be in my mind and where I want it. In my dreams I see Ami or Chris Garver giving it to me while visiting Miami Beach. I am scared of a lot of things (see above post), but not this for some reason. I have to blame David Beckham for this one I think.
So - There it is. The dirty truth. I am looking at this in retrospect and thinking that I probably should've been a little less honest...but do not want to write it again.
I tag...Kelli, Jane, Mel, Heidi B., Lisa J. and Holly J. I can't wait.

Belated Valentines and a Couple of Firsts!

Our Deak made an appearance in nursery today at Church - without me or Jentry (my life-saving 19 year old friend who helps me out ALL THE TIME!). Deakon is 21 months old, but I am nervous of the ravinging germs and filthiness that seem to be synomous with Mormon children - and I didn't want him to be trampled by kid #8 in in a family of 10. (You know that kid, the one who plows through anything to get any toy because he doesn't get the chance to thomp on anyone at home). Anyway, I am pretty proud and thinking that everything has probably gone okay considering I didn't get pulled out of Primary, plus I only left him for a half hour. Well...my thinking quickly stopped when I am cheerfully making my way down the stairs and am stopped by a nursery worker who said, "Ahhh, we had a near emergency today with Deakon." I am thinking "What the crap - No one came and got me." He then proceeds with, "Yea, he kinda stopped breathing and started choking." Great. That's wonderful. I now am hoping I am not going to be greeted by a team of Medics as I enter the Nursery. I step inside and my cute Deakon is on the ground with Jentry's dad playing with some friends and toys, and looks perfectly fine. I mention to he and his wife, that I had heard Deakon almost died (not quite those words), and they said he did have a coughing fit, but worked himself out of it. They said it made everyone nervous, but they knew this happened with Deakon a lot. I then remembered that Deakon had entered Nursery just in time for snacks which consisted of iced animal cookies, pretzels and fruit snacks. Deak has the label of Porky Pig in our home and often jams as many items of food in his mouth as he possibly can and then stores them in his cheeks; usually saving them and then swallowing them all at once. This causes a large "coughing fit." I let them know that he does that, and they seemed relieved that that was most likely the culprit of the near death experience of which I was not made aware of. I guess I am just so used to Deakon, I forget that his "normal" is not always the same as others'. I am reminded of the strength it takes for him to be here and be doing as well as he is.

So...Suggestions on taking the leap and taking him again next week? Our cute friends' the Bass's are wonderful leaders and we trust them - just not sure I can leave my baby again.


On a different note...Here are some pictures of the kiddos with their Valentine's Gifts (Okay so they are up above, I am not yet a pro on this thing). Except for the fact that they each got like 78 others because they are spoiled. One is Abby with her cute, cute shirt I got at Nordstroms for like $8.00. Then there's Deak with his xylophone. (Blair's leg is in the picture because he has been crying everytime Blair has stopped playing it for the past hour. Blair loves it)

Also, I have to mention the cutest thing (you can stop reading if you like)....This morning while getting ready for church, I was telling Abby to STOP looking at her American Girl Doll Catalog and get dressed; to which she replied "Uh Uh (or no)" I then hear from behind me in the highchair, "Uh Uh." and then a loud "He He He He He." Deakon discovered a word - maybe a mimic of a Human one...I don't know, but either way it was very exciting. And, I must say not at all suprising that it was "Uh Uh," considering I am never told, "Yes mom, I'd love to do what you ask."

Family Update

So...Since I got my Kyle Korver post out of the way, I thought I'd give a quick update of the fam and what's up with us. We had a crazy year last year...full of ups and downs, but had a blast. Something we have changed since our Deak has been born is living every moment. I personally, do a really great job of stressing myself out about things that are beyond my control or in the future. My Deak is slowly helping me discover what is really important! We were lucky enough to take three fun vacations last year: Disneyland with the kiddos, Massachutes for Deakon's Syndrome (Chromosome 18) Conference with the kiddos again, and a Carribbean cruise without the kiddos - with good friends instead! We also made a quick trip to Arizona to see my cousin before he headed to Scotland on a mission! We made awesome memories, and can't wait to take more trips soon!

Abby is the busiest little person I know, and wouldn't have it any other way! She loves, loves, loves her friends and wants to constantly be playing with them! Abby takes dance and gymnastics classes and loves Soccer. She is in Kindergarten and gets to come with me at the school I work at - it is so fun to have her there. Abby also is known as a smart a** - and is constantly coming up with repsonses that crack Blair and I up. She is a great big sister and a huge help to me with Deak.

Deak is constantly laughing and smiling. He has like 15 variations of his laugh, and they are all being heard in our home at any given moment. Deak has recently discovered how to make monkey sounds (thanks to a toy he has) - and we now hear very loudly "EW EW EW, Ah Ah Ah!" All day long. We are so excited to hear his cute voice, and hope it will sometime soon turn into human noises. Deak works really hard and is also a busy little guy. He is involved in five therapies a month (physical, occupational, and developmental), so he works out way harder than the rest of us! He is such a smart little boy and such a joy to have! We have been way blessed with his health this Winter, and feel so lucky to have not had made a trip to Primary Childrens (except for checkups) for a long time!!!

Blair and I follow the kids around, and try to get out at least once a week. We love playing sports and I am proud to say took 2nd Place in the Kaysville City Coed Slow Pitch Softball Tournament! I play volleyball and soccer too (I know me and Soccer is comical, you should see) - and like working out (notice, I did not put love). I love my job and the cute kids - I am down to working only 2 1/2 days a week, and it is perfect. Blair really likes his job estimating and doing sales for a plumbing company - and watching any sport at all possible on TV thanks to Tivo, Satelite and the insane sports packages available.

We are way excited to stay in touch with you all, and hope to hear from some of you who we haven't been as good at staying in touch with!

Thank You Larry H. Miller!

Okay...many of you know I like watching sports. A good game every now and then, is a good time - Right? Well, I have never quite enjoyed the Jazz as much as I have lately, thanks to the trade of freaking Giricek (or whatever) for the wonderful Kyle Korver. I am now finding myself wondering "when is the next Jazz game?'' - almost like I need to see him. Blair is happy; I am happy. We can both enjoy him together (probably not for the same reasons though).

PS - Don't you all love the drunk girls and nasty shirts? In another life, me? I don't think so. Seriously, what can't you find on the web? I put an official picture on too for those of you who are easilly offended by beer bottles.

Seriously...

So, I have been known to be a blog "stalker" for some time now, and have seriously found myself venting my frustrations to my imaginary blog - so I decided it was time to give in. Is that sick or what? Anyway, so many of you have emailed me (and I have found) the cutest blogs of your families - so, we will give it a whirl. Who knows - maybe I won't have to vent my frustrations at Blair anymore and we might discover "love at home."

I won't hold my breath :)