our extraordinary life

abbie's new glasses!

2011-03-29T18:28:00.000-05:00

been crafting!

2011-01-07T15:37:00.002-06:00

i've been working on some things for the girls birthday party at the end of the month. i love my cricut! Don't know what i would do without it. the little owl card is their invitation. i loved him with the party hat!

I've also been making some thank you cards for our holiday gifts (finally!) I've missed crafting and sewing. The hustle and bustle of the holidays stole my time away.

facebook comments

2011-01-07T15:20:00.001-06:00

I was so touched by all the comments about my post below I wanted to save them...

Wednesday at 8:30 pm - Stephanie Bucci Palmer ‎(((HUGS)))

Wednesday at 8:33pm · Rachel Barrett Erin- you speak so beautifully about the love of a parent and the challenges that this love can bring. Thinking of you.

Wednesday at 8:40pm · Tammi Decker Counts She sounds awesome. People like her and YOU are few and far between.

Wednesday at 8:48pm · eEmily Kleier ‎*hugs*

Wednesday at 8:58pm · Kim Bennett Donald She's right...you ARE a great mommy!

Wednesday at 9:11pm · Laura Stebelton Mason Oh, the happiness and peacefulness in Kole's eyes tell the whole story, Erin. What an amazing blessing to have had her in your life!

Wednesday at 9:23pm · Stacey Barrett Though I am thankful that Kole is doing so well that Elizabeth is able to step back, I understand the support she has been for you and for Kole. What a blessing she has been.

Wednesday at 9:30pm · Jill Harker Wow, Erin. I had no clue. I appreciate your candor and willingness to share your life so fully. The words you speak are the words of a mother that would do anything for your children. I'm sure the bittersweet feeling is mutual with Elizabeth. What a joy to know you have reached this amazing milestone with Kole. Thank you for sharing.

Wednesday at 9:46pm · Kathryn Conners Beck ‎(((((((hugs)))))))

Wednesday at 10:03pm · Shannon Hill Taylor i'm sure that she will ALWAYS be a part of your family! hugs to you!

Wednesday at 10:18pm · Trish Raridan Preston wow Erin...you guys have been through a lot and I can't imagine how difficult it has been for you guys. Prayers that things for your family continue to be blessed!

Wednesday at 10:36pm · Sarah Zivic Aubry ‎:( she was a true gift!

meet elizabeth

2011-01-05T19:19:00.002-06:00

*disclaimer: a whole bunch of rambling below...

She is our clinician. Correction. Was our clinician. Koley was successfully discharged from the Ranch and from our intensive home based therapy yesterday. Sounds wonderful right? Then why on earth do I feel like I lost my best friend and have a lump in my throat the size of a baseball?

I'm scared to death of losing her and the services that she provides. She was (IS) awesome. Like stellar awesome. Never have we had such a amazing clinician. We've been in this for a long time. We started down this road when Koley was three. He will be twelve in a couple months. She came into our lives just as Kole was at a low. We were all at a low. Koley had just been readmitted to the Ranch to the residential program. She started coming to our home twice a week. I have become so dependent on her that I can't imagine, nor do I want to imagine how time will pass without her in our lives.

She taught me so many things. One of the most important things is that I am a good mama to Kole. That I can get through his tantrums. She taught me coping skills and positive thinking.

I can never thank her enough for the time, effort and energy she put into our family. She was such a wealth of information and helpfulness. I wish I was one of those that was eloquent but alas, I'm not, but when I say that I will miss her, that our entire family will miss her, it comes from my heart.

my girls

2011-01-04T19:00:00.001-06:00

Not only are they cute but they are best friends. I couldn't ask for better little girls.

fourth of july 2010

2011-01-03T16:32:00.000-06:00

halloween 2010

2011-01-03T16:28:00.000-06:00

welcome to 2011!

2011-01-01T17:47:00.001-06:00

We celebrated with a great group of friends and had the best night! The holidays flew by and left a huge mess. With a new year comes new rwsolutions and hopes.

I love this great reminder and thought I'd share.

An Erma Bombeck Column:

A young mother writes: "I know you've written before about the empty-nest syndrome -- that lonely period after the children are grown and gone. Right now, I'm up to my eyeballs in laundry and muddy boots. The baby is teething; the boys are fighting. My husband just called and said to eat without him, and I fell off my diet. Lay it on me again, will you?"

OK.

One of these days, you'll shout, "Why don't you kids grow up and act your age!"

And they will.

Or, "You guys get outside and find yourselves something to do ... and don't slam the door!"

And they won't.

You'll straighten up the boys' bedroom neat and tidy -- bumper stickers discarded, bedspread tucked and smooth, toys displayed on the shelves. Hangers in the closet. Animals caged. And you'll say out loud, "Now I want it to stay this way."

And it will.

You'll prepare a perfect dinner with a salad that hasn't been picked to death and a cake with no finger traces in the icing, and you'll say, "Now, there's a meal for company."

And you'll eat it alone.

You'll say: "I want complete privacy on the phone. No dancing around. No demolition crews. Silence! Do you hear?" And you'll have it.

No more plastic tablecloths stained with spaghetti.

No more bedspreads to protect the sofa from damp bottoms.

No more gates to stumble over at the top of the basement steps.

No more clothespins under the sofa.

No more playpens to arrange a room around.

No more anxious nights under a vaporizer tent.

No more sand on the sheets or Popeye movies in the bathrooms.

No more iron-on patches, wet, knotted shoestrings, tight boots, or rubber bands for ponytails.

Imagine. A lipstick with a point on it. No baby sitter for New Year's Eve. Washing only once a week. Seeing a steak that isn't ground. Having your teeth cleaned without a baby on your lap.

No PTA meetings.

No car pools.

No blaring radios.

No one washing her hair at 11 o'clock at night.

Having your own roll of Scotch tape.

Think about it. No more Christmas presents out of toothpicks and library paste.

No more sloppy oatmeal kisses.

No more tooth fairy.

No giggles in the dark.

No knees to heal, no responsibility.

Only a voice crying, "Why don't you grow up?"

and the silence echoing, "I did."

2010-08-05T20:50:00.001-05:00

could you say slacker?
i'm gonna do better!
promise!

:)

confession

2010-02-23T12:21:00.000-06:00

i'm a trader.
i have always been a nikon girl.
always.
from my old slr
to my point and shoot
to my dslr.

i jumped ship when my last point and shoot ate it.

i went to canon.
i hate it.
the pics stink.
user error?
maybe but i don't think so.

all the pics i am posting are horrible.
i blame the camera!

:)

my babies

2010-02-23T12:19:00.000-06:00

i truly mean it when i say this is a rarity. but every now and then they will all sit together and be still willingly. they all curled up on the couch together. they are cool!

im certain the fact that lane is playing littlest pet shop has NOTHING to do with it!

abbie's holiday program

2010-02-23T12:10:00.000-06:00

Abbie is preschool for the first time this year and she ADORES it. Every morning when I get Lane up for school she asks if she can go to. She absolutely can't wait until it is her turn. Her teachers had practiced for months for their show and it was so cool. All these amazing little people singing and signing completely took my breath away.

Our girl continued to holler at "Gi Gi" and "Mama" and wave and say hello. She was (as usual) a funny girl.

The best preschool teacher ever (who happens to be my best friend since the 5th grade!)

wildlights

2010-02-23T12:03:00.001-06:00

we took the babies and the big kids to the zoo to see the lights on the warmest night of december. we bundled them up and headed out to check out the animals and drink a ton of hot chocolate. we had an awesome time. the highlight of the evening was the seahorses. our abbie girl is a bit of a seahourse freak!

rascal flatts

2010-02-23T07:25:00.002-06:00

random shot from july. sean and i went to crew stadium for the second time to see rascal flatts in concert. the first time we had seats on the floor but couldn't see a thing. this time we went for bowl seats and they were fantastic. as usual the concert was amazing. two of the members are from westerville so it's sort of a homecoming when they play in columbus.

making valentines

2010-02-23T07:09:00.000-06:00

lane and abbie both made their valentines. we sat for hours on one of their many snow days and created. they each stamped their own image, inked the edges, glued, stamped a greeting and wrote their names on them. they both seemed to be right at home with a ink pad in their hand! go figure!

of course brody wouldn't let the girls stamp alone!

a cold night in december

2010-01-13T19:34:00.000-06:00

Late one Sunday evening we headed to Gahanna to enjoy the lights at Creekside. We ate at the old rusty bucket of nails (or something to that sort) and had a great meal and enjoyed a ton of laughs.

We headed outside and walked the path and admired the lights and the fountains. Koley was in a awesome mood. He was playful and silly. It was great to see him happy.

be my valentine

2010-01-13T18:33:00.000-06:00

I've been trying to "create" something everyday.
Last week at craft night I made some super simple valentine cards for friends and family.
My new favorite technique (which I see myself using entirely too much in the future) is gathering and sewing ribbon. I LOVE the way it looks.

2009-12-22T08:53:00.000-06:00

it's been a horribly rough week for us. koley was readmitted to the ranch on thursday. things have not been going well but wednesday was the worst.

i am overwhelmed with sadness and not sure how to handle it all.

ollie the elf!

2009-12-08T12:00:00.002-06:00

We've added a new friend to our family.

This is our elf, ollie. He keeps a eye on the kids during the day and then visits with santa during the night updating him on the children.

When he returns to our home he is mischievous and always getting into all kinds of trouble. (kinda like brody!) He hides in different spots each night for the kids to find him.

These are some of his adventures.

you'd think we didn't feed him!

2009-12-08T11:45:00.000-06:00

i walked into the kitchen last week to discover the trouble maker eating an apple. he had drug the chair to the counter (which is one of his favorite activities) and helped himself to several apples and a orange. where was the parental supervision you ask? i have no idea? generally i hear him pulling the chairs across the floor but this day i clearly wasn't paying enough attention.

he was so proud of himself while exclaiming 'apppple!' appppple!'

seriously can't take my eyes of this kid.

Koley is home.

2009-12-04T09:32:00.002-06:00

Koley was discharged from the Ranch the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It was a huge blessing for us. He has been home for over a week and it is rough. He is not making it an easy transition on any of us. He is testing and pushing. We had hoped to be able to handle just about anything at this point but he keeps throwing us for a loop.

I had a strange sense of confidence that is now almost completely dimenished. We are just about out of options at this point. He will continue with in home services and will resume counseling with Children's.

He has started full days at school and is struggling some. Each day is questionable.

2009-12-04T09:25:00.004-06:00

my brody man! he is such a huge gift! he is growing and learning! i can't believe how he is talking. saying two and three word phrases. i love how he wiggles his toes when we are curled on the couch reading a book. he turns the pages and says 'next!'

he can't get enough of 'funny v-o's' (funny videos.) when someone falls or gets hurts he says 'oh!' just at the right time!

he asks to 'holp' (help) whenever we are doing chores. he calls koley 'kole-kole' and both lane and abbie 'sissy'. i lay him down for naps and bedtime without a peep. he asks for his 'binky' (blanket) and moe. he'll stand at the backdoor and ask 'oside peas' (outside please.) when he's hungry he'll ask for 'more peas.' he vocabulary is just amazing.

2009-11-19T20:32:00.002-06:00

follow fourmunkees on twitter!
http://twitter.com/fourmunkees
.

jeffrey park

2009-10-27T15:20:00.002-05:00

Sean and I took the kids to Jeffrey Park over the weekend and spent over four hours playing, walking, running, hiking, climbing and of course taking photographs. It was such a amazing day and the leaves and colors were just beautiful. Koley was in his element outside seeminly enjoying the day as much as we all were.

testing for koley

2009-10-21T04:04:00.000-05:00

Koley and I have been up since 1 am. Visiting, surfing the net, playing wii, watching tv and updating the blog. We are headed to Children's this morning for an early morning EEG. He had to be up to ensure that he will be super sleepy and sleep for the testing.

He is also scheduled for a MRI at 12. He will be sedated and we are so hoping for the best.

If you get a moment today think of our little man. We so hope that answers are in our future!!

fourmunkees!

2009-10-21T04:00:00.002-05:00

I've finally updated the fourmunkees blog with some info and pic! Be sure to check it out and mark your calendar for the tiny canary market! You won't want to miss it!!

http://fourmunkees.blogspot.com/

koley is struggling

2009-09-30T09:35:00.000-05:00

and i don't know how to help.
he is acting out.
violently.
things were going well.
now, not so much.
i hate not being able to make it better
that's my job.
i am supposed to make it better.
i'm tired.
giving up is not an option.

abbies first day of school!

2009-09-15T23:51:00.003-05:00

today was her big day! she didn't hesitate a bit and was such a big girl.

2009-09-11T10:45:00.001-05:00

Visit Janny's blog for a amazing birthday giveaway!!
http://www.jannypie.com/2009/09/bloggy-birthday-contest.html

candy apple salad

2009-09-03T08:14:00.002-05:00

I found this amazingly yummy recipe on Stephanie's blog...
http://mrsstephanie.blogspot.com/

What you need:
Apples (granny smith would probably be the best)
Snickers candy bar (frozen)
Cool Whip (I use lite)
Instant butterscotch pudding mix (I use sugar free)

Directions:
1) Chop up about 5 large apples into bite-sized pieces.

2) Add Snickers pieces - about 8-10 snack sized bars are good

SO super yummy. Everyone requests more snickers though! I put them in the freezer and then use a sharp serrated knife to cut them in chunks!

new blog and blog button

2009-09-02T12:17:00.003-05:00

janny has worked super, super hard on my own custom fourmunkees blog. it is amazing and i love it. check it out and add my new blog button to your blog!

share this!

Grab the code:

munkers

2009-08-27T20:05:00.003-05:00

He is growing and talking like I can't believe. Almost 19 months. The list is huge. He points in the sky and declares that he 'see moon!' The kitty doesn't meow rather he says 'how!' He says down instead of up but is able to say his name and all of the kids. I am no longer mama but mommie. Daddy is also 'd-d' which Sean loves. He asks for more and loves 'fench fry' and 'pee-za!' Mulk is his favorite drink of choice and downs about 6 full 'bob-bulls' a day. He's putting two words together quite often and says 'hi' to everyone and everything. He'll say 'peas' and 'tay you' without being asked.

He can reconize a puppy, kitty, duck and cow. He knows their sounds and repeats them often. He is always dancing and signing. He demands to sit in my lap most of the day.

He climbs the steps for the slide and would do it 100 times if we let him. He holds his golf club with the correct grip and drags it behind him like Linus drags his blanket.

He'll pull up his shirt and show you his belly when asked and can point to his head, nose, ears, eyes and toes. He generally has a golf ball in one hand. Just carries it around. Sometimes two.

He has a fascination with 'shooooes.' He knows to bring them to you when it's time to go outside. One can't leave their shoes by the door without Brody carrying them around the house.

He is smiley and affectionate and is very rarely unhappy. He gives kisses and forehead 'bonks' when asked.

He lays right down when we lay him wide awake. He asks for Moe-Moe, which is his monkey. He turns on his music in his crib and wakes up with a raisin thumb. He is a super sleeper. I have to wake him in the morning and again from his naps.

He is amazing.

Sean's 34th!

2009-08-27T11:55:00.003-05:00

The best part of the night? taking silly pics!

Sean

2009-08-27T11:55:00.000-05:00

my girl. first day of school

2009-08-26T08:14:00.002-05:00

third grade. today. it's nuts. new school, new teachers and lots of anxiety for mama. kinda a bittersweet day as lane marches on the bus and koley is missing. he starts today too, at the ranch. It's tough to miss these moments. But it is what it is and I must focus on the positive.

I am proud of my lanee girl.

best.photo.ever!

2009-08-15T09:28:00.005-05:00

I know it's 'technically' ALL wrong however, I LOVE it almost as much as I love them!!

koley update

2009-07-17T08:12:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that after 11 months our appt for Koley at the center for autism spectrum disorders at Childrens had been scheduled. We had our first appointment on the 8th. Several rounds of testing were completed that included, play and speech evaulations and a non verbal IQ test.

We received a call in the afternoon on the 9th regarding the speech evaulation. He had fallen below the levels and they wanted him to return to have further testing completed. We visited again on the 15th. That afternoon we received another call to tell us that he does indeed have a moderate language delay. His respective and expressive levels are at an even level which is positive but below what they should be. They recommend and have referred him for therapy thru Childrens as well as the school district.

It is so unbelievably frustrating that we are just now learning all of this and that I couldn't have helped him sooner. I try to believe that I have done and continue to do and push for everything possible to help him.

We haven't learned the results of the other testing. They said it would be a couple of weeks. They had to have time to review his paperwork and tests. I am becoming more and more anxious.

new munkee love

2009-07-16T08:15:00.001-05:00

on the other blog!!

fourmunkees

flea market madness!

2009-07-15T06:56:00.006-05:00

The girls and I headed to Springfield a couple of weeks ago for a flea market at the fairgrounds. We had the best time. We found some awesome stuff and great deals were to be had. My truck was stuffed, packed, filled to the seams but we still managed to stop at a antique mall on the way home and purchase more! I am kicking myself for not buying the box of vintage Christmas bulbs.

Steph's finds...
steph

Janny's post
janny

because I don't have anything else going on...

2009-07-13T15:06:00.003-05:00

fourmunkees

check it out! leave me some feedback, tell me what you think!!

revenge!

2009-07-10T00:02:00.002-05:00

a couple of weeks ago, the "craft nighters" decided to "decorate" for janny. (to put it nicely) We left her some beautiful silk flowers in her landscape, a couple of for sale signs on her door, some lovely sidewalk drawings and messages.

the next week she got us back! this lovely sign was in my front yard when she attempted to sneak over (lanee foiled her plan) and place it in our yard!

fourth of july

2009-07-09T23:54:00.005-05:00

We were very lucky to have koley home with us to celebrate the fourth. He was the best kid, seriously couldn't have asked for more. It is such an amazing feeling to have them all home and all together. The little things. We went to Groveport for the parade and then to Lancaster to the fairgrounds for the fireworks. They were so cool. Brody sat in our laps, completely taken by them. He watched and sat mesmerized. He clapped and cheered the entire time.

great couple of days in the johnson home!!

2009-06-26T14:55:00.007-05:00

Lane and I got to visit yesterday with Koley while waiting for the dr.s at the orthopedic center. He was given another x-ray and all looks good! The bones are aligning and look to be healing! He will go back in 2 weeks and have another x-ray and then a short arm (waterproof)cast for another two weeks, if all goes well.

While we were talking he mentioned that he was removed from ICC (Intensive Care Center) restriction. Meaning he is able to go out of the locked, heavily fenced area where he lives. It is a big step and a huge reward. I am so proud of him and thrilled as we will be able to visit more and play with him outside.

What do we do while waiting at the hospital? Why take silly photographs of course! Lane is in love with my point and shoot and took most of these. It was fun and we got some great shots!!

it hit me today.

2009-06-24T09:35:00.003-05:00

today is the day that it has all really sunk in.

the day where i have realized that when the therapists, clinicians and social workers mention that Koley may always be "this way" is true. We may be able to learn how to cope and deal and be better prepared to take care of him and the violent, raging tantrums and anger, but he may never be a "normal child." He may not be like my others, healthy and thriving.

Nothing in the world hurts like knowing that you can't help your child. That you can't protect him from himself. Nothing in the world sucks so badly. I want nothing else for him to be healthy and happy and to love himself. It may never be. Accepting it, learning to live with it is the worst feeling ever.

Please keep my boy in your thoughts. He is an awesome kid. He has so much to offer.

note from lane to abbie

2009-06-24T09:19:00.001-05:00

just found this...it made me laugh outloud, which is just what I needed this morning!

Abbie, you are very nice but you are my sister so we have fun together and with are friends. but with you in my bed it is very bad well because you are like a worm.

your pal lanee

They share a bed...their choice.

what it's all about

2009-06-22T17:51:00.007-05:00

I get so wrapped up in the everyday. The chores and the business and juggling it all. What I don't get wrapped up in is living my life. I am trying to slow down and take it all in. To enjoy my babies now. I have the coolest kids.

Sean and I took them to Sycamore Park in Pickerington, one of my favorite spots. We had a picnic and then played in the water for about an hour. I didn't worry about them getting wet or dirty, they will wash. For once I didn't worry...I enjoyed them having fun and being together.

2009-06-22T12:05:00.000-05:00

When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. ~~Wayne Dyer

strawberry picking

2009-06-12T11:22:00.004-05:00

Sarah and I took the kids to the farmers market last week. It is literally 3 minutes from my house. It takes longer to load my monsters in the car than it does to drive there. It was overcast and gloomy which made for perfect picking weather. Brody followed along after us and ate his weight in berries. As soon as he finished, he hollered and pointed for another. Abbie preferred sticking with Sarah and Jack, while carrying our bucket so I often had a over flowing handful of berries waiting to dump.

latest cricut project

2009-06-10T11:37:00.003-05:00

I love my cricut. I didn't think I would ever have the need for one, that I wouldn't use it enough to justify getting one. Boy was I wrong. I use it all the time! I don't know how I lived without it! I used Amy Butler paper and cut tons of cool flowers and used straight pins to attach them to a foam wreath form. It was missing somthing so I hot glued the buttons in the center. I love it!!

the boy loves his bottle!

2009-06-10T11:03:00.003-05:00

seriously, in love. he won't go anywhere without it. he carries it around like a lovey. he calls it "bob-bulll" and must have milk at all times.

hardest job on earth

2009-06-08T20:55:00.003-05:00

seriously, i think being a parent is the hardest thing.

my boy broke his arm. my big boy. it's a long story, everything with Koley is. nothing is ever simple or uncomplicated with him. i remind myself that he is feeling well and not in pain and that is all that matters.

i ache as i am not able to take care of him and help him with what he needs.

but those little things really don't matter.

water table

2009-06-03T07:21:00.003-05:00

with the garage sale money i splurged and bought the babies a new water table. they have used it just about everyday. brody seems less then thrilled with his mean scowls but i can't keep him out of it. literally, he climbs into the thing.

hungry much?

2009-06-02T07:37:00.003-05:00

caught in the act!!

you'd think we don't feed the boy they way he likes to dig in the dirt and eat it.

june 15th

2009-06-01T22:00:00.002-05:00

Koley will be admitted to The Buckeye Ranch on the 15th.

It can't come soon enough.

fantastic news!

2009-05-31T21:42:00.003-05:00

I received a call from Koley's social worker on Friday telling me that Koley has been accepted at The Buckeye Ranch. He will be transferred and admitted in the middle of June. He has been struggling in Cleveland and making some poor choices so the decision was made to transfer him to another residential treatment program. He hasn't been old enough to apply to the ranch until this past April. He will be right here in Franklin County. To say the least I am beyond thrilled and can't wait to have my boy so incrediably close!

flea market finds

2009-05-26T22:18:00.005-05:00

i could live to flea market, antique shop and garage sale. truly, one of my favorite things ever. shopping and bargains and "the hunt" all in one! what could be better!

i found a TON of great things over the weekend for my studio for organization. the wooden cabinet will be painted and distressed. The two tier basket and other metal baskets will be used for fabric. The drawers are perfect for fat quarters. The cilantro plant will sit on my kitchen window and of course the stool is gonna be a super cool photography prop.

my darling girls

2009-05-26T21:45:00.003-05:00

modeling their new shirts made by their mama. I had a big weekend creating and sewing. LOVED it. Loved sitting behind my machine and spending some time doing what I love. I even learned how to cover buttons and make hair ties for the girls.

NEED a great cookie?

2009-05-20T15:05:00.003-05:00

Do I ever have one for you!
Last weekend at Liz's party, April brought a dozen, A DOZEN of her chocolate chip killer dough cookies. I split them with Liz to lighten the load but they didn't last long around here! They are huge, thick and dense! These things are a meal! Crispy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside with more chocolate than you know what to do with. I swear they were even better a day or two old!

Need to know more? Contact April at killerdoughcc@yahoo.com or 614.205.3412

You won't be disappointed!

daddy daughter dance

2009-05-18T07:35:00.001-05:00

I can't believe how my little girl is growing! She is the sweetest, most thoughtful girl. Her daddy took her to the dance a couple of weeks ago. She was thrilled and so excited to go.

abbie girl

2009-05-18T07:32:00.003-05:00

she should be called my personal trainer. she is so busy. never a minute of rest with this one but golly she sure is cute.

i am mom

2009-05-17T15:45:00.002-05:00

koley, lane, abbie & brody

i am the wiper of their noses
i zipper their jackets
i tie their shoes
i am the brusher of their hair
i wipe their faces
i paint their nails
i am the spelling word list study helper
i am the washer of their clothes
i am the picker up that follows after them and picks up
i am their personal chef
i am their entertainment
it's my heart that breaks when they are sad or sick
it is my job to make them well, to build them up

why can't i help koley? why can't i make him better?
i am mom.
the hardest job on the planet.

charlie

2009-05-13T16:04:00.003-05:00

the day after brody was born we were all three laying in my hospital bed. Sean and I were oggling over our boy when he proclaims "he looks like charlie brown!" and he so did. we both cracked up and continued to call him that to this day. when i found this shirt at target i flipped! he doesn't get it but it brings back that evening in the hospital just the three of us.

2009-05-08T15:18:00.002-05:00

8 Things I’m Looking Forward To:
1. Sean coming home this evening for dinner and shopping!
2. Garage sale tomorrow
3. Jake's birthday party
4. Mothers day. Sean is off!
5. Planning a summer vacation
6. Naptime for me!
7. Meeting my goal weight
8. Summer break

8 Things I did yesterday
1. went to the gym
2. took lane to school
3. went to the bank
4. worked outside on the garage sale
5. visited with janny and other friends
6. made garage sale signs
7. unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher
8. loved my babies

8 Things I Wish I could do
1. be more organized
2. not have so much crap (see number one)
3. help koley
4. lose weight
5. cook
6. have more time to craft
7. get a massage
8. shop

8 Shows I Watch
1. Grey's
2. The Soup
3. The Hills
4. Real World
5. American Idol
6. Backyardigans
7. Biggest Loser
8. Today Show

You've been Tagged!

jokesters

2009-04-20T08:08:00.002-05:00

The kids are all about jokes lately. Koley got a joke book for his birthday so it's been non-stop. They are making up their own which has become super interesting.

Abbie's favorite is...

Knock knock
(you say who's there here)
bananna
(you say bananna who here)
DUCK!!

She tells us about 100 times a day and cracks up (at herself) each and everytime!!

Yippea!

2009-04-16T09:39:00.001-05:00

Down 2.6 this week!! Weigh-in was this morning with my trainer! I am thrilled. It helps with motivation!

she's a funny girl!

2009-04-15T08:38:00.001-05:00

we're in the car yesterday and brody hollered at me. I turned around and in my best baby voice said "what? what is it that you want?" he smiled and hollered again. abbie jumps in and says "mama, brody says he wants McDonalds!" I laughed, she laughed! she is my funny girl!

goose egg

2009-04-09T15:15:00.002-05:00

that's the amount of weight that I lost this week.

i am beyond discouraged!

it out and out sucks.

my boy

2009-04-07T22:22:00.003-05:00

my boy turned 10 today

without his mama.

my heart was broken all day.

i don't ever want to be away from my child on another birthday.

i called today but didn't talk to him.

the phone rang tonight and my heart flipped.

he called and we both cried.

emotion for him is rough and rare.

he said he is homesick.

i had never heard him say that.

he told me he loved me first.

i adore him.
i am tired of him suffering.
i am tired of it all.

happy 10th birthday my boy!

yea me!!

2009-04-02T13:20:00.001-05:00

3 pounds in one week!

I am so excited!

queen slacker!

2009-04-01T08:07:00.005-05:00

I have fallen off of the bloggin' bandwagon. The days have been a whirlwind of chaos. So much going on. I celebrated my 33rd birthday with my besties at the best St. Patricks party ever! Very obviously entirely too much alcohol was consumed. But you only have a birthday once a year right?

I took some darling pictures of my baby boy for easter that I am just in love with. He is such a sweet boy and continues to make my days filled with smiles. He is saying hi-e, bye and bah (which is ball.) He is stepping and standing on his own. Not a full fledged walker but he is close. He hates being in the car but loves to climb on chairs and then onto the table. He is starting to show his fiesty personality and certainly shows a bit of his mothers temper.

Abbie is Abbie and Lane is doing well in school. She is getting ready to sign up for cheerleading (at her evil mother's prompting!)

Sarah joined me for a miserable meeting at children's services regarding Kole. It was 2.5 hours of hell. Seriously awful. I am SO very thankful that she was with me as I would have literally lost my mind. We are all working for the same thing, the same goal, which is Kole's health and safety but it seems like we are all working against one another. It is so very frustrating. His home visits have been very successful and he has been behaving very well. Visits to Cleveland are miserable and we are so anxious for him to return home for good.

I have started working out and have hired a personal trainer. I am really enjoying it and can hardly work out enough. I want to go to the gym all the time. I have drastically changed my diet (which is SO hard) but I am hoping to see some major results in just a couple of months.

Sarah and I hosted a super fantastic and successful mini session on the 21st. You can view a ton of fantastic photographs on the photography blog.

It was a great day with so many beautiful children. It is a ton of work but it goes so quickly and really is so fun!

time is just slipping away!

2009-03-11T20:33:00.005-05:00

I can't seem to get my stuff (& that's putting it nicely!) together!

I have a TON of photographs to post and things I want to share but for now I will share my darling little boy! He brings me so much joy!

Nea!! What do you think of my large photograph? I used your help email. I am pleased! Thank you!

Lane's birthday cupcakes

2009-02-16T19:53:00.002-06:00

I must torture myself. It's fun. I must enjoy it. Rather than driving my happy butt to Kroger and purchasing 24 cupcakes for $12.99, I torture myself.

I insist on making 48 cupcakes, buttercream icing and brownie heart cutouts with a toddler and a baby boy pulling my pants down as he pulls himself up every six seconds.

It took me ALL morning long, but in my eyes it is SO worth it! Lanee loved them and that is what was important.

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-15T15:17:00.006-06:00

Did you have a wonderful day?

I love holidays. I love to decorate, craft, bake and create with the kids. There was no shortage of any of that this year. We worked on all kinds of projects.

Our new valentine banner. I have fallen for banners. I have several more planned for upcoming holidays and celebrations!

flowers from Lanee's birthday.

Marshmallows dipped in chocolate and decorated with heart sprinkles. I found the idea on one of my favorite blogs. http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2009/02/valentine-treats-for-your-sweets.html I made a TON of them using the chocolate melt discs that can be found at most craft stores. We sent some to the kids at Applewood as well as Koley's teacher. Kole was so excited when he called. He said the kids loved them. We also made them for all of Lane's valentines for her class party (it's pictured below) and as a gift to her teacher. I used inexpensive tin pails and put flower foam in the bottom and shredded paper to hide the foam. They were super simple to make and the possibilites are endless. The discs come in all sorts of colors. You could also use nuts or crushed candies.

Lane and I worked on a valentine wreath using a foam base and fabric scraps. She completed almost all of it on her own!

Lane's valentine. I used my fabtabulous Cricut to cut the cards but she stamped the owls. She is all about her owls, just like Janny.

"whoa-whoa" wubzy book for abbie from cupid!

Chocolate dipped Oreos for pa-pa!

Chocolate covered strawberries for Sean. I love using the piping bag!

Brody's first haircut.

2009-02-15T15:11:00.003-06:00

Just two days after his first birthday we took him for a new do!

It was getting so long around his ears and neck so we had it shortened up all around. He looks like a different kid. No longer a baby. But a toddler. I of course had tears rolling down my face while watching.

cupcake shirts

2009-02-07T21:17:00.003-06:00

I am a self professed cupcake freak. I have jumped on the bandwagon. I love everything and anything cupcake, especially the real thing! I created these shirts for the girls birthdays last week. They are highly inspired by a favorite blogger of mine found here http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever/2008/11/index.html

The best thing about this project was that I had to buy not a thing except the shirts. I found them both on clearance so that made it even better. I used quilt batting for the frosting and 2mm silver beads for the sprinkles. Abbie LOVES her shirt. Tries to insist on wearing it daily but I have vetoed that idea. Lane plans to wear hers to school on Tuesday which is her big day. She can't wait!

Welcome to Holland

2009-02-05T19:36:00.003-06:00

My girlfriend, Tammy, http://ourdailyways.wordpress.com/, sent me the message that is below. It truly, truly touched me like nothing has for quite sometime. The last couple of sentences are a eye opener, just the eye opener that I needed.

Thank you Tammy!

Welcome To Holland
by
Emily Perl Kingsley

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It’s just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

©1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley.

Today my baby is one!

2009-02-04T15:56:00.005-06:00

He makes me so happy. Genuinely, deeply happy! His smile takes my breath away. His excitement makes my heart skip.

It has all been a blur. The time goes so quickly but with 3 others it goes even faster. I am so torn. So blue about him getting older but look forward to watching him learn and grow. Watching him discover the things he loves and enjoys.

If only I could stop time. I could keep him a baby forever. I could take in his face and his eyes when he discovers something new. I could not have to remember, I could live in the moment everyday.

I adore him.

valentine owls

2009-02-03T13:45:00.005-06:00

If you know me at all, you know I am a pottery barn FREAK! I LOVE everything they offer and would have it all! Alas, I can't as it is so freakin' expensive! I saw these darling little owls http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/vd400/index.cfm?pkey=cvalentines%2Dday%7Ck on the back of the catalog, ripped it out and was on a mission! I had to have four but at $19 each I could'nt pull it off. I visited my favorite Joann Fabrics and purchased some super simple supplies and created all 4 for under $9.00. I love to be inspired by something, create it and make it my own. The button eyes are all different colors and the boys names are stiched with brown and the girls pink.

They are tied on the back of the kids chairs and "cupid" bring surprises and treats every so often.

party people!

2009-02-03T11:13:00.011-06:00

Brody's first birthday!

2009-02-03T08:15:00.004-06:00

We have been planning for months. I adore throwing parties. I guess you could say it is my thing. I get so excited...sweaty palms, heart beating faster and head swirling just thinking about the possiblities!

We really do go overboard on first birthdays. It totally get that the party is for mom. I admit it.

I had so much fun preparing the candy buffet. The kids loved helping me fill the jars and setting up the table.

I made the banner and used coordinating fabrics. Shopping for the fabric made me so happy. (it's all about the little things!)

The colors are a bit odd but I found a very cool monkey at www.celebrateexpress.com and I went from there. I didn't want to go monkey crazy so it was perfect!

Our fantabolous cake was made my Anita Klein. I SO love her! It was perfect. Once again, just like she read my mind! It was of course banana with the most amazing buttercream icing ever!

abbie's 3rd birthday!

2009-02-02T15:18:00.008-06:00

We planned to take Abbie, Brody and Lanee to Cosi on her day but when we arrived we learned that they are closed on Tuesday! Who knew? So we headed to Easton without a plan. Disclaimer: I failed to remember my camera. Can you imagine that it isn't attached to my hip?? We enjoyed Gameworks for over an hour completely by ourselves. It was fantastic. The kids had the run of the place. We ate a yummy lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. Abbie pleaded the whole visit to go see the animals. Build A Bear is right across the mall. Of course her daddy gave in and we found the cutest valentine bear ever! She named her Sally! She is certainly creative!

We celebrated that evening with Sarah, Marc and Jack and Papa too! The next morning she came down stairs and asked "is today my birthday too?"

My girls!

Munkers hamming for the camera!

yum!

Brody giving Sarah forehead "bonks!"

Abbie & Jack saying goodbye and giving hugs all without missing a bit of their cartoon!

abbie randoms

2009-01-28T21:29:00.002-06:00

I was sitting on the couch tonight with sean and the girls watching american idol. Abbie gets off the couch and walks over in front of me. She says "mama, I love you and I have a son!" I said "really? you have a son?" She replied with "yep!" I asked "what is his name?" She said "poo-poo!" and rolled her eyes!

She is a hoot!!

the pedicab adventures

2009-01-28T18:53:00.003-06:00

Sarah and I decided to trek out to Easton on a freazing cold evening and do some shopping-shopping. We stepped out of Nordstrom and were smacked in the face with ice cold temperatures. This kind young man was ready and willing to take us on a pedicab ride. We were more than happy to take him up on his offer. We of course took some photos and were cracking up the whole time. What you ask was so funny? Who knows. We just laugh when we are together. We ending up getting off and running into some friends. We of course were embarrassed that they caught us on our "date!"

So last week were back at Easton and were racing to Archivers from our girls night dinner. We were hoping to again catch the pedi-cab so we wouldn't freeze walking. Sarah approaches a young man standing where the valet stand and asked for a pedi-cab. He didn't even respond. He turned his head and totally ignored her. I admit it was probably one of those cases where you had to be there but it was hilarious!

Update on Koley

2009-01-28T18:29:00.003-06:00

Thank you all for asking about Koley. It means so much to know that people are thinking about him and care.

He has been struggling and not behaving very well. We are trying to figure out what his triggers are and how to help him cope. He has been home a bunch. Which I LOVE! His visits at home have been pretty successful but his behaviors at Applewood are less than stellar. He has been acting out in class, throwing, hitting, being verbally & physically abusive and not completing his school work. He is not staying in group and refusing to listen in therapy. It is very frustrating as he is so far away and I can't step in and help. I can't be there in 15 minutes and try to help or get through to him.

We had a meeting in Cleveland two weeks ago in which we were given a positive diagnosis for bi-polar. As backwards as it sounds we were relieved. It is another avenue to treat him. The funding and treatment doors have been opened.

On a mood changing note I recieved this email from his teacher today:

Hi Mrs.Johnson~ I wanted to let you know that Kole has been wonderful this week. He has been in school all three days and completing his work. He even won a little bag of M&Ms for being the first student to follow a direction I gave today!!!!!!!!!

We are so super proud of him. We talked to him tonight and told him that he was doing a great job! He had a little hope in his voice. There was a little lift that isn't usually there.

happy new year!!

2009-01-28T18:23:00.003-06:00

on the 28th of January.

I am so super behind updating. I still haven't posted Christmas photos.

We meet Jan & Ryan at Bar Louie for a night of drinking and laughs! We knew that we were gonna drink to much so we got a room at the Marriott and spent the night at Easton. I've been told that I was the life of the party as I truly don't remember too awful much! We laughed and had a wonderful time...until the next morning! WOrd of advice...don't drink if you don't eat!

Ask Sarah to share her drunk voicemails and texts. They are KLASSY!

he is his mama's boy!

2009-01-28T13:42:00.002-06:00

Little man has figured out how to open my craft drawers. The bottom two are filled with random ribbons when I ask him to stop and tell him no-no, I am greeted with a chuckle and a big grin!

abbie is 3!

2009-01-27T14:41:00.004-06:00

Our girl turned 3 today!

She is something else! Funny, witty and fiesty to boot! She makes us smile and laugh every second with her spunk and energy. She sure keeps us on our toes!

Whatcha think?

2009-01-22T08:35:00.004-06:00

Janny has hooked me up again! She amazes me with her talent! She has once again redecorated my blog and gave me some super duper personal tutorials on how to keep it super cool! I love it and thank her again and again for being so patient with me!

www.jannypie.com

It's our anniversary!

2009-01-22T08:17:00.006-06:00

4 years ago today! It has been the best of times, It has been the worst of times. He-He...just kidding! I am such a lucky girl to have meet a guy that loves my children like his own and puts up with my antics (and Sarah's too!)

I adore him!

valentine and birthday sneak peak

2009-01-19T22:12:00.004-06:00

We have had so much fun the last couple of days playing and taking photographs. I have so many that I want to share but these will do for today. Abbie is just a hoot and certainly our entertainer! Lane, Abbie and Brody all celebrate their birthdays within the same 2 week period. It makes for an exciting time!

waiting for daddy.

2009-01-15T14:31:00.002-06:00

peanut snowmen!

2009-01-15T13:20:00.003-06:00

Once you stop laughing and making fun of me for making snowmen from peanuts check them out and see how cute they are!!

I made a TON of them for holiday tie-ons and for a craft show that janny and I did in early December. I also made jar cookie mixes for my girlfriends and the kids teachers. Lane and I measured the ingredients and Lane didn't even know she was learning! I used my fancy dancy cricut expression for the snowflakes and circles on the top of the lids. I LOVE that thing!

brody's birthday invitation...

2009-01-12T13:35:00.001-06:00

He is almost one and we are having a big shin-dig to celebrate! We decided, of course, to go with a monkey theme so the colors were kinda dictated by that. I love how is invite turned out. I am not a graphic designer but I am learning and am really happy with it!

It is a double sided postcard...

i've been tagged!

2009-01-12T12:29:00.003-06:00

here is how it goes: go to your 4th folder (where your pictures are stored) and find the 4th picture....and post it. then explain it.

Halloween 2007. Koley and Lane were pirates and our Abbie was a skunk. Fitting for her right?

I am tagging Stacey, Kim, Andrea and Danica!

Nestie Christmas Party

2009-01-03T10:29:00.004-06:00

I love, love to host and having the nesties here is one of my favorite thing to do. We ended up with 31 girls. It was cozy but I think that everyone had a blast. We had a gift exchange that allowed us to steal others gifts. The big ticket items were a sewing machine and a set of holiday plates. They went back and forth from person to person. It was a blast. Everyone brought an item for potluck and all the food was so yummy! I seriously can't wait until next year!

my mama, she's married!

2009-01-02T15:02:00.002-06:00

How quickly things can turn around. She and Jim "reunited" at their 40th class reunion and hit it off immediately just over 2 years ago. The have been traveling and spending a ton of time together as he lives in Oklahoma and mom lives in Columbus. Mom called home a couple of weeks ago and announced that they were engaged and will be getting married on the 18th of December. I couldn't have been happier for both of them! He adores her and takes such good care of her I couldn't ask for anything better for her!!

secret santa gtg

2009-01-02T14:59:00.003-06:00

We had a blast at Jody's for our secret santa gift exchange. We all eat and eat and laugh and laugh and have a wonderful time when we are all together!! I heart them all!! We missed you steph!!!

2008 in review

2008-12-31T10:53:00.002-06:00

I stole this from Liz...

In my 2008...What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Visited my son in Cleveland.

Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make too many last year but this year I hope to lose that last 20 pounds from Brody and try to become less scattered, cluttered and unorganized.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
Including myself several friends! Lots of babies this year!

Did anyone close to you die?
no

What countries did you spend time in this year?
Only the US

What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
More time with Sean. Time for just the two of us.

What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Koley was admitted to Applewood in July. It was the beginning of a very long journey.

What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?
Taking control of my health and beginning to feel better about myself.

What was your biggest failure?
Failing Koley.

Did you suffer any serious injury or illness?
nope

What was the best thing you bought?
Our new comfy couch/sectional! We love it!

Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Kole's visits home have been very successful! We are proud of him!

Whose behaviour made you appalled and/or depressed?
Those that I used to call my friends. I learned they weren't my friends after all.

Where did most of your money go?
My children!

Compared to this time last year, are you,
a) happier or sadder? Happier.
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner. But last year at this time I was a month from delivering Brody
c) richer or poorer? Poorer. More babies=less money!

What did you get really, really excited about?
Capturing my babies photographs
Redecorating the living room and kitchen
Koles progress

What do you wish you'd done more of?
Time with sean and friends, learning.

Did you fall in love in 2008?
I did! With my munka manny! He is such a amazing addition to our family!

How many one-night stands?
DOH! none!

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't know that I hate anyone however there are those whose behavior that saddens me!

What was the best book you read?
I've read hundreds of children's books this year!

What did you want and not get?
To keep Koley in Columbus
A clean bill of health for my mom

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I celebrated my 32nd birthday this year. We had a low key day this year as Brody was just weeks old.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having Koley home.

What political issue stirred you the most?
I don't have much of a political opinion.

Who did you miss?
Koley

Who was the best new person you met?
Sarah! We have known he each for years but this year have become close. Like talk on the phone every day close. I adore her and the way she always makes me smile and laugh. We are two of the same!

Tell us a valuable life lesson(s) you learned in 2008.
To treasure the time you have with your children.
People are not always what the appear.

What sums up this year? (a word, a quote... ?)
challenging

my Christmas babies...

2008-12-29T23:02:00.004-06:00

funny!

2008-12-18T07:30:00.001-06:00

my brother sent me these today!

How to maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity...

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With
Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow
Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice!

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do
Something, ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks . Once Everyone has Gotten
Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

5. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write ' For Marijuana'

6. Skip down the hall Rather Than Walk and see how many looks you get.

7. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

8. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go'.

9. Sing Along At The Opera.

10. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends
You Can't Attend Their Party Because You have a headache.

11. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!'

12. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Parking lot, Yelling
'Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!'

13. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, 'Due To
The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.'
And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity

14. PICK UP A BOX OF CONDOMS AT THE
PHARMACY, GO TO THE COUNTER AND ASK WHERE THE FITTING ROOM IS.
Send This E-mail To Someone To Make Them Smile.
It's Called ... THERAPY