Porter's Radio Flyer...

Here is Porter's

'Old Man Walker'... aka... 'Radio Flyer'

Normally, for Porter, he will tuck his legs up and put his feet out in front of him. This is how he still goes up the stairs. I can't get him to crawl up those for anything!

When Porter wants up the stairs, he'll sit at the bottom, bang on the bottom step and lift his arm up - which means 'up'. Who's got who trained?! Sunday, he just started kneeling at the bottom stair. Yeah!

Here, Porter is lifting up his legs vertically which is a BIG feet...err feat. His right leg has muscle tone - meaning it's stiff. It's very hard for him to lift it up. It's usually locked out. Here, he's lifting it on his own... and in sync with his other leg.

What a big boy!!! Go Porter!

Substituting for Rachel Ray...

Debany Day & Myanna May

 

Porter Begins to Walk - Kind of...

Okay, yesterday, the vision therapist was working with Porter.  At the end of the session, I was holding Porter and he began to lift up his legs and walking over to her, the therapist.  He was standing AND walking - which is a BIG feat for him because he usually wants to sit down and move his legs.  He DETESTED standing on his feet - but with massage and lots of exercise, he's enjoying standing more.  He'll even pull himself up while I hold his hands.  AND, the best news of all, while he's in his crib, he'll pull himself up to his knees and bounce!  whoo-hoo!  And once or twice we caught him bringing up his right leg and pulling to stand while in the crib.  Call it trivial, but with him, every little milestone brings millions of smiles!  He's just such a happy kid!  We love it.  I'll have some pics soon.  Check back soon.

The 'Twenty Minute Timer' Lifesaver

I woke up this morning.  Got out of bed.  The kids at the door, "Are you guys up yet?" I stagger to the door and pause at my hand on the doorknob.  I wonder, 'What is in store today?'  

As soon as the door was opened, my mind went blank, and I don't know where my day went.  But as I look at my calendar, I find that doctor appointments have been made, broken windows will be getting fixed quickly, family pictures are scheduled, more papers are sorted, kids are fed, and even my hubby helped with the papers, Christmas crafts are put together, and the kids have had their naps!  

How did all this happen?!?  

As I recall, throughout my day, a resounding beeping was present - frequent beeping.  How frequently? About every 20 minutes.  I remember working on the kitchen, and when the timer went off - awww... me time.  Then, 20 minutes later, I go back and finish the kitchen, and move on to the phone calling.  Then, what? More 'ME' time?  Are you serious?  I could get used to this!  More work, more... awwww.  On and on and on...  

The result. Stuff got done, and I'm actually calm tonight.  I think I'll go to bed soon!  

VICTORY! 

Trimming the Tree...

So, we have put up our tree!

enjoy!

A Mother's Day...

Okay, so, I guess I've been feeling like a mom's work is never done... between sorting papers from the last three years of moving, regular educational activities for the kids, my chores, THEIR chores (which is really more chores for mom), making sure their teeth are brushed, hair is done, clothes are cleaned (and changed 5x/day), beds are made, breakfast is made (before dinner), dishes? - time to invest in the paper industry, 'quiet time means QUIET!', 'no you can't have dessert tonight', yes you CAN fold your laundry - I've seen you, 'no more 'buts', 'how many movies have you watched today?!', 'I thought I asked you to get your shoes on', 'close the door -we're not heating the outside', taking an hour to get out the door when the dr. appointment was 30 minutes ago - and yes, the baby JUST pooped his pants... hmmm.... I thought I needed to have a reminder that I'm not the only one.  Here's  PROOF!

Take a look:

Remember, you don't have to do everything, you just need to do something.  Enjoy the journey, and get LOTS of rest!  This, too, shall pass. *wink wink*  

California, Here We Come...

So, on our trip to Cali, we stopped at some old friends of ours - from Hawaii.  We stopped and saw Sarah & Michael (and their family).  While we were there, we found out that Kai & Amy Davis lived in Mesquite as well!  It was a nice pit stop for the kids - and great to catch up on the last 5+ years!  I see more trips to Mesquite in our future.

Along the way, we learned about Joshua Trees and cactuses (cacti).  Does this picture ring a bell at all???

We got to see LOTS of family while there in Cali.  Thanksgiving was yummy and company was great.  Uncle Mike & Aunt Pamela (and all the extended families) were there.  The visit was just too short!

While in Visalia, we had a pleasant surprise!  All my sisters were gathering at Lilly's for Thanksgiving.  We had to meet up and catch up on all the details!  (Yes, that was TWO Thanksgiving dinners.  Not one regret!)

On our trip home, we stopped at Lynda's home!  The kids got to play & we got to rest!  Lots of family, great food, and air hockey!

Our only sad, but funny, regret was that we missed our friends who lived in Reno, NV.  Thet happened to be in Sacramento (which we stopped at).  Another time, Logan & Kara!