The Elrods

I forgot to add...

2011-10-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

we are headed to Utah. Vernon will be going to college and once Dalty is in school I will be too. times will be tough I am sure but we will make it through! we are tough

Every new beginning comes....

2011-10-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

From some other beginnings end. Our life is changing, for our whole married life we have been Navy. As of Nov. 15, we will no longer be Navy. This is a huge, scary/exciting change for us. When you are military the other military families become your not just your friends but your family and I have been so blessed. A huge Thank you to all of you who have become my family. (Tiffany, Brandy, Michelle, Geneva, Nicci, Gioia, Katie, Shelly, and my newest sisters Shandy and Lacee.) I know that even though the miles separate us our friendships will last forever and you guys mean the world to me. I can not wait to see what the future holds for us. I can not wait to have my husband home and not have to leave for weeks/months at a time. Yet I am nervous at the same time. So much uncertainty. We have know for a while that this could happen, but didn't have much faith that it would and now with Vernon out to sea and only getting home a few days before we don't have a lot of time to prepare or plan. We firmly believe God has a plan for us and have faith that things will work out for us. Good bye Navy, we have some good times and some bad times, but through it all we have learned a lot. Hello civilian world, please be kind.

Need to

2011-10-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

Blog, Need to post, Need to update! I will soon. Have a lot on my plate. Have a lot of confusion. Learning patience. Will take some pics of the kids and update ya'll soon. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers and we think of you often. Big changes are happening and they are rough to deal with but I know with out a doubt the Lord has a special plan for us and right now we just need to endure.

Ground hog days

2011-07-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

It seems that I am living the same day over and over and over. LOL. I am sure Vernon is feeling the same way. And while people think you have a choice, you could go out and do different things you don't have to relive the same things over and over, you don't know me well :) So if feels kind of boring to blog and I am sorry, eventually things will return to normal and my husband will be home, then he will be gone again, then home. I swear its like the navy thinks we have a revolving door. But enough of me. I know you all are here for the kiddos. So here are some pictures of JD and Danica, they had their last day of swim lessons today. It seems Danica has more of her father in her when it comes to the water and so the life guard went with her off the diving board for her first time.

As for the boys, we hang out inside all day, its just to hot and humid to be out. But we go out in the evenings to play and take pix so here are a few of the last week. Oh and ignore Kadens haircut it is a work in progress I have to do it in his sleep and even in his sleep he tries to rip the scissors out of my hands, But I love being able to see his eyes and I will slowly but surely get it done, it usually takes about 4 days for the hair cut to be finished. If anyone has any ideas on how to get him to like his haircut I am willing to listen. No amount of suckers, treats, his sippy cup or cars movie has helped :)

Oh and feel free to ignore the writing on some of those pix they are the same pix I send to Daddy. :) Love you all and hope you are doing well. We are doing just fine. I will write again soon.

Today

2011-07-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

Ok peeps I need some opinions. I have a hard time keeping this up to date because I have already shared the pictures on facebook and then to come here and post the same thing seems silly. But this is supposed to be my way of having a journal/scrapbook, so to not post the here is silly too. But more people look at my facebook them they do my blog. But I am doing this as a way for us to be able to look back a remember things and I don't go through facebook for that so I should post them here. HAHAHA I am confused. So I guess if you follow me on both face book and here sometimes you will see the pictures twice BUT you get the story with the pictures here. Clear as mud? Yup me too. HAHAHA. JD and Danica are still with my mom, I know, I know I am working on it! But while they are there they are enjoying swim lessons and meeting new people and having a LOT more fun then they would have here with me. So here are a few pix of them at the pool and the local drive in today.

And here are a few from the 4th they had a blast! There are some more on facebook, I cant figure out how to get the off and add em here at the moment. I will try to figure it out and I guess if they are out there in cyber space they arent forgotten. Anywho, They won frogs at the park, Went to the rodeo, and the picture of the rodeo that you cant really tell whats going on, yeah somewhere down there in the light blue shirt is my daughter doing the cash calf! She never ceases to amaze me!

The boys and I didnt do much for the 4th. we played outside until it stormed it was a great storm!!! Loud and big thunder booms and awesome lightening. I felt bad for all those who had traveled to all the local places for the fireworks it was pouring! Anyway here are a few recent pix of what the boys do daily while daddy is away. We run, we slide, we jump, we go to the park, we ride bikes and trikes, and dig. We have fun!

and one more just for fun. Dalty LOVES to tip over anything he is riding then yells "IM OK" so when you see me post pictures of him falling its so I can remember his cute little voice yelling IM OK!

Absence Makes The heart grow

2011-07-08T14:54:00.000-07:00

fonder...That's what they say. And I believe it. Vernon was gone for 10 days and it was miserable. I love my sweet boys who keep me busy. But my husband is my best friend and I love having him by my side. He is an amazing father, and we really wished JD and Danica could be here. I am hoping this next time!!! He was home for about 30 hours. The boys and I were in HEAVEN! Kaden loved to make him carry him anytime Vernon stood up and Dalton wouldn't let him out of his sight and talked his ear off! But I couldn't stop the tears for I knew it wouldn't last. But this video really says it all I told Vernon I wouldn't post these pictures on Facebook....hehehe, never said anything about my blog.... This is while we were waiting for the taxi to come take him away again. I am still not comfortable driving in this dang place and we only have one car so when Vernon is gone for an extended amount of time he takes a taxi. Holy expensive!

Please ignore the holes in Kadens shorts he was running around in his diaper and I didn't want him missing the last bit of time with daddy and grabbed the first pair I saw, unfortunately it was one the was in the rag pile hahaha. just my luck! I love and miss you Vernon, until next time I am

We are lonely

2011-06-28T15:23:00.000-07:00

We miss our daddy. We cant wait to have him home. And no this isnt even a deployment or him gone that long. But we miss him just the same...just in case you were wondering.

The "Big" kids in Vegas

2011-06-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

The 2 older kids got to go to Las Vegas with Grandma and Grandpa for the truck show. They stayed at the Luxor and played on all the rides at circus circus. Here are a few of the pix I got of them on their adventure!

And here is one of Danica at field day and one of JD showing off his new shirt!!!!

Happy Fathers Day!

2011-06-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

I must admit, I have an amazing hubby. He has grown into the best father our kids could ask for! Thank you for everything you do for our family Vernon. We couldnt do it without you!

I must also admit we also have some pretty amazing dads in our lives. We are so thankful to have them in our lives. Thank you Dads, Step Dads, Grandpas, Uncles and Brothers. You will never know the wonderful influence you have had in our lives!

Its always fun

2011-06-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

At Grandma and Grandpas house! We get to relax, play outside, have fun with Ginger (the doggie), Even Millie (my rat)has fun! Not to mention getting spoiled by grandma and grandpa! This time we set a a small pool that got a lot smaller when Ginger decided she would like to join the boys. So we set out a second slightly bigger pool. We must have filled those pools up a dozen times. But the benefit of the boys playing so hard at grandma and grandpas???? They slept 13 hours!!!!! Not a lot of pictures of Dalty, He decided he should be a streaker the whole time he was outside. Vernon gets to have lots of fun practicing his photography skills, and even found a friend and he didnt catch it and chase me around the yard with it...he really is growing up!!! And I get to chat and relax, not something I get to do much of anymore!

What Vernon did while he was gone

2011-06-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

These are posted on the USS Dwight D Eisenhower Facebook Page, and Vernon emailed me these and said I could share em. SO for all you wondering, this is what it looks like then they turn the boat really fast and stuff. I am grateful for the small safety chain that stopped the 6k forklift from running over my husband on one of those turns. (someone forgot to properly tie it down) I would have really been a mess if he didnt come home to me!!!!

And for those of you also wondering....yes Vernon still gets sea sick

we do have fun.....

2011-06-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

We have sleep overs in mom and dads room!

and we spend a LOT of time playing outside, and eat popsicles and playing with our toys

Life around the homefront , a vent just for me

2011-06-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

I always knew being a Navy wife was hard. Long hours gone, deployments, etc. But being a Navy Boat Wife is a whole other world. I admit I have always whined and complained a little...or a lot. But this is a whole new struggle. One a am afraid to face. one that makes me want to run home to mommy, and I just might. But can a marriage last an 18+ month separation? Vernon is on a 12 hour shift, but add in that he has to travel and traffic and him being Vernon must be there at least half an hour early. So he is gone from home for anywhere between 14 1/2 to 15 hours a day, Then he has to sleep so add in 6 to preferably 8 hours a day. and we are left with an hour or 2 of actual face time with him. Then you add in sea trials and he is out to sea more then he is home. Its not fair to ask him to live on the boat, because I need more support then the Navy allows him to be. But what about me? What about the kids? I know if the Navy wanted him to have a family they would have issued him one. BUT SERIOUSLY! I am not good at being alone. I have no friends in the area. I have no car. So outside of the 2 little boys, I have no life, no help. And I am very alone. I knew that Dalton loves Vernon. He spends all day asking for him. And I knew Kaden thought Vernon was ok. But this last time Vernon was gone, it became very apparent that Vernon is needed. And not just by me, Kaden would be fine and then 4 pm would hit ( the time Vernon usually got home, before he got switched to his new schedule) until he went to bed, Kaden was mad, frustrated, I could not calm him, he wanted nothing to do with me, he didnt want to be outside. He would just scream and bang around. Its hard knowing he cant talk and thats the only way he can express himself. But when Kaden woke up one morning and came in the room and found his dad, oh the JOY on that boys face! He climbed up on the bed and rubbed Vernons head for a good 5 minutes. His daddy was home. And like magic, that evening when 4 rolled around even though Vernon was back at work, Kaden was fine, he was happy and playful, he was normal Kaden. His daddy had been home and all was right in the world. I am dreading having Vernon gone again. I hate that I cant call up someone and say Vernons going to be gone here through here, would you like to come visit. I could really use the help. And not just that, I dont know anyone who doesnt have a life who can just come stay with me to help, heck you dont even have to help, just come hang out with me! Anyway, Just venting. Love you all! Thanks for listening :) OH and by the way....WHAT THE HECK AM I GOING TO DO WHEN I AM BACK TO 4 KIDS!!!!!

Sheesh rereading this makes me feel selfish, I wish I could change the way I feel. I wish I were different. But I am not. :(

Thank you (Mothers Day)

2011-05-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

Mother
–noun
1.a female parent.
2.( often initial capital letter ) one's female parent.
3.a mother-in-law, stepmother, or adoptive mother.

First of all I want to thank these little people for choosing me to be their mommy. I thank God EVERY day for you. I don't know know how I got so lucky. You truly are the best gift I have ever been given. I hope you guys made the right choice! I hope you all know I would do anything for you and I will always love and support you!
And of course I wouldnt have gotten these little people with out there Daddy and I want to give him a little shout out. Thanks for making my mothers day so nice. I really felt spoiled. Thank you! More on you on Fathers day ;)

There are so many great women in our life who have given birth to us, who have helped raise us, who have taught us, who have set amazing examples in our lives. Thank you to all of you! Moms, mom in laws, Step moms, birth moms, Grandmoms, Sisters, Aunts!

What JD and Danica

2011-05-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

Have been up to! They get to play on a 4 wheeler, they get to play with 10 baby Kittens. One they got to bottle feed! They get to go on lots of trips, and send me Lot of dark pictures of them in the car at night! They got to go to a cool McDonalds in Wy that had saddles for seats. The got to play in snow and found a snow drift taller then them in the middle of April! They get to play with friends, ride their bikes, and go to school! I am sure that isn't all they get to do, but all I can remember for now. We love and miss them so much!!!! Cant wait to see you guys, not long now!!!!

My Dalty

2011-05-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

is a funny funny boy! And someday I will need a good laugh and want to remember these

*today while I am working out. Mommy did you know that you doing this burns off your fat? Is your fat burning mommy? Yes Dalty its burns LOL
* row, row, row your boat....merrily, merrily life will drowned your dreams. Yes Dalty some days it feels that way. But I couldn't help but laugh at it.
*Dalton found the Snorkeling fins in the closet and starts yelling Mommy! Daddy forgot his flippers for the boat! Hate to break it to you son but if Daddy falls over those flippers probably aren't going to help him!
*singing "I shot the sherrrrrriiieeef, but I didn't shoot the depbooty!
* Wearing his big boys undies "mommy I cant find the weenie hole! That's cuz you have them on back words buddy. :)
Sure do love the daily laughs! Thank you Dalty!

Another talent I wish I had

2011-05-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

is the ability to correctly express what I am feeling. Whether in person or on my blog or over the phone. My mind is always so jumbled maybe, I have some ADD. Aw heck who am I kidding I know I do, too bad its not OCD, I would love to have a perfectly clean house everyday hahaha! But all kidding aside, I need to get somethings off my chest. But first please go to this blog and read it.This man puts it into words I wish I had. http://www.modernmormonmen.com/2011/05/im-his-dad.html#more
You will have to copy and paste the link

After I will show you the word that come out of me. Not nearly as nicely put. This is not aimed at anyone or to attack anyone. We appreciate all of the advise we are given IN LOVE. Not when it is something that is being forced on us and we arent being heard.

Did you read it??? No. well go do it. I will wait........
Ok, here is the deal folks. I am his mom. He is not in any danger being home. We are having some struggles with the school here. We are having struggles with money. We are having struggles with the Navy. In about 30 days we will know whether or not we will be asked to stay in the navy here in va, relocate, or just plain get out. Those of you we feel need to know about the reasons know. Those who dont know. I am sorry. Its our choice who we need to tell and when the time is right to tell you. And as if this Navy bump was not enough there will be another one after we cross this hurdle because the Navy is downsizing. SO AGAIN Vernon will have to prove he is worthy to stay in. But this post isn't about the Navy. Its about Kaden. HE is HAPPY! He is making progress! He is LOVED and SAFE and Secure! And he is home with me until the kinks life has thrown us are settled! I am sorry if you do not feel this is the right choice and I am not doing enough or right by him. I am doing my best with what life has given me at this time. He is not simply plopped in front of the tv or ignored all day. We play, we color, we work on pecs and signing, and we work on trying new food. Dalton calls it fixing his Moe Moe. And speaking of Dalton, have you had the pleasure of speaking to him lately? DO you know how smart that kid is? DO you know why he is that way? BECAUSE HE HELPS ME WORK WITH KADEN!!!!! And if you ask me he is dang smart for a 3 year old. Just now as I am crying my eyes out trying to quit feeling guilty over things I do not feel i have control over. Dalton comes in and asks why are you crying mommy, and I tell him because I feel like a bad mom. to which he replies. I think You are a good mommy. And I tell him yes but what about Kaden? to which he replies He loves you mommy don't cry. So this mommy isn't going to cry anymore. I cant tell you what tomorrow holds, I cant tell you what he will be like at 12, 13, 25...... But what I can tell you is I will ALWAYS do what I feel is best for him, I will NOT give up hope. I will not let him down. Thank you to those who give us your support. For those who have different opinions or think we are not doing enough I am sorry. But remember this IF he were normal he would not even be in Kindergarten here. He didn't make the deadline! If the way he behaves bothers You I am sorry we dont have to come around and you do not have to visit us. Change is hard for him, new places, new people, new smells, new routine it all makes his life hard. There is no magic pill, diet, teacher, etc who can fix this. But a loving supporting family can make his life better. And having a parent who is trying their damnedest and still has to battle guilt everyday doesn't help. I am sorry if offend but I have been offended to the point I felt this was necessary. Please feel free to call me, facebook me, email me,text, or come see me in person if you have something you need to say to me about this matter. All I can say is I am trying my best. and that is all kaden asks of me. There is no teacher in the world who can climb in the shower with him and work with him because that is where he is most safe and secure and relaxed. Oh except me and his father! Thank you and love you all ~Care
BTW Veron wants his voice to be heard too :)

Like Carolyn I am no wordsmith, but I have read the works of those that are. There is a passage in Patrick Rothfuss’ book “The Name of the Wind” that I connect with every time I read it.

“My common sense did a rapid turnaround, and I headed cautiously downward. At the bottom of the steps were a few rotting planks, all that remained of a broken door. Inside I could see a short hallway opening out into a dimly lit room. A young girl with hard eyes pushed past me without looking up. She clutched another piece of bread.
I stepped over the broken pieces of door into the chill, damp dark. After a dozen steps I heard a low moan that froze me where I stood. It was almost an animal sound, but my ear told me it came from a human throat.
I don't know what I expected, but it was nothing like what I found. Two ancient lamps burned fish oil, throwing dim shadows against the dark stone walls. There were six cots in the room, all occupied. Two children that were hardly more than babies shared a blanket on the stone floor, and another was curled up in a pile of rags. A boy my age sat in a dark corner, his head pressed against the wall.
One of the boys moved slightly on his cot, as if stirring in his sleep. But something was wrong with the movement. It was too strained, too tense. I looked closer and saw the truth. He was tied to the cot. All of them were.
He strained against the ropes and made the noise I had heard in the hall. It was clearer now, a long moaning cry. "Aaaaaaabaaaaaaah."
For a moment all I could do was think about every story I had ever heard about the Duke of Gibea. About how he and his men had abducted and tortured people for twenty years before the church had gone in and put an end to it.
"What what," came a voice from the other room. The voice had an odd inflection to it, as if it wasn't really asking a question. The boy on the cot jerked against his ropes. "Aaaahbeeeeh."
A man came through the doorway brushing his hands on the front of his tattered robe. "What what," he repeated in the same not-questioning tone. His voice was old and tired around the edges, but at its center it was patient. Patient as a heavy stone or a mother cat with kittens. Not the sort of voice I expected a Duke-of-Gibea type to have.
"What what. Hush hush, Tanee. I wan't gone, just stepped away. Now I'm here." His feet made slapping sounds against the bare stone floor. He was barefoot. I felt the tension slowly spill out of me. Whatever was going on here, it didn't seem nearly as sinister as I had originally thought.
The boy stopped straining against the ropes when he saw the man approaching. "Eeeeeeaah." He said, and tugged against the ropes restraining him.
"What?" It was a question this time.
"Eeeeeeaah."
"Hmmm?" The old man looked around and saw me for the first time. "Oh. Hello." He looked back to the boy on the bed. "Well aren't you the clever one today? Tanee called me in to see we have a visitor!" Tanee's face broke into a terrific grin and he gave a harsh, honking gasp of breath. In spite of the painful sound, it was clear he was laughing.
Turning to look at me, the barefoot man said, "I don't recognize you. Have you been here before?"
I shook my head.
"Well, I've got some bread, only two days old. If you carry some water for me, you can have as much as you can eat." He looked at me. "Does that sound all right?"
I nodded. A chair, table, and an open barrel standing near one of the doors were the only furnishings in the room aside from the cots. Four large, round loaves were stacked on the table.
He nodded too, then began to move carefully toward the chair. He walked gingerly, as if it pained him to set his feet down.
After he reached the chair and sank into it, he pointed to the barrel by the doorway. "Through the door there's a pump and bucket. Don't bother to hurry, it's na a race." As he spoke he absentmindedly crossed his legs and began to rub one of his bare feet.
Inefficient circulation, a long-unused part of me thought. Increased risk of infection and considerable discomfort. Feet and legs should be raised, massaged, and swabbed in a warm infusion of willow bark, camphor, and arrowroot.
"Don't fill the bucket too full. I don't want you to hurt yourself or spill all over. It's wet enough down here." He eased his foot back to the floor and bent to gather up one of the tiny children who was beginning to stir restlessly on the blanket.
As I filled the barrel I snuck glances at the man. His hair was grey, but despite that and the slow, tender manner in which he walked, he wasn't very old. Perhaps forty, probably a little less. He wore a long robe, patched and mended to such a degree that I couldn't really guess at its original color or shape. Though nearly as ragged as I was, he was cleaner. Which isn't to say that he was clean exactly, just cleaner than me. It wasn't hard to be.
His name was Trapis.The patched robe was the only piece of clothing he owned. He spent nearly every moment of his waking life in that damp basement caring for the hopeless people no one else would bother with. Most of them were young boys. Some, like Tanee, had to be restrained so they wouldn't hurt themselves or roll out of their beds. Others, like Jaspin who had gone fever-mad two years ago, had to be restrained so they wouldn't hurt others.
Palsied, crippled, catatonic, spastic, Trapis tended them all with equal and unending patience. I never once heard him complain of anything, not even his bare feet, which were always swollen and must have pained him constantly.
He gave us children what help he could, a bit of food when he had some to spare. To earn a little something to eat we carried water, scrubbed his floor, ran errands, and held the babies so they wouldn't cry. We did whatever he asked, and when there wasn't any food we could always have a drink of water, a tired smile, and someone who looked at us as if we were human, not animals in rags.”

I will not suffer any of my children a dark prison that some call “homes” that are meant for those who can’t find the means to care for their blood. Nor will I suffer a soft prison at the hands of those that masquerade as “educators”. A prison is a prison no matter what guise it wears. If I don’t feel comfortable with a school, teacher, or friend that tie will be swiftly and permanently cut.

Vernons Flower Pictures

2011-04-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

I must admit I am quite jealous of this talent my hubby seems to have. While we were up at my dads house Vernon spent a lot of time taking pictures of all the flowers that had bloomed since the last time we were there. So I thought I would share some with you!

3 Dalton Questions

2011-04-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

From the time Dalton has been able to talk in full sentences he has been full of questions. It amazing me the amount of knowledge this kid possesses already. But there are 3 questions I get a day over and over and over. So today we are going to address those questions and maybe just maybe I will look back on this and laugh, even if that day is not to day.

#1. From the time Dalton wakes up until the time he is fast asleep he wants to know "whats for dinner?" He doesnt want breakfast. No thank you to lunch. But "whats for dinner?" I am sorry to tell you this kid, but I hardly ever know whats for dinner until I am in the middle of making it and even then I will probably change my mind half way through and 89% of the time it is not going to be your beloved spaghetti or "noodle" of any kind. You see your mommy dislikes spaghetti. Lots too many times of it as a kid. (it was one of grandmas favorite meals, and when you are the mom...or daddy who cooks for the family you get to pick). And it doesnt matter how many times you ask AFTER dinner is over the answer isnt going to be let me cook you up a bowl of spaghetti, since you refused to eat what I made.

#2. Where is my daddy? or when is my daddy going to be home? I love that you love your daddy. I love that you want to know where he is and when he will be back at ALL times. But show a little mommy love occasionally would ya?? This mama is a bit jealous when it come to your love for your daddy. Maybe I am to blame for your questions over and over. Since my favorite question to ask you over and over is who do you love? There is nothing sweeter then having you yell mommy and wrap your arms around my neck for a big old hug. Even when i whisper in your ear ok who do you really love and you tell me daddy. hahaha Love you crazy boy

#3. What time is it? And if as on cue you just came in and asked. well son its 3:54.... to which you reply well what does that mean? You see at this time you are not grasping the concept of time, yet about once ever half hour to an hour I need to tell you the time. I wish I could come up with an answer that would satisfy your need to know the time. But even my time to go outside, time to go inside, time for dinner, time to clean, time for mom to exercise...... NOTHING stops the asking for the time. Maybe we should be working on telling time and get you a watch. I am sure you would be able to tell time in no time at all! And now Dalty my boy it is time to clean up the messes we made and prepare for daddy to get home, dinner to be had and bedtime routine.
So until next time friends..........
Love ya!

Easter!!!!

2011-04-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Our Easter was short but a lot of fun and very relaxing. We left Friday night after Vernon got home to go up to my dads. They were so sweet and had the bed all made up for us and everything. Too bad the boys were so tired they were cranky and couldn't settle down to sleep. Kaden know being at grandpa and grandmas means LOTS of outside time and that is where he wanted to be even though it was pitch black outside. And he was in a foul mood to begin with He screamed the entire way there, it was so horrible I made Vernon pull over and get him some milk (risking car sickness) because I couldn't take it anymore! Anywho, it wasn't all crankiness even when Vernon woke up in a cranky mood ( Bubbles in a pink tube are the key to making him smile in case anyone wants to know)....The day got a whole lot better!!! Grandma made us yummy pancakes for breakfast. Then they brought down what the Easter bunny had brought for the kids. Then we played outside and took pictures of all the pretty flowers for awhile. After that it was time for finding the eggs, even Kaden managed to find a few! I was so happy he even showed a slight interest in it! After that it was YUMMY steaks on the grill and Strawberry Shortcake for dessert! Then it was time to get back on the road and head home so daddy could be at work by 6 am on Sunday, BOO for duty days! Even though it was a quick trip that had a few cranky moments it was an amazing relaxing get away! Thank you so much for having us up there Grandma and Grandpa! Now for the pictures...I know that's what you all wanted anyway. hehehe.

The boys had so much fun this is what they looked like the whole way home. I think I will do another blog for the pictures of the flowers Vernon took. This has too many pictures already. We missed JD and Danica so much and wish they could have been here. Cant wait to see them again!!! Love you all! ~Care

When the weather is nice

2011-04-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

There really is no reason to stay inside so we haven't. And it has been wonderful. I really love our little yard. Here are a few pictures from the last few days outside. I guess I should prepare you for more of these often because this is how I see a lot of our spring and summer. Dalton playing in a sea of weeds. We really need to find out extention cord so Vernon can weed whack the yard.

Kaden loves jumping on the trampoline (we really need to get a new, bigger one LOL) and spinning cords and its even better when you combine both of them!
The pretty flowers that are on a bush on the side of the house.

Dalton is learning to ride his big boy bike. His helmet is hiding in the shed so he doesnt get to go anywhere except the back porch on his bike.
And this is the faces I get when I tell him to smile...little stinker! Hope You all are doing well and the weather is nice for you all, and if it isnt, feel free to come visit!

sleep or the lack there of....

2011-04-15T08:36:00.001-07:00

I have come to realize that sleep is important. Go figure! The boys were on a really cruddy schedule for a few days and man it just sucked me right back into my depression. They would go to bed awesome at 8pm and by 1:30 am they were back awake and ready for the day!!!! then about 7am they would go back to sleep till about 10am. It was really making it hard for me to want to do anything at all, so my working out and housework slacked. You see for some reason I think I should have an hour or so to myself (more if it has been a stressful day) and the only time I have for that is after everyone is asleep. Then I can watch what I want or read a book. Just take time for me, and I can not do it while anyone is awake, even if Vernon watches the boys I just cant relax. So when they were on that horrid schedule I would fall asleep some where between 11:30 and 12:30. then get back up at 1:30 with them. All motivation went right out the window! But last night was wonderful, they were both asleep about 10 and didnt get up till 8. PERFECT! Except them being up till 10 means there is no time with Vernon, he has to be asleep by 10, there is no way around it. Really he should be asleep by 8 if you ask me. (he has to be up by 4:20) But he tries to stay awake till 10 in hopes of getting to spend time with me. He gets home some where between 4:30 and 6:30. There just isnt much time that he is around anymore. And duty days are worse he is gone for 36 hours. Boo hoo. LOL ok this isnt supposed to be about being depressed its about getting back up after 3 days of moping. And I did and it felt good! Anyway, just wanted to post a little update on things. I am gonna go enjoy my day with the boys now. Hope you all have a wonderful day/ weekend! Vernon has duty so we wont see him Sat but he will be home Sunday morning, bet after his nap we could make it to Church! fingers crossed! I am hoping we can fit some fun in so I can put up more pix. Because lets face it blogs just arent any fun without pictures!!!! Ok, really off now! Love YA ~care

see what having a good day can get ya

2011-04-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

After working out, cleaning, having dinner already cooking when Vernon got home from work the day got better :) We took the time to enjoy the nice weather and take some pictures.can it get better then this, maybe a little if JD and Danica were here! We miss them so much, but it was nice to just play outside together.

I was trying to make plans to go get a free cone from Ben and Jerrys and play at the beach but its not looking like the weather is going to allow it. Ou well I am sure we will find something to do!
Hope you all have a great day! ~Care

I need a boost

2011-04-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

I have had the blues, no sadness, awww who am I kidding I have been down right depressed (for many many reasons, if ya really want to know you will have to email me or something, hahaha) and I am tired of it. So as of today I am making a plan and sticking with it. My days will have a schedule. I will take time to exercise, I will take time to play outside with the boys. I will "try" to find joy in cleaning house and cooking. So in my schedule there is a time for exercising which I will be posting on the side of the blog.-------> there will also be plenty of outside time for the boys since it seems to be getting to better weather. Outside time usually means more pictures taken which will mean more blogs (hopefully) My kids are growing too fast and I want to remember it all! So there ya have it folks! I am going to get out of this depression, Its just gonna take some effort. Love ya all! ~Care

OH ONE MORE THING!!!! I am really wanting to learn the art of coupon-ing so if ANYONE has pointers/tips. Can you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me how to do it. I am sure you will need to dumb it down for me. But I REALLY REALLY want to learn. Please help!!!

and I am back once again

2011-04-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hello blogging world! Did ya miss me? I missed you!!!! Life has been so CRAZY since Christmas, not that, that is any reason to ignore you. Christmas was wonderful and while we had a cold going on we are so fortunate to have family who are so generous with us and spoil us. Thank you! we love you! we miss you! here are a few pix, I will try to find some that aren't already on facebook.

On new years day JD and Danica left with Grandma Amy and Grandpa Jerry. This was an extremely hard decision for our family. JD was struggling with school and at that time we did not know we would be getting housing before Vernon was to check into his new command and we just felt we could not have both JD and Danica missing so much school. And while i miss them terribly I am at peace with our choice and feel that is what was best for them. I don't know how to explain it, but i know there is a reason they are there now, beyond us not wanting them to miss school. I know that is where they need to be right now. But I can NOT wait to be reunited with them!!!!!! I love and miss you guys!!!
After JD and Danica left we worked really hard on fixing up the house in Lemoore getting ready for inspection, movers, and the move across country. We were supposed to leave on Feb 4, but Dalton thought we should make one last stop by the hospital before we left, I will have to pull the picture of him being SO calm there waiting for his stitches off of Vernons phone. It was amazing Dalton has NEVER been calm at the doctor before and now requests to go there anytime he gets a scrape. Think he enjoyed the attention

Finally on the 5th of Feb we started making our way across country. First stop to visit Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Jerry at their winter vacation getaway place. Lake Havasu AZ! Aunt Sandy and Grandpa Jerrys sister Linda made the trip out at the same time. It was so great to see them! Even if Sandy did find us boring! Hahaha Just kidding Sandy, we know it was a late night before :) here are some other pictures we took while there.

These are pictures of the London Bridge, and the park we played at. Looks like a good time huh!?! Well that was just the beginning of the fun. then we had a yummy picnic of KFC. Thats when the bird decided to join us. Kaden and Dalton LOVED chasing around the birds
You would think that that would have been enough fun for the day right? WRONG!!! Kaden (who had been ignoring the lake, finally saw it and made a run for it. Everyone (except his parents) thought he would stop at the water. But mom and dad knew better. He jumped right in and Thankfully Grandpa saved the day and went in after him...it was too chilly for swimming.

Everyone....except grandpa...was laughing till we were crying. Dalton saw all of the joy and wanted to have the spot light on him, he is the baby after all.. so he took off running and off went grandpa to rescue Dalton too. YAY Grandpa! Our hero, our personal life guard! Thank you for again getting your shoes, socks and pants wet to save our little boy!
Our time with Grandma and Grandpa was over way to soon and it was time to get back on the road. I will try not to bore you with too many pictures, for more, they are posted on facebook. but this is what the boys looked like for most of the trip cross country! They are awesome travelers!!!!
After many 8 to 10 hours days in the car we finally made it to Virginia!!! We decided to by pass Virginia Beach for a few days since our house wasnt ready for us, and went and stayed with Grandpa Ed and Grandma Melanie!!!! Those pix are up on facebook too and since those of you who I know read this are also on my facebook, again I wont bore you with the same pictures over. There are also pictures of our new house there. We are slowly but surely settling in. Vernon is LOVING being on the boat and finally feels at home in the Navy. I on the other hand am not taking it so well. I hate the long hours, I hate how far he is from home. I hate that when it is duty day he is gone for a minimum of 36 hours. I hate not having a car. I hate the pay decrease because he has no sea experience. I am pretty much a grump about the whole thing. I know this too shall pass and soon he will deploy and I will hate that even more. SO I try to remember that and find joy in the time that we do have together in the evening and make the most out of the weekends we have together. I still have no idea what the Navy and/or god were thinking when they sent us here. But I am putting all of my faith in him (ok, I am trying really hard to do this, some days I fail horribly). So there you have it folks you are all caught up on what is going on with us. Hopefully now that i have caught back up it wont seem like such a chore and i will stay on top of it. NO PROMISES! Love you all!
~care

cough cough sniffle sniffle

2010-12-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

Ugg! What is it with my family this year? We had the stomach flu the week before and the week of Thanksgiving. And now we are passing around tickle-y throats, coughs, and the sniffles. Cant we have a holiday where we aren't sick? Grandma Amy and maybe Grandpa Jerry are coming and I really don't have time to be sick. We would also hate to pass anything on. Add on the fact that we need to get the house in shape for inspection. Ugg! I know better then to complain it will just get worse BUT still...YUCK! Maybe we can have a healthy new year!

Big Brother Teasing

2010-12-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

Goodness! It feels like every morning JD has to tease Danica and make her cry. It is so FRUSTRATING! All it takes is him making a noise at something she says and she is running and hiding and crying. Then I ave to search the house to find her and rush to hurry and finish helping her get ready for school. I have tried talking to both of them. I have told him he needs to stop especially in the morning. ( we are SO not morning people) That she is the only sister he has and it is his job to help protect her and make her feel confident in herself. Of course he doesnt listen. And I have told her she needs to ignore him, big brothers tease, but deep down he loves her. She doesnt listen either. Wish I could make it stop all together. The rest of the day they are the best of friends. If Danica has earned a treat she always shares with JD, and JD does the same for her. I just wish they wouldnt make the morning rush worse then it already is, especially on days like this when I have been up all night with Kaden (Midnight to 5) and for some special reason my brain couldn't settle between 8-midnight when all the house was asleep (it was amazing the whole house asleep by 8 NEVER happens in my house, probably why I couldnt sleep) So, so far I have slept between 5:45am and 7:00am. And the fighting woke Dalton up so now I have no chance of going back to sleep today. This mama is TIRED! Over and Out!
~Care

Tagged

2010-12-14T10:16:00.000-08:00

HAHAHA Thanks Tiffany!

4 Shows I Watch

1. Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives
2. Warehouse 13
3. Teen Mom
4. Secret Life of the American Teenager

4 Things I'm Passionate About

1. My Hubby
2. My Kids
3. Understanding Autism, not looking for a cure, just trying to understand it
4. My Friends

4 Things I have Learned From the Past

1. Your friends can and do become family
2. Family is EVERYTHING
3. Behind every trial, every bump in the road there is a lesson and a blessing.
4. I am stronger then I think and need to believe in myself more.

4 Places I Would Like to Go

1. Back to Hawaii
2. Greece
3. Italy
4. I guess where ever the Navy takes us next :)

4 Things I Did Yesterday

1. Got the kids up and ready for school
2. Made 3 meals :)
3. went for a walk
4. Read the kids bedtime stories

4 Things I'm Looking Forward to

1. Christmas-- First year in a LONG time I can honestly say that
2. Our Move
3. Fixing up our new house and surprising JD and Danica with new rooms.
4. Sleep--- Hey you asked and its the honest truth. I was bless with 4 kids who don't believe in sleep

4 Things I Love About Winter

1. Winter? What is this winter you speak of? First Hawaii, now Cali, yeah not much winter going on
2. Hot chocolate
3. soup, soup and more soup
4. The holidays :)

4 Things on My Wish List

1. No more anxiety attacks
2. A safe and peaceful travel across the country to our new home
3. More Kids ( yes, I am well aware it wont happen, tubes are tied, the ship has sailed, but I would love more and its my wish)
4. Temple Sealing
.......

5. A little weight loss wouldn't hurt (hehehe I cheated!)

I tag Kristine and Nicci! And really anyone else who reads this and wants to, because I am not to sure on who all reads this.

Kristy, Add me on Facebook if you are on there, it is the best way for me to keep in touch! I have missed chatting with you.

I so could not be a special needs teacher

2010-12-14T06:38:00.000-08:00

or bus driver, or aide.....Good thing I get to be the mommy.
Today when the bus came to pick up Kaden I could hear a child crying, not a bad cry, but crying nonetheless, it broke my heart :( The bus driver was doing the best he could to comfort that child as we were walking down the driveway. But the mommy in me wanted to race on that bus and hold that child and comfort them. As I am walking away from the bus after handing over my precious piece of cargo, I could hear the bus driver say ok its time to go to sleep. LOL and they were off. Hope that poor kid got to fall back asleep I think they have a pretty long ride to the next bus stop.
Its little things like that that make it so hard for me to send Kaden to school. Or like when I ask the bus driver to please make sure Kaden doesnt get too hot with the heater going plus his winter coat on because he will get car sick on them, and to see the look of panic in their eyes. Or to get a call from the nurse saying your child screamed bloody murder all the way to school and so they had her meet the bus at school to check him out....thinking they let him get too hot...just my mommy opinion. Or when the teacher calls to tell me my child has been upset all day and is there anything I can do to fix it. Well no there isnt anything I can do while he he is in your care. Its out of my hands, I hate having him in the care of another. They dont know him like I do. When you get these calls it breaks your heart and you want to run to the school or the bus and rip your child from them and never return them. Or maybe thats just me. BUT I know he needs to be at school. I know he is learning and making amazing leaps and bounds. He is making new noises that are starting to sound more like words. He is doing wonderful with his PECS. (A picture way of communicating) In fact we have to have a new IEP to help set new goals for him in Jan...Right before we leave, but he should be able to go into his new school with a new set of goals. And I know it will be hard to see him struggle to get into a new routine at a new school. But these little mile stones make it all worth it in the end.
Some would say he is spoiled, or I dont work had enough with him. But I dont believe that is true. You want to know how I know? Kaden will only sign for his family. His teachers have no idea nor have they seen his signing. Kaden has just recently started giving kisses ON HIS OWN. No more chasing him down to love on him. he comes to me and when we are walking somewhere and he id holding my hand and presses his lips to my arm, its not just to wipe his nose anymore. He LOVES me. I have seen him go up to his brothers and sisters and hug them and giggle when they hug him back. He is loved, he feels safe enough to let down some walls. And while he can not talk and tell me he loves me, I know he does and I know he feels the love we all have for him.
Anywho, my point is I could never be his teacher...I know what he wants and it frustrates me to no end to have to fight with him about grabbing the card off the chart before giving it to him and he knows I will give in after a bit. I couldnt be the bus driver we would never make it to school because I would want to pull over and snuggle every upset child :) I couldnt be the aide for the same reason I couldnt be the teacher. But I am so very grateful I get to be the mommy.

Sorry another Kaden post I know. But it was on my mind this morning and I had time before it was time to wake up the next round of school goers. Time to get them up! Have a great day all! :)
~care

Christmas and Autism (or any get together for that matter )

2010-12-13T11:44:00.000-08:00

I received this in an email and honestly I couldnt have written it better. I know we have tons of family who cant wait to see us again and we cant wait either. Please understand if we( and by we I mean I, we all know Vernon isn't too social) aren't as social as we once were or if we feel we can not come to a particular event. We want to be there. But Kaden has changed our life. And we wouldn't trade him for anything! Between him and my lovely anxiety attacks. We just arent what we used to be. But we are both working to better ourselves. In time things will get easier. Please try to be understanding :)

Dear Family and Friends:

I understand that we will be visiting each other for the holidays this year! Sometimes these visits can be very hard for me, but here is some information that might help our visit to be more successful. As you probably know, a hidden disability called autism, or what some people refer to as a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), challenges me. Autism/PDD is a neurodevelopment disorder, which makes it hard for me to understand the environment around me. I have barriers in my brain that you can’t see, but which make it difficult for me to adapt to my surroundings.

Christmas is one of the roughest holidays for me. With large crowds and holiday shopping it can be very overwhelming, even a bit scary. When planning a party remember that with my over sensitive hearing and eye sight, Christmas trees and holiday smells can cause me mild to severe pain or discomfort. If the noises are impossible to control a personal stereo with headphones set to a safe level for children may help drown out background noise and ease my discomfort.

Sometimes I may seem rude and abrupt, but it is only that because I have to try so hard to understand people and at the same time, make myself understood. People with autism have different abilities: some may not speak, some write beautiful poetry, others are whizzes in math (Albert Einstein was thought to be autistic), or may have difficulty making friends. We are all different and need various degrees of support.

Sometimes when I am touched unexpectedly, it might feel painful and make me want to run away. I get easily frustrated too. Being with lots of other people is like standing next to a moving freight train and trying to decide how and when to jump aboard. I feel frightened and confused a lot of the time. This is why I need to have things the same as much as possible. Once I learn how things happen, I can get by OK. But if something, anything, changes, then I have to relearn the situation all over again! It is very hard.

When you try to talk to me, I often can’t understand what you say because there is a lot of distraction around. I have to concentrate very hard to hear and understand one thing at a time. You might think I am ignoring you-I am not. Rather, I am hearing everything and not knowing what is most important to respond to.

Holidays are exceptionally hard because there are so many different people, places, and things going on that are out of my ordinary realm. This may be fun and adventurous for most people, but for me, it’s very hard work and can be extremely stressful. I often have to get away from all the commotion to calm down. It would be great if you had a private place set up to where I could retreat.

If I cannot sit at the meal table, do not think I am misbehaving or that my parents have no control over me. Sitting in one place for even five minutes is often impossible for me. I feel so antsy and overwhelmed by all the smells, sounds, and people–I just have to get up and move about. Please don’t hold up your meal for me–go on without me, and my parents will handle the situation the best way they know how.

Eating in general is hard for me. If you understand that autism is a sensory processing disorder, it’s no wonder eating is a problem! Think of all the senses involved with eating. Sight, smell, taste, touch, AND all the complicated mechanics that are involved. Chewing and swallowing is something that a lot of people with autism have trouble with. I am not being picky-I literally cannot eat certain foods as my sensory system and/or oral motor coordination is impaired. Don’t be disappointed if Mom hasn’t dressed me in starch and bows. It’s because she knows how much stiff and frilly clothes can drive me buggy! I have to feel comfortable in my clothes or I will just be miserable. When I go to someone else’s house, I may appear bossy and controlling. In a sense, I am being controlling, because that is how I try to fit into the world around me (which is so hard to figure out!) Things have to be done in a way I am familiar with or else I might get confused and frustrated. It doesn’t mean you have to change the way you are doing things–just please be patient with me, and understanding of how I have to cope. Mom and Dad have no control over how my autism makes me feel inside. People with autism often have little things that they do to help themselves feel more comfortable. The grown ups call it “self regulation,” or “stimming’. I might rock, hum, flick my fingers, or any number of different things. I am not trying to be disruptive or weird. Again, I am doing what I have to do for my brain to adapt to your world. Sometimes I cannot stop myself from talking, singing, or doing an activity I enjoy. The grown-ups call this “perseverating” which is kind-a-like self- regulation or stimming. I do this only because I have found something to occupy myself that makes me feel comfortable. Perseverative behaviors are good to a certain degree because they help me calm down.

Please be respectful to my Mom and Dad if they let me “stim” for a while as they know me best and what helps to calm me. Remember that my Mom and Dad have to watch me much more closely than the average child. This is for my own safety, and preservation of your possessions. It hurts my parents’ feelings to be criticized for being over protective, or condemned for not watching me close enough. They are human and have been given an assignment intended for saints. My parents are good people and need your support.

Holidays are filled with sights, sounds, and smells. The average household is turned into a busy, frantic, festive place. Remember that this may be fun for you, but it’s very hard work for me to conform. If I fall apart or act out in a way that you consider socially inappropriate, please remember that I don’t possess the neurological system that is required to follow some social rules. I am a unique person–an interesting person. I will find my place at this celebration that is comfortable for us all, as long as you’ll try to view the world through my eyes!

*Author, Viki Gayhardt

Well Hello, We are moving!!

2010-12-13T11:05:00.000-08:00

First of all an apology. I know a lot of you have probably givin up on me and I understand. I have not wanted to blog at all since the loss of my camera. No pictures= no want to blog. I am hoping either Santa or the tax return fairy will spoil me with a new one.
Second, Lots of changes going on around here. We finally got our new location the Navy feels they need us! We are moving to Norfolk, VA! I have to admit I had my heart set on Washington and we were accepted for Washington orders, but then they changed their mind and felt they didnt have the correct help for Kaden at the hospital so they offered us Norfolk. I admit it, I cried, I threw a fit, I whined and was a big baby about it. But I am over it. I am excited to be close to our east coast family again. I know they are excited to see us too. (east coast family, actually all family and friends please read the post above this, it best explains our situation with our Kaden) We have asked that our belongings be picked up on the 27 of Jan and our final inspection on our house be the 31 of Jan. Then we are off! Woohooo! We are going to try to get across the country as fast as possible. Kaden is not going to enjoy being in the car for days on end. Well who would really? We are making a huge decision with our 2 older kids. I am not sure its what I want. But I am thinking it is for the best. It is looking like they will not be joining us for the trip cross country until school is out for the summer. They will stay with my mom in Utah to finish the school year so they arent missing school for a month or more while we try to get into housing. I am having a hard time with this. My mom is super happy! Vernon is pretty happy too. It will mean more room in my small vehicle, getting the house set up with less kids underfoot. Not worrying about how much school they are missing when JD is already struggling. But still makes me sad to think about. I know my dad and Melanie offered the same thing and we are so grateful, but they would still be missing school for travel time. I dont know what will happen for sure, but that is the plan for the moment. Danica has had a birthday (8) and so has Kaden (5) and Vernon has too (29, wow he is getting old, hahaha) I can not believe how big my kids are getting. The school year has been going on and we have had lots of ups and downs with Kadens school, mostly the busing situation. JD is having a very hard time this year with school. It is so hard to see your kid struggle and not know how to "fix" it. Danica is doing great with school. It seems to be a breeze for her. The difference in the kids is amazing. Dalton is stuck at home and enjoys "mommy school" but cant wait for the day he can go to school like the big kids. Vernon has advanced in pay grade, he is now an AT1 (E-6) and I could not be more proud of him! a Huge Congrats to him he has worked very hard for this and it has finally paid off we can now retire at 20 year if he chooses! (and he will, I will make sure) Hmmm guess thats all for now! Hope everyone is doing well!
~Care

hello again

2010-07-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

We are back from our vacation. The kids had a blast with grandma. We are very sorry we didnt get to see family in Nebraska. We are totally bummed we couldnt make it work out. You may or may not have noticed but I failed miserably at my 365 blog. I am thinking I will start it back up once school starts. We shall see. We are up for orders, we had to wait a month to find out Kadens rating with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFM) He is rated as a cat 5 (there are only 5 bases the navy has who have cat 5 hospitals) we got the letter when we got home and we could have applied for orders BUT we were gone and didnt know. The letter says we have to move as quick as possible. Please say a prayer we make the right choice on where to live and what is best for our family especially our Kaden. So if any of you are in the know or just want to voice you opinion on Bremerton WA, San Diego CA, Jacksonville FL, Washington DC, Or Norfolk VA Area. Get a hold of me or Vernon. Call, Facebook, Email.....we are confused and need all the input we can get. Love you all! Until next time, hope you all are well.
Care

New Age, New Blog, New lifestyle

2010-06-01T09:56:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow I am turning 29. Not so sure how I feel about being a year away from 30. Most days I feel like I am still 16 and at a never ending babysitting job with my best friend/boyfriend. I am finding it so hard to believe that 10 years ago I was graduating high school without a plan. My friends were either married or heading off to college and here I was in love with a guy heading off to the Navy. In those 10 years I have gotten married, had 4 beautiful, wild, amazing kids, and still don't have a plan! I just do my best to take it one day at a time right now. I am hoping to try out college once Dalton is in preschool. But we will have to see where the Navy takes us first. If I cant find a good school for Kaden I may try my hand at homeschooling him with a little help from the Navy and the programs they provide for kids with autism.

I got this idea from a friend of mine for a new blog so I am going to give it a go...I may fail miserably, BUT I am gonna give it a try so be sure to check here daily http://365oftheelrods.blogspot.com/ Everyday I will post a picture and maybe a brief sentence or two of what we did that day. I will still be using this blog (hopefully on a weekly basis) for a bigger glimpse into our life. The kids are growing so fast and changing so much. I really want to have a small day by day for me to look back on. JD and Danica are going away to stay with Grandma Amy and Grandpa Jerry for the month of June and then may stay part of Aug too, so for a while the blog will have 2 pictures a day. One from me, Vern, Kade, and Dalt. And then one of what JD and Danica have been up to.

Now onto the new lifestyle. I am fluffy, I am an unhealthy fluffy, so what a better way to start out a new age and the summer then with a new and improved lifestyle? So for the summer I will be walking, cutting out coke, eating fresh fruits and veggies from the farmers market and eating lean meats and fish that will be lovingly prepared by my hubby out on the grill. I am going to try to cut out a LOT of carbs and sugar. But I am not going to drive myself crazy over it. I am not even calling it a diet. Just a new way of eating for the summer. I am also working hard on setting up a schedule system like Kaden has at school for home during the summer. Speaking of Kaden, he was selected to be in a special program next week with the head autism specialist from UCLA. He will be a student volunteer for the training of the teachers who work with kids with Autism. Its a 4 day intense program. It is the same program the Navy has to offer. So, I know that if I need to home school him I will have help and I will be able to do it. Anywho, I will post pictures when his schedule board is finished and try to explain it better.

Hmmm, thought I had more to say, but I cant remember what so I guess that's all for now folks! Love and miss you all!

End of year awards assembly

2010-06-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

Today was the end of year awards assembly and I got a note from Danica's teacher saying she would be getting an award :) She has mastered her 1,2,5,&10's multiplication tables! Woohooo! She is well on her way to being prepared for next year! Way to go Danica!!!

All about JD

2010-05-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

On May 27, JD had his end of year program/open house. He did such an awesome job. Here are a few pictures of the night. Some during his program and some of the things in his classroom he got to show off during his open house. After he wanted to do a photo shoot with me, so there is also a collage of the pictures we took.

JD requested a post just for him all about him sooooo..........

The rest is about to get sappy so prepare yourself ;)

Dear JD,
You are such an amazing young man. I LOVE being your mommy and watching you grow and learn. You are becoming such and amazing little man. You are so smart and continually surprise me with your wit and knowledge. You are such a good big brother and help me so much. I wish time would slow down, it seems like it was just the other day I was bringing you home from the hospital and now you are nine years old. Where has the time gone? I love you! Thank you for being such an amazing part of our family. I love you, Mommy. Oh one more thing...A friend of mine posted this poem that was given to her son and I wanted to share it with you. I think it has some very important lessons.

IF
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look to good, nor talk to wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams
your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make on heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold On!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!
--Rudyard Kipling

I want time to stop

2010-05-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

You know growing up I couldn't wait to hit 12 and after 12 was 16, then 18. I am sure my kids feel the same way and while I spend a lot of time wishing they would just grow up, ( I am getting much better at trying to let them just be kids and make sure that we daily spend time outside together as a family making memories) right now I just want time to slow down. My kids are growing up too fast. It wont be much longer that I will be able to get them to play in a pool like this in our front yard. They already try to run from my good bye kiss in the morning after I walk them to school. I guess soon they wont let me do that anymore either. Can't time just slow down for a bit? I'm not ready for my kids to grow up!!!!

Kaden was in....

2010-05-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

Special Olympics!!! Vernon had duty and we didn't know Kaden would be participating otherwise we would have made every effort to be there and take a ton of pictures and support our little guy. But here is a picture of him and his ribbon when he got home from school.

If they gave out a medal for playing in the dirt I swear Kaden would win the gold! The boy was head to toe in dirt and sand when he got home. So proud of our little guy!

Oh my

2010-05-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I posted again. That doesn't mean we haven't done anything though. We have been busy having fun! Here are some pictures and a little recap for all of you... Dalton loves to make the family laugh and we were rolling when he did this, he did it on his own and every time I would fix his shirt, he would reach back and pull it back up like that. And look at those dimples!!!

In the middle of April beginning of May the farm stands start popping up. Its one of our favorite things to do on Saturday morning. On this weekend we stopped and they had the most beautiful strawberries. As you can see Dalton LOVED them. JD and Danica ate and ate and ate them, but were way to fast at eating them to get any pictures.

The weather has been wonderful! We have spent a lot of time "hanging" out. JD and Danica got 2 huge boxes of books from Grandma Amy and they have been devouring them. Makes my heart soar to see my kids enjoying books so much. It kind of figures since both Vernon and I love to read. But still I always worry that they wouldn't. And speaking of weather the weather has been so nice that we have been playing in the pool!!!! Bet you can guess who loved it the most???

KADEN!!! He would live in the pool if he could I think. We have to pull him out when he is freezing and covered in goose bumps and even then he fights us and as soon as he is warmed up he is trying to get back outside and get in again. Dalton surprised me and for a long time wanted nothing to do with the pool. Him and Danica would rather lay out on towels and enjoy the sun.But he did finally try and I didn't get a picture of him in it, just him undressing himself to get in. Vernon does a very good job helping me watch the kids in the pool, dont ya think? Speaking of Vernon, here is what he has been up to... he refinished this guns stock and I think it turned out awesome! He also tries to get out to the range to shoot once a week. He he is with his fireball shooting gun Dalton and I went out with Vernon this last Friday and Dalton wanted his picture too.... So as you can see things have been pretty relaxed and laid back around the Elrod household these days. We have been trying to get out every evening and go for a walk or to the park or even just play frisbee in our front yard. It has been wonderful for us. I think we would all agree it is the best part of the day. As for pictures of me, well that would be no fun! Who wants pictures of me cooking, cleaning, changing diapers or chasing down the younger 2 kids...you, well keep dreaming! :) LOVE YOU ALL! Until next time! Bye for now. Oh sorry some of the pix posted out of order. HAHAHA but hey at least they are all there.

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

Kaden's Story

2010-03-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

April is Autism awareness month. In honor of that I am writing Kadens story. I know I have written plenty about him. But this has been weighing on my mind a lot lately. Maybe this will be some sort of therapy for me. Who knows....
From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I knew this baby was different. Our bond was so strong. I knew he was sent here to save me. To save our family. It wasn't the easiest time in our marriage. It felt like we were falling apart. Then this miracle happen. I hadn't been off birth control long and was planning on getting an IUD. Two kids was enough. Two kids kept me busy. Two kids was more then enough when you are in a struggling marriage. But Heavenly Father knew more then me. He knew something special needed to happen and something special did happen. Kaden happen.
Kadens story is not much different then the other I have read about. Kaden was born October 12, 2005. A perfect baby. Completely healthy. When Kaden was 6 weeks old his daddy had to deploy for the Navy. His mom was a wreck. She had gone back to Utah to live with her mom the last time he had deployed, she wasn't strong enough to do it on her own, she needed help. You see his mom has terrible panic attacks. But this time was different. This time she knew as long as she had Kaden in her arms she could accomplish anything. He was her security blanket. With him she could do anything. And she DID! She made it the whole 7 months Kadens dad was deployed. We took pictures for daddy everyday so he could see him grow and so he could see what we had been up to while he was away.

Before we knew it it was time for daddy to come home! Daddy loved playing with you and getting to know you. You were 8 months old.
And you weren't sitting on your own still. When it was time for your check up, I told the doctor I was worried. She was quick to push aside my fears and reassured me that all kids develop in their own time. But still I knew. I knew something was different.When you were about eleven months old you started sitting on your own! It was such a relief to me, yet I couldn't shake the fact that something was different.

You would talk you would say mama and dada, bye bye, see ya, and JD and Dana. You would blow kisses. You would look us in the eye, you would play with us. When you were about 14 or so months you started to crawl and pull yourself up
And again at your year check up, I told them something was wrong. Something was different. Babies younger then him were passing him up. I couldn't get you to eat solids. I would have to pry your mouth open and force feed you. And still my concerns were brushed off. "His weight is fine", kids develop in their own time" That's what they all told me. When you were about 18 months you started walking. OH HAPPY DAY! They are right you are meeting your mile stones, just in your own time. But still there was that nagging feeling something wasn't right. You had stopped talking. I still couldn't get you to eat. But I had found one meal that wasn't "out of the box" or chicken nuggets. It was my pork chops with cream of mushroom soup over rice. All to soon you quit eating that too. Don't get me wrong you eat, you just don't eat like you should. You loved crackers, chicken nuggets, cereal, chips and milk. I know milk isn't a food, but you act like it is. There were other changes too. You would spin, oh boy could you spin. You would climb up on my dinning room table and spin and spin. You could do it for 15 minutes straight, not show a sign of getting dizzy or ever falling off. You wouldn't talk, wouldn't blow kisses, or mimic me anymore. You didn't play with cars normally you would flip them over and spin the wheels. And again I marched you into the doctors office and expressed my concern. And again it didn't matter what I said, I was blown off again. He is fine, he is normal, he's doing great. You quit looking people in the eye, "he's just shy". I couldn't get you to look at the camera anymore.
My heart was breaking, I was losing you and no one would listen. To add to the stress you had a little brother on the way. Then one day you got a rash, I couldn't get you in to see your normal doctor, she was on maternity leave herself, so we had to go to a different doctor. As she was checking out your rash she started asking questions. Does he make eye contact with you? How does he play with toys? Hows his eating? She saw it, she knew. FINALLY! Finally someone saw it, finally someone listened! She told us she thought it might be autism and made a referral for us to have you tested!! YAY right? Nope. They had a huge waiting list and they couldn't see you for a month or 2. Ok we have waited this long. But here's more problems, remember that baby brother you had on the way, yep he was coming and they had an opening to test you a week after I had my c-section. I couldn't drive, I could barely walk and your daddy was in school for the Navy because we were MOVING!!!! To Lemoore, Ca SO I did what I do best I put it off. I am sorry, and your are going to hear that a lot in the next little bit. We moved, we got settled, we took you to the doctor to get you on the path to be tested. They dont do that here at the hospital so they made a referral to Stanford, but I could never get the right department even though I called the number they sent on the paperwork they had never heard of you. So I checked into somewhere else the doctor had mentioned. Central Valley Regional Center. Every time I thought I was going to get answers, it was another step that had to be completed first. Finally we got an appointment to see the doctor who would diagnose you. And that day he did diagnose you. He said I am sorry your child has autism. I said I know and I am ok with that, I have known for so long. He said no your not, you think you are but your not. And boy was he right. So the next step was wait for the paperwork. But while we were waiting on that paperwork some other test they wanted to run had come back and they had sent copies to the school district. So then we had to do more testing with the school district where again we were told you had autism. They had a special preschool they wanted you to go to. We went to the IEP, I filled out all the paperwork, but I didnt have your birth certificate, so I ordered it, it came and still I didnt go back to the school to put you in. I am sorry. I wasnt ready. You were only three. YOU belonged home with me. I can teach you. I can fix this. The school could have you when you were five just like all the other kids. SO that school year came and went. I kept promising myself that when the school year started again I would put you in, so the day before school started I went to register you. But you needed a TB test. So, I saw it as a sign and put it off again. I am sorry. Finally in January of 2010 your grandma came to visit. She said I am not leaving until he is in school and I dont care who I have to call he will be in school in the next two weeks. And boy did she get the ball rolling. You are now is school. You are making progress. You are amazing. You can take a bad day and make me smile. I love you Kade through the mess, the stress and everything else I thank Heavenly Father everyday for you. I know I am slow at doing things and I am working on it, But I promise to fight and do everything I can to save you, the way you save me and our family.

Hey Hey its wordless Wednesday and I have pix

2010-03-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

quick update

2010-03-16T21:04:00.000-07:00

We are still here and alive. No pics in this post either, hopefully tomorrow. But I always say that then I get all caught up in life and time starts flying and before I know it its been another week. We have been busy with homework,play time, dinner then a family walk. It has been great for us/me. Mostly me, I have lost 8 lbs! Happy Dance!!! JD and Danica are both getting awards tomorrow. So I will have pictures. Oh and JD turned 9. He helped make his own cake and I missed the picture :( my memory card has been missing but I found it tonight! So def. pictures of tomorrows award assembly. And I will get a couple of JD riding his new bike :) He was a happy boy. He cant wait to start Karate class. Danica is a busy bee, learning her part for her assembly next week. Kaden is continually suprising us with all he is learning and really seems to making progress. Dalton has turned into a little clean freak and if I am at the computer too long he will come over and start handing me the mess from around the living room so he can vacuum. And if I am working in the kitchen he has to steam mop. LOL. Vernon is doing good, stays busy with work and the being a dad when he gets home and shooting when he can sneak away on the weekend. Thats it for tonight! sorry its all crazy, but I couldnt let another night go by with out updating. Love you all!
Care

Whats going on with us

2010-03-03T07:17:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! Been a week or so since I posted, so I thought I should go ahead and update ya'll on whats going on with us these days so here we go, oldest to youngest.

Me~Carolyn~Mom, Today I am starting to....gulp....exercise. Yup, I do not like what I see when I step on the scale, nope nope nope not happy at all. And since there are no more babies for us, there is really no need for all the extra fluff that wasnt worth losing when I was still in the baby making game....TMI, maybe, sorry :) So to further motivate me I will be posting weekly (maybe not so weekly, you know me, I am a slacker)weigh ins and pictures. If I cant see progress I will most likely quit and what better motivation then to announce to the world that I weigh......184, ouch, there I said it. And now I am going to work on making that number smaller. 30 Day shred here I come! Thanks for the work out video idea Tiffany!

Vernon~Dad, Is doing good. On Thursday he will be taking the 1st class test for the Navy. Wish him LUCK! He is still big into collecting C&R rifles and is always finding something new he just has to have. To bad we dont have an endless supply of money so he can collect all he wants :) He is hoping to go hunting this fall and hopefully we will be able to get enough saved for him to go.

Jaron, is going on a FIELD TRIP! The dont do a lot of field trips here, in fact it is like every other year you get to go on one. Ok thats a lie, they do get to go to the high school for the play every year. But thats kinda boring. So this one is a fun one, they are doing a farm day at the local fair grounds. He is also quickly coming up to his 9th birthday! Holy cow! we are half way to 18. How the heck did that happen?!?

Danica, is doing the patriotic program again this year. The first and second grade do it every year. and this year she got a major part. She is going to be the narrator over the whole program. HOLY COW! How cool is that! She is very excited. I on the other hand was hoping to skip the whole thing this year, its the night before spring break and I am hoping to get out of town this year and wanted to leave right after school. HAHAHA but this part is awesome for her so we will wait until the next day to head out. Good Job Nan. She is also looking forward to her birthday and insists on knowing how many days until her birthday at least once a week. Birthdays are a big deal around here I guess.

Kaden, is doing awesome with school. Just wish I could say the same about the bus schedule! I am still fighting with them because I find it unexceptable for him to be on the bus for 2 hours everyday after school. that makes for a 10 hour day for my 4 year old and it makes me sad.Sometimes it feels like all I do is fight for him to get what he deserves. Earlier this week we got a letter saying they were stopping his SSI check and while we can manage just fine without it, it is nice to be able to get extras for him and not feel so tight on the budget.UGGG, such a pain. But he is such a blessing in our home, I will fight till the very end for him! He comes home and is so much more relaxed on school days. We are seeing major improvements. Signing seems to be coming along, we work on the same signs here at home that they work on at school.

Dalton, is doing awesome! Poor guy caught pink eye from Danica earlier this week and had a pretty hard time getting over it. But everything is looking to be on the up and up now. I think he really enjoys being the only one home during the day. He loves to help me while I am cleaning, cooking, feeding and watering the dog. Doesnt seem to matter what I am doing he always wants to be helping. I wish I had known how to calm down and get JD and Danica involved like I do with Dalton. Things just seem to go easier with him. Oh well you live and learn right?

So thats the update for everyone this week. All in all it has been a pretty good week. Seems that every night as we head off to bed, there seems to be a peace about that house that has been missing for a while. Hope it sticks around! I will really try to get pictures up later today. But I wanted to at least get you all up to date while I had a few moments without Dalt needing to help type! Love you ALL!

The Elrods!

p.s. Amazingtogether.blogspot....can I get an invite to your blog? carelrod@gmail.com or can you at least tell me who you are? :) Thanks :)

Think I need to change it to "dirty laundry" Wednesday!

2010-02-24T09:36:00.001-08:00

Since I cant seem to remember to write on Tuesday. LOL. So my week is going pretty good, we have a cold going around the house and Kaden was home for 2 days, some would think that is a bad thing, but I really enjoyed the time with him and so did Dalton(he misses his Moe Moe all day long). Plus I love getting the extra snuggles from him. So now to decide on my complaint I am struggling with 2 things so hey today you get a double dose! Lucky you! :)
1. People who drop by my house. Most days its not a horrible horrible thing (ok, it really is!!!! I hate hate hate unexpected visitors!!!) but when I have had sick kiddos who just want to be snuggled and throw their snack all over and not sleep more then 2 to 3 hours at a time. It really makes for a worn out mommy who leaves cleaning for when the kids go to bed instead of trying to keep up with it all day like I should. So twice this week I have been embarrassed when people have just dropped by, guess its a sign to suck it up and clean all day and let the kiddos cry because I am not holding them.
2. Not ever having time alone with my husband, no kids, no interruptions. Just me and him bonding and building up our relationship. I know a lot of it is my fault, if you thought I was bad about trusting my kids with people before we found out Kaden had autism, you should see me now! But really it is taking its toll and I feel like I go weeks with out really connecting with him. It seems no matter how hard I try to get a bedtime routine, or sneak in a moment or two for just the two of us, it never works out. I need a live in grandparent! or to relax a little and find a babysitter. HAHAHA. Anyway, thats all for now folks!!!! Wordless Wednesday later today I hope!!!

Sleepy Sundays

2010-02-21T17:24:00.001-08:00

I just love lazy Sunday afternoons!

Thankful Thursday

2010-02-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

I think it is only fair that if I am doing a "dirty laundry" Tuesday, I should have a day where I remember all that I am blessed with. Today I am thankful for the . Yep, the Navy. And this guy no not the dog, ignore him, My hubby who serves in the Navy. (just wanted to show off the new Navy cammies and it was the best picture I had at the moment.

Now I know I was complaining about his watch in the last post. But I am so grateful for the Navy and a husband who is willing to serve our country. With all the talk about the recession it makes me realize how blessed I am to have a husband who has a stable job with a steady paycheck. While we will always have to be on a budget and sometimes that budget is a lot tighter then we would like. We have a paycheck, we have health and dental insurance. I am able to stay home and be a mom to our children. So today I am thankful for the Navy and My husband who serves. Thanks for supporting our family Vernon. We love you.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-17T10:55:00.001-08:00

"Dirty Laundry" Tuesday

2010-02-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

OK so I am a day late, but i decide to join you in your dirty laundry Tuesday, Tiffany. Especailly since Tuesday tell and isnt my cup of tea this week who really cares about V-day anyway. LOL...oh wait me but thats a bitter subject. LOL Anywho, this week I am having a hard time dealing with duty weekend. But its not just duty weekend, normal duty weekend Vern works Friday and will usually have a watch either fri, sat or sun. But this weekend is a special duty weekend, reservist weekend to be exact so he works all day Friday, all day Sat, and then because he is so lucky he gets to have a watch on Sunday! YAY! Awesome! Perfect! Just what I want to spend the entire weekend being a single mother to 4 kids with no car. I love weekends I love having help, I love getting to sleep in a bit cuz daddy got up with the kids. I love being able to catch up on house work because I have extra hands to help with the kids who distroy anything i get accomplished in a matter of minutes. So, there you have it, my disappointment for the week. Kudos to all you single moms out there I do not know how you do and I admire you. And to all of you with deployed husbands, I feel your pain and know in a year I will have to do it on my own for 6 to 8 months out of the year and I will hate it. So when I look at it that way, I know my complaining is stupid and petty. But for today I am disappointed.

Bet ya thought I would never blog again huh?

2010-01-31T13:04:00.000-08:00

Well sorry to disappoint you but I am gonna try to get back into the grove of things. I can promise one thing though, this isnt always going to be pretty. There will be somedays you will wonder if I should be put in a padded room, there will probably be times that i make you lol, other times you might cry. But if i cant share the bad then i am depriving you a glimpse into our lives which is what i made this for. So know I am crazy, but i do pick myself back up eventually. so now time for a recap of what i have let you all miss.

We had an awesome start to our summer. Probably to awesome and after it I felt empty and depressed. While we were traveling and visiting, our family enjoyed each other, and I know what you are thinking...yes we do enjoy each other, but this was a new and different level of enjoyment. We the parents could relax, let the older two kids run and play and be free. Something they LOVED and the parents LOVED. We cant do that on base. Too many gossips, too many people looking down on you, too many busy bodies who have nothing better to do then try to ruin your life. You have your own house and backyard, but its never your own and you can never let your guard down. SO coming home was horrible. It threw me in a depression and I sure it did the same for the kids. Back to the up tight, must be on your guard at all time parents. Back to no fun, careless, free lifestyle for the kids. So here I have sat in this depression suffering for my children and what life on base is depriving them of. But I have come out of my depression and they have opened a cool new park not too far away that we are loving spending time at. The kids get to ride their new scooters down there and we have picnics and play for hours.

I guess another reason I have been avoiding this is I knew that I would have to deal with some tough issues and questions I didnt want to answer. Until a week ago Kaden had not been in preschool. I know I was supposed to do it, last year when we did the iep, then I was going to do it when school started back up, and I went to do it and he needed a tb test and we were always going to do it tomorrow and tomorrow turned into next week, then a month and so on. I dont see a reason in making excuses. I wasnt ready for him to go to school, I am still not ready. Its not fair, he shouldnt be at school, I should be able to have him home with me until he is 5 like the other kids. I hate that his school is so far away and he is gone so long. I hate missing out on his life. It hurts me so much to have him gone. I spend all day worrying and missing him. BUT on the bright side, he is doing AWESOME and is picking things up so quickly. It really makes me wish I had done it sooner. But I cant change it all I can do is keep moving forward and I can see the changes in him already and it makes my heart soar. Now if I could just get his bus situation figure out so Vernon didnt beat him home life would be great. AND WE WILL GET IT FIXED. Vernon has been an amazing help through this, he has gone out of his comfort zone and helped make phone calls. Dealt with all of my calls and crying and stood by me through it all. He truly is my rock, my support, my best friend and I dont tell him enough how amazing he is.

Now to catch you up month by month, sorry if none of the above made sense, lol I am all over the place and slightly crazy. Sorry about that :) and sorry for not having many pictures. I will work on that, maybe I will go buy myself the camera I have been drooling over for over a year, to make me want to photograph every second of our lives, ok maybe not that much, but at least enough to keep you up to dat on the kiddos growth and changes and important moments in their lives.

July- We had a bbq for the 4th and sat across the street and enjoyed the fire works. We are really lucky and can see 3 sets of fireworks from across the street with out all the noise. Danica also turned 7. I can not believe how fast she is growing up. She is an amazing big sister, such a little mama. She is always the first one to jump up, step in and help out with anything I need. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.

Aug- was hot hot hot, so we spent a lot of time inside inside inside! We did spend a bit of time with our friends from across the street. They were nice and would invite us over when they would pull out their slip and slide or pool. We miss you Groff family!

Sept- The big kids started school again. JD is in the 3rd grade and doing awesome. He cursive is amazing. I always worried about his hand writing, seems to take after me, and has horrible hand writing, but his cursive is amazing. Now if we could get him to do his homework consistantly and in a timely manner all would be right in the world. :) Danica is in second grade and is continually suprising me with her knowledge and wits. She loves homework, so much she begs me to allow her to do JD's for him. I have never met a kid with such a thirst for knowledge.

October- Kaden turned 4!!!! Words cant begin to discribe the love I have for this child. Our bond is so deep. I am always told I am so lucky I can hug, kiss, and love on this child, I guess its not the norm for kids with autism. We are truly blessed to have him in our family. EVERYONE watches out for our moe moe. (named by Dalton) This year Halloween brought a suprise for me, my kids were satisfied with going around the block and being done. I could not believe it.

November- Came and went, for some reason its not sticking out in my mind as anything to important. Thanksgiving was good, we enjoyed the day together. why oh why havent I been better at keeping up with this darn thing, my memory isnt what it used to be!!!

December- Once again we were spoiled, far more then we deserve I am sure. Vernon also had his 28th birthday. To celebrate he decided to re enlist in the Navy for another 4 years! Way go to honey we are so proud of you and all that you do for our country.

January- We had a special visit from Grandpa Ed and Grandma Melanie, I know I have the pictures around here and will try to get them added when I am on the other computer. We also had a special visit from Grandma Amy. Kaden got put into school and is doing AWESOME. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the education part of it. But I hate the bus schedule and will get getting it fixed it is not ok for my child to be on a bus for 2 hours everyday after school. But we have contacted the right people and they are working on fixing it. Hopefully by next wed/thurs they will have it all fixed. they are having a special meeting to try and figure it out. It not I will keep calling and going higher until it is fixed. We also had another special birthday, Dalton turned 2!!!! He is such a sweet little guy, when I am upset he will come over and ask me whats wrong and kiss me until I smile. He is so smart and amazed the people in Kadens IEP. He speaks in full sentences and for the most part is understandable. He is full of spunk and keeps me on my toes. If he hears a new work he has to try it out. Again I am truly blessed. I can not imagine my life without my four amazing beautiful children! Life is good. For better or worse we have each other and I wouldnt want it any other way.

So like I said I am going to really try to do better with this, through the laughter and tears. From happiness to sadness I need to store and share it all. Until next time.
Carolyn

Another yell for recipes

2009-06-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

I started this a while ago and did a bit but like this blog I am failing at it. I know I need to post about our vacation and I will, but I don't want to post with out pics and the battery needs to be charged and the charger is in the car and I keep forgetting it. Any who, http://carecooks.blogspot.com/ is where I put our menu and recipes when I remember to do it. And I am going to try to get better and if there is anyone who would like to add to it let me know and I will add you as a contributor. The more the merrier, I always need new ideas! Thanks! be back either tonight or tomorrow with all the fun details of our crazy vacation! ~Care

What an AWESOME way to start our summer

2009-06-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

What started out as a quick trip to Utah for My little brother Clay's graduation, just kept getting better and better! (warning picture overload).

Here are the kids on our way to Utah. Note the wet wipe on poor sleeping Kadens head. Nothing like picking on your brother while he is sleeping :) Some cool scenery on our brief passing through Arizona. Whew we made it Nevada! I couldnt convince Vernon to drive down the strip so I didn't get any cool pictures of Vegas. Man those drivers sure do scare me. I am so glad Vernon did the driving! WOOOOHOOOOOO we made it to Utah. Only 3 1/2 to 4 hours more (and about 6 stops, lol...the kids did so well until we hit Utah) and we are in Salina! We made it to Salina just in time for bed.I wish! We stayed with Grandma Amy and Grandpa Jerry then Uncle Matt came and stayed there too. Aunt Alisha and cousin Aden came too but stayed at their other grandparents house.I dont know why traveling made the parents so tired and the kids so wild when we finally would reach our destination. (really all in all the kids were GREAT travelers). We got to go up to my parents property at Accords Lake and let Vernon go arrow head hunting. I see rocks he sees arrow heads. He is really good at. Anyway, a few pictures from that....The view Vernon could and did spend many hours doing this. I wish I would have let him get more then 2 trips up there, he truly loves doing this and even found a surprising little buddy who loved doing it with him...can you guess who? yep it was Danica. Surprised the heck out of me I thought for sure JD would love it. But nope it was Danica. Thats ok JD found another way to bond with his dad....more on that later! Keep reading :) Soon it was time for the reason we started this trip... Clays Graduation!!! YAY CLAY! Congrats!!! Isnt he handsome. After Clays graduation, Clay left for the Church history trip. We had a birthday party for me up at my parents property, HEHEHE, I told Vernon the only time he couldnt be up there was for Clay's graduation and my birthday, But he got to go up for it anyway. We had a yummy BBQ and cake. Then Matt left for Salt Lake, he was going hiking with a friend then headed back to Virginia. Why I dont have any pics of Uncle Matt I will never know. I was so not good about taking pictures. Sorry! After Matt left we decided to do a quick trip to Nebraska. Whats 11 more hours in a packed car anyway? I am SO SO SO SO SO grateful we got to go there. Just like I needed a trip to Utah to somewhere familiar and to be with family, so did Vernon.... even if he wont admit it :) He loved it. Not to mention the kids. They LOVED it! I can not tell you how blessed we are to have such an amazing family on BOTH sides. We love you all and cant wait to see you again!!!! But you thought I was going to end here huh!?! WRONG, sorry I get side tracked and my mind wanders LOL. Anyway we load up the kids and head up to Salt Lake. Then we hit And after driving ALL the way across Wyoming (this is what the kids look like, they would fight to ride in the very back then when I would take pictures they would put on sad faces)
we hit....NEBRASKA!!! YAY! I do not know how I missed the Nebraska sign but I did, darn it. We stayed with Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Jerry. Aunt Sandy and Uncle Doug came to visit a couple times and we got to see their daughter Amanda. ( I can NOT believe I did not pull my camera out more so sorry guys!) We also go to see Uncle Brian and his girlfriend, sorry I am so bad with names, someone please help me out so I can add it and quit feeling stupid!!!! Oh and we got to see Grandpa Jerry's sister Linda and her daughter Lisa and her 2 daughters who the kids loved playing in the hot tub! Another favorite thing to do their was drive/ride in the
and go to the J mart! Ok now for JD's great bonding moment with dad told you I would get to it, bet you thought I would get side tracked again huh...He got to go golfing with Daddy and Grandpa Jerry. They let him putt and drive the golf cart. He had such a great time. Thank you grandpa Jerry for taking my to big boys out for some fun! Vernon took the camera but didn't get any pictures, hes as bad as me!!! Vernon and I took the little boys to Cabelas to see the big fish tank (the big kids wanted nothing to do with their evil parents most of the trip, I was sad but at the same time so happy that they were able to have the time with their grandparents. Thanks again to both sets of grandparents, you made this trip AWESOME! My kids were the happiest kids the whole time!) All too soon our time was coming to an end. We packed up and headed back to Utah to give the kids a day or 2 of rest before heading back to California. But before I forget... family pictures and pictures with the grandparents...

Now for some random pictures and less talking from me. Love you all! Thanks to all who made this possible, we couldn't have done it with out you. We truly have been bless and are so so so lucky to have the family we have! For those of you we missed, we truly missed you! Next year I hope to have a better plan so EVERYONE who wants to get together with us can. To K'brina, I am sorry I didn't get in touch with you. Hopefully next year we will be able to put your AMAZING talent to good use!

*please note the lack of pictures of the big kids is not out of not finding them as cute as the little boys, there are 2 really good reasons for it. :) 1. They really wanted nothing to do with us the entire trip and would ride and or stay with everyone else. 2. I am so bad about taking pictures. 3. I had my hands a little full with the little boys. Ok so that was 3 reason. hehehe! Love you ALL!
~care

Just a pic

2009-04-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

Because they all looked so great in their church clothes :)

Hair Cuts and Popsicles

2009-04-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight while I was bathing Dalton in the sink he was having fun playing so I decided while he was calm and destracted I would cut his hair I am proud of the way it came out. I think I did a very good job! Before:

And the after:

I am hoping to catch Kaden in a deep sleep tonight and be able to cut his! He hates to have his head touched so it is a huge struggle. But we did find out today that he likes popsicles!!!!

JD also got a hair cut from daddy, but in the middle of the hair cut daddy asked him a question and instead of talking he nodded and had to have all of his hair buzzed to fix it :( made for a very unhappy mommy.

Danica wasnt very happy with me tonight and this was the best picture she would give me, maybe tomorrow after church she will give me a better one.
Hmmmmm this was our Saturday in a nutshell! hope everyone is doing well! we love and miss you all! Care

Once again

2009-04-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

It has been too long since I have posted. We are doing well. We had a nice Easter. We sure do miss having family around! Here are a few cute pics of the last little bit.

Easter....

JD woke up sick Saturday night and by Sunday evening we had to take him to the the urgent care here on base. He had an ear infection. He is all better now :) And this is a picture of Dalton in his dads cranial..

Hope everyone is doing well. Hugs and Kisses!
Care

Create

2009-04-07T10:04:00.001-07:00

And then reality hits

2009-04-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

I was in the living room and the kids were being watched by daddy in the kitchen.... Other titles this could have..."why daddy is never left in charge of the kids" " At least they were quiet" "Never trust quiet kids"

so it has been

2009-04-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

Forever and a Day since I last posted and I didnt even blog about JD's 8th Birthday. Can you believe it 8 years old already where does time go???? I can not believe it. I will post a blog on just him in the next day or 2. But for now I have to blog about our "perfect" night. Seriously, it has been so long since we have just sat and truly enjoyed a whole night of being together. It was amazing! I am so grateful for nights like last night where, everything goes smooth and everyone gets along, no one whines, full of hugs and kisses and I love you's and GOOD JOBS! Last night the kids had a patriotic program. It was so CUTE! i got all teary eyed watching my kids up on stage singing their little hearts out.(see pics and a horrible video :) I was holding Dalt and he kept grabbing the camera, sorry) After we were allowed to go into their classrooms and see what they had been working on. SO awesome! My kids amaze me with how smart they are and how much they are learning. Danica was sitting at her desk and had Abe Lincoln house she had built (you could build it at home, but she wanted to do hers at school with her friends) and she did so wonderful on it. (see pic below) :) JD met us in the Computer lab where he had a power point he had made himself to show us. HOLY COW my second grader know how to power point!?!?! AWESOME! then we went to his class where he had tons of stuff to show us (see pic below) After we went to the store and picked out dinner, then we came home and worked on homework (WITH OUT COMPLAINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D) and it was wonderful everyone did what they were supposed to and helped each other. It was the most peace this family has had in a while and I am so grateful for it. Simply amazing! Anywho, heres the pics and video. Love you all!!! ~Care

A much needed laugh

2009-03-09T10:18:00.001-07:00

You know you are from Utah when....

Green jell-o with carrots mixed in doesn't seem strange.

You can pronounce Tooele.

The U is not just a letter - Neither is the Y.

You have actually eaten funeral potatoes. *love them*

You've gotten both heat and frost burns off your car's door handle in the same month.

You are not surprised to hear words like "Darn, Fetch, Flip", "Oh, My Heck" and "Shoot".

Your tulips get snowed on three times after they come up and twice more after they bloom.

Hunting season is a school holiday. *miss those days*

The largest liquor store is the state government.

You can go skiing and play golf on the same day.

30% humidity is muggy and almost unbearable.

Somewhere in your family tree is a polygamist.

You know the difference between a 'Steak House' and a 'Stake House'.

The elevation exceeds the population

You've broken down on the highway and somebody stops to help you

You can see the stars at night

You have a bumper sticker that says "Families are Forever."

You were an aunt or uncle before you were three.

Your spouse's mother was pregnant at your wedding.

You have more children than you can find biblical names for.

Your family considers a trip to McDonald'd a night out..

Your first child was conceived on your honeymoon.

You feel guilty when you watch Monday Night Football.

Your kids believe the deer hunt is a national holiday.

You drink Coke from a brown paper bag.

You consider a temple recommend a credit reference.

At least two of your salad bowls are at the homes of neighbors.

You believe that you must be 18 or older to order coffee at a restaurant. * I really thought this for a LONG time*

You wonder why fire truck drivers honk when you drive 35 mph in the left lane on the freeway.

There is a similarity between a ward basketball game and the L.A. riots.

You think Jack Daniels is a country western singer.

You negotiate prices at a garage sale.

You can make Jell-O salad without the recipe.

You've heard about BYU football in a testimony meeting. *LOL*

You have two gallons of ice cream in your freezer at all times.

Your father-in-law thinks Ronald Reagan was a liberal.

A member of your family wrote in Lavell Edwards for president in the last election.

Cars in the slow lane are traveling the fastest; cars in the fast lane are traveling the slowest; cars in the middle lanes are always trying to exit.

Sandals are the best-selling shoes.

You have to ask for the uncensored version of "Titanic."

Hotel rooms all have the Book of Mormon.

You buy your wardrobe at the local grocery superstore.

You learn about the Mormon Church by taking history in elementary school.

You live in a state where Democrats always come in third place, unless a zoo animal is running. Then they come in fourth.

You're on your own if you are turning left.

Schools stay open, even if two feet of snow falls overnight, but close for the opening of hunting season.

People wear shorts and T-shirts if the temperature rises above 32 degrees.

There is a church on every corner, but they all teach the same thing.

The most popular public transportation system is a ski lift.

People drive to Idaho (or Arizona) to pick up a gallon of milk so they can play the lottery.

In-state college football rivalries are bigger than the Super Bowl.

Beer drinkers don't shop on Sunday.

You don't have to breathe cigarette smoke until you walk outside a building.

The cost of living rises while your salary drops.

Every driveway has a minivan and a pickup truck.

When you buy a new vehicle, cigarette lighters are optional equipment but gun and ski racks are standard.

Every time a new family moves into your neighborhood, the local elementary school has to hire a new teacher.

Your paycheck has an additional 10 percent deduction.

"Temple recommends" is acceptable identification for cashing a check.

More movies are filmed in your town than in Hollywood.

You've never had a Mormon missionary knock on your door.

Your neighbors complain about where they live, yet refuse to return to the state they moved from.

You make a toast with red punch at your wedding reception.

You have more raw wheat stored than some Third World countries. *need to work on this*

Your idea of a good time is playing Pictionary in the cultural hall.

Your idea of a wild party is a six pack of Pepsi and a PG-13 movie.

You and all your friends come to your mother for a haircut in her kitchen.

You measure Kool-Aid by parts per million.

You think "You're a 10 cow wife" is a compliment.

Ugh

2009-03-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

What a morning already! The time change is killing me. I can not wait to get used to it. Or maybe I shouldn't blame the time change. Maybe I should blame the 11 to 1:00 am Urgent Care visit for Vernon. His teeth bother him all weekend. SO much that he wasn't sleeping. Couldn't sit. The only thing that worked was standing up and gargling. Which only took a way the pain slightly. So I begged him all weekend to go in, but being as stubborn as he is it wasn't until last night at 11 that he finally gave in and let me take him in. So we loaded up (kids were still awake, Sunday night is always horrible night here) and took him down to urgent care. I waited in the car with the kids hoping they would fall asleep. No such luck. It was miserable. Or maybe I should blame the fact that Kaden didn't go to sleep till 5 am Sunday morning. Whatever the reason we are all tired. I still made the kids go to school, but they were late. JD didn't want to get dressed and kept falling back asleep, which really is nothing out of normal for him. But then his shoes were lost....he left them out back after playing out there yesterday and couldn't remember where they were. Thank Heavens for prayers that are answered in a timely manner. Now I am home with to VERY cranky little boys...who are mad because we are out of milk and they are tired. We will head off to the store a little later, until then juice will have to do. And I know when JD and Danica get home they will be tired and want a nap, and if you know my kids..you give them even a Small 30 min nap and you can forget about sleeping till after midnight and then the process starts all over again, so I am going to have to find something fun to do this afternoon after homework and snack. Tomorrow I will be taking Vernon up to Fresno to get a root canal. Fun Fun! I don't know why these things have to happen right before pay day!
But I will be so happy when Vernon is out of pain and if I use proper planning we can all be in bed by 7:30 tonight...better figure out what's for dinner. Already found and planned out family night.

I am.....

2009-03-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

Stolen from K'Brina :)

I AM...Counting down the days till I go to Utah

I WANT...a clean house and laundry that folds and puts itself away

I HAVE...an amazing family

I KEEP...Everything, until I cant stand the clutter anymore

I WISH I COULD...move back to Hawaii, we miss the beach

I HATE...driving

I FEAR...loosing someone I love. (ditto)

I HEAR...the boys playing with their cars

I DON'T THINK... I will ever be good enough

I REGRET... Not forcing the issues I knew were wrong with Kaden

I LOVE...My husband, my kids more then anything else in this world

I AM NOT...ever going organized

I DANCE...while the kids and I have a cleaning party

I SING...every time a song comes on that I know

I NEVER... imagined I could be so content with my life

I RARELY...go anywhere without my husband and my kids or cell phone.

I CRY WHEN I WATCH...the notebook

I AM NOT ALWAYS...insane, just most of the time ;)

I HATE THAT...I can't get everything done I want to in a day. (ditto again)

I'M CONFUSED ABOUT...oh so many things

I NEED...sleep, and a maid hehehe

I SHOULD...make some cookies with the kids when they get home

Just wanted to share some things about me. Try it. Write down the 1st thing that comes to your mind. We all want to know things about each other... that's why we blog stalk, right??

Tuesday Tell all

2009-03-03T20:24:00.000-08:00

What 5 Words Matter Most To You, and Why?

In no particular order :)

Love- Because love is the best emotion/feeling you can have. There is no feeling better then to love and be loved.

Family- Family is everything to me. Good, bad and everywhere in between, family is everything.

Faith- Because we all need something to hold onto and believe in. Some days it seems is all I am running on a little faith and a prayer.

Imperfect- Because that is what I am. It seems no matter how hard I try I just cant reach perfection. And really I am learning to deal with my flaws and working on accepting who I am. Nothing and no one can ever be perfect. But if we know our flaws we can always strive to do better and be better.

Friend- Because we all need a friend :)

Howdy

2009-03-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

OK still no new pics...I can not find the cord to charge my camera! So like I said before, Kadens IEP (individual educational plan) went great. They set up some great goals, asked if we had any goals we would like to have them work on. We got to meet the principal of the school he will be attending. We had already met his teacher when we went in for observation of his class. We still have not received the paperwork from the neuropsychologist that initially gave use the autism diagnosis. But the school district did their own testing and while they can not diagnose him they can say he is special needs and shows "autistic tendencies". So as soon as I get a new birth certificate, I turn in his paperwork and withing 48 hours transportation will call and let me know what time they will picking him up in front of my house and dropping him back off at home. I am SO not ready for this. But also feel at peace with it and know with out a doubt that he will do great and learn so much! JD and Danica both earned student of the month for the month of January. YAY! The only disappointment, the teachers didn't send home their usual note saying you child is getting.... I have been there for ALL of the assemblies my kids have gotten the perfect attendance for the month and I missed the big student of the month one. And it was on a Friday so Vernon could have been there too without having to get out of work!! I was so sad. But the kids are really excited they got a certificate for a free kids meal at sizzler. :) Dalton is doing good and still surprises me on his smarts. This morning I was eating goldfish crackers and he kept coming up to me and signing please, it was so cute! We have been working with Kaden on some sign language and all the kids are picking it up and ask for more signs. I am thinking we need to take a class. In other news I am not doing very well on blogging and I found a helper site.....see the new button....Tuesday tell all...so at least every Tuesday I will posting a new blog. They give you and easy topic and you write about it. Fun huh! I am hoping this will help get me into more blogging and more updates. I guess it would help if I could find my camera charger. I hate posting with out new pics of the kids. Guess this has to be all for now, Dalton is wanting to be held. :)

Love you all!
~Care

Kaden's IEP

2009-02-24T17:15:00.000-08:00

Kaden had his IEP today and as soon as I have his birth certificate he will be going to school for special ed students in Hanford. Will go into more detail later. I have a few things I have to accomplish and a few things I have to get sorted out in my own head first. This will be great for him, of that I am sure. Love you all! More in the next day or 2.
Care

Pay it Forward

2009-02-19T13:48:00.000-08:00

Seems to be the cool thing to do so I will have to jump on the train too!

A friend of mine has this on her blog and I thought it sounded awesome. So this is how it works: The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a handmade gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise.

There's a small catch...You knew there would be didn't you? Post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you're in. Remember, only the first 3 comments receive a gift.

Love you all,
Care!

just an update. no pics sorry

2009-02-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

I have been very lazy about taking pictures. I am sorry. But here is a little update for you all. JD is still doing great in school and wants me to look into a Karate class for him. There is a class on base on Sat and Sunday, hopefully you get to choose one or the other. I would really hate for him to miss out because of church on Sunday. He is so excited for his birthday next month. I can not believe that I am going to have an 8 year old. CRAZY! He is starting to show an interest in girls....ALREADY!?!?! Are you serious? I was hoping for at least 8 more years of not interested in girls! JD and Danica have all recesses and lunch together and Danica is friends with the girl JD has a crush on. But in Danica's world she can only be friends with her on the days she doesn't like JD. hehehe. Danica is still amazing me with her reading abilities and LOVES to read and spell. As a matter of fact she no longer chooses to speak most of the time but will spell everything out....Y-e-s, m-o-m. SO very annoying. but I am glad that she is so into spelling and learning. I am also looking into finding a dance or gymnastics class for Danica. Our earning and spending their own money has kind of fizzled. not for lack on mom and dads side. they just don't want to help out or do their chores and just flat out refuse. It is making for a pretty unhappy house right now. I don't ask much of them and have even made out a chore calender so they know what chore is theirs. but they would rather lose TV time, computer time, and special treats, then do their chores. If anyone has ideas on how to spice life up and get them to help out again I would appreciate it Very much! On Kaden news, I am so sad to announce that he will VERY VERY soon be starting school. He has his IEP on the 24 and within 48 hours the transportation people will be getting a hold of me and Kaden will be going ON A BUS to a special ed school over in Hanford. We have been over to the school to observe the classroom and make sure we were ok with it. I want to run away and scream no I am not ok with it. He is only 3 he still needs to be home with me (I know in reality I need him more then he needs me) But this isn't about me. It is about Kaden and I know this is where he needs to be and that he will do great there. Dalton continues to prove to me that he was meant to be the LAST baby the Elrods will have. He was definitely the swift kick in the butt I needed to say hey you need to be done. I love him dearly! He is so much clingier and needier then the others have been....or maybe not but I dealt with it different or better then...maybe? I don't know. I have a gate that separates the living room and kitchen and if I walk into the kitchen he is sitting at the gate screaming even though he was perfectly content ignoring me while I sat next to him as he played. I cant seem to get anything accomplished unless he is asleep and he is now down to one 30 to 45 min nap a day. NOT my choice I would still love to have 2, 2 hour naps a day...but somewhere in my kids genes they are missing a sleep button. on the positive side Dalton is SOOOOOO smart. hehehe! He eats with a fork in fact refuses to eat if you dont give him one. he walks around the house with the remote saying hello hello. TOOO CUTE! His walking is turning into a cute little run, usually to try to get through the gate before I close it. He loves to drop things and the say bbbbbbbwwwwoooooooo (whoa). He loves to turn off the TV and has the cutest little dance when you turn music on and he loves to sing along. Vernon is doing good. I am same old Carolyn, nothing new and exciting to post on us. I guess that is everything for now. Love you all! ~ Care

Sometimes

2009-01-29T09:56:00.000-08:00

Sometimes your days look like this and you just need a hug.

And other days you feel like this....

But don't worry because soon enough someone will come along and although you may fight it.... you will get the hug you need.

And a friend to lean on or in this case sit on.

And soon your frown will be turned upside down and you can look like this again And By The Way.... I turn 1 tomorrow!!!!

I know its been a while since I last posted. And EVERY day I sit down to write. But lately like the first few pics I have been in a bit of a slump. And I hate when I sit down to write and all that wants to come out is complaints and whining. I know this is my outlet but I am working so hard on remembering all the things that make me happy and not focus on the bad, that there are times when I will be gone for a bit, but never fear I always bounce back! Vernon took leave this past week and it was so nice having him home. We didn't do anything too exciting, just enjoyed being together. We also had two more meetings with the school district on Kaden. We met again with the speech therapist, so she could do her evaluation. We also had the evaluation with the school psychologist...actually there were 3 in there watching him and taking notes. The occupational therapist will be coming next Wednesday and I think the school psychologist will also be coming with him to do her final evaluation with him. They also want us to go to a few of the special ed preschools in the district to see the classrooms and meet the teachers and see how things work so we can decide which one we feel will be the best for Kaden. This part will be hard for me I am not ready for him to go to school. Heck I am not ready when they are 5! But I know this is what is best and what needs to happen for Kaden to get the best start he can. Everyone tells ups how lucky we are because he is active, yet very mellow and easy going and such a happy kid and you can see that he is processing what they are saying and trying to have him do. And we truly are blessed. JD and Danica are still doing great in school and continually surprise me with the insane amount of knowledge they have. The other day Danica came in and asked me what defiant meant. I was like where in the world did you hear that word!?! They are also doing great on learning to help around the house and the value on the dollar (or in their case the quarter)They had a multi cultural day at school yesterday and they got to take in the money they earned (plus a little something from mom and dad) to go to the booths and buy little treats and other things they were selling. They were so happy and proud of themselves. it is great to go into the store and have them be able to buy their own treats and not have to listen to them whine about wants all through the store. Wow, guess I had a lot to say even though I didn't think I did! We love you all! ~Care

Vernon is learning Photoshop

2009-01-15T18:59:00.000-08:00

Since we are getting a nice camera with tax returns Vernon has decided to learn photo shop. And I think he did a great job with this picture.... can you tell what he did?

Pinching your pennies

2009-01-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

Since one of my goals is to be actively working on savings, this will require me to actually stay with in a budget! So as I was surfing around to day I put in a search for penny pinching ideas and found this great website. Everyone Hurry sign up too and start pinching your pennies too! http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/index.php

Resolutions

2009-01-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

I am not good at keeping resolutions...for long. So instead of every year making resolutions I am going to do it quarterly. I am going to post them here. If you talk to me, feel free to ask how I am doing, I will need all the encouragement I can get I am sure! At the end of the quarter I am going to sit down, write about my feeling, how I did with my resolutions, what worked what didn't and then I will also sit down and write more or leave them if I want to try harder, etc. So here we go!

1. Try to bring a real smile to each member of my families face each day or find a way to let them know how much they mean to me. This may not seem huge, but it really is. To share an honest to goodness smile with someone can brighten not just your day but theirs too! It can be as simple as telling someone the did a good job and getting overly excited over it. It can be leaving a little not for them to find. It could be as simple as emailing a joke that your hubby would like to him at work. or calling to say "hi" or "i love you". Not you forgot to take out the trash AGAIN! ( I have been writing note to the kids and leaving it on their pillows at night and they LOVE it, they have even started write notes to me and Vernon, and each other. I also make a not for each little boy and write for one of the big kids to please read it to them.)

2. Actively be working on having "savings". Lets face it times are tough, not just for the military, but for everyone. We live pay check to pay check and a lot of times its barely scraping by or just trying to make do. So we have set up a savings account and set it so $25 a paycheck to go into there. As we get a better grip on our money we will probably increase it. But for now it is a start and I am happy. Now to just not break into it.

3. STOP eating out. Ok, not all together...but limit ourselves to one special time each paycheck. We always have good intentions of this and talk about how horrible it is for us and what a waste it is when you spend $30+ for a family of 6 to eat out! Do you know how much more food that could buy or how it could help out the savings, or go to a partial bill. The options are endless and we need to stop it. We have decided that we will get a mason jar and every time we think we have this extra money laying around and we are eating out, out of shear laziness the money will go into the jar and it will be save for something special. (it is undecided as of right now what it will be)

4. Try to live healthier. I want to loose weight, but if I put that down or make a goal and dont make it I will be disappointed, it will not make me try harder. So for now, I will limit myself to one or less coke a day. (can't break that, just yet) Go for fruit or veggies instead of cookies, chips and other junk. I will take the long way home, I already walk the kids to and from school, but take the shortest route. on the way home when I am not in such a hurry why not take the longer way and give my body a little more exercise? Eat at home (see above) I know how to cook, it may not be order what you want, but I am capable of making yummy food.

5. Teach my kids the value of a dollar and more importantly the value of hard work and earning your money. Every time we go to the store, every time we are out. Can I...? I'm hungry, I'm thirsty. Can we go....? So now the kids will be earning a quarter a night if their chores are completed and they were not whined about or had to be told over and over and over. So then when we go to the store, they can do something with their earned money if they choose. I have made up a calender and each day it tells them what chore is theirs.

6. Daily reading of scriptures and family prayers. I will be getting up with my husband each morning, reading scriptures with him and having a pray with him before he goes to work. I will then read the same scriptures with the kids when they wake up and have a prayer with them before they go to school. Then each night we will read together as a family and have a family prayer. God is taken out of so much these days and if I want to instill our beliefs in my children I need to be enforcing this. It is bringing so much more peace into our home. I can really feel it on the days we don't do this.

7. Find a way to do an act of service each day. The possiblities are ENDLESS. It could be taking a plate of cookies over to a neighbor. Giving a friend a break (take their kids with you and your kids to the park, take on dinner for their family, be a listener, or a shoulder to cry one) Take out the trash even though its hubby's job. Bake cookies or some other treat for hubby to take to work with him. Offer to hold a crying baby while the mom pays in the store. You get the idea ;) Remember: " no act of kindness no matter how small, is EVER wasted.

8. Keep a better house. I HATE cleaning house but love the feel of a clean house. I have gotten a lot better over the last few months, but I am not going to take it a step further and set up a chore chart for me. This is so I am not overwhelmed and know what I am supposed to be doing each day. Being a stay at home mom is the best and worst thing for me. I LOVE LOVE LOVE being home with my kids but I just don't have the disipline that is needed to keep myself on a schedule and forcing myself to accomplish the things that should be done each day. So I am putting out there so I will try harder.

9. Keep up on my blog. This one is stupid and purely selfish, but I don't write in a journal, I don't scrapbook. I dont call all of our family and give them updates as often as I should. And someday my mind will go, or my kids will want to know about things they don't remember.So for these reasons I am going to try to blog at least every other day. Sometimes you will get more sometimes it may be less but I really feel this is important.

Well folks, this has to be it....for two reasons. One I can not think of another "really good" one I need to put out there for the world and ME to see. And two Dalton seems to think that bed time was actually a nap so I am going to go snuggle him and rock with him in the rocking chair!
LOVE YOU ALL!
~Care

Just for fun and to show off 2 hair cuts

2009-01-11T18:22:00.000-08:00

Wow! I am still not good about updating this. I still need to post my new years resolutions....Maybe in a bit after dinner, scriptures, bath, and finally prayer and bed time! Until then..here are pics of the kids as of about 3 today. Danica and JD both got their hair cut while Grandma and Grandpa were here and they look so grown up. I really miss Danica long hair, BUT she looks adorable with this new cut. Dalton got to have his first cup of Koolaid and LOVED it. Kade is so good to leave his cup where Dalt can reach it. (that is the red and wet all over him in the pictures, he had it from his forehead to his diaper). Kader has been making some progress lately and walkes around shaking his finger at is and saying no no no no no. I dint think to grab a video of it yesterday when he did it. He also was telling us bye bye while we were driving to the gas station today. Not sure what the change is but I am loving seeing progress. Nothing is full time, YET! But I will take any small step I can get.

Dalton is WALKING!!!!!

2009-01-05T16:23:00.000-08:00

Well I was almost done uploading the video when I realized that I was posting it on the wrong blog! He is Dalton walking! Please ignore my floor we have been grazing all day and that means a messy floor that needs to be vacuumed. Focus on the baby, Isnt he CUTE!?! I figured you all would be happy seeing this messy floor and all because I NEVER do videos of the kiddos. I hate it and will probably never do it again. But I wanted to share this happy/ very depressing thing with me. How I will miss having babies. Its ok though I know big kids are fun too! just sad to see the baby time going.......

2008 year end review

2009-01-03T17:11:00.000-08:00

I am really lazy about posting and I am forcing myself to do this now while it is still fresh in my mind. I will go back and add pictures later.

Jan. 2008- We welcomed our final baby into our Family. Dalton was born on Jan 30th. Daddy wasn't able to be there for the birth so grandma Amy took his place. Vernon was in school to learn a new job for the Navy so we could move to California.

Feb- Both JD and Danica got to take their new baby brother in for show and tell. We were preparing to move to California. We tried to enjoy our last little bit in Hawaii as much as possible.

March- The movers came and packed up our house . JD turned 7, where does the time go???? We got on a plane and headed out on an adventure! California here we come! Hotel living is not so fun! Living in a house with no furniture or car is not much fun either. But we survived.

April- We got settled into our house! Mommies car finally made it from its long voyage from Hawaii. Our furniture made it. The kiddos got settled into school. Finally getting settled in and making friends. YAY us!

May- hmmm nothing too special sticks out in my mind. We were busy getting ready for the kids to be out of school and Grandma Amy and Grandpa Jerry coming to visit and Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Jerry were coming too!

June- I turned 27. Danica graduated kindergarten. School gets out for the summer, but both of my kids went to summer school. (Hawaii schools are VERY behind) Grandma Amy and Grandpa Jerry came for a visit. The brought us a Uhaul full of mommy and daddy's junk. Plus a few other special things. The spoiled the kids rotten. It is so nice having them be a drive away. Yes it is over a 12 hour drive. but it is the closest we have ever been. Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Jerry also came for a visit! Are we spoiled or what!?!They also packed their Car full of stuff for us! They took us to the Sequoia National park and to the Adventure Park! (we can not go to Hanford anymore with out being begged to go there :)) We are so grateful we are able to have our grandmas and grandpas come and see us! Summer here is SO HOT!

July- We watched the fireworks from across the street on the 4th. Danica turned 6. Oh my Goodness it got HOTTER!!!!!!!

August- The kids went back to school and had the most wonderful teachers any parent could ask for! They both loved them from the start! We also started eating breakfast at school. I walk the kids to and from school everyday! GO me!

September- We started the ball rolling with getting Kaden tested for Autism. He had his hearing and speech evaluated. Dalton started crawling. Jd and Danica Both continue to love school and blossom. Vernon and I hit 8 years of marriage. Amazing isn't?!? Who would have thought!?!

October- I start to realize how important having a blog is. I mean where else can I keep track of all of my thoughts pictures and major happenings!?! I LOVE it. I am not a scrapbooker, or a baby booker, or very good at keeping emails, snail mail or phone calls up to date with the latest and greatest. But with my blog I am loving it. Kaden turned 3!!! We also continued with getting him appointments for a diagnosis. Halloween was a lot of fun, The kids were ready to go home before me, that's a new one!

November- We had a nice quiet Thanksgiving. I truly tried to remember all I was grateful for. Dalton started standing on his own.

December- Kaden got diagnosed with Autism. We had a wonderful Christmas. Grandma Amy and Grandpa Jerry and even uncle Clay came out to visit us! December 29 Dalton too his first steps. ( am seriously considering making a little video of it and posting it here for you all to see, but its goes against my nature, but we shall see. need batteries for the camera!) Danica got a MAJOR hair cut and looks so grown up! Vernon turned 27 too!

What a truly AMAZING year we have had! I am so blessed. I can not wait to see what the next year has in store for us! Thank you all for being a part of our life and loving and supporting us!

~The Elrods

Grandma Amy and Grandpa Jerry are in town

2008-12-28T23:39:00.000-08:00

My parents and little brother Clay are in town and we are busy busy busy enjoying them. I will get back to regular posting after they leave.Hope everyone had a merry Christmas! And that you all are well! Love you! ~care

WII got SPOILED

2008-12-25T12:05:00.000-08:00

This year we were so spoiled and had such a great Christmas. Our families REALLY spoiled us! Thank you Thank You Thank you!

Dalton Christmas Eve. Daddy opening the Wii. His one gift to open Christmas Eve. Vernon setting up the Wii. We are all excited to play! So far both Daddy and JD have got to play and love it!

All the kids in their Christmas Eve Jammies. JD on the "Big" Santa gift to the kids. Danica and her favorite present from Santa. Kaden opened his cars helicopter and then ran to the top of the stairs and refused to come down to play with anything else. Or even finish opening his gifts. That is Ok though the other were more then willing to help out. This is Dalton playing Tug of War with mommy over his toy :) This is part of our Chaos as mommy is trying to clean up and organise everything and daddy is putting together Santa's Big gift.

P.S. So sorry it has taken till after NOON to post this the kids didn't fall asleep till 2 am and I had to force them out of bed! I couldn't stand the excitement anymore! Hope every ones Christmas was as wonderful as ours and again thank you all for spoiling us!

wooo hoo's of the day

2008-12-22T11:53:00.000-08:00

WOOO HOOO #1 This was a few days ago, but every month they have an awards assembly for those who have gone the whole month with perfect attendance. This month it was JD's turn. (it seems my kids take turns missing a day of school each month. It is a very bad picture but it was the ONLY one that someone didn't walk in front of me while I was taking it. They make the parents sit in the VERY back of the cafeteria and they aren't like Hawaii where they invite and encourage the parents to sneak up and take pictures. So I was on MEGA zoom and well someday I will have an awesome camera!
WOOO HOOO #2 Danica's missing tooth picture! Isn't she beautiful? Messy hair and all!
WOO HOO #3 Kaden has been in a very bad need of a hair cut for a long time. But the HATES to have his head touched, so last night while he was sleeping I snuck in a trimmed his side burns, its not great and looks like someone who totally didn't know what they were doing took a weed whacker to his head but at least its not growing over his ears anymore. Even in his sleep he made it difficult, he kept reaching up and grabbing the scissors. Wooo HOOO #4 Dalt also got his sideburns cut. MOMMY really messed those up! Vernon kept assuring me as I am crying that its hair and it will grow back. I kept telling him but not his baby curls! He also got to have his first try of oranges. I think he liked it!
WOOO HOOO #5 This website http://serv.sharedbook.com/blogworld/printmyblog/index.html will publish my blog and put it in book form! HOW AWESOME IS THAT! We all know how important keeping a journal is and well I do mine online, and I can have someone print it out for me and I can have it forever and ever! Totally cool! It is on my wish list. I plan on doing it once a year.
WOOO HOOO #6. I am FINALLY getting around to my holiday baking! Better late then never right? Seems to be the story of my life. We are making peanut blossoms, snicker doodles, Chocolate chip with butter scotch chips, regular chocolate chip, and andes mint chocolate chunk cookies! YUMMY YUMMY!
Alrighty folks thats all for now! Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Be Safe and Make sure you tell all of your loved ones how much they mean to you! (I am sure you all will hear from me again before all of this, but just in case you dont!) HUGS AND KISSES! ~ Care

Need camera HELP

2008-12-20T17:43:00.000-08:00

OK, so when tax return season hits, along with doing the smart thing and pay and all that other good stuff, I am going to do something purely selfish. i am going to buy myself a digital SLR camera. But I am struggling to find the perfect one for me and what I want. So if ANY of you out there have any thoughts on this and can help me out it would be so appreciated! I want something that will be clear, look semi professional, with out me having to be. It will need to be semi sturdy,but not like carrying around a brick, and something that both Vernon and I can use. Thoughts? Anyone? I have seen some WONDERFUL pictures on blogs while I am browsing through list...OK, I admit it, I blog stalk. LOL. Now I am jealous of all the wonderful picture out there and want nice ones too!

I just realized...

2008-12-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

I didnt post about meeting with the school Psychologist. Well there is a Very good explanation, i didnt go till today. So I have signed all the paperwork to have them run an IQ test, get paperwork from CVRC, and also got explained the whole process which really is a horrible process! They have to do an in home thing (SO NOT THRILLED ABOUT THIS). If you know me you know I hate having people in my space, judging me. This part will be hard for me. They will also have him tested with speech and hearing (AGAIN!!!!)
Seriously cant they just take the children's hospitals word for it!?! Then they will have an occupational therapist do some testing on him. And an IQ test. And some other test that they will do some test at the district office where they will have like a pretend birthday party and a few other things to see how he will react. Kaden is not going to be a happy camper. He hates this and threw all the stuff during the last IQ test so this should be interesting. Its funny how everyone has to do their own testing on him and cant take anyone else's word for it. they all have to prove it over and over again. I feel bad for my little guy. he hate being in these tiny rooms and having to sit through all of this. I KNOW it is what needs to happen to get him EVERY help possible. Which is what is best for him, but at the same time they are just doing the same things over and over. Anywho, again this is how I am feeling at the moment and need to vent. And Vernon needs a break from me. Trust me when I say in the end I know this will all be worth it.

Last post for today I promise...I think

2008-12-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

I took my camera with me today to get the kids and boy and I glad I did. Danica's class made ginger bread houses today and we got a few fun pictures. So here is the boys waiting for JD and Danica to get out of school in my new jogging stroller. it was only 52 when we headed out so the boys got to have a blanket. Plus Kaden was half asleep. Here is Danica with her Ginger Bread House, How cute! (side note, Danica lost her second tooth today while eating breakfast. Unfortunitly, she swallowed it)
Next is JD! Looks like he had a great day at school. He loves to wear his hood. He is working on losing his 3rd tooth! I can not believe it they are getting SO big. :( I tried to get a good picture of all the kids with the ginger bread house, here is the best one out of the group, they were all ready to eat it and were busy sneaking pieces. As usual they were too busy to all smile at once. I tried to get a good Kaden alone picture but he didnt want any part of it. So here he is getting ready to have a nap. And one more of Dalton playing in the box. This one he is standing and clapping, growing up way too fast if you ask me! Tiffany please note that my floor needs to be swept and the rug is all out of place, shoes have been taken off the shelf and the hair brush, Oh and there is Danica's bowl on the floor behind him too! I promise my house is not as clean as you made it sound the other day :) Also my kids do get bathed and washed up often but we were rushing and they kept sneaking chocolate. what a mess it makes!

Return to Sender

2008-12-16T13:33:00.000-08:00

Today we got a box from grandma Amy and as I was removing things from the box and hiding them. Dalton decide to play going to grandmas. Here are a couple pictures of my cutie! He is growing up way too fast! He started blowing kisses today and then would clap after. I wish I would have gotten my camera, but I was afraid he would stop and I didnt want to miss a minute of it.

New Blog

2008-12-15T19:13:00.001-08:00

I am making a side blog where I will post my menu and recipes for 2 weeks at a time (our pay period) If there is ANYONE who reads this who would like to share recipes, menus, even just occasionally PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE leave me a comment and I will add you as a contributer. I love trying new recipes! Anyway, click on the Care Cooks link to see tonights dinner and in the morning I will be going through and adding the menu (I hope, if the boys nap at the same time) Anyway, I wrote a more detailed explantion on there. Thanks! Hugs and kisses to everyone! ~Care

Another failed attempt

2008-12-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

OK, Any ideas on how to get all the kids to take a decent picture? The tree in our front yard has dropped a ton of leaves and so I thought it would cute to have all the kids lay down in them and get a picture. Yeah it didnt turn out so well. but here it is anyway (the best one out of the bunch). And a cute one of Dalt. It is finally a non foggy day so we will probably venture out again after nap time I will take my camera just in case.

And a cute one of Dalt because he decided to not wiggle and try to get up AFTER all of the other kids moved.

Little Kaden update

2008-12-11T23:31:00.000-08:00

When we had the speech evaluation the set a copy to the school district as well. They forwarded it to the speech therapist at the school. who I met with right before Thanksgiving break. She said she needed to meet with a few people to figure out how best to help with Kaden. So she talk to the school district psychologist and I talked to her today and she wants to start the ball rolling on getting a diagnosis for Kaden with the school district. I dunno I am confused when we have the diagnosis from the neuropsychologist. But whatever we are getting the ball rolling to help Kaden and that is all that matters. So anyway I meet with her tomorrow and sign a bunch of agreements (to Kaden being tested, and them getting the info from CVRC) They said it was good that we already have the diagnosis, but this doctor takes forever to get the paperwork to you and we dont want to slow anything down so we are moving forward with it this way atleast he will be getting into the school system......mommy is having a hard time with it, she thinks her kids should be home with her till they are 5. But I want to give him every chance to succeed. Anyway, that is the latest and greatest from our house.

Oh wait one more quick cute thing. The other day Danica came home crying because she was having to go back to her classroom for reading (she had just moved up last month from being in her class, to a higher level) So I asked her if she wanted me to talk to her teacher and she what was going on because I had just gotten so much praise on how quickly she was picking up reading. She said no she didn't want me to go and talk to her. We get home and I am looking through her paperwork and find one of her reading pages and it says Danica is moving up to the next level. I guess every class has 2 teachers for reading and so yes she was going back to her class but going up ANOTHER level!!!! YAY! I am so proud!!! They tried to get me to hold her back in K again because they were not reading in Hawaii and when we got here they were already reading. SO while she maybe sad (the other teacher has a better treasure box, LOL)
I am bursting with pride. She is doing so well.

Love you all!
~Care

Dessert Personality Test!

2008-12-10T23:33:00.000-08:00

I saw this on my friend Kaylee's Blog and loved it so I stole it hahaha! I choose Carrot Cake...does it sound like me?

If all of the eight desserts listed below were sitting in front of you, which would you choose (sorry, you can only pick one)! Trust me...this is very accurate. Pick your Dessert, and then look to see what psychiatrists think about you.

REMEMBER - No Cheating. Make your choice before you check the meaning.

Here are your choices:

1. Angel Food Cake

2. Brownies

3. Lemon Meringue Pie

4.. Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Icing

5. Strawberry Short Cake

6. Chocolate Cake With Chocolate Icing

7. Ice Cream

8. Carrot Cake

No, you can't change your mind once you scroll down, so think carefully about what your choice will be.

OK - Now that you've made your choice, this is what the researchers say about you.... SCROLL DOWN---No Cheating

1. ANGEL FOOD CAKE -- Sweet, loving, cuddly. You love all warm and fuzzyitems. A little nutty at times. Sometimes you need an ice cream cone at the end of the day. Others perceive you as being childlike and immature at times.

2. BROWNIES -- You are adventurous, love new ideas, and are a champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When tempers flare up you whip out your saber. You are always the oddball with a unique sense of humor and direction. You tendto be very loyal.

3. LEMON MERINGUE -- Smooth, sexy, & articulate with your hands; you are an excellent caregiver and a good teacher. But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of a diva at times, you set your own style because you do your own thing. You shine when it comes to helping others and have many friends.

4. VANILLA CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING -- Fun-loving, sassy, humorous, not very grounded in life; very indecisive and lacking motivation. Everyone enjoys being around you, but you are a practical joker. Others should be cautious in making you mad. However, you are a friend for life.

5. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE -- Romantic, warm, loving. You care about other people, can be counted on in a pinch and expect the same in return. Intuitively keen. You can be very emotional at times but a true person in every way. You like to do things for yourself and help others learn about themselves.

6. CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING -- Sexy; always ready to give and receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious, and passionate. You can appear to have a cold exterior but are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take chances. Will notsettle for anything average in life. Love to laugh.

7. ICE CREAM -- You like sports, whether it be baseball, football, basketball, or soccer. If you could, you would like to participate, but you enjoy watching sports. You don't like to give up the remote control. You tend to be self-centered and high maintenance.

8. CARROT CAKE -- You are a very fun loving person, who likes to laugh. You are fun to be with. People like to hang out with you. You are a very warm hearted person and alittle quirky at times. You have many loyal friends. You were meant to lead and teach others. A wonderful role model.

27 Things I love about Vernon

2008-12-09T08:43:00.000-08:00

Today is Vernon's Birthday, so this post is mostly for him, but y'all can read it too. To honor your Birthday I am going to post one thing I love about you for every year you have been alive!

1. I love that you can cook and are willing to do it. I never realized how lucky I am that I have you to fall back on if I am sick or just don't want to make make dinner. But I have learned most husband are not that way, so I am very lucky.

2. I love that you make the kids read YOU bed time stories. And I know they love it too.

3. I love how you worry if I don't call you at work, you call me to make sure everything is OK with me.

4. I love that you call me randomly during the day just to tell me you love me and see how my day is going.

5. I love that you come home to have lunch with me when you can. It helps break up the day and makes me feel special.

6. I love that you at least try my crazy concoctions. I know when I get into a crazy mood and just mix ingredients together is freaks you out a little, but you always try a bite.

7. I love how you always believe in me and know just how much to push me into bettering myself.

8. I love that you are willing to do chores and help around the house. Not only is it such a help to me, but it is also a great example to our kids.

9. I love how when you are referring to one of the kids it is always MY. My Nana girl, My Booger, My KK, My Dalt Dalt. I don't know why I love this so much. But it is very cute.

10. I love that you help with homework time. It helps take a lot of stress off of me and helps it to go much quicker.

11. I love that you go to appointments with me. It shows how much you really care about what is going on in all of our lives.

12. I love your willingness to serve our country. It is a hard job and I am so proud of you!

13. I love that you snuggle me all night. I feel so safe wrapped up in your arms.

14. I love that you are my best friend. You are my Rock. You are always there beside me cheering me on, supporting me, believing in me. Even when I don't.

15. I love that I can be totally honest with you. I never have to hide anything with you. You may get upset, but nothing ever changes your love for me.

16. I love that you hold me while I cry and try to make me feel better. What better way to show your love for a person?

17. I love that you think I am cute when I am mad. (sometimes I act mad and put on my mad face, even though I know you are just teasing me, so you will tell me how cute I look)

18. I love that you go grocery shopping with me. I know its not a fun task, but it is a lot nicer to have you along side me while we shop.

19. And along those same lines, I love that you put your arm around my waist while we are shopping. It helps me feel more secure.

20. I love that you will go to the store and buy anything for me. It doesn't matter what it is from female products to make up to clothes. He can do it all and he does it for me.

21. I love that you are a good daddy to our kids. You take the time to spend with each one of them and help them feel special at just the right times.

22. I love that you are always trying to better yourself, and trying to make things better for our family.

23. I love that you support our family. When the subject of me working has come up, you help me to realize that I need to be home. We may not always have the fun stuff, but you make sure our needs are taken care of.

24. I love that you are not afraid to ask for help or admit that you need me in your life. I need you too :)

25. I love that when we have a disagreement, you cant stay mad at me and do what you can to make things better.

26. I love that you play with the kids. I love to watch you out there playing catch, or tag or just tickle the kids. And I know how much they love that you do that too.

27. And last but not least, I love that you love me. And I hope you know how much I love you. Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Heard a Little rumor

2008-12-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

That we may be getting a special visitor for Christmas, so we decided to put off getting out decorations for a week. But I did get some pretty cute pictures anyway.

The weekend is the only time we are not rushing around enough to have a nice family breakfast, and yesterday was waffle day! Yum Yum! Everyone loves waffles in this house. And what do you do when you are a mess from feeding yourself? Have a bath of course!

I never knew the joys of bathing your kids in the sink. Never really understood it. Now I love it. I can give both Dalt and Kade a bath at the same time, one in each sink and they aren't climbing all over or splashing each other and they are separated so there is no dunking either. Sure beats the bath tub! Why didn't I try this before?
We also made home made pizzas for lunch but I forgot to run in and grab the camera. The kids were so cute helping add toppings (and sneaking pepperoni). I am goona take the camera with me when I pick up the kids and hopefully I can get some cute fall like pictures. Anyway, Hope everyone is having a great day. ~Care

My attempt at pictures

2008-12-06T22:14:00.000-08:00

Today it was really cold (ok I an a wuss! But only cuz we lived in Hawaii so long!) So instead of going out for our planned photo shoot mommy style, we stayed home and got things in order so that tomorrow we can set up for Christmas! YAY!!!! Plus Danica has been claiming a tummy ache all day and I didn't want to risk anything. So this evening I attempted to get some pictures. It didn't work out too well. But I figure I have been promising to put some new ones up for a while now. So here are the ones that came out best. Hopefully tomorrow we can get some great shots of the kids helping with the Christmas decorations. First attempt, camera fuzzy no one looking. LOVE IT

Second try not much better but camera is clear.

And they are off! Dalton took his first tiney tiny baby step today. Mom clapped and laughed then cried! 10 months and 2 weeks and he is trying to walk. SO happy and so sad! My baby is growing up much to quick! So in this picture of them all racing away from being tortured to hold still and take a nice picture...there is Dalt standing on his own. Till my next post...Hugs and kisses to all. hope you are all safe healthy and happy. For that is truly the best blessing you can have.

For those of you

2008-12-05T20:50:00.000-08:00

I upset with my post about Kaden...Here is a new one just for you. Kaden was diagnosed with Autism. When I said he was labeled I was stating a fact. He is, it is not a death sentence. EVERY time I take him to the doctor, EVERY time I have to talk to the school, EVERY time I have to fight for his rights I will have to use the terms Autism and Autistic. It will go hand in hand a lot of the time with Kaden. ( I am not politically correct, never have been, never will be! I am not an under privileged American, I am poor white trash!) Kaden has Autism, But Autism doesn't have him! Nor will it change his place in our family or our hearts. He is our little KK and he is treated just like the other kids. He gets in trouble, he has time outs, he gets scolded. But he also gets all of our love. If you ask our kids who is a little more privileged in this house they will tell you its Kaden. They all know if they choose not to eat dinner it is their choice, and I will not run out and buy them something special because they didn't eat. But I do, do it for Kaden. Why you ask, because Kaden is different. We have spent plenty of time explaining to them about it and they understand. Kaden is very very picky and will go days with out eating and rarely eats what the rest of us eat. Fair not really, but I have no choice he has to eat. They also know when he poops somewhere he shouldn't he is not going to get into as much trouble as they would. So aside from getting special food and more understanding with his messes and melt downs. He gets the same everything. Always has, Always will.
People come with labels, like it or not they do. As for me I have 2. I have Fibromyalgia. I also have the label of bipolar, which causes anxiety attacks. When I go to the doctor I have to tell them that. When I have to explain to my kids why mommy isn't feeling up to going and standing around with a huge crowd of people to do something, or why some days mommy hurts, I have to explain. I have LABELS! But does it change who I am or what my family feels for me. NO! So I am sorry if I did not explain my feelings right. Or somehow lead you to believe that I will not do EVERYTHING in my power to give Kaden EVERY chance all of my other kids will have. But with the military and doctors and school. Kaden has a label but that is not all he has or is and we know that. He has US his family who will love him, push him, and do everything in our power to help him be the best Kaden he can be. And that is all we will ever ask of any of our children. This is my journal and my feelings and most days my brain isn't all together and things come out a mess. But this is for me. It is MY outlet. PC or not. Loving and Kind or NOT. This is for me and those who want a tiny glimpse into our life. I encourage people to leave comments, and maybe my emotions are too far out on my sleeve or maybe I am still a little emotionally raw. But since I had a few people say the same things to me I thought I needed to clarify. I love you all and have found the cord to the camera so I am all set to have a camera playdate with the kids this weekend! All my love! ~Carolyn

Kids Parent Teacher Conference

2008-12-04T11:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay. It seems someone does not like me having a computer in the house at all. Every time I turn around something bad is happening to my computer. So after I got done with my blog yesterday, Kaden climbed up on my monitor, (I was in the kitchen putting his lunch in the oven) and peed down into it...ok, we have been through this before, call Vernon at work and ask him to please run to the recycling center and grab a thrown away monitor. Vernon came home with one. Problem solved! YAY! Computer is back and everyone is happy. SO I make dinner, get everyone to bed and Vernon is trying to install something, but then decides to go up to bed so I call up to him and ask how to get out of it and he says turn off the computer. So I did which lead to a complete melt down of my computer. So this morning after I got the kids to school I went in search of the system repair cd's. Found them and everything is back up and running. Sort of. Oh and I think in the process of searching for the cds I found my camera cord (praying hard, havent tried it yet) SO yes, the fates do not want me to have a computer. In the past 3 months I have gone through 3 monitors. 2 computer crashes and One ruined (pooped on, who knew poop would completely kill a laptop?) laptop. The Elrods are not supposed to have computers. Hopefully with the occupational therapy Kaden will learn to leave his diaper on and even be able to get potty trained!!!! He had learned to take his diaper off with a onsie on and with his pants on. and can get it off in the blink of and eye. Its not for a lack of my watching, I promise. Anyway, on for better news!
JD and Danica are doing AWESOME in school! They both passed all of their end of trimester tests will little to no problems. They are nice, sweet, polite kids and are a pleasure to have in class. YAY!!!! JD is doing great with his reading and is in the top 2 reading groups for his class and Danica is improving so much everyday with her reading, her teacher was worried at the beginning of the year (we were too) Because she still was not reading. They start reading in K here. But she has caught up and has been moved to a more advanced reading group. All in all it was a great parent teacher conferences for them. I walked out so pleased with my kids. We must be doing something right. OK, off to make lunch. Pray for my computers safety while I am in the kitchen. :D

Getting to know you..Christmas version

2008-12-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

I got this in an e-mail and figured I would add it on here too. Anyone who would like to steal it and do it is more then welcome to.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? BOTH
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real
3. When do you put up the tree? Don't really have a set day...maybe we should start!
4. When do you take the tree down? Day after Christmas
5. Do you like eggnog? Cant say that I have tried it
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Probably anything to do with Barbies or Dolls
7. Hardest person to buy for? Almost everyone
8. Easiest person to buy for? my kiddos
9. Do you have a nativity scene? yep
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I like mail :)
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Cant think of one
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I like them all
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I am a last minute person
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas presents? I plead the 5th
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Everything :)
16. Lights on the tree? Colored
17. Favorite Christmas song? Breath of Heaven, Mary did you know, Grown up Christmas List
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We will have to stay home as usual
19. Any holiday traditions? We are working on building some
20. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? yep
21. Angel on the tree top or a star? ANGEL
22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One the night before, the rest in the morning
23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? People forgetting why we really are celebrating
24. Favorite ornament theme or color? nope just a jumble of stuff
25. Favorite for Christmas dinner? All of it
26. What do you want for Christmas this year? To see my kids eyes light up and the smiles on their faces.

Ok, That's all for now! but I will be back in a bit to tell all of you Lucky Readers about Parent Teacher Conference.

Kaden is Autistic....now what.

2008-12-02T20:05:00.001-08:00

WHEW! What a day! First in the letter it told us to go to the above address, which was the Doctors office. Weird since I went through the CVRC (central valley regional center) and they told me it was going to be done there. Anywho, get there and they are like um your supposed to be in Visallia, we will call and see if the doc is almost there or if he can turn around and see you there. LOL he was there and said he would wait for us. AWESOME! so we jump in the car quick look at a map to see the quickest route and jump back on the freeway. We get there and get signed in and soon the Dr. comes out to greet us and he is the NICEST man. We spent a lot of time answering questions on Kaden and then we had to sign papers saying he could run some test on him. So he pulled out some puzzles with plastic shapes and tried to get Kade to mimic him. Kaden threw the pieces...OK, on to next test, blocks, see if he would mimic building a tower. Kaden licked the pieces. Next see if Kaden would feed a baby with a spoon. Kaden threw the spoon and checked the baby out. Point to the babies eyes, Doc shows the eyes, Kaden turns the baby over and tries to make it a car. See if Kaden will look at a book. Kaden didn't like this book so he threw it so far it went out of the room and down the hall.. GOOD THROW KADE :)! OK, one more test. This one had a bunch of pegs that you put into holes and they stood up. Kaden did it :) I was so excited! If he had more the one in his hand he wouldn't. But he did put it in a couple of times I was pleased. So Vernon finished up with the paperwork and Kaden finished up with his testing and the doctor looks at us and says based on what you are telling me and the testing I just did I am making the diagnosis of yes Kaden does have Autism. The asked if we had any questions. Yes I have tons! But I cant get my head on straight. All I could manage to ask was what now? I have known something was wrong with my baby for so long and now I had an answer....But it was still hard to hear, no matter how I thought I would handle it and how much I knew deep down that this was what was wrong with Kaden. It suddenly became real. I put a label on my child. But now what....that was all I could ask. How stupid is that!?! He said go to his Ped and tell them that he was diagnosed. Don't I need to wait for your report, nope I just gave you the diagnosis. you have all you need with my verbal telling you. Hmmm not sure how the Navy will take that one but ok. Then while we are talking to his Ped we need to ask (demand) that he start both speech and occupational therapy. We also need to go to the school and get him in a special ed preschool. If they tell us they don't have one we need to be firm. It is Federal Law that he gets to go to school and get started now because he is special needs. We also need to get back in touch with the person we first saw at the CVRC. And she will help get us into support groups and many many other things that are out there for us now that we have a diagnosis. I am sure this is not making a lot of sense, my brain feels jumbled. I tried to bake to clear my head, but after 10 dozen cookies made I am still feeling confused and overwhelmed. I know we can do this. We just have to take it one step at a time. But we have to fight for him. We will fight for him. And we will do the best we can, cuz that is all we can do. I know I have been promising pictures I and promise soon. I have lost the cord that plugs into my computer so I cant upload them. Sorry again for the jumbled mess. As I sort things out, I will add more. And fix it so it doesn't sound so jumpy and a lot less stressed. I am fine we are fine. Just have to get over the next few steps. Guess I should quit rambling and head to bed. Tomorrow is parent teacher conference for JD and Danica and that might be another fight. I am going to ask about having Danica tested for Dyslexia. She is reading somethings backwords and writes numbers backwords but says them correctly like the number is 51, but she will write 15 and tell me she wrote 51. Or write the 5 backwords. And reading she will read words like baby, dady...that sort of stuff and it worries me, so we shall she what her teacher says. Anyway thanks for reading. Hugs and kisses to all! and again sorry if this makes no sense at all. ~care

A day late....

2008-11-28T06:59:00.000-08:00

.....Or not, I am thinking not, It is never to late post all the may things you are thankful for right? I have been very bad about taking pics this last month. So I will take some later today and edit them in. OK, I really don't know how to start, my head is always a jumbled mess so bare with me and please note these are in no particular order besides that is how they came to mind. I am so very thankful for my husband. He is the best husband I could as for. Right now as I am typing he is out on a Santa mission, going through the dreaded "Black Friday" so we can have a special surprise under the tree for JD. And he took Kaden with him since Kaden decided to be an early riser. He also told me I could go back to sleep. But I knew if I didn't get this done while the house is quiet and everyone sleeping it probably wouldn't get done. Vernon is my best friend. LOL, even if he did just call to let me know how much he dislikes me ATM. And that my car isnt big enough to fit the gift :( Darn it! Santa could we borrow your sleigh? Who would have thunk after all these years and all of our differences, we would still be happy to be together...at least until I turn 30, right hun?

I guess next I should move on the kids... I am so grateful for all my kids and each one has a special place in our family. So I will post a bit about each one and a little tiny piece of why I am so thankful for them.

Jaron (aka-JD)- He was such a surprise I wasn't sure I was ready for. But I know in a lot of ways he was meant to be. Yes, his father and I were young and not married at first. But he helped us grow not only up but also together. He is so smart and and comes home saying words I had no idea he knew and uses them properly. It just blows me away to hear him read to me. I love that he still likes for me to sing to him at night. I hope he always does!

Danica- She was just the swift kick in the behind I needed. I thought I knew everything and I needed some humbling. And she was just the girl to do it. She was a schedule baby, something I didn't think I needed in my life (schedule, that is). But threw her I have learned that a schedule and a plan are actually very good things. I love her hugs and kisses and her I love you that she gives freely every day. I love to see her so stubborn and hardheaded. Vernon says shes just like me in that. Probably why we butt heads a lot, but I love that she stands up for herself!

Kaden- My sweetheart Kader. This kid is my comfort, my security blankie. Kaden was born 6 weeks before Vernon was deploying for the second time. (the first time I was a total mess and going through a really hard time, maybe I will post about it some day for those who want to know, or for my own person reference) I knew I would make it threw this deployment. I knew I could be strong as long as I had my Kader with me. Now as he is going through all of his testing it is time for me to be his blankie. Everyone who meet him tells me I am lucky, because he is such a happy sweet go with the flow little guy. And I know it. I love to watch him spin, I love that he has no fear. but most of all I love him, he is perfect to me.

And last but not least my Dalt Dalt- Dalton was my baby that I need to convince me we were done having babies. I love him to pieces! He is a total mommas boy (well all of my boys have been) But this little one takes it to extremes. I love that he follows me around (crawling, the crying that goes along with it, not so much) I love when Vernon brings him in to me and even if he is crying his heart out he will stop, smile and try to jump out of daddy's arms to get to me. I love his cute little dimples that only show up when I tell him no and he gives me his sneaky smile. Along with all his sweetness is a little boy whos mommy cant walk out of the room with out a major melt down (sad but cute). And a little guy who at 10 months is still up 3 and 4 times a night. This is why we are done....that and it is too much of a risk to try to have more c-sections. But I needed these trials with him to help me to know we did not need more babies. And for that knowledge I am thankful.
All the kids teach me so much every day and make me want to be a better person everyday. They make life worth getting up every morning. I am so thankful for all the emotions and craziness they bring to my life.

Next we should move on to family. I have been blessed with both an awesome family and awesome in-laws. They are always there for us. I always here people talk about how they are not close to their family or their in laws and I think how sad. I know that any struggle, any need we have we have a full support system behind us in our families and they will do what they can to help us. We are truly blessed. We love you all!

Ok, so if you are still reading...YAY! I am almost done being sappy and will move on to the more silly things in life that I am thankful for. But first one more sappy. I have been blessed with amazing friends. Listing names would be too crazy and way to long, maybe I should email each one of you and let you know personally how much you mean to me...yeah I will do that, someday....soon I promise! Just as soon as I dont have a wiggly 10 month old who insist on helping me type! But I know that each one of you has been placed in my life at the right time for a special purpose. Some of these friendships have not lasted and I am sad and miss you. And others have moved physically but never emotionally. Thank you for all you who continue to be in my life even if it is only from a distance. I love all that you have taught me and how you have influenced my life. Thank you all for being there for me and my family.

Now on to silly less sappy things! I am so thankful for music!
Music will brighten my mood, or bring up a fond memory, this morning when the alarm went off it was on the radio and the song was "Every rose" by guns and roses. And while I was in bed dreading the fact that I had to get up I couldn't help but to smile and think of Prom (weird prom song I know) But all of the Junior class learned a dance to that song and I remember how much I probably embarrassed my dance partner because I would always mess up on a certain turn. LOL. Good times, good times. I love to turn on the music and sing along to the radio and I love that Danica will now sing along too! I love having music in my life!
I am thankful for match box cars! These cars are the best thing to a mommy of 3 little boys. They aren't expensive and for some silly reason they LOVE them. The can make a crying little boy happy and quiet (at least at my house) and they are great bribes too!
I am thankful for my hubby job. OK, yeah I know not a silly thing but I don't have a lot to say on the matter. It has wonderful benefits and it pays. what more could a girl ask for? Except maybe a raise. HINT HINT, Uncle Sam!
There is so much more I am thankful for. But I went up and had a little pity party for myself when I was told we needed santa's sleigh to fit the gift into. ( I am thankful for a car that fit my whole family in it, even if thats ALL it will fit!) And the movie isn't keep the kids quiet and they think we should have dinner. (silly kids :)) ( I am thankful that I have food to make dinner!!!! :P) And daddy had to work from 4 pm till midnight tonight so I cant beg him to make dinner so I better get going. Schedule is a good thing ....I think!
Thanks for reading! Pics soon I promise! (thankful my camera works even after the kids did some ripping of the shutter even is it leave funny shadows in two of the corners, I still can take pics of my beautiful kids! and share them with our family and friends) Really must go now! Hugs and kisses to all! Hope you all are doing well! ~Care

Family Time

2008-10-13T20:12:00.001-07:00

Today we had Family Time.....
We spent the day just hanging out. We played a little catch. Spent a little time with our pets. Played a little hide and seek. And last but not least.....Just enjoyed being together!

Happy Birthday Kaden

2008-10-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Kaden turned 3. I can not believe how fast he is growing up. He is such a sweet little guy. My sister and his grandma and grandpa Hardin sent him a WONDERFUL gluten free cake. I totally spaced getting pictures of it but it was a very very yummy cake! I am slowly but surely coming around to the whole idea of a gluten free lifestyle. They say it helps with autism. And so if we are going to do it for one we are doing it for all. I am so not about to make millions of separate meals! OK, I know I already do because Kaden is so picky. But it will be healthier for all of us in the long run I think. Anyway we took him out to eat at KFC. Had his cake and opened a few presents...All of which I spaced using my camera, but here are a few pics from last couple days.

The kids are out of school today so I will write his birth story another day.We are off to the park

Who's peeking :)

2008-10-04T15:28:00.001-07:00

Create your own visitor map!

OK well not what I expected

2008-10-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

The appointment today was not at all what I was expecting or what they had said was going to happen, but that's ok....it just means more appointments, guess I should get used to it. Anyway, we met with a woman today and she is the intake coordinator. SO instead of filling out all of the paperwork and sending it back to her. I hand delivered it to her and we discussed any questions she had on it. SHe did give us a book on Autism and assured me that we seem to be on the right path. And she will put in all of the info she gathered today and put in a referral for their psycho analysis person I guess he is a very well known guy and deals specifically with autistic children and he will be the one to make the diagnosis, it should only take about 3 weeks to get him in. So i guess that is all for today. Off to fill out paperwork to have him seen at the childrens section of Stanford University Hospital.

In honor of our anniversary

2008-10-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

On Sept 29th we celebrated our 8th anniversary...I saw this on a blog and decided it was the perfect time to use this even if it is a bit late! I love you hun!

1. Where did you meet your husband? wow complicated question most of our time was spent chatting online, there were several quick mettings. But when we finally got to know each other more he came to Utah. told you it was complicated

2. How long did you date before you were married? 11 months,

3. How long have you been married? 8 years :)

4. What does he do that surprises you? there are lots of little things.

5. What is his best feature? his eyes

6. What is his best quality? He loves me unconditionally

7. Does he have a nickname for you? Hun, or my personal fav (not!) yes dear

8. What is his favorite food? Corn beef, I think.

9. What is his favorite sport? College football (GO HUSKERS!)

10. When & where was your first kiss? Um, when he came to see me in Utah for the first time

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? snuggle on the couch or play WOW together

12. Do you have any children? 4 wild and crazy kiddos

13. Does he have any hidden talents? he can almost out bake me

14. How old is he? 26

15. Who said I love you first? I honsetly am not sure

16. What is his favorite music? depends on his mood

17. What do you admire most about him? EVERYTHING, he is my rock, my best friend, and the father of our beautiful children
18. What is his favorite color? Green

19. Will he read this? doubt it he thinks my blogging is silly

20. Who do you tag? anyone who would like to steal it :)

Kaden speech appointment

2008-09-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

Hey all just wanted to give a quick update on Kaden. Today we went back up to Fresno for his speech appointment. It went well, I left feeling like a horrible mom, because well I am sensitive. She said speech wise Kaden is very delayed, lol knew that too. But I didn't know it was as bad as she said it was. She said developmentally he is at under a 1 year old with his speech. She gave us some great ideas and things to try to see if we can get him to communicate with us and also gave us some papers with sign on if so we could learn a bit and try to help him that way. She also is giving us yet ANOTHER referral for occupational therapy because she noticed while we where there that he was trying to get his clothes off an awful lot and she thought that might be due to him not liking touch. She is also sending her recommendations to the school district and they should contact us and tell us if he needs to go to a special preschool or if he will have someone come in a few times a week to our home to work with. I should get a copy of her report in a few weeks and will post anything I may have forgotten. Anyway I will post again tomorrow after we meet with more doctors, not sure exactly what they will be doing tomorrow, but I will keep you posted as much as possible.

One appointment down.....

2008-09-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, Vernon, Kaden, and I traveled to Fresno. We got there early and had about a good hour wait for his appointment, not wanting to risk getting lost or be late for the appointment we were early for we decided to go in and wait. I was so nervous, How are they gonna test my babies hearing when he cant tell you, yes I hear that beep or even raise his hand for the side that the beep is going off on??? Well the answer is very simple, they put me and him in a sound proof room and had huge speakers they would do a sound in one side and when he looked over then a teddy bear hitting a drum and flashing lights would go off as positive reinforcement. He was so ready to be gone by the time we finally got seen that he would smile at the bears as they were doing their thing, and go back to fighting me, (not wanting to be held on my lap). So there is a lot of good news and a little not so good news. So good news HE CAN HEAR!!!!! The slightly not so good news is he has fluid in his left ear and that could be causing him not to hear the lower tones. SO they will file their report and send it to our doc, who will probably refer us to an ENT specialist. YAY another doctor appointment for the poor little guy. And we have to go back in 3 months to see if there is an improvement. If not then we will go from there. BUT HE CAN HEAR! SO that is the latest and greatest on Kader. His next appointment is on the 30th and that is with the speech specialist. On the first we will be seeing some behavior specialist. I will keep everyone as updated as possible. TTYL!

Whats new with us

2008-09-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

So once again it has been a while since I last posted. I thought things would get easier with the older two back in school, but it hasn't. So anyway here is the latest and greatest with us. JD (7) is Loving second grade. He is doing so great and is not having break downs and not wanting to go to school or saying his sick, like he has done in the past. Danica (6) is also doing great in first grade she loves to get her work done and has even started signing my name on her homework papers if I dont get to it quick enough. LOL! My sweet 2 (almost 3 year old) Kaden is in the process of being tested for Autism. On Thursday we go to Fresno to the childrens hospital to have his hearing tested. Then the 30th we go back for a speech evaluation. On the first we go to a place called the regional center and meet with developmental specialist there. I have done a phone interview with the children side of Stanford University Hospital. They will also evaluate him but it takes 6-9 mos to get an appointment. But because he is so young they are going to try to get him in with in 3 months. When he is diagnosed we have to fill out paper work with the military, they have a program called Exceptional Family Member. And what it will mean is there is a special need with him so when they move us they have to make sure his needs can be met at the hospital that is for that base. Right now we are having to travel for his care. So when we get a diagnosis we will most likely have to move AGAIN, unless we want to stay and continue to travel for his care. We are taking it one step at a time right now.
Dalton(7mos)is growing up WAY to fast for me. He is now crawling and pulling himself up he loves to eat. He knows just where to sit and to crawl over to anyone's unwatched plate and help himself. Vernon and I are both doing good and really have nothing new going on. I guess that is it for now.

I am so not good about keeping this updated

2008-08-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

Since I last posted Vernons parents have come and gone. I so wish we were closer to them no one can light a fire under Vernons bum like his mother and i LOVED every minute of her telling him what to do and him actually doing it LOL. We had a blast with them too the took us to the Adventure Park (kids Favorite thing) and up to the Sequoia National Park. IT was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! We plan on taking LOTS of trips up there to go camping and fishing, but most of all just getting away and relaxing as a family. we took a family picture while up there..... My kids are growing up too fast! Next Monday the kids will be starting school and they are so excited. Danica is glad to be going all day again(when we were in hawaii K was all day, but only half day here) now that they will be back in school I am sure the blogging will pick back up. They sure have kept me busy this summer. Kaden will be going in to meet with his ped doc on the 21st, where we will be finding out if like the doctors in Hawaii that they think he has some form of autism. I know that will make ya'll jump for joy that I am back on the ball with that. I have been a slacker on it since we got here and I wasnt able to take him to his appointment in hawaii due to just having dalt and still having stitches that got infected and Vernon being in school across the island. Anyway I think that is all for now. If anyone knows someone in Hawaii who want to buy my car let me know :)