Change, Yet always the same

Change is inevitable, although are we the same as we have always been? As I've have considered what field of work interests me as my children progress in independence. I feel I have always ha a life long dream to strengthen families, to nurture and to mentor others. I am so glad I am still able to do this with my special needs kiddos and because of them. I feel so pleased and happy to lift another and to explain things in a way that shows concern and care for each person I know. The spirit helps me with this desire, even if sometimes I read the signals wrong, My efforts however imperfect can help a little. I started a Facebook group called Autism and Aggressive behaviors. I wanted to vent and have resources from my friends who are mom's of Autistic kids. I have had several women outside of my little circle have asked to join and have joined in on the conversation. We all help and support each other with words and thoughts even if we have never met in person. We have a few things in common and can try to  understand one another. This group is a small way I can start a conversation in my community and it feels good.

I taught the beehives today at church about ordinances. We have such a short time here on earth an I am grateful for the ordinances and covenants I have part in my life.  These girls are receptive and smart. I love to see in their faces that they are learning and coming up with their own ideas, sharing their thoughts, presenting their take on the conversations we are having. I am glad they aren't too sheepish to speak out or to participate.

I love that Spencer is using his I PAD again  with me, the tutors and school. Sometimes he doesn't know what he wants, but that is communicating how is feeling by default. I like his new app better than the last as seems more easily accessible for communication. Spence has been out of school one week and we have driven all over. When Brian gets home from work( and as he was home for the holiday) he drives even far and more places with Spencer for hours. I m not allowed, Spencer makes its clear I am not to hop in and join them. That boy gets around and see beautiful places and eats out more than most people I know. We are like his limo service with unlimited snacks and meals. It would be fun. We go obviously, but It is less fun. I am trying to have a good attitude and enjoy our time together. I was so pleased that he came to Grandma's for Fourth of July for a little. He had some fajita's, chips, and a piece of angel food cake on the way out. I remember when he didn't eat anything at all except some popsicles and 30 seconds was the max time spent visiting there.

We are appreciating all the  time we have with the children as they age up and move out. I think I will be okay. I can mother and care and support them from a new position and they will always have my attention and support when needed. I have been enjoying the one on one time with each of the three children at home. It is so enjoyable talking with Emmy over the phone or or social media. I care about each of them so deeply. Brian and I got to go on a date night on the fourth. We went to the Lazy dog I had the coolest drink and was happy with that time together with him. We enjoyed fireworks at the sun city Davis' and liked hanging out with Eric, Lisa, and their kids. I am going to take July as it comes and look for the positive and happy blessings in my life and adjust to new changes as they come.

Fun and First Times

We have had a little bit of fun this June. Celia got to go to girls camp for the first time and Joseph enjoyed High Adventure. The Priests and Deacons went to Lake Oroville and slept out on the river and then water river rafted down the American river to top off the week. Joe came back sun burned and reset with stories and good memories made. Father's day was nice. I barbecued and we had the grandparents and Kieran over. Kieran and Addison have been visiting from Hawaii so it has been fun . Celia has enjoyed swimming with them. She actually swims across the deep end herself! She has watched and encouraged Kieran on his skating .She is becoming a lovely young woman.I heard she even bore her testimony at camp. :)

 Celia and I got to go to Tahoe overnight and it was beautiful. No drama and everyone slept well. We hung out at the Diamond Resort beach and walked around shops down the street. I loved the Italian restaurant we found and visited that night. It was the yummiest food and I was happy I had a coupon for garlic bread. The kids were in heaven. I shared with Celia an we had the best spaghetti and meatballs, I've ever had. Another great experience was visiting inspiration point. The road to there is curvy, high and narrow. It was fun to drive the family there in my black car. We looked for bears and enjoyed all the trees. I couldn't believe the air quality. So clear and crisp.It was lovely to be there. We visited North-star on the way home after a slight accidental detour to Carson city. Now we can say we have been there. While at North star we took a ride up the Gondola. There were two and the second one rose up 1000 feet in elevation. Celia was a little nervous when we'd reach each point and the gondola made a sound. She said "Well that is a concerning sound". I agreed, but we made it safe and it was a fun little ride. The top of the mountain was beautiful too. The Sierra Nevadas are impressive and I am reminded how much I love nature and the outdoors.

We had a youth temple night recently too. I drove and was so please to have Celia actually be baptized. The sensory sensitivity she has with water was a deterrent, but she was brave. Joe was so tender with her. He was like a missionary baptizing a new member. So respectful and with care he slowly dipped her into the water and checked on her when she came up. Once was good for her and I felt the spirit so strong that evening.

Half the Year?

I can't believe it is June already. It doesn't seem like it has been six months since the beginning of the year. The routines and seasons help me know what time of the year it is. I have a lot of things coming do with paperwork and meetings. I  had the opportunity to take my kids to Dream Night at the Sacramento Zoo last night. Spencer didn't want to go this year. Joseph took his friend Ethan and with Celia we had a great time. We ran into one of the kids tutors from a few years ago an it was nice to see the beautiful animals. I liked the walk tot he zoo, everything was in full bloom and the nature setting and smells were great. Some highlights, were the red panda, the bird from UP, and the giraffes. the anteater looks otherworldly to me. I loved seeing the kids all happy and enjoying themselves. Celia's allergies were acting up, but we still had a great time. I love her honesty, when asked if she wanted to take a picture with the princess, she said "No." She is doing great socially, but I love her bluntness still. These years are precious because time flies by. I'm grateful for this half of year with the kids and hoping for a lovely second half of the year.

Memorial Day Weekend

Spence has been really into going for car rides in the van again. As e were visited by Rah Rah, I heard that there was a levee right by Brian's work. I began to make a plan to go to the river without all the crowds. Joe has his friend coming over and we waited until Spencer wanted another car ride and we headed for the Feather River. It felt like the good ole days when we spontaneously would take a trip. Also, when I was young, I often took off for the beach on a moments notice. Joe's Friend brought his little SUV and they loved riding around on little trails they found around the area. I had been in the river with Celia and she was wondering how those boys were doing and if they were having more fun. I let her ride with them and she came back with the biggest smile I'd ever seen on here. She loves adventure and being with the older kids, I think. I got to go off with Alex, my friend to the Vaterlaus wedding reception at the Taylor home. It was a beautiful night and I was glad we needed each other since her hubby was sick an couldn't got to go the reception. I scouted out the outdoor area for reception possibilities for a kid o our to have a reception there, but I think I like the other options I've explored a little better. (prepping early).

I had the opportunity to talk in church and teach the beehives on Sunday. The preparation was spiritual draining, but the day went well. I was happy to talk at Sm McCartney's farewell. It was fun going to his open house that night too. There is so much love and support for the missionaries that leave from our ward. I hope that is still the case when Joseph goes on his mission.  School is out now and I'm glad we made it to the end. I hope we can find a great git for Joseph next year. Spence had an endoscopy recently too. I'm glad to report, he didn't have an ulcer. He did have some mild gastritis. Joseph seems to have that too.I want to try and help our family with more wholesome foods in hopes to heal their tummies. I thought about the whole family going gluten free, but I think I will have to take this by baby steps. especially since we are accustomed to eating out and not having refrigerator for a month didn't help with healthy routines. I sure love this family of mine. They do take up all my time, but what else would, could or should I be doing? We have a respite worker again and after a long hiatus of not tutors, Spencer will be getting on soon. With more emphasis on Spencer using his communication device, I am hoping for some great preparation for adult life going on.

Welcome May

Mother's day turned out nice. I loved that Joseph was the Youth Speaker at church. He was so kind and loving to me with his words. I am glad to see him be such a good Young Man. I was happy to have Spencer home and I'm glad Brian was helping him to stay calm and relaxed. It was a long day for Brian, but what a great service it was.  At church Rah Rah got to come and watch Joseph talk and I was able to snuggle with Celia. I had a short meeting for my new calling in young women's then I was able to have some lovely snack of fruit kabobs and Costco muffins with the ladies in the ward. I visited my folks with Celia and they fed us like they do. My Dad showed me his power point presentation from their last trip around the world in 24 days. For Mother's day gifts, I was given a beautiful book by Brian and have been being spoiled for days by Celia. I also spoiled myself and and got my nails done on Friday along with my hair cut and flat ironed. I am learning to take time for myself to prepare for all that I need to do to care for these children. Emmy seems to be doing pretty good at BYU and I am proud of her strength and independence. She is rocking the transition to new things and being so brave and faithful. Joe made it to Junior ball and we got a few group pictures. He has a few weeks left of his junior year. Things are up in the air, but we are ready to help him be successful in any way even it there will be big changes. We are finding ways to have respite and get out. We had a Cinco de Mayo celebration and celebrated six years in the Roseville house and we had fun at Pete's for an early Mother's day meal with Bri, Celia, Joe and I. We are making it and are blessed.~