Making a Difference (In a World filled with so much hate)

There is nothing like the innocence of a child. I have discovered this in the last two years of sending Alex to school in a Gen Ed setting. Kids at 4 and 5 years old show no judgement toward others. They only show a curious side which is usually full of questions.

I would much rather answer a few curious questions any day than deal with bullying. I hope that we are able to remain in the same school district throughout Alex's school life so that the kids that he is getting to know now, will be the same kids helping him out and supporting him years from now.

This post comes from what I witnessed this morning particularly.

Alex was up for three hours last night, so I let him sleep in this morning and drove him to school about an hour late. It was worth the extra sleep for him to wake up refreshed and ready to go. When I got to the school, I waited for his Para-Pro to come down and get him (Mrs. Crawford). I could {hear} that she had someone with her when she came through the back door of the office, when around the corner came a happy and very excited little girl named Meadow.

Meadow is small, and cute and talkative and sweet. She is a classmate of Alex and Evan's and today was her day to be Alex's buddy. (A few weeks ago the teacher set up a buddy system in the class so that the kids could each have a turn spending time to get to know Alex). She was SO excited to see him that she could barely wait for me to get him buckled in his wheelchair. She kept expressing how she got to push him and help him out today and according to Mrs. Crawford had been asking about him all morning.

Just seeing the pure joy and happiness on her face brought the same joy and happiness to my heart. To see such a sweet innocent little girl be so open to helping my son without any reservation meant SO much to me. Then, to be informed by Mrs. Crawford that the kids get that excited every morning to see who gets to be Alex's buddy brought tears to my eyes.

I am not singling Meadow out because I know there are other kids in the class who probably get just as excited as she does. I just happened to witness it this morning and thought it was worth sharing.

As a parent of a special needs child, you have no idea how much it means until you see it with your own eyes. These kids are really truly making a difference.

15 Years Strong

It is hard for me to believe that Eric and I have been together for 15 years! The years have gone by so fast, but when I look back at where we started and where we are now, the memories are abundant and the proof is there.

We have come a long way from the day we met - which was October 31, 2000 while working in a retail store at the mall. We went on our first date a week later and that was that.

I don't think either of us were looking for a relationship, it just happened and I have heard that is the best way to start. We built a great friendship along the way which led to us building a life together.

Things haven't always been easy, we have had our share of ups and downs like any couple, but we fight our way back every time and come out on top.

We lived together for 8 months before Eric proposed to me which led to our beautiful fall wedding two years later. We honeymooned in New York City and the Pocono Mountains for a week. We worked hard to save and buy our first home in 2008 where we still are seven years later.

We added a dog to our family of 3 (we already had Oreo our cat) and a year or so later the twins came.

We have traveled and created all kinds of memories together as a couple and as a family. We work hard to keep things together and each of us has their own strengths and weaknesses but at the end of the day, I wouldn't be with anyone else.

Eric knows me better than anyone. He loves all of me even when he doesn't want to and the life we have built can't be replaced or changed. I love every piece of it and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.

Marriage is hard, but we are committed and we continue to grow as a couple to do what is best for our family.

Today we celebrate our 9 year anniversary. Happy Anniversary Eric, October 13th is our day. You and Me. I love you and I am so happy of how far we have come. Can't wait for #10 next year!!

September: Cider Mills, Septemberfest, Apple Picking

September has been a whirlwind! The boys started Kindergarten on September 8th and I have to admit it is a bit more overwhelming than I expected it to be. Lots of paperwork and Homework every week on top of volunteering and keeping with routine has exhausted me!

The weather has been unbelievable. I think this is the nicest September we have ever had. Cool mornings, warm sunny afternoons very little rain and we have been taking advantage by doing things outdoors.

Last weekend we went to Porters Orchard with the kids, had cider, donuts and took a ride on a hayride.

This weekend was Septemberfest, which is a fun family event that goes on in downtown Ortonville. They have free kids games, bounce houses and local vendors along the street selling things. This year we went with our friends (The Raddatz Family) and had a blast!

Enjoying Snowcones

Digging for Pennies

Septemberfest

Alex Swinging

Frog Jump Race

Cuties

Alex enjoying ice cream

Friends Forever

 Today, another perfect day, we decided to go apple picking, eat more cider and donuts along with a petting farm and play area for the kids. Again, with The Raddatz family! We obviously miss each other after spending time together nearly every week this past summer!

Alex picking an Apple

Brothers

Goofballs

They really enjoyed being goofy

Although it still feels like summer around here, we are taking advantage of the fall fun while the weather is nice! What an amazing two weeks it has been. Now onto October! Happy Fall!

First Day of Kindergarten

Tuesday was Alex and Evan's first day of Kindergarten! I cried the night before, but not as much as I thought the morning of. There was a lot going on. Eric took the day off and we drove the boys to school and walked them to class. Evan settled in right away and then Eric and I had a lot to go over with the teachers about Alex. It became a bit overwhelming and I didn't feel like the morning happened as I pictured it. I am glad Eric was there for Evan because I was really wrapped up with Alex. In the end, they were both tired and had a really good first day!

I can't believe the day is here

My big boy

Cutie

Waiting for the doors to open

Waiting for the doors to open

How did we get here so fast

So grown up

Proud Daddy

Proud Mommy

Tuesday was their first day riding the bus and that was a total success! Alex LOVES the bus and was so excited to see it pull up. He has the same driver as last year and she is so awesome! It really makes it special for him.

Evan was riding the big bus and although I was nervous that he wouldn't want to, he was really excited. He was even more excited that he beat Alex home! Lol!






















The other kids in the class are asking questions about Alex (to be expected) so this morning, their teacher Mrs. Barry is going to answer their questions and explain some things to them about Alex. She mentioned some of them are wanting to help him. (this melts my heart) I hope it all goes well. Alex is very lucky to have his friend (girlfriend) Sapphire in his class from last year. This little girl is incredible. She truly loves him and it shows. She helps him, plays with him and I asked Evan if she eats lunch with him and he told me she does. Her interest alone I am sure has sparked the interest of other kids in the class. She is amazing.

Alex and Sapphire at the Zoo in May

Evan has been unusually quiet about school so I asked Mrs. Barry if he is doing ok and this was her response:

He is such a sweetie and has been an amazing listener and hard worker. He is already a student that I am using as a role model for good choices, on task behavior and following the rules/procedures. So far I have noticed that he picks something different each day to play with (castle one day and cars another day) and has played with different kids too. 


How can I not be proud of both of my boys? They are incredible, sweet little boys. Yep, I am gloating! I am just glad that we were able to share in their special day and I hope this journey they are about to embark on is everything they imagined and more!