deep thoughts with Jennifer

so...you know how you always get those forward type of emails telling you that you shouldn't get mad at people in the car in front of you because you don't know what kind of day they have had....or you should be patient with someone who is mean to you because you don't know what is going on in their life that is making them react that way?  Well, about 2 years ago I met with a mom of one of my students and she was HORRIBLE to me.  Unfortunately, it is not rare that I have these kinds of encounters.  I have a lot of parents that want a lot of things for their kids and if I can't do it for them----there is a problem with me---it has to be me....it can't be them---anyway, I have had to meet with her A LOT over the past two years.  Every time I find myself preparing for the worst, praying for the right words to say so that I don't get chewed out.  Today, we met for 45 minutes.  I always knew that her daughter had a disability, but I didn't know how bad it really is.  I won't go into all the detail here, but I guess it is true....you just never know how bad it can be for someone else.  It doesn't mean that we should be mean when we're going through something rough, but it was a good lesson for me today....I saw a very strong, proud woman completely vulnerable and it moved me. 

Happy Anniversary to us!

Last week---Brian told me that he forgot to make reservations at the restaurant I had suggested for our Anniversary.  He asked me if I would like to go to Palm Springs instead, I said, "No."  He replied, "Oh, well, it's already booked and you have next Friday off."  My sweet husband had already arranged with my boss for me to have the day off and asked my family to help take care of Emily over the weekend so that we could actually get away--the first getaway since Emily's birth.  Besides leaving her behind while going to work, this was the longest I have ever been away and it was hard, but we really did have a great time together.  

My mom and dad brought her home and we ended the day with another visit to yet another pumpkin patch.  On the way, Brian asked her to dance (one of her latest moves) and instead of totally dancing she started clapping.  We have never seen her clap so we took a video of it...Enjoy!  

Mom, Dad, Kristi, Curtis, Haley and Lexi----THANK YOU!!!!!

Pumpkin patch day

Emily's pony ride day was actually her first pumpkin patch experience, but it was close to her naptime, so anytime we put her near the pumpkins she would scream.  So, we tried another patch near us.  Emily still didn't love the pumpkins.  The last picture was taken at lunch yesterday---I was amazed with how good she was with the crayons.  She only tried to eat them once, but the rest of the time, she was actually coloring on the table.  

Thanks dad and Sarah!

As mentioned before...our daycare was closed this week, which meant I had to find someone to watch Emily every day last week.  Unfortunately, Brian and I each still had to take a day off because we couldn't find someone....but my dad and Sarah totally helped us out for 2 of the days!  (Sorry dad, I forgot to get pics of you with Em).  For those of you who don't know...Sarah's son Tanner is 19 months and she is 20 something weeks preggers with her second.  She was AWESOME with Emily.  We had a little time to play before I left and it was fun to watch Emily try to keep up with Tanner...

Swedish or Irish?

So...today, I was checking out at a store and the checker looks at me and says "Swedish or Irish?"  I looked at her confused and ask, "what?"  She responds with, "Are you Swedish or Irish?"  So, I got in the car and took a picture of me....what do you think?  Swedish or Irish?  

Sick days....

Thankfully...no one in my household is sick, but Brian and I have had to take a day off this week to take care of our little girl because our daycare provider is sick!  I decided that I am a goody-goody....I was totally stressed out last night because I had to take a day off.  Why in the world should I feel guilty about it when I am given the time each year to do so?  

My little pony....rider

FCC...changing one life at a time...

this is what I get...

So, apparently going to Disneyland 3 weeks in a row can really stimulate my little girl.  This video is from this past Sunday at around 8:15 pm.  Please keep in mind that Emily typically goes to bed at 7:30 pm.  

my baby loves chicken

I am assuming that the out-of-town family will appreciate this the most, but thought you might like to see Emily down some chicken.  I got the camera out too late, she ate the first plate of chicken so fast....she slowed down with this one, but it's still cute to watch.  

this is what it has come to...

I was recently talking to my friend Megan about how my life has become a little bit chaotic....running from one thing to the next.  I have decided that somethings like hanging out with Emily are more important than things like cleaning the house.  Now, don't get me wrong, I am a clean freak....I do NOT rest easy with my house looking like this, but you know, there are times when you just need to not think about it. 

Here's Emily playing with some toys.  Most of the blocks were thrown around the room in the matter of 5 minutes.  She literally opens the basket and starts chucking things around the room---not even playing---just throwing.  

Isn't our dining room beautiful?  Oh wait, you can't see it behind the bags that go with me to work everyday.  In the mornings, Brian will lovingly say, "wave goodbye to your mom, the bag lady."  Yeah, it's that bad.  The good news is...I'm carrying one less bag this week!  So, when you work full-time and still nurse----your house might just look a little bit like this.  Umm....my kid is happy and knows that she is SO loved....so I guess I just have to say....Oh well.  Oh...and please don't think that if we invite you over our house will look like this.  I still have pride!