Look how cute these guys are. Samantha kept calling Tucker her Cowboy Husband! She said Tucker had to kiss her because she was the bride. Sorry they are blurry - we were having camera difficulties.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Trick or Treat
Enjoy the pictures. Kids went out Trick or Treating at dark. They give great candy away here in Jerome. Big candy bars. I don't know who was more excited about it, the kids or Brad and I. :0) We sure missed our friends J, T, E, R, T. It was definetly different Halloween with all of you at our house this year. Hope you all had a fun time together.
Here's my Cowboy Tucker, Bride Samantha, and Sean Alexander Hunter.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Playtime with Dad
Dad came home early from work today, so after homework, the boys were out the door to enjoy the warm, 70 degree weather, with no wind. (We have not had many days where the wind was not blowing) I had such a good time watching them play that I had to share it with you.
God's Promise
This was the view from our back door this afternoon about 430 pm. I am not sure why, but everything seems so much bigger and bolder here (stars, moon, sky, rainbows). Just wanted to share it with you all.
To all the Pumpkins in our Patch.
This kids brought this home from school today on a flyer. I thought it was really neat, so wanted to pass it along.
Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff -- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see. This was passed on to me from another pumpkin. Now, it is your turn to pass it to a pumpkin. I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch. Happy Fall!!
We've got Poop!
I know, it's kind of a graphic title, but one to be greatly celebrated. Last night, on the first try, Tucker went #2 in his potty chair. This is huge, awesome, so exciting. You have never seen 5 people so excited about Poop in a potty. We made a HUGE ordeal about it, as you can imagine. We have been working on this, and working on this, and working on this..............................and TaDah - it has happened. Yeah for you Tucker.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Aikendrum's Moon
Last night the Moon was beautiful, big, round and shining ever so brightly. I swear I could see a face on the moon. Sam agreed with me - the boys just thought we were nuts, but really I could see a face. Sam was so excited about the Moon, and she said that this was Aikendrum's Moon. All you Mom's of preschoolers know about Aikendrum. He was the man that lived on the Moon according to the song. After a few minutes of viewing the Moon with Samantha, she said that she could see Aikendrum sitting on the moon because she saw a little "Bump" on the edge. Oh so cute!! Anyway, here is a picture of the Moon. Much more beautiful in person - and I know, there is no face, but I did see one!!! Love to you all.
Pumpkin Carving
Every year we carve pumpkins a few days before Halloween. So, today Dad and Hunter picked up some more pumpkins and a carving we began. The kids all picked out their designs off the computer - Hunter chose a Deer, Tucker chose Elmo (third year in a row, only a bit different this year), and Samantha chose a kitty (third year in a row also, but a bit different). I like the good old Jack-o-Lantern face, only cute and not spooky. Dad did not choose one this year, as He and I do all the carving, and with the great designs the kids chose, we figured 4 was enough. We also love to cook the Pumpkin Seeds. As Samantha says - Mom, they are just so............YUMMY! We had a nice time, and a great family night. (We did miss carving these pumpkins with our Cousins and Aunties and Uncles in Lynden as we usually do.) Enjoy the pictures.
School Conferences
Thursday was the day to meet with the kids Teachers for school conferences. I was very anxious and hesitant about what Tucker's teacher might say about him. These conferences were for the Christian School.
I have not felt assured that all was going well with him in the class because when I drop him off and pick him up I don't a lot of feedback as to how he is doing. And, the past few days at school he has decided to start hitting one boy in particular. No one else, just this one boy. Which is odd for Tucker, so I am thinking that maybe this boy is bugging him. Anyway, so off I went to conferences with anxiety.
My kids are wonderful, are adjusting well, are so smart, and are loving, respectful, and happy kids. This is what I was told about all three of the kids. I was overwhelmed with joy and am so proud of these three.
Hunter's grades are all in the high 90%. His strongest subject is Reading and second is Math. Lucky kid - glad he didn't get his math skills from his Mom. His teacher just raved about how well he is doing adjusting to the new school, new work, and his ability to make friends. She said she just loves having him in the class.
Samantha is right at or above where she should be for her age academically as well. Mrs. K. says she is adjusting nicely and is a very sweet girl. She is also very helpful with Tucker and watches out for him. Mrs. K said she does talk about "Home" - Bellingham all the time and likes to share with her class "How things are done in Bellingham". I can totally hear her telling them all. Her teacher shared a great story about Show and Tell and how Samantha cares for Tucker. The first time they had show and tell, it was Tucker's turn to share what he had brought (which was a fish stuffed animal - representing the letter "f". When Tucker was seated in the Show and Tell chair, she quickly knealt beside him and was whispering in his ear what he was supposed to say - and he said what ever she told him. I thought this was so sweet. So the next week when it was his turn, Samantha did the same thing, only this time Mrs. K asked Sam to see if Tucker could do it all by himself, and she let him, and he did - just great!! So cute. I love that she is protective over him and watches out for him already!
Tucker's report was just as wonderful - he is doing great in the class with typical children, he is doing all the things the other kids are doing - following directions, eats lunch as a group, participates in all class activities, does show and tell, plays outside for recess, etc. Mrs. K did not evaluate him academically, as she felt it was unfair to him because he is not in the class in the afternoon and this is when she studys the kids and evaluates them. She did say she would make time in the next couple of weeks to concentrate on where he is based on the report card progress for the other kids. I am excited to see the outcome. She said the other kids in the class love Tucker and they all have this natural ability to assist him or help him when they notice he needs it. Nothing has ever been said to the kids that Tucker might need additional assistance. I just love how these kids instinctively just get it. What a great beginning for them on diversity and advocacy.
So, in all, as I mentioned, I left the school feeling so proud of them all and feeling so good about our move to Idaho. Often, I find myself really lonely, asking myself if this was the right thing to do (especially when the afterschool meltdowns come, or Samantha cries for her friends R and T and wishes we had never left Bellingham, or when I just need my support group of friends or family), but moments like this make you realize all is Great, and God has blessed our family abundantly. Sorry for the long post, but I wanted all to know how great the conferences went. We love you all and miss you all much!!
I have not felt assured that all was going well with him in the class because when I drop him off and pick him up I don't a lot of feedback as to how he is doing. And, the past few days at school he has decided to start hitting one boy in particular. No one else, just this one boy. Which is odd for Tucker, so I am thinking that maybe this boy is bugging him. Anyway, so off I went to conferences with anxiety.
My kids are wonderful, are adjusting well, are so smart, and are loving, respectful, and happy kids. This is what I was told about all three of the kids. I was overwhelmed with joy and am so proud of these three.
Hunter's grades are all in the high 90%. His strongest subject is Reading and second is Math. Lucky kid - glad he didn't get his math skills from his Mom. His teacher just raved about how well he is doing adjusting to the new school, new work, and his ability to make friends. She said she just loves having him in the class.
Samantha is right at or above where she should be for her age academically as well. Mrs. K. says she is adjusting nicely and is a very sweet girl. She is also very helpful with Tucker and watches out for him. Mrs. K said she does talk about "Home" - Bellingham all the time and likes to share with her class "How things are done in Bellingham". I can totally hear her telling them all. Her teacher shared a great story about Show and Tell and how Samantha cares for Tucker. The first time they had show and tell, it was Tucker's turn to share what he had brought (which was a fish stuffed animal - representing the letter "f". When Tucker was seated in the Show and Tell chair, she quickly knealt beside him and was whispering in his ear what he was supposed to say - and he said what ever she told him. I thought this was so sweet. So the next week when it was his turn, Samantha did the same thing, only this time Mrs. K asked Sam to see if Tucker could do it all by himself, and she let him, and he did - just great!! So cute. I love that she is protective over him and watches out for him already!
Tucker's report was just as wonderful - he is doing great in the class with typical children, he is doing all the things the other kids are doing - following directions, eats lunch as a group, participates in all class activities, does show and tell, plays outside for recess, etc. Mrs. K did not evaluate him academically, as she felt it was unfair to him because he is not in the class in the afternoon and this is when she studys the kids and evaluates them. She did say she would make time in the next couple of weeks to concentrate on where he is based on the report card progress for the other kids. I am excited to see the outcome. She said the other kids in the class love Tucker and they all have this natural ability to assist him or help him when they notice he needs it. Nothing has ever been said to the kids that Tucker might need additional assistance. I just love how these kids instinctively just get it. What a great beginning for them on diversity and advocacy.
So, in all, as I mentioned, I left the school feeling so proud of them all and feeling so good about our move to Idaho. Often, I find myself really lonely, asking myself if this was the right thing to do (especially when the afterschool meltdowns come, or Samantha cries for her friends R and T and wishes we had never left Bellingham, or when I just need my support group of friends or family), but moments like this make you realize all is Great, and God has blessed our family abundantly. Sorry for the long post, but I wanted all to know how great the conferences went. We love you all and miss you all much!!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Bath Time in Mom and Dad's BIG Tub!
The kids think that our bathtub is like a swimming pool. It is so much fun to take a bath. All three fit in the tub and they love it. (I've yet had the time to try it out) They had the gigles so bad. I love to hear their squeals of laughter.
Family Picture
We are ready to go to dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Weg. They have been here in town since last Saturday. They leave tomorrow around noon. We have had a busy week. The kids are tired, so they were not participating greatly, but wanted to post our first family picture from Idaho.
Idaho Pictures
This is a great picture of the Sunset tonight. It was 75 degrees today, beautiful and very warm. I am loving this sunshine. The kids are off school for the rest of the week for school conferences. We plan to have a relaxing 4 days off of school and hope to finish the unpacking. My office if finally coming together, my desk is put back together, and I can't wait to unpack all my scrapbooking stuff so that I can get started on my favorite hobby. Just wanted to share this picture with you. It was taken at 630 pm.
The Wax Museum
Today at school they had a Wax Museum. Hunter and Samantha participated in it. Samantha's class dressed up as Snow White and the 7 dwarfs. Sam was dressed up as Sneezy. Hunter's class had to pick their favorite author and story and had to dress up as a character for the story. Hunter choose a Magic Tree House book, "Pirates Past Noon". He dressed up as Jack, the main character of each book. They had to create their own backdrops and provide their own props. We worked each night for an hour on this project. They both did so well with their "Freezing" as a wax figure and they had a lot of fun doing it. Here are some pictures from it.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Pumpkin Patch Field Trip
Today Samantha and Tucker had a field trip to the local pumpkin patch (is a 30 min bus ride considered local?). Samantha was so excited to get to ride a school bus. She has been watching Tucker ride one for two years. It was 40 degrees out, with a bit of a breeze, but we bundled up and had a good time. It was fun to go on this field trip with both of them. It was also great to see Tucker with an entire class of typical kids. He hung right in there with them. But, boy what an eye opener when you watch the other kids interacting and playing. You then realize the delay. I often forget about it or don't see it because he interacts so well with all of us. Anyway, the trip was a lot of fun and both Samantha and Tucker enjoyed themselves. Tucker was very proud to bring his pumpkin home after school. I actually had forgotten to get it and he reminded by saying "bring pumpkin home, Mom". Enjoy the pictures
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Buddy Walk - October 6th
To all our dear family and friends who walked with us and for all of you who donated so generously, we want to say Thank you So Much! I know it was very cold, but we appreciated all of you being there to support Down syndrome Outreach and to Support our little Tucker. Here are a few pictures from the walk. We love you all and say thank you again.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
New Home
Here is a picture of our new home. We love it, and especially love the freedom of the Acre yard. Tucker is finally able to run and play with Hunter without too much supervision. I love seeing them play together. Also, here is another picture of the boys in the back yard. Tucker is watching Daddy fix a sprinkler, and Hunter built a bike jump out of the dirt in the back. Our grass is still trying to grow - hopefully next spring it will be fully grown. Oh, and did I mention the day that I took this picture (Sunday - 10/14) it was 76 degrees out. Loving the sunshine!!
We've moved to Idaho.
This is a short post to let everyone know that we have made it and we are settling in and adjusting to our new life in Idaho.
We have been here a week, yesterday. Hard to believe a week has passed - I am very homesick, and miss so many of you!!
Most of the essential unpacking is done, but I now am slowly weeding through the rest of the boxes.
The kids are loving it here, and love their schools, but mostly they are loving the normal family life we now have. And, a not so stressed out Mom.
The kids started school on Wednesday last week, and they love it. All three are going to Canyonside Christian school. There schedules are a bit different, but we are getting it down.
Hunter attends all day, M-F from 830-245; Samantha attends all day, M-Th from 830-245; and Tucker attends the Christian School from 830-1215; then he goes to the Public School Early Education Program from 1230-245, M-TH. Tucker is still trying to understand the switch of schools, and I can tell he is confused, but he goes willingly and seems to be doing fine when he is there.
It is great joy to take all my kids to school, together, and to the same school everyday. I pick up Tucker and take him to the Public program, which is fun for me to peek in on the kids. Hunter gets embarrassed when I do - but I can tell he secretly likes that I come and peek at him. And I am getting so much done with so much time without the kids at home. I do start getting lonely around noon each day, but I am sure it will go away when I get used to this schedule.
Samantha is enjoying being back in school, as she did not start in Bellingham with the boys. She is also a great protector and bossy gal with her brother, as they are in the same class. I am glad that she gets to have the afternoon to attend school on her own, so she doesn't busy herself with taking care of Tucker. They are so cute in the class, and Tucker openly talks to her about everything they are doing. I am so.......glad that he has her.
We have been having great success with Tucker Potty training - such success that now I cannot say "Time to go Potty" because when I do, he immediately goes, so I have to be sneaky in getting him to the potty chair. He hasn't used the big toilet yet, but for now, I am happy with the potty chair. He is even starting to go on his own - which is huge!!!
I am very proud of the kids for taking the move so easily and adjusting to all the change so well. I think the hardest part of the change is that the Twins are now not getting naps and they are very tired after school, so it gets a bit tense come dinner time, but that also makes for earlier bedtime.............which gives Mom and Dad some time alone. We too are adjusting to being together again and are enjoying our normal family life now.
Well, this was to be a short post, but I just kept thinking of things to say and update you on. So, this is it for now. We love you all and miss you all!!
We have been here a week, yesterday. Hard to believe a week has passed - I am very homesick, and miss so many of you!!
Most of the essential unpacking is done, but I now am slowly weeding through the rest of the boxes.
The kids are loving it here, and love their schools, but mostly they are loving the normal family life we now have. And, a not so stressed out Mom.
The kids started school on Wednesday last week, and they love it. All three are going to Canyonside Christian school. There schedules are a bit different, but we are getting it down.
Hunter attends all day, M-F from 830-245; Samantha attends all day, M-Th from 830-245; and Tucker attends the Christian School from 830-1215; then he goes to the Public School Early Education Program from 1230-245, M-TH. Tucker is still trying to understand the switch of schools, and I can tell he is confused, but he goes willingly and seems to be doing fine when he is there.
It is great joy to take all my kids to school, together, and to the same school everyday. I pick up Tucker and take him to the Public program, which is fun for me to peek in on the kids. Hunter gets embarrassed when I do - but I can tell he secretly likes that I come and peek at him. And I am getting so much done with so much time without the kids at home. I do start getting lonely around noon each day, but I am sure it will go away when I get used to this schedule.
Samantha is enjoying being back in school, as she did not start in Bellingham with the boys. She is also a great protector and bossy gal with her brother, as they are in the same class. I am glad that she gets to have the afternoon to attend school on her own, so she doesn't busy herself with taking care of Tucker. They are so cute in the class, and Tucker openly talks to her about everything they are doing. I am so.......glad that he has her.
We have been having great success with Tucker Potty training - such success that now I cannot say "Time to go Potty" because when I do, he immediately goes, so I have to be sneaky in getting him to the potty chair. He hasn't used the big toilet yet, but for now, I am happy with the potty chair. He is even starting to go on his own - which is huge!!!
I am very proud of the kids for taking the move so easily and adjusting to all the change so well. I think the hardest part of the change is that the Twins are now not getting naps and they are very tired after school, so it gets a bit tense come dinner time, but that also makes for earlier bedtime.............which gives Mom and Dad some time alone. We too are adjusting to being together again and are enjoying our normal family life now.
Well, this was to be a short post, but I just kept thinking of things to say and update you on. So, this is it for now. We love you all and miss you all!!
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