What would you miss?

What would you miss the most if you could not take your children outside when ever you wanted to? Would you miss the walks, the playing in the yard, the beach, the picnics,or being able to pick up and meet friends at Disney when ever. The other day I was talking to another mother of a child with TTD and we both agreed that this awful illness stinks no matter what but one of the hardest things is having to watch your child watch the world from a window. Watch the children that walk by, watch his sister playing in the backyard, or just watching life pass him by. This puts such huge limits on us as a family. Yes, we push the limits every once in and while. We slather him in sun screen, put his UV clothing on, and put his cooling vest on BUT we can not do this often. It is really like a game of Russian rullet. One day Collin might handle it just fine and the next time he might start seizing, blister, burn, or just get sick. Today a mother asked if I was putting Regan in the pre-k summer program. I explained to her that I didn't want to put her in summer school because that would be the only time that I would have to take Regan to the beach or play while Collin is in summer school. I had to explain to her about Collin and all of the things that can happen to him during the summer when it is hot and and UV is high. She looked at me with the saddest look. She told me all of the wonderful things that she loves doing with her family in the sun in the summer. She said she couldn't imagine giving any of it up. Collin has always been this way so this is nothing new and we are very used to it, doesn't make it any easier, but we are used to it. Even when Collin is not with us Regan will look for the shade. It is very much part of him, part of us as a family. I have to say that one of the things that I wish I could have would be a beautiful, sunny, warm day at the beach with both of my children.

What would you miss if you had to hide from the sun this summer??

Ten years in the making!!!

We were able to be part of a special day ten years in the making today. When Jason and I got married Jason was going to school full time and working. Collin was a big surprise to us. After he was born Jason was able to go to school for a bit but after a while the medical bills became too much and Jason had to quit school to get a full time job. Jason left with only 20 units left to complete. Jason went back to school last September to finish his BA in international business. Shortly after starting back to school Jason was laid off from work. It has been hard but so worth it. We are so proud of Jason for accomplishing this goal. Jason you are so amazing and we could not be more proud of you!!! You are the best Daddy, Husband, and friend!!!!! We love you tons!!!!

I have to end with a HUGE thank you to both of these lovely ladies for helping us with Bubba. Since the graduation was outside he was unable to be there. It was hard missing a big part of our family on such a special day but it was comforting to know that he was being well taken care of. Thank you so much!!!

I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

I love any holiday that has to do with this wonderful country that we live. I admire and am so grateful for all of the men and women that fight so that I can enjoy all of the freedoms that I enjoy every single day. My father and my brother both served in the military. I will never forget the day that my brother came home from boot camp. Not only was he trim, in shape, and running every morning but he also had a different attitude, a since of pride. I am truly grateful for them and for everyone else that serves this country. I am the crazy type of mom that dresses her kids in red, white, and blue and then sports a flag t-shirt myself. Growing up in the South there was a lot of country pride. Every morning we would gather for “rise n shine” in the auditorium in elementary school. We would sing this song every morning.
　
　
God Bless The USA
by Lee Greenwood
If tomorrow all the things were gone,I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again, with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars,to be livin here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,and they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be an American,where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota,to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,From sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston,and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,and its time we stand and say.
That I’m proud to be an American,where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,God bless the USA.

And I’m proud to be and American,where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,God bless the USA.


We could not think of a better way to celebrate our Memorial Day than by enjoying our beautiful cloudy day as a family at Disney Land.

I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!!

Crafty time

I was wanting a new centerpiece for my table. I saw something on line that I thought was cute and over priced. So, I made my own version of a fun summer topiary. It was super easy to make and I like the way it came out. I have been busy with other crafts as well. I will post those later. I LOVE how much you can do with ribbon!!!!

Collin has been hurting so he was in some desperate need of some good old pain therapy. So, on Monday we made an appointment with friends and went and got him a big dose of pain medication.

FUN Weekend!

I had such a fun weekend. It started off by heading to Disney Land with this fun gal! We ditched our kids and husbands and went on "big girl" rides all by ourselves! I didn't even mind waiting an hour for Space mountain because we had so much fun talking about EVERYTHING. What a fun way to start my weekend off! Thanks Kendal! There was only one bummer in the entire evening. When I got home I realized that I lost my cell phone while we were at Disney Land. Yes, I know good luck getting that back right.

Then On Saturday Morning I walked into find this.... Oh, I just love them!

After I hurried and got ready Collin and I went to Disney Land bright and early to see if by some small miracle someone had turned in my phone. To my surprise they had it there and an employee had turned it in! YEAH!!! That just saved me fifty bucks (Yes, we have insurance so fifty isn't that bad BUT I can think of a million better ways to spend that money! wink!!) Of course we were blacked out and could not go in the parks. Collin was not happy about that and didn't understand. So, we did the next best thing. We went on the tram several times! wink! I promised Collin we would go back and I would make it up to him. So, we will be at Disney Land tomorrow morning if anyone wants to meet up with us! wink!

Then after Collin and I got back I hurried and got ready and went to the temple with these wonderful ladies... Great Grandma Jo, Jason's sister Crystal, and Jason's mom. It was such a special afternoon.

Then as soon as we got back from the temple I got to go on a date with this hunky guy! We went to the movies and got some much needed alone time. We hadn't been on a date in a while!

What an awesome weekend!!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

I want to wish my Mom a very wonderful Mother's Day! I love you so much and am so grateful to have you as my friend, mother, and my children's Poppie!! You mean the world to me!!!! I love you tons!!!!!

I love being a Mommy!!!!

I love being a Mommy for Moments like this.............

I love being a Mommy when I get to sit back and witness moments with Collin that I never thought that I would see. In this picture all you might see is a little boy playing on a DS but what a I see is an amazing little man that surprises me by doing things that we didn't think would be possible. Something as simple as playing on a DS is a huge accomplishment for him. He can not control the buttons well and really struggles with it BUT he understands it. His little hands wont do what he wants them to do. He can not play it well himself. He likes it when Jason or I play it and hit sits in our laps. His favorite game is Mario Cart. He understands it and gets so excited when we pass another car. He will start shaking and screaming. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. Tonight Regan was playing the DS and Collin wanted it so bad. When Regan sat it down he got it, went into the dinning room, and hid under the table with it!!!! I LOVE IT!!!! If you had asked me almost nine years ago if I thought that this would ever be possible I would have told you no. One thing I have learned from him is that anything is possible. I LOVE being a Mommy because I get to witness moments like this!!!!

If that isn't good enough I get to finish a good day off with cuddles!!! I love being a Mommy because I get to have moments like this.

While I was cuddling Collin Regan came into the room dressed like this......

She had gotten into my closet and came out in a pair of my boots and hat. If that was not enough to make me smile she then proceeded to tell me that she was a model and started posing. She can ALWAYS put a smile on my face! I love being a Mommy for moments like this.

Then I got to end my day with a good book and cuddles. I love being a Mommy for moments like this.

Regan's Five year pictures

" I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift would be curiosity"
- Eleanor Roosevelt

This Mother's Day I am ....

I love being a mom because........


Everyday they teach me about courage, love, strength, humor, compassion, friendship, and so much more.