More to come :)

The Halloween Party was a Blast!!! It's amazing how grown up everyone actually was, not talking about people like in past years just good ole fun...It's about time!! The Eagles won too WOAH!!! LOL. What a great weekend!!! I'll write more when I have time.

My Girls...

OK so here are the pictures I promised....I still need a new cord to download to my lab top but given the lack of time I quickly used the sick computer......anyway her they are, the girls had fun with my Mom and Brent and we all had a blast with them :)

Well we all know that I can not denying Emma she looks like a mini me and Chris....Tatum on the other hand does not really look like either one of us...I know she is mine because her limited vocabulary consists of about four words...Yes we all know she says Emma but the new words are Yes, Eat and Dadee....I know no Mommy yet but at least she does not say no. LOL

My friend Jody's kids have to dress up in old School clothes for school tomorrow. So they came to raid my closet for cool shirts to go with there stretch pants...I am sending Claire home with a super cool Madonna tee-shirt from the Virgin Tour in 86 and some big red earrings and Zoe got a big pink polo oxford with a tie and streamer clips with beads on the end....Remember those!!! They look great!!! I hope Jody takes a picture in the morning.

This weekend is the big Halloween party at Jody's ,it should be terrific! Tomorrow night I am making a pinacolada jello brain so fun!!!!

Tons-O-Fun

This was a terrific weekend, you could not have asked for better weather and the girls were very well behaved. I feel liked I crammed alot into only two days but it really worked out. Today was a bit hot, the Eagles lost and I still can't find black leggings, but all in all a great day. The girls and I walked around downtown had lunch and went in a few shops. I can not believe I had on shorts and a tee shirt this late in October, talk about global warming...
I even carved a pumpkin today, its actually one of my better ones...LOL too bad that is not saying much but it is fine when your only impressing a 4yr old.

Yesterday my Mom and Brent visited and spent the night ,woo-hoo Chris and I got to go out.
In the afternoon we all headed to a pumpkin patch. We gave up on our usually spot because it has become so pricey and checked out a new farm. Welp new farm wins and we are hooked!

Emma got her face painted hit the pumpkin head moon bounce and we all took a ride in the tractor thing out to the pumpkin patch...it was super fun.

When we first arrived there we were waiting to get tickets and I started talking to this lady and her little boy...I could tell the baby had just started walking and was much older then he looked. After talking to his Mom for a while I found out this little guy had nunens syndrome. I do not know anything about this syndrome except They tested Tatum for it and she did not have it. Some of the medical issues mirror Williams...Pulmonary stenosis eye issues late development and SUPER CUTE :)
Alex and Tatum share the same Cardiologist and both go to Wilmer for there eyes...small world. He is having a Cath and Angeo very soon so he'll defiantly be in our thoughts. It was so cool to meet someone out randomly that is walking the same path and has a very similar attitude. Hopefully Mary, Alex's Mom, and I well be able to get in touch with each other again soon.


I started this post last night and finished today so sorry for the days being all mixed up from top to bottom....Our desk top at home is possessed again...it started blaring music at 1:30 in the morning and I had to shut it off...I think it needs a total redo of the system meaning we are going ot lose everything....I was afraid to even put new pictures in there, hopefully at lunch today I'll be able to get out and find the proper cord to load pictures from my camera to my wk computer or lab top...Until then no pics :( I really have some good ones too...

Anyway....Yesterday in Church I left with a good question from the pastor in my head...It was what is your purpose here... and if you could ask God a question what would it be....I immediately jumped to the Why me God? thing, then I thought I know why me so that would not be a good one to ask. Now I wonder if it has something to do with purpose...who knows just food for thought...

Almost Famous...LOL

So here is the link to the article like I promised....It is really nice, the only mistake I noticed is that Tatum does not need a valve replacement she needs her descending Aorta replaced...The area of the aorta that is narrow is much to long for a patch, also her blood pressure remains high everyday but the doctors feel it is best to leave well enough alone since she has been tolerating it since she was a fetus... Actually Katie read my blog and corrected the on-line article and a correction well run in tomorrows paper...Man she is on the ball :)

Not such a good picture of Chris and I but hopefully people well just check out the cute kids...

Thanks Leslie for doing the article you are the best HAPPY BIRTHDAY :)

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=66567

A Slice of Life

Today I got a email from Katie Leslie, a reporter with the Frederick new post, about doing an article about Tate. I meet her and a photographer at my home around 4:30 for her to interview and pictures. She was so nice and seemed very interested in Tatum and all our blogs. Being the charmer that Tatum is she just won everyone over. Katie was in our home for a good hour and a half, she said that she would most likely be emailing me with questions for the next few days. The article is supposed to run in Friday's news post...I can not wait to see it, I make sure to post a link for you all. I thing the title of the section the article is to appear in is called a slice of life or something like that...

On a totally separate note I am so excited...My roommate and one of my best fiends from college is coming through town tomorrow...Look out world Erin and Lisa are hanging out for the evening. Er has never meet Tatum so I am psyched she is finally is getting that opportunity. I actually have not seen her since we first moved into our home we live in now...Wow that was before Emma turned 2. I am sure she'll be amazed with Both girls, maybe Tatum well start walking for her, we can keep our fingers crossed. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures :)

Hope everyone is having a good week :)

Whoa Life

"Life is a grindstone. But whether it grinds us down or polishes us up depends on us. "

author unknown


By the way Chris LOVES then new job so far...

Gotta Love Hump Day

Well I fell a disagreement coming on between Chris me and my love affair with Wednesday evenings... He get so much time and Weds are all I ask for...
Tonight we had a work moral boasting happy hour/dinner...Yeah I'll admit it was more happy then dinner but it was on Wed so it is not like I was asking for an extra day. I do so much during the week and weekend that one evening a week is not going to kill anyone ,but I think that I am alone in that thought pattern...

Kinda funny this evening I was talking to one of my newer co-workers, I actually met his wife last week and loved her, anyway...their daughter was tested for WS and although she does not have that she has some other very real issues...I knew I felt a instant connection to his wife, now I know why LOL...Anyway we spoke about it for a while and it was so nice to actually have someone that could REALLY relate to what we have and are going through with Tatum...Small world eh, who would have thought...

In the past few months the dynamic in our office has totally changed with the coming and going of new people. After being there 5 years this week I have to admit I LOVE IT...I think it is the best we have been in a while and that makes me happier then ever and more positive to say that we are going to make it through this crazy mortgage debacle...It is so much easier to be successful when everyone gets along and has one goal in mind. It is awesome when every one's goal is success!!!!

Night all :)

Another weekend gone...

I feel like the weeks and weekends just keep flying by...This weekend the girls with a big clan of neighborhood friends hit the Renn Fest...We also brought Autumn for her first time, if you have never been this is quite a experience...

Between shows, face paining, fairy dust, slides, ponies, food and beer it was a very long day...

We also arrived around 10:30 and stayed till after 6...

When we got home Autumn stayed with the girls and Chris and i actually went out together....Although we had a great time I do not know if it was really the best idea.

Sunday I was so tired from Saturday that I gave Autumn my ticket to the Redskins game, she and Chris went. The two of them seemed to have a really good time and I totally enjoyed my day alone with the girls...and wow, before you know it another weekend over...

I can not really figure out what is going on lately with me...Loans at work have been anything but easy....it has gone from 40 easy loans with a bad week at the end to maybe 20 loans in a month all hard and everyone of them seems to have a fuse of 3 days....Almost a game, the company that can close it the fastest gets the loan....in the long run this has caused the last place I want to be when I get home is the computer.... Also it just amazes me how much less time I have to myself. With everyday that Emma gets older, although great, it is hard work....Everyone that has older kids must know what I mean....it is not the same as baby hard but just as busy in a different way....I now spend my evenings explaining what I mean when I saw certain things or drawling pictures pictures for people. It amazes me just how smart and what exactly she understands...And believe me she understands EVERYTHING!!!

Tatum is also getting older I know she wants nothing more then to walk but the whole balance thing is just killing her....Give her a push toy and she is history but alone with no help it is the bear crawl everywhere and boy is she quick on the stairs, funny thing is she has no interest in going down alone or learning how. Tatum well crawl to the very edge hang her head over lay for a moment then come to one of us for help... It is pretty funny....We have yet to put a gate up in the house we simply have things that go in front of the stairs to block her....We never bought a formal gate for Emma either....

To be honest with you all with the exception of plug covers we have never formally baby proofed a house. Naturally we do not have anything low or lit candles hanging out on the table but we also do not have toilet locks or cabinet locks, I guess we have been lucky that the girls have never been interested. Our coffee table has baskets under them but ya know they are fair game....It is kinda funny maybe because we did not make a big deal about all that stuff they stay away...

With Emma we did not even have to worry about the bathroom but Tatum on the other hand ca n entertain her self forever in there so we have to remember to close shower door and toilet lids...too funny

Anyway I guess the answer to me blogging less right now is that I am just simply exhausted...But believe I me I am trying...my goal is three a week :) You can call off the highway patrol Kerry I am fine :) Just busy.... Iwas wondreing if anyonw knew when the Mom grows the third arm... :) Oh yeah check it out I finally cut Emma's hair...:) Looks good eh....

Quick update...

I guess not blogging as much has its plus and minuses... Plus being that I do not feel that I need to blog I am fine with my life and where Tatum is in her's. I know she is not as advanced as I would like but since I can not control that...Minus being I blog when I have time to myself and it is not as often as I would like....Oh Well I guess you can not have it all.

Tatum was feeling pretty yucky all weekend, she had a unbelievably diaper rash ( it is much better now) and is cutting about 5 teeth...Emma and I hung out alot since T was out of commission. Emma has become pretty fun to hang out with lately, when she is in a good mood that is...

Work has been pretty busy, we are not out of the woods yet but it is totally looking better. October so far is the busiest month out of the last three. At least we are steady right now, that is a very good thing...Chris starts his new job on Monday I know he is pretty psyched...I would be if my drive was .9 miles... but then again if it were that short I would never get to talk to friends....My commute is my only alone time...

Emma Sings

IFSP

Well yesterday afternoon I went to a meeting about Tatum's services...This is what we now are starting...Speech once a week OT once a week PT twice a month and Education once a month...this is pretty much the most I am going to get...Once Tatum starts walking the OT well decrease and as she gets older the Speech well increase...Poor kid that is a super busy week for anyone... I did get some good information to look into about state medical wavers and hippotherapy for Tatum. Although I was a good 20mins late and felt super rude, the meeting went well and Tatum did great on her hearing test.

No matter what time of day I swear you can never predict the traffic in this area...The morning just keep getting worse and worse...I can only keep my fingers crossed that today does not follow the weeks trend on a 20mile one hour and twenty min. ride.....Frustrating to say the least... I had my camera in the morning the other morning and snapped this photo so you all could really feel my pain...It is sad that you get used to it, well I do anyway Chris is a total different story, thank God he is getting out of this mess...

In Other News...

We had a great weekend as far as I am concerned, The Eagles won we took the kids to the fair Sat. night, I know I said I was not going ot go but I really wanted a funnel cake and i was feeling like we needed to just get out of the house.

Sunday the girls ( all the girls, mine Zoe, Clare and Morgan) and I went to Kylie's b-day party at Adventure Park on Sunday...I am not sure who had the best time. Emma and I kicked butt in the go-carts although I am not sure that she'll ever go on that ride with me again and I was the first person there to ever play laser tag with a baby strapped to my hip...It was fun but I was a little sore from caring Tatum and the laser tag pack....you can imagine how silly I must have looked...Good thing Chris had my camera with him at the race track... He went up Sunday to see his buddy Scott race.

Anyway Busy during the month at work or not it always pours the last week so I'll be working a ton the next bunch of day...I do not mind thought just happy to have work...Happy Hump Day :)

I'm loving this Poem....Shoes in Church

Shoes in church

I showered and shaved...I adjusted my tie..
I got there and sat...In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer...As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me...Touching my own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side...I thought, "Why must our soles
touch?"
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine...But it didn't bother him much.
A prayer began: "Our Father"...I thought, "This man with the shoes...has
no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the
side!"
"Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on.
The shoe man said...a quiet "Amen."
I tried to focus on the prayer...But my thoughts were on his shoes
again.
Aren't we supposed to look our best...When walking through that door?
"Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, Glancing toward the floor.
Then the prayer was ended...And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud...Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters...His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear...The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the offering...And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached...Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out...What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft "clink"...as when silver hits tin.
The sermon really bored me...To tears, and that's no lie.
It was the same for the shoe man...For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service...As is the custom here.
We must greet new visitors...And show them all good cheer.
But I felt moved somehow...And wanted to meet the shoe man.
So after the closing prayer...I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark...And his hair was truly a mess.
But I thanked him for coming...For being our guest.
He said, "My names' Charlie...I'm glad to meet you, my friend."
There were tears in his eyes...But he had a large, wide grin.
"Let me explain," he said...Wiping tears from his eyes.
"I've been coming here for months...And you're the first to say 'Hi.'"
"I know that my appearance..."Is not like all the rest.
"But I really do try..." To always look my best."
"I always clean and polish my shoes..."Before my very long walk.
"But by the time I get here..."They're dirty and dusty, like chalk."
My heart filled with pain...and I swallowed to hide my tears.
As he continued to apologize...For daring to sit so near.
He said, "When I get here..."I know I must look a sight.
"But I thought if I could touch you..."Then maybe our souls might
unite."
I was silent for a moment...Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison...I spoke from my heart, not my head.
"Oh, you've touched me," I said..."And taught me, in part;
"That the best of any man..."Is what is found in his heart."
The rest, I thought,...This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am...That his dirty old shoe touched my
soul
You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
I respect you, and truly cherish you.
Send this to your friends,
No matter how often you talk, Or how close you are.
And send it to the person who sent it to you.
Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new friends
you never will.
Remember, everyone needs a friend.
Someday you might feel like you have no friends at all.
Just remember this e-mail and take comfort in knowing that someone out
there cares about you...and always will.




Who am I to ever judge anyone? What a great reminder....OK so remember I am sooooo ADD it is not even funny...Jumping topics is my forte....I told Chris to take the job...:)

Here's the kicker

The job sounds like a pretty cool opportunity for Chris, a bit less money but close to home so he would make up for it in gas and car wear and tear....Literally 5 secs from home he could bike it if he wanted and I'll bet he does... It would also be good for me because I could drive the little car as opposed to my truck everyday.
Got to love saving money on gas, I just hate giving my hard earned money to some gas company CEO's retirement and over paid salary when all they are doing is ripping the consumer off anyway....but that is and entire other issue...

The one problem with Chris' potential new job is they offer NO health insurance. Under normal circumstances that would be fine I'd cover the insurance and I will if he decides to take this job...
I just have to pray I do not lose mine, then we would really be screwed...
Even without my job we do not qualify for benefits from the state...I guess I have to trust God, the same way I trusted I would have a healthy child.....peeshh sometimes that is easier said then done...

"Calgon Take me Away"

OK so I keep saying it and it doesn't work!!!! It always worked for the ladies on TV...for me I still have Emma non stop talking asking the same question over and over,, Tatum fussing for god knows why she still can not say anything, and my glass half empty ALL THE TIME husband...I tell ya it really makes coming home from work the highlight of my day!!!! I think when Chris gets home I am leaving the house for me time before you all see me on CNN later this evening!!!!!

Stress....

Where to start.....

I think I am having a hard time these days, between everyday life and the stress of economy issues, stemming from my beloved mortgage business, I may lose it. I feel like I 'm looking for some security that is not there and can really be filled by nothing...I have always felt like everything was going to be OK, and I know it is, but right now I can tell that OK is a ways off...

My Dad was an Air Traffic Controller fired in 80 by Regan ( note to self do not strike against the federal government) point is I remember that not being the best time for my family. We did make it and it was looking back now one of the best opportunities of my Dads life. Starting over turned out to be a great thing for him and I imagine totally changed his/our life.

I guess what I am getting at is life sure does come full circle... I still have a job today, if I had to guess I'll keep my job. I work hard and believe in the company I work for...(although life with bonus was way better I do have a OK base) Chris' job on the other hand I have to ask is it worth it? He is not happy nor is he close to home. On top of that he is always complaining...he totally needs a change and it stresses the hell out of me that during this already not so great time we are going to have to end up with another change. I guess we'll get through whatever pay cut he takes in order to be happy. I just have to remember what I said before...Life comes full circle...


FOR MY WAY TO LITERAL FRIENDS AND READERS:

----Please do not worry we are not headed to foreclosure or anything crazy like that you must remember this is my journal of sorts and I vent--------


This is the good ole' life stuff that helps us grow up into good parents right...

good thing they have pills for this stuff now:) LOL------I am kidding Mom, really I am kidding but I am totally laughing out loud as I am typing ;)-----LOL

What a weekend...

This was the best weekend!!! The weather was AWESOME somewhere between summer and fall not to hot not to cold. Saturday morning Emma and I hit the neighborhood garage sales, we are totally having one in the spring, then the park. The park was alot of fun especially since it was so nice out. After the park we rolled over to the football field to watch Erin's little boy's football game, that was also pretty fun. Those kids looked adorable in their football uniforms, Yvonne decided that must be where bobble head dolls came from. I had to go home and tell Chris sorry He did not have any boys , I know he would have loved being a part of the whole football thing but hay Dance isn't so bad right? :) Better yet Emma can cheer for the football games...

Sunday we all went to a Williams Syndrome Picnic outside of Baltimore somewhere. IT was about an hour drive for us so it was not so bad. I had attended this last yr but without Chris so it was really nice that he could be there as well. Zoe, my friends daughter, and Autumn, Aspens Sis, also attended. It was so nice to spend the afternoon with all these remarkable smiling faces everyone had a terrific time.

I was so excited to meet Heather and Julie I about ran to the cook out. Julie had to leave shortly after we arrived since they had such a long drive and we are never on time...oops But I did get a chance to visit with her and her beautiful family...Noah and his sisters are just gorgeous, just like there Mom and Dad. Tatum and noah did not get much time to bond but I managed to get one qick picture. Chris was joking and giving her oldest a had time about being a Pats fan... to funny.

Caleb was so excited to see Emma when we first got there it was really cute but Emma did not really want anything to do with it, she has a one track mind and all that was on it was trampoline...I think she spent the whole day there, that was fine with me we always knew where to find her. Once Conner arrived, Megan the deli owner from Nancy's blog's son, Calab forgot all about Emma. That was fine she was into playing with the little girls by then anyway. We also had the opportunity to meet Jeremy , the older WS kid that had the NPR thing back in the spring...what an amazing drummer he is and the funnest boy you'll ever meet. He lives pretty close to us so I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of him in the future. He had Megan and I laughing so hard we were nearly in tears. I am not sure that Ziggy ( Megans husband ) and Chris are going ot let us hang out, we could be a bit of trouble together...LOL but I am thinking a ladies camping trip may be in order...

It was really a great time so I can honestly say I am looking forward to next yr, I think Zoe and Autumn are too. I know Emma is she remembered the tramp from last year and now I am sure she is hooked on the drums... The Payns are Awesome for planning such a great cook out and there house and farm rock!!!

Please don't feel sorry for me...:)

I was told yesterday by someone that they feel sorry for people with disabled children. I know this was not meant how it came out, and the person talking was being very sincere, but,whatever, it still made me think.... I have felt sorry for myself before sure but not in a very long time, at least not about Tatum, LOL. It really did not strike me, until yesterday afternoon, that I would fit into such a general classification...I am "people with disabled children" funny...

I certainly do not want people looking at me for the rest of my life and feeling sorry for me ,Tatum or our family's situation for that matter. Sure it is not my first choice to have a child with problems on top of problems but it is the hand I was dealt. I believe that this happened to me because I ( with Chris) can handle it without feeling sorry for myself or having people feel sorry for me. I have my bad days about all Tatum's issues and I sometimes I find myself having a good cry...but It is what it is, and to us now it is just life. I guess you adjust or you give in...

I can not even imagine life any other way at this point, but I'd most likely take it if the opportunity presents itself. I guess what I am trying to say is that there are so many less fortunate people then myself to feel sorry for, I am simply living my life the best I can with the cards I have, that is how I am bringing up Emma and Tatum as well. You just have to roll with what you have and make the best of it...Life is way to short for unhappiness or just settling. Tatum is not sick just different but we are all different,right?...Well and a little sick but we are just going to take that as it comes :)

Life is supposed to be fun not spent mourning over what we can not control.......

WOOO HOOO It is 9:30 both kids are asleep Dick and Danielle are in the BB8 final and I posted twice today...We are just rocking going into friday :)

Not the same 'flag of our fathers'

This is written by the brother in law of one of my co-workers. Bryan is an Apache Helicopter Pilot on his 3rd Tour. This editorial was published in Stars and Strips and yesterday in the Frederick News Post.

I hope you all get the same out of it that I did...

Not the same 'flag of our fathers'

CW3 BRYAN CALLAN Baghdad, Iraq Adamstown MD resident


I am currently stationed in Baghdad, Iraq, and life is good - as good as a combat zone can get. Nice lodging, meals and more dessert than one could ask for. I ask myself, what could possibly be missing?

As I walk around camp it becomes clear: Not one American flag is to be seen flying. Not one! Not over corps headquarters, not over any headquarters for that matter, not even over the U.S. embassy.

Sadly this is not a joke. I asked out of curiosity why no American flags were being flown and was told that "we" didn't want to appear like an occupying force, nor, for the sake of political correctness, did "we" want to offend someone.

With 155,000 troops in a country that has neither a fully functioning military nor government, I'd venture to say we are an occupying force. While it is painful enough to accept political correctness or bureaucratically dictated rules of engagement when dealing with terrorists, the failure to proudly fly "Old Glory" for fear of offending someone or appearing as an occupying force is just shameful. "Old Glory" has always flown proudly during all of America's wars until now.

No sir, today's flag is not the same "flag of our fathers," the flag that once stood for pride, righteousness, freedom and liberation for millions during our past good deeds and many occupations. Sadly, the colors remain "cased" in the name of political correctness. Is it too much to ask for "Old Glory" to be brought out of the shadows once again so she can fly above her soldiers in battle and stand as a beacon of hope for the oppressed?

In the usual politically correct fashion, let me apologize up front if I have

http://www.thenewspost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Rk5QLzIwMDcvMDkvMTIjQXIwMTAwNA==&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom

Don't Worry I'm Still Here :)

Well I am goingto the area the WS Picnic this weekend, Sunday to be exact. I am actually pretty excited, we went last yr, but this yr. Chris is able to come. On top of that I get to meet Heather, Caleb’s Mom…I wonder if anyone else is going? ANYONE??? I think it is going to be a very fun time.

Today was Emma’s school picture she was super cute in her green dress and when I was leaving Pim was doing her hair up all cute for her, gee I hope they turn out cute.

We have all been so Busy lately that I have not had a ton of time to blog…seems no one wants to sleep good in, my house (EMMA) and recently there are a ton more blog‘s to read, Although not commenting as much I am reading…

We have Tatum’s annual review in a few weeks, I am sure her services are going to get bumped up. I told them I was not signing a single thing until she had speech once a week…I am tired of being patient and nice about it. Hopefully they just give me what I want, I am sure they do not want to meet the other Lisa. You know the one I turn into when I think that someone is not giving my kid all that she needs…LOL although it may be funny to rant that out ....

embracing fall...sorta

So I made it through the first weekend of the pool being closed, I filled up the little one in the back yard instead. I am very ready for fall but not so ready to give up the suntan that goes with summer. At least I keep mine a bit longer or try real hard. Fall activities are so fun and all outside usually so that is a good thing and football is super fun but I do love being tan, I guess if that is all i have to complain about I am pretty lucky.

This was a beautiful weekend Tatum took some really long naps and Emma and I hung out. Sat. we went to Dana's house later in the afternoon and the kids played on this blow up water slide...note to self slide is not for grown ups, I swear I broke my toe on that thing!!! I was pretty fun though. After Dana's house Emma and I had to drop Ferris home. he was sliding too. Ferris and his Family were planning to go to a cookout on there friends farm. It worked out pretty well since Emma ended up going with them and Jody and I got to stay home and watch the PSU/ND game... Jody has turned me into a PSU fan, sorry Denise :), we an not all cheer for OSU!!! LOL

Sunday I actually attended my very first baby shower since Tatum was born, actually it was not so bad. It was pretty funny trying to explain to Emma what a baby shower is...she kept asking after we got there where the shower was... We even stayed like 2.5 hours we left after Emma finished opening all Lisa's gifts and stalked her cake. There was no way I was making it out of that house before Emma asked for all the toys that topped the cake... props to her she asked very politely. Now all Emma can say is Lisa is going to have a baby, not my Mommy Lisa her friend Lisa, HA at least she knows that there is no baby coming from me! LOL.
I can not believe how grown up she is getting with everyday...Where did my baby go!!! She is truly my big girl now, oh how bitter sweet...although more sweet then bitter, lol

One Long Update... Dial up nightmare...

Sorry it has been a little hectic around here...Tatum went to the eye doc on Friday all was good her eye's are straight so far and her glasses script stayed the same...yeah no money to be spent, gotta love those appointments!!! Friday night Chris left for the track in W. VA to drop off his car for Sat. The plan for us was to meet him at the track Sat afternoon and camp out for that night and Sunday. Friends of ours Jody and Tim and there Kids joined us for our adventure.

As soon as we got to the track Tatum was a mess, it was pretty loud with all the cars and just a lot of chaos. Once qualifying for the day ended she totally settled down, that was until the sun set and the fireworks war started... Eventually she fell asleep in our friends camper and slept through the remainder of them, Thank God!!!!

The next morning when we all woke up an Tatum was in a great mood, this continued throughout the day... Chris is the little black CIVIC ( you can see Tink on the window) LOL number 49 and Kurt is the orange, red, blk and White BMW number 51

I guess it was better for her to ease into the noise then for it to just catch her by surprise. Cars started racing around 9ish so needless to say we were all awake pretty early. A few more of our friends were meeting us up there to see the race, we ended up with quite a crowd...Chris's Sister,Mom an Walt, my Mom and Brent, John and Darin ( so good to see them) and then our group of friends Carol, John their girls Steve and Yvonne their girls and Michelle an Morgan, her daughter seems that the only missing one was Dana and her boys...Scott, her other half came alone. I think all the kids had a great time and the tailgate was a blast.



Both days Chris started the race in 12 and was able to maintain his position, even with a bum clutch, it started slipping towards the end of Sundays race. Kurt, Chris friend that also raced did good too. He had to replace his engine after the first qualifying round on Sat. so started almost last and last for the races....He made up alot of ground and ended up with pretty good races...it was also his 50Th b-day on Sunday. B-days always make a trip more fun ;)

We crashed pretty early Sunday night but not until the even larger firework show was over...I really can not believe that Tatum slept through it especially in a tent...I have been to some pretty amazing firework displays IE: Disney World D.C, on the Forth and I have to admit these were pretty much in the same ball park and lasted alot longer...CRAZY REDNECKS!!!! Gotta Love Em :) They even had old Christmas trees t light on fire...it was nuts...

I came home with the girls on Monday morning, we got home around 11:30.

Kinda sad it was the last day the pool was open so we could not miss that...Chris actually had a better race then the day before, but thank goodness he has a in car camera so we did not miss a beat, LOL...

The pool was great , I am already looking forward to next summer...

I do have to admit though the fall, winter and spring do not bring on nearly the "Mommy juice" so my body is most likely loving it...that is until we remember football season...GO EAGLES!!! OK for Chris' benefit Go Skins! ( notice not as many exclamation points, hahaha)...

Emma started school today and loved it, she got to meet two of her teachers, Miss Holly and Heather, while we were camping over the weekend. We had no idea Chris' Friend Stan had daughters that worked at her same school...I have to admit this made me feel 100% better!!!

Her swimming lessons started yesterday and that too went great, her teacher was so impressed with how much she learned over the summer...Next yr Swim Team here we come...

We are giving dance a brake for the fall, I guess we'll just have to see what the future brings....hmmmm any ideas what to sign Tate up for????

Can you all believe it is almost Friday already!!!!! We have been working on a days of the week song with Em so hopefully she be ready to sing it for you soon, that is unless you would rather hear "The Sun well Come Out Tomorrow" Emma and Tatum's new favorite movie running close with Peter Pan is Annie...These girls are nuts... ,me too ,poor Chris HAHAH.....

By the way LOVE the new Camera!!!!!

Never Ends

First of all I LOVE my new Camera!!! I can not wait to take pictures of Chris' race and the kids this weekend. I need to stop by best buy tomorrow and get a memory card and I'll be set.
I left work a little early today to spend time with Emma, her stomach was bothering her (so she said),I figured some Mommy, Em time was in order. When I got home we ran out and got a pedicure together, she was to cute and our toes turned out great. After that we went home to relieve Pim get Tatum and yep you guessed it, pool bound.
The pool closes on Monday so we are trying to squeeze in as much time as possible...Chris was planning to meet us up there, long story short Emma tripped over the lifeguard stand and cut her head open...what a mess I though for sure we were going to end up in the ER. Lucky for us her head stopped bleeding and a gogert with Jody and her kids made everything feel better. I tell you I do not think I could catch a dull moment if I tried...

Well I have a camera instruction book to keep me busy for a while....hopefully I'll have great pictures to share very soon...

BLAH BLAH BLAH....

I am just mentally and physically exhausted, I have been sleeping like crap and stressing about work. Sometimes I just wish someone would take care of me instead of me taking care of everyone else.

I feel like I am tied to MD because of the housing market and medical care for Tate, that sucks especially since it is not so cheap to live here…I guess I am just having a one of those days… you know the kind…The light at the end of the tunnel is out and there is no back up bulb.

At least I am still smiling…sorta LOL… I do have something to look forward to, when I get home from work today I should have a very cool new camera waiting for me...

Baby Blake

The week before I left for KY I received a call from Dr. Mervis, she wanted me to get in contact with a new mother of a Williams baby. This mother had requested to speak with another Mother of a baby with Williams. I was more then happy to call Whitney and so flattered that Dr. Mervis asked me..anyhow long story short I have been emailing Whitney for about a month now and I got to meet her and Baby Blake while I was out in KY. I have previously mentioned her on my Blog and shared pictures.

Blake is scheduled to have a Cath on Friday it was originally to be yesterday but his scar from surgery has an infection. Whitney, Blake's Mom, has started her own blog and wanted me to share it with all of you. You all are just gonna love Blake he is to sweet!!!

http://www.brandonandblake.blogspot.com/

Good Morning...

Today is starting out as one of those long days, you know that kind that start at 4:30 and I can promise well have no end in sight until way after 10pm, I love those day! I used to try and catch up on my sleep while driving to work now that I have to drive someone I guess I'll have to try and stay awake!!! I am glad you all missed me sorry I took a week off, between drowning work stress and everyday routine I have not had a tone of time. It is very nice to be miss though :) You all know how to make someones morning, even if it is the crack ass of dawn.

Last week we started giving Tatum melatonin about 30 mins. before bed time, the stuff works great!!! Last night Chris put her to bed and forgot to give it to her so at 3am this morning I was up giving that girl a bottle. I tried to let her cry it out but sometimes it is just not worth it when I think that she is going to wake Emma up. Tatum feel right back to sleep in our bed anyway so it was really no big deal. Around 4 Emma cam and got in beds with Chris, Tatum and I ( mind you this is not a King bed) after about 15mins she decided there was not enough room so we went to her bed...We tossed and turned in her bed for a bit and just as I was about to fall asleep The alarm in my bedroom, where Tate was asleep, went off. Well by the time I got back upstairs to my room to turn off the alarm ( Chris was in the shower) Tatum was awake and Emma too making her way back to my room. So here I sit watching Charlie and Lola listening to a 4 yr old beg for waffles while Tatum cries over nothing. To think Pim isn't go to be here for another 2 hours. I am beginning to think sleep deprivation doesn't phase me anymore, although Saturday night I did sleep from 8:30 pm until 8:00 am when Tatum work up. I must have really needed that but I am sure Dana's "Mommy Juice" at the pool didn't help, lol.
Welp, I guess I am gonna try and get myself motivated I am sure a shower's gonna help big time...maybe I could just cancel today...



I was just checking my email and Ana, Brandon's Mom, just sent me the a very cute picture of the babies while in KY... Adorable eh :) Hope everyone has a great day...

Another Summer Weekend...

Wow I can not believe the summer is about over...Today is actually the first day of school for the kids around here, Emma does not start until next Wednesday.

We got to get in a great pool weekend, since Chris is racing next weekend we most likely are not going to be able to get up there much.:( I am a little sad about the pool closing we have had so much fun there this summer and I have made some great friends. Emma is finally swimming all by herself so I am planning on getting her in swimming lessons right away, she wants to be on the swim team next summer...yeahhhhhh

I feel bad since she is not dancing this yr. She actually has not mentioned it and I am not bringing it up. I do not have the money to send her, oh well, she'll have school and swimming to keep her busy.

We used to go watch my friend Jody and Carol's kids play soccer on the weekends in the fall and none of the girls are playing this yr. Well just when I began to wonder what we were going to do this fall Emma has decided we are cheering for football. It seems that about 4 of my other Mom friends all have boys a little older then Emma on the same football team. She came home from the pool so excited about this last night she decided to practice her moves... I tell you that girl is to much!!! Do you think they tailgate at peewee football or whatever it is?????

In Tatum news we got nothing really new. She has a eye doctor appointment on Friday morning, Chris is taking her this time, I guess I am getting a Dr.'s day off.... She is also crazy close to walking but I am not holding my breath, my goal is by Halloween. Kids always look so much cuter in the costume's when they can stand and walk.

Well that is about it I can not tell you all how excited I am to go back to the fall traffic patterns around here, It should only take about an hour to get to work. At least I have been car pooling lately so the ride home well be much faster, you are screwed anyway you look at it in the morning. Oh yeah when it rains it poor...My laptop now works but the desk top is broke...I can not win with htese darn computers...errrr.... Hope everyone has a great Monday.

Here's the scoop...

So you all got the pictures first hope you liked them :)

So KY was good, we got in late Wed night. Amy meet us in the hotel lobby to help us get up to the room. We pretty much crashed when we got in. Avery was not feeling that good so between Amy unwinding from a long day and Tate and I exhausted from travel we all feel asleep fairly quick.

We woke up on Thursday morning and got the girls ready to head to the university…Avery was still not herself but was hanging in there. We got some breakfast at the hotel and ran into Ana and her clan (Mom, daughter, Ali and Ws son Brandon). Ana is the one who set up the forum. After our introductions and some quick eating we set off for the University.

Dr. Mervis and her crew were all very excited to see us. By the time we had gotten there they were working on finding a Dr. for Avery to see, her little body was just not cooperating with her and she felt like crap. Amy eventually made the decision that it would be for the best if her and Avery went home. That totally stunk but she had to do what was best for Avery and she really did have a flu bug or something. At least we got to spend a little time with them, that is better then nothing.

Tatum did some testing in the morning and then to a nap. While she was napping Whitney the new Mom of Blake stopped by with her Mother in Laws to meet us and the kids, we spoke with her for a while had lunch and then I ran off to meet Blake in person. What a little Cutie, I expected nothing less… He is still pretty sick and is going to have angeo to balloon his Aortic arch, when he was born the arch was not connected to the heart. He is also having some feeding and kidney issues so please keep praying that he’ll get better and Whitney can take him home soon. She is just dying to get out of that hospital.

When I returned from visiting Blake Tatum was all done, I hitched a ride back to the hotel with Ana and called it a day. Once to the hotel we ordered dinner took the kids swimming and gave everyone a bath, pretty exciting. I was back to my room in time for Big Brother thank goodness LOL.

The next day we did some more morning testing went to lunch with Ana and her family and came back to the lad so Tatum could get a nap. After her nap she went and did the upside down face study and we were done.

Dr. Mervis said that Tatum needed to be in more speech stuff but aside from that all is good. She though she was a bright little girl and a great ambassador for WS. She felt Tatum was functioning at a 14m old level. I know that this gap well get larger as she gets older but you really can not focus on that so for the time I am very pleased. We are going back again at the end of Feb 08, I cannot wait! Dr. Mervis and her team is just AWESOME, I love all of them. I can not tell you all enough what a blessing it has been to have this experience I think every should take the trip to KY, but maybe not in Aug. during a heat wave LOL .. IT WAS HOT!!!

KY pictures...SO FUN!!!

Thought of the Day...

"Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but how
we react to what happens; not by what life brings us, but by
the attitude we bring to life.

A positive attitude causes chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It
is a catalyst, a spark, that creates extraordinary results."



Unknown author

Going To KY...Once everything here gets done...

Wow it has been crazy here lately. Over the weekend Chris raced Tinkerbelle so we spent the weekend at His Mom and Walt’s house to be closer to the track and visit with them. Chris’ Mom also kept Tatum for us so the track adventure could be a bit more fun. Our Friends TJ and Fran stopped by the track on their way back to New York to visit and watch Chris qualify. We all had a really good time and got to go out and have dinner with our friends before they left. It was really great to see them and actually get to go out for dinner with no kids.

Sunday I went to the track with Chris early, Yvonne, Autumn and the girls meet us there and our friend Kyle came up with his father in law and Daughter Stella. Walt came up around lunchtime with Emma and one of his neighborhood friends. It really amazed me how well all the girls played together, they were just great, all of them.

It was cute to watch Chris’ harem of little girls under 5 cheering for him and Tink. Alex, Gabrielle, Emma and Stella were all very cute standing on the fence yelling “Go Tinkerbelle!!! Pass that car!” .We all came home Sunday with a ton of sun and Tink and Chris’ first racing prize. Yes that is right good ole Tinkerbelle came in 5th place. To bad I cannot find the camera cord to download pictures… anyway the big computer at home can do it I just have to find time to sit there, but trust me they are very cute. I cannot wait for Labor Day weekend, that is the next race. We are planning to camp out daring I know but after this race I know what to bring so for Labor Day I’ll be prepared.

Emma ended up Staying in West VA with Walt and Terry and they are bringing her back today. Tomorrow my Dad is coming to get her and she is off to Dover for the rest of the week while I am in Louisville…I wonder what Daddy is going to do while home all alone…I know, I know SLEEP!!

I leave For KY tomorrow night and our appointments with Dr. Mervis start early on Thursday. I am so excited to meet Amy and Avery and Brandon and Ana. Amy and I are actually sharing a room…misery loves company if one can not sleep then no one sleeps LOL but seriously I think we are going to have fun!!!

Dr. Mervis called me last week and ask if I could Call Whitney a new WS Mom in the Louisville area she thinks I have a good attutide about the whole WS thing, I was pretty flattered. Her son Blake is 36 days old and in the NICU still. She is really holding up well but is confused and sick of the hospital, we have all been there. Blake had heart surgery at 4 days to fix a co arch of sorts and has had other things done like an MRI, all sorts of scans and the famous nebulizer to keep those lungs clear. Whitney is starting to get frustrated because they are trying to feed him every 4 hours and he wants to eat more then that. It is all a bit confusing over the phone but she wants me to stop by while I am in Louisville so I should be able to get more details then about her little cutie, until then just keep Blake, Whitney and the rest of there family in your prayers.

Ok I’ll update after KY…