Christmas in Toledo

Merry Christmas to all. The kids and I left for Toledo on Tuesday and Mike came up on Christmas Eve with the dogs. We started the day off with decorating the cake for baby Jesus, then off to mass for families. Lots of kids so our kids' noises blended in well. We spent Christmas Eve with Nat's extended family; we are up to 48 Great Great Grandchildren. A bit overwhelming for 1st timers but they handled it all well. Grandma looked well and Santa even came for a visit...

The grandparents did a great job decorating and Santa even found his way with everyone's gifts. Z is all into Bakugan games, M loved her Barney doll and A got a Wii...finally, we are with the times!

Enjoy your gifts .....we are sending out the gift of health and happiness to everyone!

Christmas Decorating

I can't believe it is December already. Tonight we finally brought all the boxes up and spread the Christmas cheer. The kids really got a kick out of "their" ornaments this year. I have bought each child a different ornament every year that has some meaning for an event in the past year, so that was fun. Ash and Zach put up the two manger scenes....Zachary kept asking when he could open up the gifts that are already under the tree...

Mike and I are now debating if we will put up lights outside....the weather is just a tad bit colder than Guam.....we miss our neighbors across the street who light up the street.....not sure if I have that in me or not.....

Greetings to all!

Madison's First Day of Preschool

Madison started preschool today.....what a big day she had....she was so excited to carry her Dora lunchbox to the car. We first took brother to his preschool...then drove across town to her school...she walked right in....found a wagon and was the first to arrive to her classroom. She made herself right at home. There are 5 other children in the class. The sing, play games, have snack and run around in the gym. We are so glad that they opened up space for her....

Another 29th Birthday for Natalee

Yes, Yes, I celebrated another 29th birthday.....We had cake the night before....yummy ice cream cake....we kept the day low key...you know driving 10/11 hours does that for you.....I don't believe we even took pictures of the event....oh, well there is always next year at my next 29th birthday party.

I did get to drive to Montgomery to see my good friend, Krista so that was great fun. She treated me to dinner at Longhorn and lots of conversation....miss u lots girl!

Another Big Game

The day is finally here for Mike's team to set the record straight....we went out the night before to buy game shirts for all of the kids.....Mike's whole family got together, rented a HD tv to watch the game....heard it was a good time had by all....and yes ALABAMA "the elephants" finally won against Auburn.....I was in Montogomery holding baby Caleb and consoling Kristen (Auburn fan).....ROLL TIDE

Thanksgiving in Alabama

Happy Turkey Day to everyone.....we are thankful that we are back in the US and able to drive to see family....although what a drive we had ahead of us.....we spent the day at Grandmommy's house eating a wonderful feast in her newly renovated kitchen....we had turkey, ham, mac n' cheese (southern dish), stuffing, green beans, and choc pie, plus, homemade apple pie.....and can't forget that sweet tea...

After the lunch we packed everyone up and head to the park to walk it off....Nora, Ash and I walked about 4 miles while Mike and Uncle Mitchell played at the park with the kids....

A wonderful day had by all!

Nancy Kaufman Center Visit

Today, Madison and I had her evaluation at the Nancy Kaufman Center in Michigan. Nana and Uncle James came with us....what a great help they were....the evaluation was informative but disappointing at the same time. Nancy doesn't believe that Madison is ready for the Kaufman method yet....she believes that her oral-motor and sensory integration issues are bigger issues to address at this time. So we are trying to go to Conn. to see a oral-motor specialist......she also stated that Madison needed to get her OU, O, E, and T down pat before any clear speech could be understood.

Good news on the preschool homefront...with a few phone calls Madison is now in the EI preschool four times a week...so that will hopefully start next week....yeah, more peer interaction and daily therapists.....

Keep those prayers and good thoughts coming!