still celebrating Eric!

Last night was a dinner celebration for Eric and his big accomplishment. I don't hold back. I love celebrating these milestones and I cannot wait to do it 4 more times! Well I can wait, I don't want them to grow up that fast!

We went to a local Mexican restaurant that I have not been to in ages, let alone after surgery. I was scared. Thoughts of dumping, yes dumping, ran through my mind. Greasy, fatty but yummy food is what they have here.

This is the best Mexican place I tell ya and I did okay. I ate 5 bites of my salad and had to wrap it up. I have no appetite as it is and when I eat dense foods I get full real quick so I have lunch for the next 3 days!

The star of the show

Love love love the cake!!!! His face is even edible. We couldn't do it though. Didn't wanna mess up such a good lookin face.

Trying to get shots of my table decorations and Brandon gladly poses!

I just wanna eat them up!

Typical Troy shot

Right after we were all crowded around Matt gawking at his gray hairs

I love my family so much and feel so blessed to have the life that I do. I do not take for granted the blessings I have for myself, my husband and our children. Being with my family these last few days was a reminder of that. I missed my mother-in-law being here and can't wait to see her soon. Shopping trips anyone??

Love you Eric. Proud of you always.
.......
xo

He did it!!!

Eric is officially a graduate of the Class of 2011!!!


Last night was one of the proudest moments of my life. Knowing what this kid had been through medically and pulling through like he did and becoming the respectful, grateful, super smart and loving young man he is today well that had the waterworks going for a little bit.

I remember my graduation 17 years ago and watching Eric graduate was surreal. He looked so happy and proud.

I snapped pictures like crazy and am too lazy to put up every.single.one.

I may sneak in the video of him getting his diploma if you can stand the screaming of his crazy Mama in it :)




showin my love!









Class of 2011!











This is his graduation announcement and the photo he picked for his senior portraits. Love it!! So handsome I must say.



Mila kidnapping the balloons from Eric.



Tonight we are celebrating at dinner and Eric gets a "special" cool ckae that I have always wanted to order!

Love you Eric and we are so proud of you.

.....
xo

He's 18!!

It really hasn't hit me. Probably won't. According to me things will stay the same.

I think.

18 years ago I was a 17 year old with a new baby boy in my arms. A baby that would change alot for me. I wasn't scared though. He was mine and I had to take care of him.

Most people know about Eric's medical challenges he had when he was little. Going through that with Eric made me grow up real quick. I knew right away what a mother's love for her child really is.

In a way Eric and I grew up together. We have a wonderful relationship and he comes to me for advice, guidance and gas money. Troy was 19 when I met him and threw him into a whirlwind romance with a 3 year old in tow. Ok I always wanted to say whirlwind.

Last night while Eric was leaving for his Senior Ball and doing some last minute checking over Troy and I looked at each other and we both were thinking the same thing, our baby is all growed up.

Eric has grown into such a responsible, mature, loving, protective, intelligent and respectful young man. People tell me all the time how impressed they are with him.

We did pretty good :)

His brothers and sister have a great role model to look up to and they adore him.

I love you Joe. You are my heart, my life and I am so proud of you.

My handsome ADULT son..agghh!

...............
xo

another proud moment

Eric had his last ROTC awards ceremony last night and walked away with another medal. He's on what they call Senior Staff and the seniors basically run the show for the other cadets. They also slack off a little I'm sure.

But Eric still got recognized for his excellence in leadership and attitude and we couldn't be any prouder.

It hit me as I watched him in the front row with all his buddies that the next time I saw him like this would be graduation. I saw my little baby who went through so much medically when he was younger, learning to live with some of those struggles become the young man he is today.

One of my many proud moments.














I am blessed.
..............
xo

updating on Damian and Eric

Quick update from my advocacy files ;)

We finally had our M.I.N.D. Institute assessment done through Alta Regional. We had to cancel the first time because I was held up in a hospital bed.

It didn't come to much surprise but it did hit me hard for a few minutes. I don't remember what the pyschologost was saying during that couple of minutes.

He was formally diagnosed with autism. His "label" has been thrown around quite a bit. Damian is a complicated case apparently. But I had trails and trails of testing, evals., etc and it is a consistent pattern since he was little of autistic like behavior.

Doesn't matter if it's high functioning, low functioning, whatever. He has it and it does't really change who he is.

But what it does do is open up more doors for services. I am hoping for occupational therapy for his sensory issues through Alta and his school, and social skills groups as well.

I have been waiting for this day, mainly for my own sanity, and it finally came. Had to pull teeth, had to piss people off and be the Mom that I'm sure that they roll their eyes at.

OH WELL.

I got what he needed.

But for us it's just a label. Damian is Damian. Not autism Damian. Just our quirky little boy.

So no more sitting and playing with toys, being asked numerous questions and sadly remembering that you have done this all before.

No more baby. No more prodding your beautiful, intelligent mind.

Also I have been really researching and considering homeschooling Damian starting 7th grade or sooner if needed. He needs to be taught a different way than his peers and needs to be more engaged in his work. Only we know how to make Damian work.
......................

And my college bound boy is going to be busy this break. We met with his counselor and have a few school under our belt that he will apply for. He has the grades to go straight to a University and he is prepared for college. All the classes he took his whole 4 years are some of the toughest ones there is. They are all Advanced classes that you will find in college!

I'll give a hint to one..I'm not too fond of because it's far but one of the top schools...Crimson Tide.

I'll miss my Joey!!!

So life is good right now. My in-laws are coming down tomorrow, my kids are amazing and so is my honey..and I'm up to 43 lbs lost after my picc line setback! I'm buying clothes and the next week they are too big. It's actually just as frustrating as gaining weight and not fitting in clothes!

But I ain't complaining!
.........
xo

enjoying some family time

I love my in-laws. To pieces.

I'm fortunate enough to have loving and supportive in-laws.

They were down the past 4 days and it was a blast.

Troy took a week and a half off and we barbecued, ate good food, went early birthday shopping for me..one of MY highlights!..watched the kids use Grandpa as a playground and caught a movie.


It was also a big weekend because we were getting our SENIOR ready for his last year of high school! I will have an adult child in 8 months. Aahh!!!!



After this weekend I can officially now open my own scrap and sew store. Ridiculous. I think my "transfer addiction" is starting early ;)










Max is into this weird stage of posing and smiling.



Not quite sure why Grandpa and the young ones took over my camera shots. I think my mother in law enjoys being in front of the camera just as much as I do!

.................

After a few days back at work next week, Troy will be off again for 2 weeks to help me get ready for a huge change in my life. My wonderful Mama will be with me afterward too as an extra hand.

I am blessed. Life is good.
............
xo