Character Day at Nathan's School

Today, the kids are supposed to dress up as their favorite book character. Nathan LOVES the Harry Potter books but he dressed up as Harry Potter last year. So this year, he decided to go as Alastor Moody, also known as Mad Eye Moody. He is an Auror and the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I had to go to Wal Mart last night and I was up till after midnight helping Brian get the stuff ready but it was worth it. Nathan (I mean Mad Eye Moody) looks GREAT! He said he can tell why girls always want their hair combed. The wig was really bugging him!

Superheros live at my house

Tonight Nathan presented Brian with a homemade comic book. This picture is the inspiration for it all.

Did you know I have a family of Superheroes? The boys each have a cape and spend their days fighting "bad guys", dragons, and monsters. Sometimes they are Batman and Mr. Freeze. Capes are marvelous things...they turn little boys into superheroes who save the princess over and over again. They also protect our trampoline from Mr. Freeze. I even found out that Marshall is Harry Potter sometimes. He keeps getting the magic wand while flicking it, yelling "FLIPENDO!" Don't even ask what it means because I don't know. I don't have any idea what the spell does. I've read the book before but uh, I forgot to keep track. So sorry.

I, Aprilyn, having been born of goodly parents...

Today is my birthday! WHOOPIE! I'm 33 today. I was born of goodly parents. In other words, my parents did their best to raise me in the way that Heavenly Father would want them to. Now that I am a Mom, I realize it is NOT an easy job. I am thankful for my parents. They taught me the value of honesty and hard work. They taught me to do my very best in school. They taught me to love music. I think Aprilyn is a synonym for music. Music is constantly running through my head. Unfortunately, I have voice nodules so I can't always sing but I have worked hard at developing my talents on the piano.

Happy Birthday Marshall!!!

Today my little boy turns 3 yrs old! I can hardly believe it's gone by so fast. He is such a blessing in our home. He is a smart little boy who loves trains and Mickey Mouse. He makes us smile when he says his prayers as he looks around the room blessing everything in sight. Marshall was born at 33 weeks gestation (6 weeks and 1 day early). He wasn't breathing at birth and had a VERY rough beginning. He was in the NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) for 3 weeks before we finally got to bring him home. He is certainly not an easy child and has many challenges placed upon him with his sensory problems as well as other things but we love him anyway. We can't imagine our life without Marshall. Happy Birthday Bugaboo!

Party at Papa's house

My Dad and Diane had a Pumpkin Party at their house on Saturday. Nathan and Marshall were able to attend while Brian and I got a MUCH needed break. They are so lucky to live close enough to their Grandparents that they can do this sort of thing.

Need Halloween Help!!!

Nathan still has no idea what he wants to be for Halloween. He likes Batman but can't be that or a kid at school will make fun of him. He thought it would be cool to be "Math Man" but that same kid will make fun of him. It's so sad that a boy in 3rd grade is so worried about what others think! What can I do? I need advice. Is it only cool to be someone like "Captain Jack Sparrow" or other movie characters from movies my child isn't even allowed to watch? Does anyone have a Halloween costume idea?

Snow/rain and I need to go shopping

I can't put it off any longer. We have to have food in the house so I have to tough it and go grocery shopping today. Here's what it's doing outside my house today. I am grateful for the rain because our land needs it. I am also thankful for umbrellas and my warm fireplace! :)

Marshall's airwalker swing

For those of you who don't know, I was able to find a company that paid for a therapy swing for Marshall. This is the website where I found the grant application: http://www.challengedamerica.com/index.html
I am so grateful that they were willing to buy the swing. It was over $200 and there was no way we could afford it ourselves. It helps calm him down and he will occasionally even nap in it. IF he's going to nap at all, which is rare, he will fall asleep in his swing. I just have to leave him there or he wakes up. Enjoy this video of me swinging him. I'll try to take a better video today.

Adventures in Plumbing!

Something had to be done about that darn potty piece Marshall flushed. Brian was NOT happy about doing this dirty work. He's a scientist...a theoretical kind of guy...not an engineer, as he so often reminded me during this plumbing escapade. He also reminded me that he did not remember anywhere in the wedding vows that it talks about removing a toilet to get the pee shield out of the toilet. After all the complaining, he finally "got er done". The missing potty piece is out. In fact, when he went to Home Depot to buy another wax seal for the toilet, he bought a little potty seat for the Marshall Man so I could put his potty chair in the garage...way up high where he can't reach it!! What else can this child get into?? I think the appropriate question is What can this child NOT get into??

Part two of my crazy day

I've been putting off my grocery shopping for so long that I was completely out of milk, bread, eggs, you know...the basics. My day had already been crazy enough, you'd think I would have been smart enough to just stay home but my dear friend needed a ride to the store so off we went...toddlers in tow. Her oldest 4 kids and Nathan stayed home. The 2 yr olds decided they HAD to ride in the car grocery cart and HAD to sit together. While I was trying to find things on my list, the boys were being crazy as usual. Part of the time they leaned out the side and dragged their hands on the floor. Then one boy would lean out the front while the other leaned out the side door. Marshall got up and leaned out the front, then sat down and said "It's your turn Joseph." Apparently, that got boring because they BOTH started leaning out the front and then decided it was time to be werewolves. They were craning their necks and howling at the "moon". I busted up laughing. It was absolutely hilarious.

Oh, what's a Mom to do???

Marshall and his trusty sidekick Joseph (also 2 yrs old) got into the bathroom AGAIN today!! Yesterday they grabbed my cleaner off the counter when I was answering the door. They sprayed the ENTIRE bottle on the wood frame of Marshall's bed and the lights and wall too. He was happily saying "spray, spray, spray" when I found him. AHHHH!!

I thought THAT was bad. Oh no, those 2 had much more mischief in mind. Today when I was cleaning my kitchen, they got in the bathroom AGAIN! I thought they were downstairs at Joseph's house but I was wrong. This time they were each armed with a bottle of air freshener and were spraying it on the wooden bed frame and wall and lights again. What is it with the bed??? Does it stink?? After I got that cleaned up and I was FINALLY able to lock myself in the bathroom, I noticed that the last person who used it had not flushed. Jenny (my sister) was the last one to use it. She was here with her kids playing today. I thought "How odd that Jenny didn't flush" and went on with my business. After I finished and flushed, I noticed it didn't go down. I flushed again with the same results. So I looked around at Marshall's potty and guess what was missing?? See that green splash guard on the potty pictured above?? Yup, that's what they flushed. Thankfully when I had to stick my hand up inside the toilet there was only pee in it. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the thing out. My neighbor (Joseph's Mom) tried and couldn't get it either. I finally touched it but ended up pushing it further back. So now we have a clogged toilet. This is the 2nd time our darling Marshall has clogged it. I think we've pushed it through enough to flush...for now.

Oh, you think that's bad enough??? That is not all my friends. Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog entry for a bit more of my insane day!! I only hope he sleeps better than last night. If he only wakes up 4 times, that's one less than last night. Baby steps to getting sleep! Baby steps to getting sleep.....goodnight folks.

Laugh often, Love much

I think that phrase describes President Gordon B. Hinkley, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He has a wonderful sense of humor. That was illustrated to me again today when I received this picture and explanation in my email inbox. I wasn't at the Conference Center for General Conference but I wish I had seen this! I can always use a good laugh!!!

"After President Hinckley finished with the sustaining of the officers of the church during the Saturday morning session, Elder Eyring had moved to his new seat on the stand. Unfortunately, they didn't show this on TV, but when President Hinckley turned around, he stood there for a moment looking at Elder Eyring, then picked up his cane and "knighted" him on his shoulder and head. Truly one of the funniest things I've ever seen him do.

I love how President Eyring looks just like a little boy..."

Crockpot recipes

I've been asked to post some crockpot recipes. My favorite one is from the cookbook called Christmas Recipes from the Lion House. It is not originally written for crockpots but I make it that way and it's always a big hit!

HEARTY BEEF STEW

2 lbs beef chuck, cut in cubes (I just get 2 lbs of stew meat)
2 tablespoons shortening (When making it in a crock pot, I don't use this)
4 cups water
1 onion, sliced
1 clove garlic (I usually add a bit more because we love garlic)
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar (I omitted this once because my sister doesn't eat sugar)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional and since I'm the odd Grubbs kid, I leave it out)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 bay leaves
Dash of allspice
6 carrots, cut in quarters
1/2 pound small white onions (I have never actually used these. I just use extra onions)
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup flour (I normally use this but my Mother-in-Law does and she likes making a little thicker!)

Brown your stew meat on all sides. You don't have to cook it too much..maybe just 15 min. or so. Just till it's brown on all sides.

Put the water in the crockpot and add everything. Cut up your carrots and potatoes small enough that they will cook. Add your meat last.

I usually make it on Sundays. I get it all in the crockpot before church at 11am and turn it on high for about 4 hrs. You can cook it on low for longer if you get it done earlier.

Chili -recipe by Brian Bucklein

1 lb ground beef
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
2 pkgs chili flavoring

Brown the ground beef. In the crock pot add the pinto and kidney beans. Drain the black beans before adding. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce, then mix in chili seasoning. Cook on low for 6 hrs or so. I don't really know how long we cook it because it all depends on when we want to eat it. Since the beans are canned, you're not really waiting for them to cook. The longer you cook this, the more flavorful it is.

I really need some help

Pack meeting is November 1st and the theme is Indian Nations. I really want to have an American Indian costume by that time. I also would love to have a drum. Does anyone have any ideas on how to make a drum? I'm going to make a fake fire too. I just don't know when I'm going to have time to get all this done!!! Does anyone want to come visit and help me out??! I'm guessing I'm out of luck because I think the majority of my readers live too far away to pop in for a visit. Bummer....

My video

I made a family video for our Christmas card last year (and the year before). You can view the 2006 slide show by clicking the picture of Nathan playing baseball at the bottom of the page. Then you have to scroll to the top to view it. It's quite funny if I do say so myself. I will be making another one soon! :) It's a great way to remember the past year.

No more secrets!

In response to a wonderful idea my cousin Kathryn and Trevor (Kathryn) had, I'm starting this on my blog. I want all your secrets. Well, so does my cousin and I'm sure many others. I particularly would love to know how you keep a clean house with a 2 yr old who is trashing it as quickly as you clean it up! I'll take cooking, cleaning, organizing...whatever. Post your great idea on your blog and ask your readers to do the same! Think of all the great ideas you'll learn! Here's mine...

Between Marshall's therapy appointments, doctor visits, and playgroup, Brian's school schedule, and Nathan's extra-curricular activities in addition to school, I find it essential that I plan ahead. I had Brian get me a dry-erase Calendar and I keep track of our schedules on there. Everyone has a different color marker so we know who the appointment is for. I also find that the crockpot is my best friend. I need more recipes but I use it on my busiest days. I plan a menu for 2 weeks and go shopping for the ingredients. That way, I usually don't need to shop more than once every 2 weeks.

Fess up everyone! I need secrets!

About Marshall

This is Marshall. He is my darling, nearly impossible child. Marshall's birthday is October 24th and he will be turning 3. I can hardly believe it! He had a very rough start to life. He was born 6 weeks too early and spent the first 3 weeks of his life in the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. When we finally got him home, we were so happy but life has certainly been rough with him. I truly believe Heavenly Father doesn't give us more than we can handle. There are many days when I wonder if Heavenly Father really knows me and really thinks I can handle this child because he is such a difficult child. Although he is such a challenge to me, I would NEVER trade him in for anything in the world. I love this little boy so much! He can make me smile and laugh and see the world from a different perspective. Marshall struggles to sleep at night and very rarely takes a nap. This makes for a really tired Mommy and a really cranky Marshall. In the summer of 2006, he had to have his tonsils and adenoids removed because he was found to have severe obstructive sleep apnea. That means his tonsils and adenoids were blocking his airway. We were relieved to finally get an answer as to why the child wouldn't sleep! He sleeps better now than he used to but still wakes 3-4 times a night. He currently has Occupational Therapy once a week to help him learn to self soothe and to get him to work through his sensory problems. He has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified) and SID (Sensory Integration Dysfunction). PDD-NOS means he has some autistic-like behaviors but not enough to diagnose him as Autistic.

Today we had the 2nd half of his testing for the school district. He was classified as Developmentally Delayed and qualified for pre-school. He starts as soon as I have a meeting with the teacher and the principal. So basically, we're looking at starting right after his 3rd birthday. I'm so relieved!! This is what we've hoped and prayed for and what his doctors have recommended w0uld help him. I'm so grateful he qualified. This will make my life so much easier. Heavenly Father definitely hears and answers prayers in His own time. We just had to wait.

General Conference was wonderful

What I heard of it anyway. Yes, being the parent of young boys, I had a hard time hearing all the time but they were actually really good considering how hyper my boys get. There were so many wonderful talks filled with things I need to work on. One thing that really hit home for me is the talk about KNOWING that you know. Really knowing you actually have a testimony. I can't say that I have actually worked at having my own testimony. I've never doubted anything but I've also never worked at gaining a testimony so I can feel that burning inside me and say "I KNOW these things are true." I also want to work on keeping a journal of the blessings in my life. I want to be aware of god's hand in my life.

I was also very touched by the talk that this man gave..Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. He stood at the pulpit and delivered his talk even though he seems so weak. He started shaking so bad that it looked as if he would pass out right there. Elder Russell M. Nelson came and stood behind him steadying him. Could Elder Wirthlin just have sat down and had Elder Nelson finish delivering his talk? Probably, but he didn't. He finished his talk. What a great man! What does that tell me? His talk must have been really important. It was on loving our neighbor as ourself. I'm going to go back and read that one again. Actually, I plan to listen to it all again. I plan to do as President Gordon B. Hinkley admonished and use the talks for Family Home Evening lessons. I want to help strengthen the faith of my children. Isn't Conference wonderful??!

Pack Meeting is over...for this month anyway

I had my 2nd pack meeting last night. I felt like it was a complete flop but everyone said they had fun. I just made the mistake of trying to help the boys earn their Math belt loop and I didn't have enough rulers or anything. It's frustrating for me to work so hard and feel like it's a failure. The Pack Committee Chair said that's just how Cubmasters think. I don't get a break now because it's time to start planning for next month's pack meeting. I'm hoping they will call an Assistant for me soon. It's a great job and I love working with the boys but it's hard when Marshall is running around out of control and hitting people. He had a huge fit and one of the moms took him outside. He was SOOOO upset. After that, he just wanted my attention all the time and was angry at the boys who got my attention. Thankfully, Brian is not having class for my next 2 pack meetings so he can keep Marshall at home. It's hard with any 2 yr old, let alone one with sensory problems. Oh well, it's over now. I just wish I felt like it was a success. I'll just have to keep trying. If anyone reading this has any ideas for this new Cubmaster, I would love to hear them!

A pretty good day

Yes, that's right. It wasn't that bad...especially for a Tuesday. Brian is at school all day Tuesday, comes home for a few hours, then has to teach at UVSC so it gets pretty hard. Marshall and I went for a walk and played on a slide at our neighbor's house. This was after we had a discussion about why the water in a funnel spins. Wow! What 2 yr old do you know that actually cares about how the water turns?? He totally amazes me.

Nathan had a great day at school today. He loves Math and has been placed in the 4th grade class for Math even though he's only a 3rd grader. He is also in an after-school choir. He's super busy but most of the time he loves school. Today he got a "Noble Knight" award. The teachers look for students who are being kind or helpful and give them a Noble Knight ticket. Nathan got one because he picked up someone else's trash at lunch without complaining. He is such a thoughtful boy. :)

Nathan got elected

Nathan won the election for student council representative in his class. He didn't think he would win but he's sure glad he did. :) WAY TO GO DUDE! YOU ROCK!