Therapy, swords and Holidays

Asher did so well with his occupation therapy today. It was the best session to date. He has started clapping. It's so cute. He mostly just moves the left arm. He is starting to bear more weight through his right arm and becoming a little more mobile but not much.




Heath made Noah and Asher swords and hats out of newspaper and a little bit of tape. Noah is so into swords right now. He says ,"come on cha cha". "Cha cha" is what his he says when he swings his sword so basically it means "come on lets sword fight". The other day he said dangerous. This is a big word for a kid in speech therapy:). He's doing so well.

Thanksgiving was good. We spent it with our friends the Householders and On Friday the Coburns invited us over to eat another Thanksgiving dinner. Donna had to work on Thursday so she had everyone over on Friday. It was like a dream...awesome food two days in a row with awesome friends. St. George for Christmas.

Christmas is around the corner. Stockings are hung and the tree is decorated. Noah understands who Santa is and it makes it a little more fun for me.

I have to admit I don't rock Asher near as much as I rocked Noah. While Noah was napping today we rocked. It was quiet, just us and we rocked. He laid his head on my shoulder and I kissed his sweet little cheeks and smelled his baby smell. Not much could be better.


I did't get a picture of Noah because he wouldn't stay in one place long enough.

It's true that it's snowing today. Also true that I did not go shopping this year on black Friday and that I'm not really sure what the deal is with cyber Monday. Who started that?

Giving Thanks

I'm thankful for (in no particular order)...

                    Asher and the progress he has made with his weight and his arm
           Noah and the things he does and says that make me laugh
                                              Heath and that he is a hard worker
  the growth that I have experienced this year (I am truly a new lady)
washable crayons and markers
                                   ladybugs (that they invaded our house and not scorpions or snakes)
                                                               running and drinkable water
my interest in emergency preparedness and food storage

                                       the restored gospel of Jesus Christ

                                                                        ALL of my family
                                  The feelings I have when I talk to my Mother  
a pellet stove that works most of the time
                          that Asher sleeps well
                                               good friends

                                        


These are just a few of the things I'm thankful for. There's not enough time in the day to finish.  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING. 

 

A good day (my 100th post)

We drove 3 1/2 hours yesterday to get the Palmyra temple (click here to learn more about LDS temples and how families can be together forever). Our friends the Nazelrods got sealed together as a forever family. Heath and I had been debating who would go in the temple and who would stay out with the kids. Last week I thought I would just stay home with the kids because it would be too hard to figure out a way for someone to watch them. Heath said we should all go. You have to make reservations at this temple because it is small and well attended. I made a reservation to go to the sealing hoping (but not knowing) that I would be able to go. I had not made a reservation to do an endowment session.On Thursday I said a prayer that I might be able to go in the temple. I didn't know who would watch the kids and it is so hard for me to leave Asher because I worry so.  An answer came with a question asking If I believed that it was possible, that He (Heavenly Father) could make it possible. I knew he could. The next day a lady from our ward called to tell me she was sorry that she missed the emergency preparedness class I had taught the night before. She also told me that she would not be able to attend the temple on Saturday (I wasn't sure why she told me that part but whatever). Friday night Chris Nazelrod called and asked if he could borrow Heath's pants and asked that we be at the temple by noon. We left at 8:15 am and did arrive at noon. Heath planned on staying outside with the kids so that I could go in for the sealing. He was sick this week and said that it might be better if I went in. We were there at noon and the sealing wasn't until 3. The endowment session started at 1:30. I then realized that we were there in time for the session and that the lady from my ward that called me on Friday wasn't going to be there. I went into the temple and asked if I might be able to take her spot in the endowment session. They said I could. I came out to tell Heath, kissed him goodbye with tears in my eyes realizing all the things that had worked together for me to get to go into the temple. I sat in the small waiting area with my bag and the bishop came and sat by me. We talked and a temple worker approached and asked the bisphop if I was a friend. He explained who I was and told him that Heath was outside with the kids. I am a cry baby. I get this from my mom. I couldn't hold the tears back. I felt blessed and grateful. Blessed that Heavenly Father answered my prayer once again and grateful that my husband let ME go in the temple. The man saw my tears and explained he knew how I was feeling. He asked if he could watch my kids. He only lived a few minutes away and would love to watch the kids. His wife walked by and agreed. I told them that Heath hadn't even dressed for the temple and explained Asher's condition. He asked if when we came again he could watch the kids. I told him that would be very nice. I, of coarse, continued to cry. I made my way though the session and into the sealing room. The man that sealed the Nazelrods was the same sweet man that offered to watch my kids. After the sealing and on my way out of the room the man stopped me again and told me to not forget his offer. I told him I wouldn't. I couldn't get to the dressing room fast enough. I was ready to see my little family outside of the temple. I told Heath of the man and his offer and the man walked out of the temple right after I was done talking about him. His home was just right up the hill. Heath said only the temple president would live in that house. It was the temple president I told him. It said President on his tag. I had not put two and two together until that moment. Again I began to cry. I don't know exactly what the duties of a temple president are but I know he must be busy but he offered to take care of my children so that I could be in the holy house of the Lord with MY husband. What a sweet experience and a good day.

In the car on the way. Noah ignoring me :)

 

 

 

I love this picture because of Asher's cute face. Makes me laugh. Made it to the temple. It was cold. 

 

After

 

The Nazelrods

 

...Pause to help and lift another, Finding strength beyond my own. Savior may I learn to love thee - Lord, I would follow thee...In the quiet heart is hidden Sorrow that the eye can't see. Who am I to judge another? Lord, I would follow thee.  -Lord, I Would Follow Thee (pg. 220 LDS Hymnal)

Move over Wonka!

If you are ever in Northwest PA you'll want to stop at a small chocolate factory called Finney's Chocolate Shoppe. (click here to see their website)




It's near my house. It's Located on the side of a home in Cambridge Springs, PA. 24688 Highway 99 to be exact. I always pass their sign and talk about going in and well, today I did.

If you go you'll probably be pleasantly greeted by Bill.  He'll let you try one piece of any chocolate you choose. I chose a piece with peanut butter, caramel, and pretzel. Yummy! Heath stayed in the car with Asher but Bill said he could have a chocolate too, so I picked some sort of cheesecake chocolate (I can't remember the name). Heath really liked it, said it had the crust and all in there.When we left we were told to have a sweet day. A great little shop really!





Bill also HAND paints and air brushes Ganache. They come in hazelnut coffee, chocolate raspberry, coconut, orange, maple syrup, and honey shots (filled with real honey).



We also got a chocolate covered graham cracker called "Mammo-Graham". Part of the proceeds are donated to The NightLight Ministries for Women. This was Asher's favorite.

It's true that normally I would not give my 10 month old chocolate but he was actually putting it in his mouth (which is good) and he liked it. He had an appointment today at Shriner's and gained 11 ounces (YIPPEE!) in one week. He's 15 pounds 11 ounces as of today. 

us

Heath and I went to youth conference last weekend.

Heath spoke twice and helped the kids make lanterns out of clay.

There was a dance and yes I did the running man and the roger rabbit.

We took Asher.

Click HERE to see what Noah was up to.

He had his first sleepover.

We still love the Ence's.

Asher's first youth conference.

Had another appointment at Shriner's.

They weren't happy with the weight gain.

He weighs 15 pounds now.

Added some more stuff to his bottle.

Told us to try Cheerios and mashed potatoes (not together).

He hates anything that's even a little bit solid in his mouth.

Makes him gag and puke.

OT is bringing textured brushes/spoons next week to try to desensitize his mouth.

Back to weekly appointment.

He's still happy.

He still worries me.

At the grocery store today he had the attention of at least 10 women entering the store. (at the same time). They were ooooing and awwwing. It was pretty funny. One lady said, "He is so sweet." I agree.

He's a shy little flirt.

Noah is loving preschool. He walks in, hangs his coat in his cubby, and off to play with the kids.

He started eating lunch there this week. I think he likes it. Mostly the chocolate milk.

He is still in diapers. My sister is sending potty scotty.

He loves trocolate (chocolate).

He is learning lots of great things at school.

He kills me when he puts his hands together and says,"Please, mommy"

It's true that on the way to pick Heath up from school tonight I hit a deer. Not a ton of damage was done to the car but unfortunately the damage to the deer shortened it's poor little life. (please don't cry, Heidi) Also true that Asher is still in size 2 diapers.

The newest of Heath and a few more pictures.

I can't figure out how to make these images larger???

Some better pictures of the antlers.

The trophy buck!!

I like big bucks & I cannot lie!

**WARNING** Some pictures may not be suitable for young children.

Well, Heath did it!  This morning he left early to go hunting. Whitetail deer, 11 pointer! WOW! My husband the hunter.

My next project will be canning and freezing meat.

Is he going to cry?

 

Deric and Heidi came over to help. Deric helped Heath get the deer out of the woods. Heidi didn't know that she would be helping. She's a strong lady and helped get the deer off the ground for skinning purposes.

This is way too funny not to post.

It's true that Heath has been on cloud 9 all day. Also true that Deric almost puked while they were gutting the deer. Noah loved it. He went around with his little, pretend gun shooting the deer.

School, trick or treating, and other stuff, too.

Noah's first day of school was Thursday. I might have been more nervous than he was.  He did great. He walked in and looked at all the kids and all the toys and decided it was all right. Today when I walked him into class he started crying. I felt bad for him but they told me the quicker I leave the easier it will be for him. I waited around the corner from his class room until he stopped crying which didn't take too long. 

He's so little and cute.

Burnin' down the house...Erin started the fire! OK, so, the county we live in always does trick or treating on the Thursday night before Halloween and gives the kids Friday off of school. We went over to Deric and Heidi's house last night to take Noah trick or treating and to carve pumpkins. Well, Noah got this cute treat bag for his birthday from the Nazelrod's.  The Nazelrod's stopped by and I had the bag in my hand and for some reason I put it down right on top of a lit candle. We were all standing outside when Chris says, "um...something is on fire...No, REALLY!" We turn around and sure enough flames. Heath ended up getting it outside right after Heidi threw it on their hard wood floor to stomp it out.:)  The damage wasn't too bad. Just a spot on their desk and the candle didn't look too great. It could have been a lot worse. That was a stinkin' cute treat bag that Michelle made. I'll never live that one down (kind of like the mashed potato story).

Dear Michelle, I'm sorry I caught the really cute treat bag you made on fire. Please forgive me! Your Friend, Erin P.

My husband the artist.

The cutest frog in the whole entire wide world.

 

Noah was not too into trick or treating this year. He didn't want to wear his cute scarecrow costume but he went for camo pj's instead.

The cute scarecrow costume.

Heath wasn't too into trick or treating either so Heidi went with us. Thanks Heidi we love you!

On Thursday night in some of the small townships the fire department comes out and sounds a siren to begin the trick or treating. It lasts an hour to an hour and a half depending of the township and cute old ladies sit outside on their front porches with bowls of candy. 

We have been using theives essential oil to help avoid the swine flu. No luck on getting our hands on the vaccine just yet.

Noah is still saying funny things, Asher knows how to get attention by coughing, I mowed the lawn today, and I'm tired. It's true that I think it's funny that in the movie Cheaper By The Dozen the kids don't know what grounded is until the Dad is "in charge". Also true that my house is a mess and I'm getting priorities in order.

If you didn't get Novembers addition of Ceramics Monthly, you'll want to.

Heath had one of his pots featured in the November addition of the Ceramics Monthly magazine along with some of the other students from school. 

The cover.

He said it wasn't his favorite pot but it'll do.

Haircut

 Heath and I are really watching our budget and really trying to pinch our pennies. We have agreed to discuss every purchase. Well, I like my hair short and It usually cost anywhere from $20 to $30 to get my hair cut and in order for me to feel good about it I like to get it cut every 2 to 3 months.  It's been about 5 months. Heath said he would cut it today when we got home from stake conference. Yes, I trust him enough and plus it grows back. Well, he got it wet and combed it and then chickened out. I ended up cutting it myself.  Heath helped in the back a little. I thought it turned out pretty well for my first time. Now that I know I can do it, I can get a hair cut anytime I want and for free.

 

Heath teaching Noah how to read on the potty. ;o)

Noah calls any tall building the Tower of Pisa.

He calls ladybugs babybugs.

He starts preschool this week.

When he wants me to pick him up he says, "hold you?"

Heath spoke at stake conference last night and did a great job.  He always does. It's true that our house is being invaded by babybugs. Also true that Heath slept in his suit last night.

A post for Piimio, a boy I love.

Dear Piimio,

Sometimes, well all the time, when you feel inspired you should act. I felt inspired.

Go HERE   And    HERE 

Good messages for anyone. I love, love, love them.

I Love you Piimio!

Love,

Erin P.

Swine Flu: To vaccinate or not to vaccinate and are you prepared?...Seriously

While at the doctor yesterday for Noah, Dr. Reynold's told me that they were out of the regular flu vaccine but should be getting the swine flu vaccine in any time. I asked him if he recommended the vaccine for swine flu. He said he did. I asked if he is going to give it to his kids. He said they already have it. He said that it is more deadly than the regular flu and attacking more of the younger population than the regular flu. He said the flu shot that they ordered for the kids has no mercury. I have been debating and have decided I think our entire family should get it. At Dr. Reynold's office they said that they were reserving all the doses for children, so I don't know if Heath and I will be able to get a shot anyway. But Heath is at school a lot and Noah is starting pre-school. They will both be around a lot of people.  Asher cannot afford to get the flu. It would be more devastating to him then to other 9 month old babies because of his low weight. Plus, I have not heard of anyone dieing from the vaccination but I have heard of people dieing from the swine flu. Go HERE for more info. I understand that you can find tons of info on the internet to support both sides but this is a site that I follow.

Also, ARE YOU PREPARED?  Lots of people have been talking about an epidemic or a pandemic (I'm not sure what the difference is and I don't want to take the time to look it up right now) anyway, if this happens, it's possible that we will be quarantined to our homes from anywhere between 3 months to a year (that's the word on the street). Just make sure you have enough food, soap, toothpaste, etc. for your family. Prophets have been telling us to do this for 75 years or more. If you haven't done it by now, I hope it's not too late. Not to scare you but listen to the prophet, would ya? Or if scaring you gets you moving, I hope this scares you :) Good luck, happy preparing:) Oh, also see HERE (but if your already feeling bad, don't see there).

Just a note to my non-Mormon friends: I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (to learn more go HERE). The church is organized like the church was organized in the time of Christ. We have a prophet and apostles who lead our church. The prophet is called of God and receives revelation for our church as a whole. Prophets for years have encouraged us to get a year supply of food, clothing and fuel where possible. This is to help us be self sufficient in times of depressions, job loss, or other poor circumstances. Also wanted to make it known that I do not have a years supply and am also working on it like you. If you have any ideas you want to share I welcome them.