I don't want to forget....

Here are pictures of EK in May 2007. I included the one of me just so AC would be included too. (I was about 20 weeks along with her) :)

(The top picture makes me laugh because I told AC to say "cheese". She said it but apparently didn't want to smile while saying it. :) She made up for it in the bottom picture. As you can see, EK had had enough pictures for one day.) Keith has been off since last Friday. It's really nice having him around more. We've done a few things around the house and plan to do a couple more, if the girls let us. :) Today we met my whole family at the park to have a picnic and play on the playground. It was a lot of fun to see all the aunts and uncles, our cousin M, and Mimi and Pops. The girls love the playground. It was pretty warm, but a beautiful day. No one else was there either so it was good for EK. I got a couple cute pictures of the girls. I tried to get a good one of all the Hoyer grandgirls, but they weren't feeling it. ;) Hope ya'll had an enjoyable Memorial Day with friends and/or family!

EK goes to preschool every day from 12-2:50. She started the week after she turned 3. We have been so pleased with her 3 teachers. They are precious...very kind, patient, and easy-going. (I think they have to be!) Today when I was picking her up, one of her teachers mentioned that they only have 2 more weeks with her. She has 11 more days with these GREAT ladies. Really?? The school year is almost over?? That makes me a little sad and I know they are sad too. EK won't be with them next school year. We found out last week that EK will go to her home campus next year. At first, I was ready to fight the district, but her new teacher (one of them) is wonderful too. She's a member of our church and I've known her a while. I know that the Lord knows best for our little girl. (even if it seems like a bad idea to us to change up her routine) She will be going to school some of this summer. My girl loves routine and although it'll be a different place and different teachers, I t...

Today is one of those days that I've struggled having a good attitude. Nothing in particular went wrong. Just a "normal" Monday. So, to get out of my pity party, I'm going to make myself think about the ways the Lord has blessed me b/c I know that anything good in my life is from Him. I'm thankful... 1. for my precious husband, who works very hard to provide for us and who loves me and our girls immensely. 2. that I'm able to stay home with my girls 3. for my family who all live in Keller right now. They help out so much! 4. for EK's preschool teachers: Ms. Beth, Ms. Tammie, and Ms. Colleen (she adores them and I know they are so patient and kind to her) 5. for my sweet friends who listen to me ramble about all the latest research I've read and my daily frustrations! 6. for the many prayers lifted on our behalf 7. for the families that have traveled the autism road and share their insight and wisdom 8. for my salvation: I can't imagine going throug...

I cannot believe it! First off, when EK turned 20 months, AC was 3 days old. You read that right! I can't imagine having another baby right now! Perhaps that will change in the next year or so... Anyway, back to AC. She is so precious and she makes me laugh all the time. Here are just a few things I love about her right now: *she's such a girl...always has to have a baby in one arm and a purse in the other. *she knows what she wants. For example, at dinner last night I gave her some potatoes and she said "no like it mama". This same characteristic causes some award-winning tantrums. *she's so easy going...she only had a 45 minute nap today but was still so happy! *she loves to help me clean up and doesn't like being dirty (just like her mama!) *she takes care of her sister *she is rather independent but still wants to cuddle ("mama hold you") I could list more, but I'll stop. The pictures tell all. :) I love my AC!

Most of you who are reading this know what our family is going through right now. It was 3 months ago today that we took EK to a developmental pediatrician. We left there with a diagnosis of autism. Even though we knew it was coming, it was tough to swallow. We've done so much research, reading books, searching on the internet, and talking with those who've been down the same road. There is so much information out there. We're trying to be proactive and do all we can to help her live a normal life and I'm praying like I've never prayed before. She's still our sweet 3 year old daugher, our firstborn. Her diagnosis doesn't change our love for her. I'm not even sure it changes our dreams for her. We know that God is able to completely heal her, but regardless of the outcome, we know that our God has a plan for her that will bring Him glory. I'm so thankful to be the mama to EK and AC. They are such sweet blessings, even on the hard days. :)

I gave in and now have a blog. I have been reading the blogs of several good friends for months or more. I think it is so fun to see what's going on in their lives. So, I thought this would be a great way for me to remember all the daily happenings around our house. There's so many things I don't want to forget, the good and the bad. Bear with me as I get this thing going!