Meet Tom

When I was pregnant with my 2nd child, I kept having the thought, "What if there is something wrong with this baby?" I determined in my 8th month, that it didn't matter and I could handle whatever our Father in Heaven sent my way. When our little son was only a few months old, I knew there was a problem. He wasn't making the milestones he should've been. At 10 months old we took him to see a geneticist in Marshfield. He gave Tom the diagnosis of William's syndrome. He did eventually make those milestones but they were just later than other children his age.

When Tom was 3 years old, he was tested and eventually got into school half days. Clare was a little concerned that Tom was getting to go to school and she wasn't. Try explaining to a not-quite-five year old why she isn't in school when her younger brother is.

Tom spent a lot of years in school. From age three until age 21. Now he spends a lot of his time surfing the internet, watching TV, playing the Wii and doing whatever chores I have for him, plus going to the chip mill to work with me one day each week. He's also in a Special Olympics group which he absolutely loves. He qualified for state last year in all three sports he competed in. That's quite an accomplishment!

As for me, being a parent of small children wasn't always easy and some days were definitely easier or harder than others. Tom made things a lot more difficult sometimes, but the blessings attached to having him in our family were so overwhelming. I had my children because I wanted them. They weren't thrust upon me against my will. It was my choice to accept these spirits into my family. I learned a very valuable lesson from my sister, Tina. These children are mine and I can enjoy them or I can grumble and complain about how much work they are. I chose to enjoy them and it has been a wonderful experience because of the right attitude.

Tom will always be living in our home. He is very possessive of things that belong to him. He doesn't like babies or even small children until they are about five years old. He has a very strong testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He is truly a spiritual giant. I look forward to the day when I can meet him in the next life when his "limitations" will be removed. Until then, it is my pleasure to call him my son.

A squirrel in the basement

Isn't it cute? Not so cute when you find it in your house. This evening I was sitting in the basement with my husband watching TV. He said he saw a squirrel or a chipmunk or a large mouse. We waited and it came back out in the open from it's hiding place. It was looking for the cat food which was put up so Adam wouldn't dump it.

Andrew went upstairs to get Velcro our mighty hunter of a cat. I put her down almost next to the rodent and she finally saw it and sniffed it and walked away. What the heck? I guess if she doesn't find the critter and hunt it down she doesn't want anything to do with it.

Since it was sitting so still, I snuck up behind it with an ice cream bucket and put it over the squirrel. I wasn't on an even spot and it got out. I put some cat food on the floor and waited next to it. It came out in just a few moments and started munching on the cat food. I leaned down and put the bucket over the squirrel. Erin brought me a piece of cardboard and I slid it under the bucket and tipped it right side up.

Everyone got to have a peek at the furry little guy before I banished him or her to the cold and snow outside. I'm sure it is now living in our woodshed. The question is, Did the cat bring it in or did it find it's way in through the cat door all on its own? I guess only time will tell.

My Basketball Son

Andrew LOVES basketball. Probably not as much as track, but he's hooked. He stands 6'1" these days and may get taller yet as he's only 15. He's hoping. He is really thin though so he could get pushed around pretty easily if he plays under the basket on defense.

He plays really great in practice (according to him). He just needs to relax more when he's in a game situation. If only he could play like he does in the kitchen. We see and hear a lot of "dunking" in that room. One day he's going to crash through the basement door.

I like that he likes athletics. I think every high school student should find something that they like as it adds to their high school experience. Some love the clubs, some music or drama and in the case of my children, athletics. I'm a very competitive person and I recognize that doing your best is the only thing that really counts in the long run.

Since becoming a coach I stress even more, JUST DO YOUR BEST. There is nothing more I can ask of my athletes. Have fun and play hard. If in the end we win then we're that much happier. Isn't that a lot like life? Just do your best, play hard and have fun in everything we do. It's the "I can't" attitude and "I'm not good enough" that drive me nuts. Accept who you are and embrace it. If you don't like who you are, then change it. Is that too simplistic? Life is simple really. We complicate it by our attitudes and judgements. I'm getting down off my soapbox now.

My Babies are Back

These cute kiddies were gone for 2 1/2 weeks visiting all their family in Idaho and Utah, etc. Here's Cami with her newest cousin.

Tom was very happy to have them gone as he doesn't like any little children very much. Tom got this shirt and tried it on Christmas morning. Since Adam loves Elmo, he was fascinated by the giant Elmo on Tom and had to touch his nose.

1-11-11

January 11, 2011 marks 28 years since my sweetheart and I got married. Can you believe it's been that long? I can. Mortgages, babies, orthodontia, medical bills, car payments, family vacations, camping trips, gardening, remodeling, job change, births, deaths, many callings, grandchildren, temple trips, a missionary, a wedding, planting, harvesting, happy news, stress, struggle and lots and lots of LOVE. I don't think all those things could happen in less time.
We are no longer that young couple with the little children. We are now middle-aged grandparents. In fact, I can probably safely say that more than half my life is behind me. Of course if I live to be 100+, then not so.

Life is a great teacher. Sometimes things were difficult for us, especially financially. But, those struggles brought us closer as a couple. We can now enjoy a weekend away and not have to worry about how to pay for it or who is going to take care of the children. Our baby is 15! I think the key is to learn from life and not let it beat you down. I believe I've taken each experience in our marriage and learned something positive. The negative attitude can go out with the trash.

My big surprise was that in getting married, I thought I knew who my husband was. I saw this handsome young man and knew so much about him and loved him despite himself. I saw he had potential to become someone even greater. I never recognized that he would turn out to be someone as wonderful as he is. He's a marvelous provider, father and husband. His love for me is boundless. But, his love for others is also unending. He has a compassion that makes me realize that I've got much to learn. He doesn't judge people, he feels pity for their mistakes and wants to help them become better. I knew that he would serve our Heavenly Father is positions of leadership. I never dreamed he would one day lead the stake. I've had a few different times when I've watched him give a talk and seen the mantle upon him. Each of those times I've sat in awe as I recognized that that spiritual giant of a man is my sweetheart. He, of course, would probably disagree with my estimation.

I am blessed beyond measure to have the eternal companion that I've got. Twenty-eight years is such a short time compared to eternity, but then it has been a wonderful learning experience. I only hope for another 28!

Christmas 2010

We had a very nice Christmas together as a family. We began our Christmas eve day by going to see the Live Nativity in Shawano. Several members of my family were participating. Pat was an animal handler. He led the donkey and the little pony who is the donkey's best friend and won't go anywhere without him. Timmy had a sheep. I think he's happy he wasn't the camel handler as he was kicked by the camel. It took him down but he wasn't injured. That nasty camel also sneezed all over Susie. Was it funny? Sure. But she felt like she needed a shower.

Afterward we came back to our house and had food and family time. It's been such a long time since my family has been together. We all live such busy lives.

Christmas day brought breakfast, gifts, smiles and some hugs and thank yous. It also brought Sammi into our home via Skype. What a miracle that is. She looks so beautiful and happy. She will be home as early as May 3rd, but may extend until June 14th. We'll see what she decides.

Since I do the bulk of the Christmas shopping, I get to be Santa. The children open gifts from one another on Christmas eve. Clint had to work, so he came and opened his before he went on shift.

Christmas morning brought some tired folks to the livingroom. Erin got the coat she asked for already last year. I couldn't find one in her size last year, but I found it this year!

Andrew has been begging for a portable DVD player for a year now. I found one on black Friday and bought it. He was so excited and happy that he came later in the day and hugged me and told me thank you and that he loved me. Was it worth buying? You bet it was!

Tom is always easy to buy for. He loves everything he gets. He got Mariocart which not only excited him but his siblings as well. He also got this Elmo shirt from his dad. Elmo just happens to be Adam's favorite Sesame Street character. Needless to say, Adam was quite intrigued by Tom's shirt. Tom even let him get close to enough to touch Elmo.

We had a great time together. Everyone got exactly what they wanted whether they ever expected it or not. It was a wonderful time to be together but even more wonderful to celebrate the birth of our Savior by reading the story in Luke 2. I love Christmas!

Nichola & Cory's Wedding

We made a trip to Idaho Falls between Christmas and New Year's for my niece Nichola's wedding. We went to the temple on Tuesday evening with her and then again on Wednesday for her wedding. Her sister was supposed to be her escort for the day of the wedding, but since she just gave birth , she opted to stay home. I was asked to be Nick's escort. What an honor that was for me. I also took the few photos that they have outside the temple. It was quite mild when we entered in the morning, but by the time we came out, the temperature had dropped and the wind was fierce. Not the best photo op.

The fun thing about a winter wedding is the beautiful capes that the bride can wear outside. She came out of the temple telling me how hot she was, but it didn't take but one step into the wind to convince her that she needed the cape.

The cake was so yummy. I'm not a fan of the taste of fondant, but it sure makes a pretty cake.

I had to have a daddy-daughter photo. I think the best one is on Kurt's camera.

Isabelle made herself useful after the luncheon by collecting all the beautiful flowers. She's so fun.

I had to have a photo with just Nichola and I. After all, I did what her mom wasn't there to do. She's a beautiful bride. I told Cory that their life will never be boring.

Cami insisted on having a photo with "the princess." I have to admit her dress did look like one you would find on a princess.

Cory was playing with one of his nephews. I clicked a few pictures as he was swinging this little guy around. Watching the two of them makes me think they'll have fun being parents.

No wedding album is complete without the "kissing" picture. They're such a cute couple.

Emerging from the temple. The happy faces say it all.

I'm so thankful that we took the time and made the effort to spend whatever was necessary to be there for Nichola. It wasn't a very convenient time for me, but no matter. It was so worth it! I love that I was able to share in her experience. It means so much to see my children, nieces and nephews make the right choices that will shape their futures. What an awesome choice they made!

Idaho Trip 2010

My newest grand-nephew, Brody. Isn't he absolutely perfect? He was born between Christmas and the wedding making his aunt's wedding very inconvenient for his mom.

Jake apparently wasn't liking the wait outside the temple. He is full of personality. You have to love that hat!

More to come!