Thanksgiving 2011

This is Dominic... Just a little resemblance...lol


*sigh* my little girl is growing up

i think this mama was a little thankful...

and so was this mama...her baby was home from texas for the holiday!

yep, i think they were thankful, too lol

some serious thankfulness going on here...

And finally, another thankful mama with her sweet preschool pilgrims. ;)

Giving Thanks

There's a new baby in the family. YESSSS!!! And, might I just say...Aunt Sarah is CRAZILY, MADLY IN LOVE WITH HER!!! I can't believe I had already forgotten what it was like...and since my itty, bitty baby days are over, I'm trying to take it ALL in and enjoy every second with her. And, it's official - she gets to stay. ;). We took Dominic up to meet her yesterday, and she passed the "smell test"! More on that later with pics.

I'm not sure what your situation is on this gorgeous Thanksgiving day. Everyone has their own, unique life happenings going on. Some are following their yearly traditions with feasts, friends, and football. I know one man who is waking up under a gazebo in Sedgwick County Park, living one more day, homeless. Others are biting the bullet and tolerating their annoying siblings just to "be there" for their parents. Some are thinking of their loved ones while working to protect yours. Some are grieving a recent death. Some are sitting in a hospital room celebrating a new baby, and some are watching their child receive chemo treatments. Others are getting chemo, themselves, or just praying their parent lives another day.

I don't know where this Thanksgiving finds you. In my family, the air is pretty sensitive. This first holiday season without Grandma V is beyond words. Many of you are aware that Sam lost his job last Friday. One of those circumstances, alone, is enough to make me want to curl up in bed all day, and both of them together have been good for nothing except paying the company that makes my migraine meds. On top of that, there are always family issues - every holiday, someone is upset with someone else, making the "gathering" that much more tense. It's just one of those things that comes with a big family. But you know what? It's our Thanksgiving. And, regardless, we're all trudging through it -- together. The raw emotions, the sharp words, the broken hearts. We're all in this together.

I'm so glad that my favorite holiday goes way beyond the mashed potatoes & green bean casserole (which I never liked until last year). Don't get me wrong - I will have a plentiful helping of each. But, I'm so very grateful for how this holiday serves as a reminder to myself that there is always someone else suffering a LOT more than I am.

I'm grateful for the life partner that God saw fit to give me. Sam, I know this has been one of the most stressful weeks since we have been together. I hope you will take a nice, deep breath, and enjoy the day as we watch our little monkeys eat & play. We got this. ;)

I'm grateful for the miracles. I'm grateful for God's timing. In the midst of our sorrow, we have been given something to be SO EXCITED about - what an incredible gift!!!

I'm grateful for my family. Yes, we have squabbles. Yes, we have different opinions. Yes, we push each other's buttons. But, you know what? When life gets tough, we are ALWAYS here for each other. One hundred percent. No matter what.

I'm grateful for my extended family & friends...near and far. Yes, that includes YOU. You have shaped the person who I have become. Thank you.

I'm grateful for the biggest, loudest, happiest soul in Heaven right now who is cheering me on in this hard journey called life. My heart misses her so much that it literally hurts, but my soul rejoices knowing she will be in my great cloud of witnesses that welcomes me Home someday. Grandma ~ it won't be the same this year. I love you so, so very much. I will do my best on the orange salad. ;)

There are two people who have changed my life forever. Because of them, I will always strive to be better, stronger, and wiser. Maya Jane & Gabriel Wyatt...you will never fully grasp just how much you are loved and adored. Thank you "for giving me AAAAAAAAAALL the kisses!!!" I will always do my best to make your Thanksgivings special!!! xoxoxoxoxo

I'm grateful for the One who gives me life...my Provider, my Comforter, my Sustainer. I'm so thankful for His timing. I'm thankful that His foolishness is wiser than my wisdom.

From my heart to yours...

Happy Thanksgiving,
Sarah

The Angels Delivered!!!

There is nothing -- and I mean NOTHING -- that compares to witnessing a miracle. While I would love to sit and write a lengthy post about Ava's grand entry, I can't. It was awesome. I am SO happy I was able to be there...to share the smiles & the tears...it was awesome.

Ava arrived at 8:16 p.m., weighing 7 lbs., 9.5 oz. and measuring 18.5''. Mom & baby are great, just exhausted!!!

Thank you, Jesus, for this new little life! Thank you for a safe delivery. Thank you for a healthy mama and a healthy baby. Thank you for the nurses and the doctor who assisted in the process...thank you for blessing our family! Our cups runneth over!!!

Papa's Birthday Bash!

One word: Naughty.

Happy & Grumpy.

The best dad ever...

The 3 amigos with their Papa...soon to be 4!!!

A yummy half-frosted chocolate cake...it was good, but sure made me miss Grandma's cake!!!

Seriously, look at that...he didn't even have to try.

This is one of the BEST pictures I've ever seen of these 4 together...at least 2 of them were looking somewhat in the direction of the camera. :)

I tried to sweet talk Miss Ava into coming out to share Papa's birthday. She's a stubborn little thing...we are so excited for tomorrow!!! Can't wait to meet her!!!

xoxo,

Sarah

Thankful Thursday

On my ride to work this a.m., I noticed a house with Christmas wreaths on the windows and pumpkins on the porch. What I REALLY wanted to do was go take the wreaths down and sling 'em in the river across the street. Then I thought, "Well, at LEAST they still have pumpkins out!" It didn't begrudge me nearly as much as my neighbors around the corner who not only have ALL of their Christmas decorations put up, but they have them LIT up, already! I'm not sure what my problem is...it just made me...sad.

Why must we rush ALL THE TIME?! I'm trying my best - and begging you, too - to S...L...O...W...down!!! Relax. Take a whiff. Whistle a tune. Enjoy the here and now before winding it up and putting it away for 365 days when it hasn't even happened yet!

On the other end of the spectrum, there are those whose motivation for early decor is completely rational. I know a sweet, sweet, blue-eyed, blonde-haired little girl who's mama said, "The Christmas trees are up much to the kids' delight...one even made it up before Halloween. I was proud, my husband thought it was silly. Kate just sat and stared at it. That being the reason for its early appearance." For those who are unaware, Kate has pediatric brain cancer and has a 5% chance of survival. Christmas tree up before Halloween? You better believe it. I'd be doing the same thing for my baby, if I had any question whether or not she would be around for next year's festivities. Let that sweet baby love those decorations. Enjoy it. S...L...O...W...down and take it all in. I'm thankful for Kate's parents, who aren't bound by a schedule or routine or calendar. And while I'm thinking of it - whisper a prayer for this family, will ya?

I'm thankful today for restoration. Specifically, I'm thankful for restored relationships. The restitution of something lost or taken away. A return of something to an unimpaired condition. I have a close friend who has been a rock for me throughout some very uncertain times. Along the way, choices were made, words were said, and feelings were hurt. All of you know exactly what I'm speaking of...we've all been there. This week, that relationship has been restored. Forgiveness. Healing. Love. I liked to believe that it wasn't affecting me much. Truthfully, it was a nagging hindrance, and I'm grateful for second chances. I feel like my shoulders have lost 50 lbs....now if only the rest of my body felt like it, I'd be in good shape! ;)

Last thankful for today - I'm thankful for you. Yep, you got it. YOU, specifically. For showing interest in my life and my happenings simpling by being a faithful reader. For investing time in me and my babies. For challenging me to be a stronger, better person. For reminding me that love and forgiveness always prevail. For stopping in the midst of your storms of life to cover me in prayer. For loving me...just the way I am. For having my back...and trusting me to have yours.

Until next week...be thankful.
Sarah

THANK YOU.

I shared this as my status on facebook today, and I'm also going to share it here.

I'm at home enjoying a day off of work with my sweet family while one of my friends is grieving the loss of her military husband. I currently have a brother-in-law, a nephew, and several close friends who are serving today, and I am so very proud of them. Men & women, ladies & gentlemen...THANK YOU. It doesn't matter how long, where, when, or which branch. There is nobody like you anywhere else in the world. Your service and your sacrifice is my freedom. THANK YOU.

~Sarah

Thankful Thursday (heads up: a little lengthy, today)

Today I'm thankful that Dominic invited me to his music program Tuesday evening. I wasn't really planning on going, but when Dom greeted me Tuesday morning, the conversation went a little like this:

Dom: "Aunt Sarah, who's coming to my program?"

Me: "Uhh...Nana & Papa."

Dom: "Huh? Nana & Papa do?"

Me: "Nana & Papa are going to Dominic's program."

Dom: "And?"

Me: "And...your mommy & daddy."

Dom: "No!! And?!"

Me (glancing to mom for some help, only to get a shoulder shrug): "Uhh...Maya?"

Dom (now smiling and flapping his hands): "Maya do?"

Me: "Maya is going to Dom's program."

Dom: "And?"

Me: "And Gus...Gus is going to Dom's program."

Dom: "And?"

Me: "And...Aunt Sarah!!!"

Dom (now grinning from ear to ear, flapping, AND hopping): "And??!!"

Me: "And UNCLE SAM!!!"

I later informed Uncle Sam that he HAD to be at the program, whether he wanted to go or not. It was too late for me to go back on my word at that point lol. The program was in a very hot & crowded gym, and I was a little worried about how Dom would feel in there. But, he was a champ! Of course, all of us - Steph, Mike, Mom, Dad, Sam, my aunts, and me - were wiping tears away through the smiles. It's such a blatant slap of reality to see him in a group of kids his own age who don't have the same challenges. The motions seemed so easy for them. They sang their little hearts out. Dom, on the other hand, just stood looking at all the people, smiling, trying to take it all in. I think it was somewhat overwhelming. At one point, he sang the words and did the motions to a song he reeeeeally liked - it was a lullaby. And yes, that's when the waterworks started flowing for the rest of us, especially when he laid eyes on his mama & Aunt Sarah. ;) Just look...

A little sensitive when he first entered the gym

"Hmmm...I think I like all of these people looking at me..."Maybe a little nervous here...maybe a bit of a tummy ache lol Definitely loving the lullaby"Mommy!!!!!!!!!" I was proudly called out, as well..."Aunt Sarah!!!!!"

Today I'm also thankful for sweet moments. Let me give you an example.

Last night, we were preparing to leave the house, and after several requests made by both Mommy & Daddy, Gabriel would not sit down to put his shoes on. He simply carried them in his hands as he paced the living room floor, whining, "I can't do it. I can't put my shoes on. Mommy, will you put my shoes on? Daddy, will you put my shoes on?"

I, of course, kept answering him every time he asked, saying, "Give me a minute. As soon as I have myself ready, I'll get you ready."

Finally, Sam had heard enough. Very frustrated, he exclaimed, "Gabriel! You know how to put your shoes on. Get them on!"

I knew Sam was tired, hungry, & cranky - we all were at that point. I told Gabriel, "Tell Daddy you just need some help."

So Gabriel - still whining - repeated my statement to his dad. Sam, still agitated, replied with, "Well, you want to do everything else by yourself. You want to be Mr. Independent when it's convenient for you, and you put your shoes on by yourself any other time, so why won't you put them on right now?"

Gabriel looked at me for a response, and I patiently said, "Tell Daddy you're still learning."

At this point, Gabriel got a very serious look on his face, and he spoke very clearly (no whining whatsoever), "Daddy, I'm learning to be myself." At that moment, Sam's heart melted & "my cup 'runneth-ed' over." Just like at Dominic's program. ;)

I have another special "thank you" that warrants its own post, so stay tuned tomorrow.

Until then...

Be Thankful,
Sarah

Operation AA

Besides walking to my mom's house every day with my two little monkeys, one of the best parts of every morning is being greeted at the door by a hopping, flapping, blue-eyed redhead. Fortunately, by the time I arrive, he's had a bite to eat and is excited about the bus coming to Nan's house. Nan, on the other hand, is already exhausted with beads of sweat on her forehead from extinguishing a morning meltdown.

When Dominic arrives at Nana's each morning, he forcefully shoves the door open and proceeds to kick it, releasing the frustration that has to find its way out of his little body. Then, guaranteed, whatever is in his hands - could be a lunch bag, could be his yogurt - gets launched through the living room, landing in a random place while Dominic stands shaking, yelling, & crying uncontrollably, not wanting to be comforted or touched. Does his tummy hurt? Does he have a headache? An earache? Is he sad? Is he angry? Is he simply hungry? Does something at school frighten him? Is his shirt stinging his body? Are the lights buzzing? Is the television too loud? Does the coffee stink, today?

If only he could use his words to tell us...

Dominic is a growing boy. His baby features are gone, with the exception of those extra soft, sweet feet. They seem comparable to the size of a grown man, but they're still kissable, thanks to his mama who uses lotion religiously! ;)

Along with the physical changes of growing up, we are recognizing other changes taking place. Some are wonderful & encouraging -- he is now telling Steph when he needs to be changed. Some are steady & improving -- he no longer walks up to strangers and raises their shirts to see a belt; he reserves that for Uncle Bub & Uncle Sam. Some are disturbing & embarrassing -- no mother desires to sit with school personnel and discuss the texture of poop at an IEP meeting. And, others are frustrating & heartbreaking -- the meltdowns. The shrilling shouts. The hits and kicks and spits.

It's called autism. And, autism is Dominic's life. Because it's Dominic's life, it's our life, too. All of us who love him so dearly and want to see him be all that God has made him to be. There is no "cure." There is no "treatment." There are no "answers." And, unlike other known medical issues that lack cures, treatments, and answers, autism lacks "understanding." It's socially unaccepted.

Why does he hit a child or a baby who is crying? Because he doesn't know how to offer comfort. He just knows that it disturbs him. Why does he push his cousins when they are happily playing together? Because he doesn't know how to say, "This is fun...I like playing with you." He just feels excited and has to release it somehow. Why does he punch the boy sitting next to him in class? Because the boy snatched a piece of paper from his hands, and Dom doesn't know how to use his words to say, "Please give that back to me," or, "Mrs. Smith, Bobby took my paper." Instead, Dominic expresses himself by screaming, kicking, hitting, pushing, spitting, and crying. Using words comes naturally for you and me. But, for Dom, it's a nearly impossible, painful task. So...Aunt Sarah is ready to take action!!!

So what do we do? We research. We have become masters of trial & error. If one thing doesn't work, we don't give up. We try again. And again. And again...and again, until we find what works for Dominic. I refuse to let up. When I'm clueless, I spend more time researching so I can do everything within my power to advocate for my godchild.

CBS recently aired a special segment on 60 Minutes regarding a tool that is assisting children with autism to communicate more effectively. Wouldn't it be an incredible gift to give Dom the ability to communicate in a more fulfilling way with the people he loves and trusts?! I am SO excited about this, and I hope you will be, too!!!

I am on a mission: Operation AA (Autism Applications). I need to raise enough funds for the following tools:

• 
  
  iPad = $599
  


• 
  

  Apple Care Protection Plan = $79



• 
  

  Proloquo2Go App = $189



• 
  

  Additional Apps (GRACE, AutismXpress, etc.) = $200



• 
  

  Security Features = $183



• 
  

  TOTAL......................................................$1,250

PLEASE be in prayer about this. If your heart desires to be a part of this unique, incredible chance to change Dom's quality of life, simply contact me. Leave a comment here. Message me on Facebook. Text me. Call me. Just ACT.

My plan right now is to collect funds through December 16, 2011. I am currently in the process of setting up a formal account to house the money. However, if you are ready to give NOW and you're too excited to wait, I will gladly accept all donations - any time, any place - and make sure it's safely stowed away until our account is up & running!!! :)

With a big heart and big love, THANK YOU for helping me help Dom!!!

xoxo,
Sarah

Thankful Thursday

Today I have been overwhelmed with sad news from several longtime, special friends. I'm to the point where I'm forcing myself to put on a smile today. That says a LOT considering how many times I usually laugh in one day lol...needless to say, I am excited to get home to my three loves tonight and feel that forced smile turn back into its natural state.

So...today I was having a problem with deciding what I am thankful for - not because of the lack thereof, but just because my heart hasn't settled on anything specific - until now.

Today I'm thankful for surprises! Okay, wait - let me be a little more specific. I'm thankful for HAPPY surprises! :) I'll give you an example:

A few hours ago, I received an email from my crazy friend in VA who I mentioned a few posts ago - you know, the guy who lives, eats, breathes, and sleeps politics. Ugh! Anyway, the first surprise was simply 'hearing' from him, as we haven't communicated on a regular basis for many months. So just seeing his name in my inbox brought a much-needed smile on a rather rough day. THEN...I opened the email and discovered that he had won a contest and wanted to share his prize with my two little monkeys! How sweet is that, right?! Of course, that brought on an even BIGGER smile - to know that someone hundreds of miles away was thinking of my sweet babies, especially when their own relatives don't give them the thought of day. Yikes. I'm digressing...let me refocus and stop being contentious. It was truly a pleasant surprise! The only downfall is having to go into the funeral home to pick it up and the sad thoughts that follow. Yeah, missing her hasn't gotten any easier, yet. :(

Here are a few more surprises that come to mind and make me grateful:

• my Tuesday gifts from Sam


• winning a March Madness drawing that was worth over $500 in prizes


• winning a VC Spooktacular drawing for $100


• a birthday gift from coworkers


• a trapped mouse!


• special friends showing up unexpectedly at church


• a card in the mail - just because

That's all for now.

Be thankful & rest well,

Sarah