Cousin Weekend...

James and Kelsey got to have their first sleep over with their cousins Ryan and Meredith this weekend! It brought back great memories for me of the many nights that my cousins and I stayed at eachother's houses as kids. The kids had a great time - and slept pretty good considering the oldest 3 slept is James's room.

Grandpa & James

I have to share these pictures of James and Grandpa Roger shooting the BB gun! I love to see what a little "man" James is becoming - he loves all things boy! These moments in life so warm my heart!

Adventures With Animals!

Thanks to our beloved pets, we've had some excitement around here! On one of the warmer days last week, James and his next door pal Ally were upstairs and spotted a little mouse outside. They raced down stairs and outside to get a better look. I really did not believe that there was a mouse just playing in the yard - until the kids came back into the house. I could see in James's face that yes indeed, we had a little friend. Kelsey and I ventured out to take a peek and found Maggie (our youngest cat) sitting proudly in the bark with a little gray mouse in front of her - ALIVE! We all wanted the poor little mouse to have a chance at freedom, so we put Leo in the house (he really wanted to eat the little mouse), and we re-located Maggie so we could scoop up the mouse and drop it over the fence into the front yard. Little did we know, that while we were rescuing this little creature - Leo was frantically trying to get back outside. When we went to open the sliding glass door, we discovered that Leo has locked it! Thankfully, our neighbor Corene was home and had a key!
Then - more animal adventure! This weekend Leo was out in the backyard running around and tossing something up in the air. Mike went to investigate, and found that our sweet Leo had gotten a bird! He was so proud of himself and James thought that was the greatest thing ever!

Grandma Linda's Birthday

Last night (March 9th) we celebrated Grandma Linda's birthday! Here are a few pictures...

Kelsey's update: Kelsey had her IFSP evaluation a week ago, and it went well - as expected. Thankfully, she will continue with an IEP (individualized education programs). Depending on how she is doing, she may start pre-school at Alyce Hatch in the Fall.
We are looking forward to a nice quiet week this week! We had so many appointments last week, it will be nice to take a little break!!

What's happening...

As I say so often, it has been a busy week!! This week and upcoming next week especially though. This week, Grandma Linda and I took Kelsey in to be evaluated for orthotics for her feet. Kelsey has tried on another child's orthotics at physical therapy and did great in them. So Christen (Kelsey's heaven sent therapist) thought it would benefit us to at least have an evaluation from the clinic where they are custom made. Turns out, the man who evaluated her thought she was doing very well and having them made would not benefit her enough to justify the HUGE cost of them ($1000-$1600!!). He did however suggest that we get some "off the shelf" ones that are just a few hundred dollars. He hopes that we will get the same result, without the cost. We'll see - they should be in soon for us to try.
Next, in the world of Kelsey - we have a BIG DAY coming up this Monday. Kelsey goes in for her 3 year IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) evaluation to determine whether she is still eligible for services (school, therapy, etc.) Kelsey is doing fantastic, but we are very much hoping that she will remain in the program. We really want her to have the opportunity to go to pre-school at the Alyce Hatch Center where we know she will be safe. Because of her continuing balance issues and Nystagmus, we believe she needs an environment that has an excellent teacher-student ratio to ensure her safety and will provide her with the extra attention that she requires at this point. We are 99.9% sure that she will remain in the program because of a request letter from her Doctor. I will update Monday evening when we know for sure!
James is doing great! He has had a few fun days over at his buddy Colby's house this week! I am truly grateful to Cathy (my friend - and Colby's Mom). We have really relied on each other for childcare when either of us have appointments and carpooling this school year - although I feel a bit guilty! I have the pick-up shift (the easy part! I don't even have to get out of the car!). James loves his friend Colby and feels happy playing at the Shield's house! James also continues to amaze us with what her is absorbing at school. He loves to recite Matthew 7:12! How great is that??
(Matthew 7:12 “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you")
Lastly, Mike and Leo! What can I say - it's true love! Mike went hunting last week with a co-worker and brought home some bird wings (from the poor little birds that he shot) for training his Leo. Mike has been working with Leo and the wings as often as he can after work. They go in the back yard and Mike and James hide the wings. Then, they let Leo out to "Hunt the up!!!". I am THRILLED beyond words that Mike is enjoying his future hunting dog. And by the way, Leo is a very smart dog! He is so fun to watch searching for the almighty hidden wings! And when he finds them - oh the pride of a successful hunt!

Kelsey has made the move! She is now in a big girl (toddler) bed! The crib has a new home thanks to Craigslist!

Peaches...

Each Tuesday, Kelsey gets to go out to Healing Reins and ride her designated horse, Peaches. She is such an amazing animal and you can see in her eyes how much she loves these kids! Well today, James came up with the idea to take a "gift" out to the ranch for Peaches - a small baggy of baby carrots. When we arrived at the ranch, Kelsey was so excited to take her gift to her horse. Turns out that Kelsey had to exercise some patience, because Peaches trainer said she cannot get a treat until she has worked. So off Kelsey and Peaches went for their 45 minute ride. When they were back to the stall, out came the carrots again. We went and got a bowl to dump the carrots into and Kelsey proudly walked with this big bowl in her little hands over to this massive animal and held the bowl up so Peaches could consume her snack. As Kelsey was walking over to her, Peaches lips were quivering and she was literally "licking her chops" with the anticipation of the snack that she knew was coming. I have never seen anything so sweet! Those horses at Healing Reins are a gift from above. They are the most wonderful, gentle animals!

(Speaking of wonderful animals...I had to add this picture that I took this evening of Mike and Leo - we are all so in love with him! Leo loves furniture - especially the living room couch - but that's okay with us!)