I had to look at Twitter and Instagram to remember what happened since I last wrote on the blog…

The first thing I mentioned on the social media arena was that Amanda and I went to “Gear Up for Graduation,” at the University of Oklahoma.  It was a time to order graduation announcements, get cap and gown, and take pic in cap and gown.  She did all the above for her upcoming commencement and then we celebrated with a super fattening lunch at my all time favorite place, Victoria’s.  If you ever find yourself in Norman, around campus corner you have to go to Victoria’s and get my all time favorite “Best of Victoria’s,” in which you choose three pastas. I get spaghetti with marinara, fettuccine alfredo, and either lasagna rolls or whole wheat linguine with mushrooms (my mouth is watering at the thought).  Any excuse to go to Victoria’s is a good one.

I guess March was all about the Italian food because the next big thing in March was Emelia’s fifteenth birthday that was celebrated in Stillwater at Joseppis.  It’s the Italian version of Eskimo Joes.  I took Bailey there in February for his birthday and brought much of my lunch home.  Emelia likes to eat my lunch leftovers and loved what I had, so she decided that was where she wanted to have her birthday dinner.  There were a few problems with that… it’s 90 minute drive, and Bailey had class on her birthday so meeting us would be a problem.  I decided to make a night of it and we went as a family.  It was a lot of fun.  We did have a miscommunication and Bailey and Faith ended up getting our table for ten an hour early.  He improvised by ordering several italian sodas and some appetizers so all was well.

Amanda and Lorenzo came from Norman to go with us and then slept over so I could take them to the airport early the next morning.  They FINALLY made the trip to Disneyworld for the honeymoon!  They had such a fun time. It really is the happiest place on earth.

While they were in Florida, Emelia was in Dallas having a weekend of pampering and leisure with Gram and Jane Ann.  They had spray tans, facial, massage, mani pedi… etc.  Bailey, Izzy, and I went with my friend Gina to her house in the mountains.  We rode four wheelers and practiced shooting guns.  We had a lot of fun and will not soon forget being chased by the mean dogs on the four wheelers, or the man saying he knew I wasn’t from around there in town at the redbox (He asked if he could return his movie and I said, “no.”  I was just kidding) Driving through the water and getting splashed.  Seeing Bailey hit every target he placed with the shotgun.  It was fun and I enjoyed watching him enjoy it.  Iz got to ride on the four wheeler and even wanted to try shooting the 22.  With a lot of help she actually enjoyed it.  I am a little afraid of guns but I did learn if you know what you are doing and are safe it is ok.

My sweet Uncle Ronnie passed away in March.  He was so kind when Izzy had her accident.  He visited the hospital several times when we were in Childrens and then when they moved us to Dallas he brought his RV down and placed it so that we would have a home base amongst the hospitals.  It was really going above and beyond and we were so appreciative.  He will be missed, most of all by his wife of many years Margie.

Matt and I made a date of going to the dentist for cleaning appointments at the same time!  We got good reports and went to Mcallisters for lunch and tea (because it’s the best there).

Izzy has been doing great with the power chair that is on loan.  She is driving all through the halls of the school using her head.  She is such a smart girl.  She had her Nini day over spring break at Cheesecake Factory. She loves cheesecake!  She also got first place on her artwork for special olympics.  Melanie described how she used a sponge to make her owl.

This has been a month of appointments! Trying to get Izzy’s new foot splints ended up being more difficult than it should have been.  After fitting we had to do appt with PCP so he would authorize referral… then they denied requesting peer to peer!  Dr. Herndon wasn’t thrilled with that, but fortunately he convinced insurance company that she does, in fact, need AFO’s.  Good grief!  We also spent a few grueling hours at the pediatric dentist.  Izzy has such a strong bite reflex she almost panics when you try to force her to open her mouth.  By the end of that visit we were both wiped out.  They referred her to Children’s Hospital to another dentist in April to schedule sedative dentistry.  (insert heavy sigh).

We both paid a visit to our old massage therapist, craniosacral, myofascial friend BEAR.  I stopped our weekly visits a few years ago when she had hip and then spine surgery so it was just time to return.  That and the fact that my shoulder was in pain that was getting worse and worse!  He pointed out that my shoulder was forward three inches when he saw me and then told me my collar bone was out of socket when he started working on me.  He said if I could stand ten seconds of excruciating pain we could get it back in.  Honestly that pain wasn’t as bad as the nerve ending pressure points he did on my back… but hopefully it will help.  I know the cause and am working on a solution.  In the meantime I am hoping visiting bear will help.  He was so happy to see Izzy and worked on her.  He said her brain felt more normal than the times before that he worked on her.  He was pleased with her and said she looked like she was getting better.  Izzy likes Bear, he’s definitely a character…

We had a thundersleet storm last week all night and then lots of snow.  Emelia made a snowgirl she named Snowmelia.  It was pretty cute.  She forfeited her real hair extensions for the cause, I guess her hair has grown longer than those extensions now anyway!

I met Amanda to find a business suit for a job fair at OU.  She is getting excited about graduating in May with her Bachelor Degree!  I’m sure I’ll mention that in many blog posts to come.  Because I am a proud mom and all that. . .

We are also gearing up for the special olympics this spring.  Tracey (aka Ruth), Nathaniel’s mom has been working with her very creative, t-shirt designing son Austin to make our group some really cool shirts!  He came up with a really great design.

Izzy’s class has had fun times this month…  we had our valentine party at Poblano Grill.  Izzy enjoyed potatoes rice and cheese sauce by the spoonful.  The teachers, moms, and Camilla spent an evening having dinner to celebrate Ruth’s birthday.  We have so much fun together.

Me, Amanda, and Izzy headed up to Stillwater for birthday lunch with the boy.   He had class until after two so we had to plan for a late lunch, which gave us an excuse to let Izzy play hooky and ride along.  It was a really good time of the day to eat lunch in Stillwater!  Normally any of the Joe’s (Eskimo Joes, Mexico Joe’s or Joseppis) are really crowded at lunch time but by three they are very quiet!

Saturday evening we had dinner with all of Bailey’s favorites!  I made two types of chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, (organic and whole grain as requested!) green beans, peas… and we had cheesecake!  It’s very special to have all the kids around the table.

I’m very proud of my now 19 year old boy.  He is sweet beyond compare, handsome inside and out, and intelligent to top it all off.

This month has been all over the place in many ways.  The weather in Oklahoma hasn’t ceased to be a surprise almost daily.  I took Isabelle to an appointment yesterday morning to be fitted for new AFO’s (foot splints worn in standing and on bike).  It poured rain as we drove into the city and when we got to Hanger Orthotics I had no choice but to get drenched assembling her chair and running into the building.  I got a little cranky… I don’t like to get wet!  Bill Barringer is a great orthotist and worked quickly and efficiently to cast her feet and make molds for the new AFO’s.  We chose a sassy zebra print! Izzy went to school when we finished and was almost dry because I had covered her except for her wet feet!  Brandy was quick to dry her socks and get her warmed up!  I guess it was good rain therapy.

Camilla had arranged another trial for a power chair (the one she can drive with her head) and the rep had cancelled a few times due to equipment problems and sickness.  The chair he brought turned out to be too small but her is bringing another asap.  She did get to try it out a little anyway.  They said that Eric connected the hand toggle switch to move it back to the therapy room and while they were talking Izzy found it and started moving!  She’s funny.

We unfortunately haven’t been spared from germs this month either!  Bailey had to visit the dr. on campus at OSU for strep throat.  I went last week and was given the diagnosis of bronchitis and sinusitis (yuck).  Emelia has coughed her way through January and our little health nut Izzy is a little congested but overall the healthiest of the crew.

It was a year ago yesterday that Lorenzo proposed to Amanda.  I love this picture capturing the moment of the proposal (bachelor style)… I love amanda’s smile and stance.  She looks like a little girl in this picture.

They are the happiest and cutest couple!

I’m working on a surprise gift for Bailey’s birthday (feb 7).  I am hoping I get finished by then and I will post a pic.

Izzy also had an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon for x-rays to check her back and hips.  Everything looked good.  Dr. Herndon said we will be visiting twice a year for four years to make sure all is well.  I remember our first visit with Dr. Herndon.  I thought he was so cold and rude.  After going through two surgeries and many visits I have found him to be a very caring and kind doctor.  Best of all he is an excellent surgeon which was the reason we stuck it out!  It’s amazing how just the right people cross our path.

We spent the day ringing in the new year with family… an unplanned dinner turned out to be really fun. Mom made the usual black eyed peas, which are not as nasty as some considering they are from the garden and frozen. She always insisted I have at least a spoon full even though we never bought in the “luck” theory. I think it was just an excuse to get me to eat them. I cooked a turkey. Amanda and Lorenzo ended up coming for dinner and all together you have an almost party!

It has been a nice Christmas break. I’ve enjoyed having Bailey around a lot. He actually left last night so he would have all day today to locate his classes. I miss him. We also got to see a lot of Amanda and Lorenzo! They stayed a couple of nights here for Christmas. I loved that. Everyone under the same roof!

Matt and I drove to Norman yesterday and had dinner with Amanda and Lorenzo. We went to Ted’s (yum)! and then drug the guys to the mall to see if anything was left at the Victoria’s Secret sale. Not much. Matt always asked why the only thing I come home with from there is more like sweat pant suits rather than the things on commercials. Ha.

New Year, new goals and plans. I do have one tiny little baby resolution I haven’t spoken out loud much. I want the option to change my mind… although I plan to start the process this week so we’ll see. If it all comes together I’ll let you in on it.

We had a really nice lunch at Tracey’s (Nathaniel’s mom) house. I took this:

Tracey made steaks and pasta with alfredo…. It was a nice lunch and great to spend the afternoon with our school group!

I took Emelia to the eye dr. last week and her glasses finally arrived Friday! We spent the afternoon today getting our nails done with Christmas gift certificates to our nail place. She even had her brows waxed! Even my dad noticed! Ha.

I ordered these rectangle cookie cutters in november after seeing Pioneer Woman make these!

So I made and refrigerated the dough which emelia said wasn’t good. After dinner I baked them and amanda and faith helped decorate them.

It was fun! I also made chocolate dipped marshmallows. They make a great breakfast. Just saying.

I haven’t blogged since October (I was sent a text reminder  - thanks Darla)…

Last time I blogged I mentioned the death of Collin, the following week another near drowning child, Madison (10 years old) died unexpectedly in her sleep.  Two others passed away this week.  It’s been a strange time including the murders in Connecticut.

Izzy has been having trials of eye gaze software communication devices.  It is pretty amazing where technology is going!  She said several sentences today using eye gaze.  We had a fun class field trip Monday to see Junie B. Jones at the Children’s Theatre.  We ate lunch in bricktown and then visited the cutest Santa ever at Bass Pro Shop (or the weapon store as I like to describe it).  It was a bitter cold day, but lots of fun.  The group in her class are just the best.  Iz has been working in the stander and standing from sitting position with Camilla, and also riding her bike.  She is a hard worker!   The video I am linking to shows individuals using this system to communicate.

We had a great Thanksgiving holiday.  We all went to Tulsa on Thanksgiving Day and then celebrated here on Friday, after hard core black friday shopping of course.  I was officially finished shopping for Christmas around the first of December but have had a lot of little last minute things since.  Not sure if being ahead of the game is such a great thing!  I love love love picking out gifts and giving them.  That’s my favorite part of Christmas!

I expect Bailey home tonight for his Christmas break and look forward to a few weeks with him.  Amanda finished up too so hopefully we’ll see her a little more.  I did spend the day with her Wednesday, she met me at a conference on the communication device.

The last week has been a blur of activity and the upcoming week is promising the same busy-ness.  I love this time of year!

If I don’t blog before Christmas… MERRY CHRISTMAS!   (love ya.)

It finally feels like Fall in Oklahoma. Summer clothes are put away and boots and sweaters are displayed in closet ready to be worn!  I love the crisp fall air. Love scarfs and boots and sweaters (oh my)!

This week Izzy tried out a power chair driven with her head. She did great job. I posted this on Facebook.

Emelia had a wonderful weekend in Dallas with Gram, jane Ann, and Jane Ellen.

This pic is after she worked hard.

I had lunch with amanda Thursday. It was really good to see her!

Bailey is home for the weekend.

He is loving OSU and isn’t he cute with his girlfriend, Faith?

I got a sad call Thursday night. My friend and tribe sister dawn lost her son Collin. He had a near drowning accident at one year of age. They took a nap and Collin did not wake up. Our group is mourning with and for dawn as Collin was her life. Hard to believe a few short weeks ago we were all together never imagined this would happen.

Assimilating back to the “real world,’ after a whirlwind five days in Washington State.

I almost missed my plane because I slept past the time I need to leave for the airport.  It wasn’t a calm way to start the day.  I somehow (barely) made it to my flight and on to Seattle, Washington.  I arrived at 9:30 a.m. and headed to Pikes Market with Tiffany and Teresa.  I love the market and seeing all of the fresh produce, pretty flowers, and vendors selling all sorts of things.  We shopped until lunch and found a little diner that makes/sells tea and crumpets.  I had heard of crumpets but this was my first tasting.  Very nice.

The City Target was fun and three stories high.  Definitely different than any Target around here!  After shopping until we almost dropped it was time to head to Suncadia.  The weather was perfect, not the rain usually associated with the pacific northwest.  It was warm and sunny all five days.  Warms is an exaggeration.  It was close to 70 degrees most days which is warm for that area.  Although considering I am always cold I was never really “warm.”

We drove to Cle Elum for a few other items to make a simple dinner at the house and lots and lots of pumpkins.  After grilling some steak, roasting fresh asparagus with tons of garlic and chopping cauliflower we had a quiet dinner and evening.  Later that evening a few others arrived for the Mother’s of Near Drownings Tribe Retreat 2012!

I woke at 6ish Friday morning and was the only one awake for hours!  It was so quiet there.  A few of us drove to Leavenworth for German food and a little browsing/shopping.  Another beautiful day!  We came back to the house, dressed up a little and went to the lodge for dinner.  The Lodge overlooks beautiful mountains and the view of the sunset was breathtaking.  That evening the remainder of the tribe arrived, but only after a race to finish our pumpkin carving project.  Three carved in about 20 minutes and they were impressive.  We ran out to get them lit just in time for the caravan arrived. We played a gift exchange game and exchanged little items we brought for each other.

Saturday morning we awoke to yummy breakfast casserole made by Amy and Yoli (our tribe mascots and helpers).  Most of us went on a hike down the mountain.  So beautiful!  We came back and dressed for dinner at the winery.  I had gotten a call from my family that Isabelle was refusing to eat which put a cloud over my lunch experience.  I spent most of the time looking up earlier flights to return home.  I ordered a cup of soup and water, too anxious to actually eat… but got a message after lunch that they had gotten things worked out so I was happy again!  :)

Saturday evening we spent a lot of time around the fire pit roasting marshmallows and smores.  We went around the circle around the fire answering questions like, “what’s the best part about being you?”  It was fun to learn so many new things about all the ladies.  Having shared such a life changing experience really does seal that bond quickly and I think they are all amazing women.

Sunday I went to the sweetest little church with Sue, dropping a couple of ladies off for Mass.  We went to this church (Calvary Chapel in Cle Elum) two years ago and It was so similar to that time I was surprised.  The lesson was interesting and long and I love the “folky” feel of their music.  Just sweet.  There was a Harvest Festival at Suncadia for the weekend so we all loaded up and enjoyed that.  I rode a mechanical bull and had roasted corn on the cob.  Tiffany and I went to the fitness center to work out after the festival and I really felt a pull in my back from the bull ride no doubt…  fortunately there is a hot tub back at the house to soak!  We played another fun game with thought provoking questions Sunday evening and then landed out by the fire pit again for some more smores!  :)

Monday was pack up and get ready to go home day.  Four ladies had flights cancelled due to the airline being down.  Very unnerving.  Sue and I had one last brisk walk in Suncadia and then I rode to Seattle with tiffany.   We picked her son and his friend up from college and went for thai food.  I was back in the air at 4 p.m. with my plane buddy Teresa, until Salt Lake City!  Bumpiest flight ever.  We sat by a odd girl coming home from Paris.  I think we were both a little jealous of her tales of Rome and the South of France.  Blah…  but every mile closer to home was good.  I missed my family!

I haven’t unpacked yet, and am considering just living out of my suitcase pretending to still be vacationing… ya, maybe not.  It was a wonderful third retreat and I am counting the days until our next get together and feeling blessed to be a part of something so special!

Happy Birthday today to my DAD!  I love him.

(this pic was taken when dad and I went to a Jewel concert for his birthday two years ago)

He is sweet and felt like mom needed to “feel the love” too, so he sent me out to find a gift for him to give her at his birthday party.  I found a pretty rose necklace at James Avery and some pretty roses.

Also got in some fun mall time with Bailey finding that gift.  It’s nice to have my boy home on the weekends!

This past week has been non stop!  Thursday we celebrated Izzy’s teacher Melanie’s birthday (which is also today).  The whole gang (Melanie, Tracey, me, Brandi, Teresa, Kathy and Camilla) went to the Melting Pot for dinner.  It was three hours of laughing, fonduing and fun!  Such a special group!

I had another session with the hard core trainer this week.  My arms feel like they will never be the same …

Izzy has been having good days at school.  She is doing well practicing sitting in a regular chair with Camilla and works hard on her school work.  She was praised Friday with speech therapist for using her eye gaze well.

The Seattle trip is getting so close!  My excitement builds as we all discuss the plans for the long weekend in Washington State!  I’m a little nervous to be going for an extra day this year, but know it will be a weekend to remember.  Now I just need to get my project/gifts finished to take with me!