Father's Day

It's been tradition that Jeremy and I host the Father's Day party at our house every year. It's always fun having Jeremy's family over. They are amazing people and we love to just sit around and chat for hours. We had the added bonus of my parents being in town, so I got to see my Dad on Father's Day, which is something that doesn't happen too often.

The only problem with hosting is that I don't get to take pictures since I'm a little preoccupied. I did manage to take a picture of the cake my friend made for my party. I did a BBQ theme party and this fit right in.

Not only was it so cute, it tasted really good too. If you want to have her make you something, you should visit her blog!

Happy Fathers Day!!

Double Threes

This weekend we extended my birthday by celebrating at Keys on Main- a piano bar in downtown Salt Lake City. It was a lot of fun and I was so grateful that all my good friends could make it.

I was especially grateful that my best friend/husband could make it. He doesn't typically go out with me and my friends, since he generally stays home to watch the kids. Luckily we had a great babysitter, and even stayed overnight. This was one birthday celebration I won't soon forget!

The Week of Red

We decided to color our kids red to show our Ute pride.

Livi was first. After many months of not eating, she has been a champion this week and is tasting a little bit of everything. Unfortunately, she is allergic to peanuts...so the PB&J wasn't exactly the best choice of foods. Within five minutes, this is what she looked like...

After Benedryl and an hour...

After refunding the sandwich...

Then Landon went to the first day of Summer Camp, and although the responsible Mother sent him with sunscreen, the Instructors and 8-year old decided it was optional...

It's definitely safe to say that we won't ever again forget about the peanut allergy and Landon will never forget sunscreen!

Wendover Weekend

This weekend, I went to Wendover with Char and Yvette. Char's friends from High School were all meeting there and Yvette and I tagged along. I just don't think we were meant to go that weekend. We left at 11:00 trying to get in early enough for a message at the spa. However, as soon as we left, we were told there was an accident and the most direct way (I-80) was closed. We could either wait it out for four hours (or more) or go around through Lehi. We chose to go through Lehi. It took us five hours to get there and by the time we arrived, we were exhausted.

We basically had time to check in, clean up and go out to dinner.

Then we gambled and lost a few bucks and decided to call it a night. Yes, we were in bed by 11:00. It was actually kind of nice because Livi hasn't been sleeping very well, which means I haven't been sleeping very well. So, I was able to catch up on some much needed sleep.

Then we went to breakfast and headed home. Luckily, it only took us 2 hours to get home!

My Birthday

The only thing I ever want for my birthday is to spend my day with my family. Today, I got my wish!

I woke up to a display of cards from Jeremy and each of the kids. I had to take a picture of Emma's card, because she drew me a cute little picture.

She's saying "Mama", and apparently I'm saying "sweaty".

Then it was off to school for an assembly. I was told the kids were getting awards, but I didn't know what they were. I was so excited to find out that both Landon and Emma won scholarships towards next year's tuition. They only give out a handful of these, so I was so proud that both of my kids earned them. That was a great birthday present! Landon also earned several other awards that I think deserves a separate blog post, so more to come on that.

I picked up the kids from school and Emma informed me that she only had 7 kids in class today because they are all out sick. Later, her best friend's Dad called to inform me that she tested positive for flu and strep. These two girls are inseparable, so I know it's coming our way. Sweet.

After school, we picked up Jeremy and ate at the Olive Garden.

We dropped Jeremy back off at work and later he brought home my favorite dessert.

"Nothing Bundt Cake"

If you haven't tried it- you must!

I love their slogan...

...and yes, that was my piece, and yes, I finished it all.

Then we watched the rain attempt to flood our basement again, but did a little damage control before it could get in.

Take that Mother Nature.

I can't believe how quickly this year flew by. I can seriously remember blogging about my birthday last year...it doesn't seem like a year has passed. I don't feel older, and I don't think I look much different.

Other than the hair.

Which by the way my Mother informed me she hates.

What a great day it's been. I got a lot of phone calls and texts, cards, and online birthday wishes. I have the most amazing friends and family. Thanks to you all ♥

Here's to many more years and hair colors!

Dreams Do Come True

Both of my Grandmothers died when my parents were young. While it's sad to have never known them, I'm grateful that my Dad's Dad chose such a wonderful woman for me to call Grandma.

My Grandma's father (so I guess that makes him my 'Step Great-Grandpa', LOL), was the famous sculpture Torleif S. Knaphus. I remember my Grandma taking me to Temple Square and showing me his "Handcart Pioneers" sculpture and telling me all about how she was the model for the baby inside the cart.

She is so proud of her dad and loves to tell stories about him. I love how much her eyes light up whenever she talks about him.

After many fundraisers, and many years, a replica sculpture is finally being unveiled today in Norway, where her Dad was born. My Grandma has traveled all over the world, but her age is preventing her from going on this trip. I wish this had come to fruition while she was still able to travel. However, her sons and some of her grandchildren are there right now heading up the ceremony.

I know she's waited for this day for a long time and I'm so happy for her. If you are dying to read more, which I know you are, feel free to click here.

Speaking of sculptures, my cousin that's in Norway right now just posted this picture to her blog...

Um, yea, look closer...

How freaky cool is that?! I can't wait until the kids get a little older so I can start seeing the world!

Soccer Season

Soccer season finally came to an end. This was the first year I had both kids in soccer. Emma ended up quitting dance mid-year because in addition to soccer, we also had swimming and scouts, leaving barely enough time to do homework during the week.

I'm so glad I got her in soccer. She is really good! She is quick on her feet and loves to take control of the ball. She ended up scoring quite a bit too.

taking it in...

goal!!

jumping celebration

another goal
another big smile!


chillin' with team

Landon also did a great job this season. He moved up a level and so they play positions now, which gives him less opportunity to get the ball. He decided he likes the 'Forward' position the most. He's a great defender and just loves to be out there playing with his friends!

School Picnic

Our kids' school had a Family Picnic Day on the last week of school. It was so fun to sit back and watch the kids in their element and see them with their friends. It's also a nice chance to hang out with the other parents and teachers in a more casual environment. What a fun night!

Emma and her best friend Maloreigh


Landon and his best friend RJ

Landon's other best friend Andy

They hung up all the kids' artwork which was fun to see.

Squeeeeeze!

I've been really busy this last few weeks with soccer, swimming, scouts, school, oh- and Livi.

I'll post a little later about the million activities Landon and Emma have been involved in lately, but for now I wanted to update on Livi. I want to document her therapy and her progress, so this may be a little boring to read, but I think it will be good for me to look back on.

Since she's been diagnosed with SPD, we've changed her course of treatment quite a bit. In addition to the weekly feeding class, she also meets with a therapist in our home. She's introduced us to a lot of techniques to help with Livi's behaviors. For example, Livi will have a physical reaction when putting food in her mouth, and will actually start shaking. Here is an example of how she reacts to any type of food I give her:

Her therapist said that her sensory system is overloaded and that's the way her body reacts. She suggested counter-acting it with pressure to her body. Sometimes holding her tight will work, but the best way is to squeeze her hands together. We've been doing that for a while now and it works so well that now she just does it on her own- whenever she finds herself overloaded, she squeezes her hands together, and she's suddenly better. I'm glad I have a therapist with a lot of SPD experience, because I would never have tried that one on my own.

There's a lot more I want to have documented about her therapy, but I think I'll just write separate posts since this one is getting a little long. I'm so lucky to have such an amazing and strong little girl. I'm also thankful that I was given the patience and perseverance that I needed to deal with this little bump in the road.

More on Livi's Therapy

Livi's therapists gave me some tools to help her control her sensory overloads. One of which is jumping. If she gets out of control and can't seem to concentrate, letting her jump supposedly helps with this. They suggested I let her jump on the couch or buy something she can bounce on. Of course I chose to save my couch.

I was skeptical about the purpose of this, but did as I was told and bought this fun little bouncer. She liked to jump in it, but mostly wanted to have her pillow and blankie in it and watch Dora. Then one day during our in home session, Livi was all over the place and would not pay attention. The therapist asked for the bouncer and did some jumping exercises with her. After about ten minutes we sat down again to resume our session and Livi was calm and finished her session without any problems. It was amazing to see how well the jumping really worked (when done correctly).

The other interesting thing they do in her classe is "bubble therapy" for kids who hate touching things that are wet, sticky or with texture. At our first class, Livi would not touch the bubbles at all. They suggested I try doing it at home as well to make her more comfortable with the idea. I recruited Emma to help me and once Livi saw Emma playing with the bubbles, she was all for it.
Emma said it was her favorite "chore" and would do it anytime I needed her to.

Now Livi will touch the food, but choses just to play with it instead. She lines up her food a lot, which is a pretty common behavior for kids with this disorder.

She is doing much better now and I'm so grateful I have all the tools I need to help her get through this.