Way to Go Zach!!!!!

So in brighter news Zach's teacher emailed me this we are so proud of him and his achievements!  He is another boy who shows great strength and courage.

Heads up - your boy scored a 186 on the reading MAPS assessment.  My assistant and I tested him via computer (it is like a mini-MSP) and he scored at above a Level 3 - which means at grade level. 

VERY PROUD OF HIM!!!!!!!

Seriously How am I getting through this????

Like everyone our family experiences times of trial and just plain bad days.  However, in life I believe we all have crosses to bear, and my cross that I'm asked to bear appears to be health challenges with not only myself, but some of my loved ones too. 

In reflecting about this, I thought back to everything we have recently been through in the past two years.  A brain bleed, deaths, a move, advocating in the school, ADHD, anxiety, depression, change of boss at Kirk's work, and now severe lower GI issues with Isabella.  I thought to myself just two weeks ago everything was running smooth, but then poor Isabella got sick again and I thought why me again and how in the world am I going to deal with this?  I thought about Esther in the scriptures again and how she had to exhibit courage and strength in her life.  I then thought to myself I have to be strong because being strong is the only choice I have and God blessed me with that gift.  I can do hard things including helping my daughter get through this tough time.  I'm her example and I need to show her my courage and my strength because this is how we are going to get through this.

Bella Blues

Poor Isabella is having a rough time with her tummy again.  Today she told me "Mom these tummy problems are causing the "Bella Blues"  I feel so bad for her.  This Friday she has a barium enema.  Last week she had a zillion blood tests.  However, when she was with her GI doctor the other day her doctor gave her these adorable crocheted hats and Bella loves them!!!!

First Day of School

Even though Bella is having tummy issues both kiddos are enjoying their new school!  Zach really likes his teacher and so does Bella.

It's Crock Pot Season I'm going to try this!

Want breakfast tomorrow without lifting a finger?

Place 2 sliced apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, pinch salt in the bottom of the crock pot.
Pour... in 2 cups of oatmeal, 2 cups of milk and 2 cups water.
Do NOT stir.
Cook overnight for 8 - 9 hours on low.

Crock-Pot Taco Soup Yummy!!!

CROCKPOT TACO SOUP

Ingredients
1 lb Ground Beef, cooked and drained
1 can corn...
1 can Great Northern Beans(white)
1 can Black Beans
1 can Red Beans
1 can Diced Tomatos
1 Hidden Valley Ranch packet
1 Taco seasoning packet
2 cups water
Tortilla Chips
Sour Cream
Shredded Cheese

Instructions
Combine all ingredients in Crockpot except Tortilla Chips, Shredded Cheese and Sour Cream.
**Do not drain any of the cans. Stir and cover with lid. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Serve with tortilla chips, cheese and sour cream.

School Days!

This dog that we saw at the beach was so friendly!  He loved the kids

The whole family at our special beach in Oregon

Zach and Bells next to the sand castle

The sand dollar!

Zach's name written in the sand

Playing in the ocean