Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
'Tis the Season
One of my most favorite things about Christmas in Utah is seeing
the lights at Temple Square.
the lights at Temple Square.
It signals the beginning of the Christmas season for me.
Last night we bundled and went as a family to show the girls the beautiful lights.
May your season be bright!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Since returning to the states, I have had the craft bug like never before.
I think it comes from a strong desire to settle down and make a home - to decorate walls and have throw pillows, to watch the girls playing in the yard from the kitchen window, to be in the same spot long enough to make it feel like it's ours.
In fact, lately, I would rather be sitting at the sewing machine than the computer (or at least that's my excuse for not blogging lately).
Tonight I stumbled upon these cute stockings.
I think I might add it to the list of things to make before Christmas.
I think it comes from a strong desire to settle down and make a home - to decorate walls and have throw pillows, to watch the girls playing in the yard from the kitchen window, to be in the same spot long enough to make it feel like it's ours.
In fact, lately, I would rather be sitting at the sewing machine than the computer (or at least that's my excuse for not blogging lately).
Tonight I stumbled upon these cute stockings.
I think I might add it to the list of things to make before Christmas.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
October
Wow! October completely got away from me. It's been a busy month with lots going on.
So here's a quick catch up with photos...
Antalya turned FIVE!!! There was much celebrating!
On Antalya's birthday, Victoria gave her the best gift possible. She asked for her to push her in the swing (usually if anyone except I pushes her, she instantly decides she doesn't want to swing). This let to helping each other in and out of the swing and taking turns pushing. It did this momma's heart good to see them playing so well.
It seemed we had more than our share of Halloween parties this year!
We spent three wonderful days camping and hiking at Zion National Park with some of the cousins.
We had a fun outing to HeeHaws farm with the cousins.
Antalya had her first dance performance with the Pals dance group. When she realized everyone was watching her and clapping for her, her face just lit up. It was so fun to watch her. Her group is performing at the Festival of Trees this year and I can't wait to watch her again!
New Family Photos!
We found lots of witches at the WitchFest with Gramma.
Trick-or-Treating Fun!
Hope your October was a good as ours!
So here's a quick catch up with photos...
Antalya turned FIVE!!! There was much celebrating!
On Antalya's birthday, Victoria gave her the best gift possible. She asked for her to push her in the swing (usually if anyone except I pushes her, she instantly decides she doesn't want to swing). This let to helping each other in and out of the swing and taking turns pushing. It did this momma's heart good to see them playing so well.
It seemed we had more than our share of Halloween parties this year!
We spent three wonderful days camping and hiking at Zion National Park with some of the cousins.
We had a fun outing to HeeHaws farm with the cousins.
Antalya had her first dance performance with the Pals dance group. When she realized everyone was watching her and clapping for her, her face just lit up. It was so fun to watch her. Her group is performing at the Festival of Trees this year and I can't wait to watch her again!
New Family Photos!
We found lots of witches at the WitchFest with Gramma.
Trick-or-Treating Fun!
Hope your October was a good as ours!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Today
At 6:30 this morning Antalya and I were in the car rocking out to her favorite version of The Wheels on the Bus. Despite my efforts to convince her otherwise, Antalya was convinced we were headed to Uncle Scott's house to play. We've only been to his house once, and it most definitely was not at 6:30am.
As we drove through downtown Salt Lake City I was reminded again of how quaint this city feels after being in London for two years. I feel like I could pick up the whole city and hold it in the palm of my hand. But I love it! Especially when I hit every green light on South Temple. This city is my home.
Just as the sky was beginning to lighten behind the mountains, we pulled into the parking lot at Primary Children's Hospital for a full day of doctors. Lucky for Antalya, she will asleep for most of it! They let me follow her back to the OR and stay with her until she was out. As I walked out, I couldn't help looking back at my little girl. She looked so tiny laying on such a big operating table.
She will be out for the entire morning with a line-up of dental work, ear tubes, echocardiogram on her heart, and ABR hearing scan.
And I will spend the morning waiting, reading, and enjoying a few quite hours all to myself!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
October
Today begins Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
It is also the month Antalya was born, so naturally always brings with it much contemplation on the blessing this little angel is to our family.
Watch for lots of post this month celebrating Down syndrome and the life of my beautiful daughter Antalya.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Free Day Out... 'Cuz It's Been Awhile
It's the end of the month, our budget is blown, and we still don't have income. So, instead of heading to a park like we usually do when we need to get out of the house, we decided to head downtown.
We didn't want to pay for parking, so we found some free metered parking (Saturdays the meters are free) near TRAX on 3rd South. Our first stop was the new art installation next to Capitol Theatre.
The girls had fun running through the metal poles that move and make noise when you push them. It's supposed to resemble a field of grass.
When we had had our fill, we hopped on TRAX (we were within the free-ride zone) and rode the train to the Clark Planetarium. The exhibits are all free. We didn't pay to watch a movie, because our girls wouldn't have sat through one anyways. I wasn't sure there would be enough to keep the girls entertained, but we found plenty to do.
When it was time for lunch rode the train back to the car and drove a few blocks up to the State Capital Building and had a picnic on the lawn. We eventually wandered inside. I was glad it was a Saturday and no one was trying to work. You wouldn't believe the echoes!! They seemed to go on for minutes. Antalya was in heaven - a very loud, full of lots and lots of yells heaven! And Victoria thought the marble staircases were pretty amazing to run on.
It was a perfect outing - few tantrums, new sites, and all we spent was a few dollars on gas to get there.
We didn't want to pay for parking, so we found some free metered parking (Saturdays the meters are free) near TRAX on 3rd South. Our first stop was the new art installation next to Capitol Theatre.
The girls had fun running through the metal poles that move and make noise when you push them. It's supposed to resemble a field of grass.
When we had had our fill, we hopped on TRAX (we were within the free-ride zone) and rode the train to the Clark Planetarium. The exhibits are all free. We didn't pay to watch a movie, because our girls wouldn't have sat through one anyways. I wasn't sure there would be enough to keep the girls entertained, but we found plenty to do.
When it was time for lunch rode the train back to the car and drove a few blocks up to the State Capital Building and had a picnic on the lawn. We eventually wandered inside. I was glad it was a Saturday and no one was trying to work. You wouldn't believe the echoes!! They seemed to go on for minutes. Antalya was in heaven - a very loud, full of lots and lots of yells heaven! And Victoria thought the marble staircases were pretty amazing to run on.
It was a perfect outing - few tantrums, new sites, and all we spent was a few dollars on gas to get there.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The End
The long, hot, lazy days of summer are quickly coming to an end. 
We are soaking up every minute we have left!
Soon enough, we will be burdened with layers of clothing, and big decisions about where to settle down and create a home for our family. But for now, we will run careless and free for a few more days.
For the girls and I, it has been a summer to remember - filled with friends, family, popsicles, watermelon, and picnics. But not so for Jason, who has spent the entire summer in an unfinished office in my parent's basement, pounding out his dissertation.
Tonight he will push the send button on his computer, and this school year will finally come to a close for him! And we will have exactly 11 days to make this a memorable summer for Jason before Antalya starts school and longterm decisions must be made.
We will make sure this summer we go out with a bang!
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Moment
A couple miles from my parent's house is a beautiful canyon. I have so many memories of hikes, picnics, campfires, cook-outs, and late nights looking up at the stars. A few years ago they put a pay station at the entrance and starting charging $7 a vehicle to enter. The put a damper on my visits to this beautiful place.
Just last week I found out that Antalya's National Park Access card will get us into the canyon for free (did you know anyone with a disability just needs to take proof of the disability to a rancher station and they are given a lifetime pass that can be used for free entry to all National Parks, National Forests, and BLM land?)
So this morning we packed a lunch and headed up the beautiful canyon. I had visions of us spending the entire morning hiking, throwing rocks in the stream, and exploring nature. I should know better than to set such high expectations.
Antalya picked a picnic table to sit at and we started our picnic.
Soon the girls discovered the stream, and so we moved our picnic to the water's edge.
As I was sitting there thinking enjoying the sound of the flowing water and the birds chirping I couldn't help but think what an absolutely perfect it was. No sooner, than I thought that, I heard a loud rumbling coming down the trail. Victoria suddenly jumped into my lap screaming "hold you, hold you" in her sweet little voice. And just like that our wonderful morning out in nature was so rudely interrupted by this monster tractor, that began work 200 yards from where we were sitting.
The rest of our short-lived picnic played out with Victoria clinging to me for dear life, Antalya peeing in her pants, and then running off bare-foot, leaving me to clean up as quick I could, grab shoes, and go chasing after her with Victoria crying on my hip.
But that's life isn't it? Moments of absolute bliss that give us a short reprieve from all the upset, chaos, and hard work of everyday. The challenge is learning to appreciate those short moments when they come around, and adapt to change when it suddenly throws your plans out the window.
Just last week I found out that Antalya's National Park Access card will get us into the canyon for free (did you know anyone with a disability just needs to take proof of the disability to a rancher station and they are given a lifetime pass that can be used for free entry to all National Parks, National Forests, and BLM land?)
So this morning we packed a lunch and headed up the beautiful canyon. I had visions of us spending the entire morning hiking, throwing rocks in the stream, and exploring nature. I should know better than to set such high expectations.
Antalya picked a picnic table to sit at and we started our picnic.
Soon the girls discovered the stream, and so we moved our picnic to the water's edge.
As I was sitting there thinking enjoying the sound of the flowing water and the birds chirping I couldn't help but think what an absolutely perfect it was. No sooner, than I thought that, I heard a loud rumbling coming down the trail. Victoria suddenly jumped into my lap screaming "hold you, hold you" in her sweet little voice. And just like that our wonderful morning out in nature was so rudely interrupted by this monster tractor, that began work 200 yards from where we were sitting.
The rest of our short-lived picnic played out with Victoria clinging to me for dear life, Antalya peeing in her pants, and then running off bare-foot, leaving me to clean up as quick I could, grab shoes, and go chasing after her with Victoria crying on my hip.
But that's life isn't it? Moments of absolute bliss that give us a short reprieve from all the upset, chaos, and hard work of everyday. The challenge is learning to appreciate those short moments when they come around, and adapt to change when it suddenly throws your plans out the window.
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