Monday, August 8, 2011

Sprinkler Fun! For Everyone!

 So while Matt was watering the lawn he dedicded that he should spray the kids. They had a blast. I went outside to find Max running in place singing Maniac from "Flashdance" while Matt was spraying him. We just laughed so hard. It was hilarious.
Nini decided she needed to join in the fun and played in the sprinklers too.






Fun times!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

2011 Summer Swim Team. Taylor Torpedos!

This was Max's first year on swim team. He did really good. He learned the strokes and did really well. His first meet was a bit nerve racking but he did great. He loved every minute of swim team. Each day he would come home invigorated from the workout. He would be energized for the day. 
The kids loved their summer swim team. Ryanne didn't care much for the early morning practices but I am proud of her for doing it. We sure are proud of you both! (Sorry Ryanne for some reason we don't have pictures of you this year.):

Monday, July 11, 2011

Michael turns 5!!

Its hard to believe that he is already 5 and ready for Kindergarten. Michael is so excited for school to start and ride the bus with Ryanne and Max.  I just don't know that I am ready for it.
I love this picture. This was Zacharys bike for Christmas 2007 when Michael as 1 1/2 years.  It was so fun to watch him always crawl onto it. Then one day his little feet touched the pedals. And my baby wasn't a baby.  This year Michael's birthday was the day after a terrible dust storm so we couldn't go swimming. We DID have a great time together as a family though.  We gave him his own pair of swimming shorts and a kick board to help him learn to swim, which he got to use 2 days later.  He is doing amazing. He is jumping off the diving board, doing his pencil dives and swimming all over the place.  It's so fun to watch his excitement about swimming all by himself.  Michael motto for his birthday was "It's by birthday and I can act like I want to".  His exact words.  Well that didn't go over completely well and the birthday boy had to have a little calm down time in his room. I thought it was funny though, when he wasn't looking of course. One of the things he loves to do this summer is to wear his swim goggles as sun glasses when we go outside. We love you Michael. What a blessing you are in our family.

AUTISM In March!

Well sometimes I feel like Autism describes my life. Today it sure did. Zach had a horrible day on the bus and I had it out with the bus aide. I have never yelled at someone like that before. I really don't feel guilty about it. He was too rough and bent Zach's arm out of frustration and hurt him. THAT IS NOT OK! I guess he felt it was his duty in life to teach our son how to behave during a 20 minute bus trip. Unfortunately micromanaging Zachary's behavior doesn't work. Angry would describe me yesterday. So yet another call to the busing supervisor. Her and I are getting to know each other well this year. So after that "episode" as I will call it we had cub scout pack meeting last night. It just so happens that Matt was asked to talk about Autism. Matt found this poem and I wanted to share it. It was heart wrenching to read. Which I did last night. I could barely get through it. Matt warned me that it would be hard. But as I was feeling still wound up about the bus episode I thought I could. Not so much. It really had my emotions all over the place. Here it is:

The Misunderstood Child A poem about children with hidden disabilities by Kathy Winters
I am the child that looks healthy and fine. I was born with ten fingers and toes. But something is different, somewhere in my mind, And what it is, nobody knows. I am the child that struggles in school, Though they say that I'm perfectly smart. They tell me I'm lazy -can learn if I try- But I don't seem to know where to start. I am the child that won't wear the clothes Which hurt me or bother my feet. I dread sudden noises, can't handle most smells, And tastes -there are few foods I'll eat. I am the child that can't catch the ball And runs with an awkward gait. I am the one chosen last on the team And I cringe as I stand there and wait. I am the child with whom no one will play- The one that gets bullied and teased. I try to fit in and I want to be liked But nothing I do seems to please. I am the child that tantrums and freaks Over things that seem petty and trite. You'll never know how I panic inside, When I', lost in my anger and fright. I am the child that fidgets and squirms Though I'm told to sit still and be good. Do you think that I choose to be out of control? Don't you know that I would if I could? I am the child with the broken heart Though I act like I don't really care. Perhaps there's a reason God made me this way. Some message he sent me to share. For I am the child that needs to be loved and accepted and valued too. I am the child that is misunderstood. I am different-but look just like you.

What a powerful poem. As Autism awareness is coming up I hope that it helps people understand more about what these little ones are going through and have more love and compassion for them. I know my Zachary struggles and he is an amazing kid. I have the best 4 children! Ryanne, Max and Michael do not cease to amaze me with their compassion and love for their brother. They are truly each such a blessing from God.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Ryanne Turns 11!

Ryanne Madison Garn turns 11 today.

Wow is all I can say. I knew the day would come that she would be older and not play with dolls anymore, I just wasn't prepared for my little girl to be not so little. Ryanne is an amazing young girl. I thank God everyday for her in our lives. How did I get so blessed. Last night she was bouncing off the walls because today was her birthday. This morning at 12:48 am she tells me she is now 11. At least i was already up with her brother who had a bad dream. It was so fun to see her excitement, she was dressed and ready to go before 6am. I thought I would add a picture for each year. What a beautiful little lady.

When Ryanne was born the Doctor wanted to induce my labor. So since I was ready we went ahead and did it. I did have a choice in check in times so I choose to check in on Feb 29. I didn't want a leap year baby. Her labor was pretty uneventful. Just long and long. At around 10:30 at night on March 1st she came into the world with her daddy's hands. What an amazing experience.

1 year - A ball of fire who loved to play and get into everything.

2 years - Loved dolls and dress up shoes

3 years - Had 2 brothers and survived.

4 years old - Loved dress up and playing with her best buddy Brittney.

5 years old - School time. Started kinder and just really excelled.

6 years old - Brother #3 came along and she survived yet another boy in the house. Even though she really wanted a sister she was so happy and always held him when she was home.

7 years old - Last year of dolls.

8 years old - Ryanne was baptized. What a spiritual day. She was so happy with her decision.

9 years old - The time of High School Musical and Hannah Montana.

10 years old - She has so many things she loves to do. Swimming, playing, piano, cello, and friends. Just to name a few. Ryanne you are such an amazing daughter and we love you with all our hearts.
Now we just need to take a picture on her first official day as an 11 year old. I love you Ryanne.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Inspiration

What inspires me:
Matt
Ryanne
Zachary
Maxwell
Michael.

They each inspire me to be a better person and have such a desire to be a better mother.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Hmmmmm! What to Say!

What can we say about the Garn house in the last month? Alot! Zachary has been playing soccer on Saturdays with the VIP team in the AYSO. He loves it. Some days he just wants to dive to the ground and yell crash. Other days he wants to be the goalie so he can stand and block, while others he loves to run the field and kick the ball. This is an amazing team each Saturday another team in the league works with the kids on their skills and each kid is cheered on while making a goal. Each Saturday each child is high fived for a wonderful job on their goals. At times it brings tears to my eyes watching them and especially watching my Zach. Each time I see something amazing he is doing it takes me back to the fateful doctors visit where he was diagnosed with Autism and I was told that this was it. Most likely no progression and that alot of parents institutionalize their kids. Man has he proved them wrong.

Max is doing amazing in school. He is "getting" it all this year. Since kindergarten he has struggled a bit with school. Not anymore! Only 2 B's on the report card and the rest A's. Way to go little guy. He is so much fun. Dad's favorite way to wake him up is by ambushing him with tickles. I go in to find Max crazy with laughter. I have to say he is already a great at cramming. He can memorize a poem in a night and recite it the next day like he has spent weeks doing it. I can't figure out if that's good or bad. Good for great memory and bad for parents who procrastinate with helping him. I'll decide later. He is getting very excited to play football next season. He is such a boy, every pair of jeans and pants he has gets holes in the knees from recess sports at school. Part of me gets irritated and the other parts just wants to bundle him in a hug for looking so sheepish when saying "Sorry mom I will try not to dive to the ground". And his most fun accomplishment this last month: learning to play star wars theme on the piano. He is doing great in his piano lessons.

Michael has had a great time while in preschool. He is loving it. Our new project is working to write his name. He is wanting only to work on random letters so I sneak in his name when I can. He is also very spoiled. We always get to go to lunch and watch movies, play, color and hang out together. I live this time with him. It seems that it has go fast. Next year is already kindergarten. He is so patient with me when I am working or doing school work. He tries to practice his piano like his brother and sister which is fun to watch. Not to mention learning to play XBox.

Ryanne is a busy little bee. I think she will be like me and take on a ton of projects at once. She is in orchestra playing Cello, piano lessons and after school soccer. She is doing so good with balancing her time with practice and school work. She is doing really great. She loved her soccer. Which is a great outlet for her after a busy week. She is an excellent student and continues to excel in the classroom. We are really proud of all her hard work. It is so fun to watch her dance around the house and sing.

I guess that is more than a nutshell of information. But...its been a fun month. Matt is continuing with school and getting closer to his degree. I am really proud of him what an amazing man, husband and father. We are so blessed to have him. I am almost done with my Associates degree. December is THE month. I will be done and then hopefully able to start ASU next fall. Busy times! I am truly blessed to have such an amazing and supportive family. They all sacrifice alot for me to go to school. Thanks guys.