Our Little Olympian

Being the mommy to a little boy that has special needs, I probably won't ever get to cheer him on from the stands as he gets a base hit or throws someone out at first base.  I most likely won't get to see him catch a pass and run it into the end zone or make a free throw shot.  We may not get to have those typical little boy experiences with Noah but we do get to enjoy the annual Special Olympics.  So many mom's have been posting their photos to Facebook of their kids playing in their first t-ball game for the season, since it was Opening Week.  THIS is our T-ball game!  Noah's 1st Special Olympics was this past Tuesday and it was a big day filled with fun.  Noah's class rode the bus to Muscle Shoals' football stadium (which is a treat in itself, in Noah's eyes) where a parade was held for all participants as they marched in to the stadium.  There were other classes there cheering them all on and celebrating in the fun.  Noah was on Cloud 9! Especially when he walked off the bus to see me, Collier, my mom and my grandmother waiting there to welcome him.  He marched on with his class in the parade and we joined them in the stadium for the Lighting of the Torch ceremony.  A special prayer was said by one of the participants over the intercom that brought a tear to alot of those around us... "I pray we all win and thank you God for allowing us all to be here and play today... and I pray we all WIN!" Another sweet girl was given the priviledge of lighting the torch, which signified the beginning of the games. 

Noah's class moved from station to station where they got to participate in fun games, such as bowling, going fishing, softball throws, and races.  Some of the games were a little too advanced for Noah but he could care less.  He had just as much fun just being there and watching everyone.  Several high school students were volunteers to help with the children and Noah loved the attention he was getting from his 'helper'.  It was really special to see so many high school kids, football players, cheerleaders, grab the hands of these sweet kids and help them get around from station to station, all the while enjoying the day themselves.  Jamie made it back in town from his trip to the Masters, around 10 that morning so he was able to join us at the stadium.  I'm so appreciative that our community puts this together for our sweet kids and I look forward to each year.  Unfortunately, I've started feeling really bad as the result of preparing for my upcoming treatment and have been experiencing alot of weakness, fatique, dizziness so I wasn't able to stay for the whole day.  At lunch, Noah's class went to Chuck E. Cheese for pizza and rides and I was so upset that I had to miss this, but I just felt too bad.  Regardless, I know that Noah had a very fun, special day!

(See Noah up there in the stands? He was sitting with his friends)

 

 

 

 



 Noah and his teacher, Mrs. DeFoor

 These boys missed their daddy!

 

Sweet brothers holding hands (or Collier pulling Noah somewhere) :)

Spring is Slowly Springing

Our Spring has been slow to arrive this year and we've experienced quite the wishy-washy weather the past month! One weekend it's beautiful and warm and the next week it's been cold and rainy.  Noah's Spring Break was FREEZING and wet and we pretty much spent the week relaxing indoors.  Even Easter was a yucky, rainy day. 

The ONLY picture I was able to get of the boys dressed on Easter morning while at my Grandmother's house

One particularly beautiful weekend in March we were able to enjoy the sunshine and took the boys down to Cypress Creek, on my in-laws property right across from where we are building our house.  The boys LOVED it.  It made me that much more excited to get our house finished and move out there.  The kids had a great time throwing, as Collier calls them, 'wocks' into the water and exploring the property.  I can't wait until we are able to take them fishing, riding in a canoe or just playing in the water. 



We then, of course HAD to finish our afternoon off with yummy Fro-Yo from the local frozen yogurt shop, where you can choose between tons of different toppings and sauces.  Such a treat!

Then this past weekend, much to our delight the beautiful warm weather returned! Since Jamie and dad were in Augusta for the Master's Tournament, Mom and I took the boys to Spring Park, along with the rest of the Shoals area.  I had been eager for my train-loving 2 year old to see the BIG train and get to ride on it.  To my surprise, he was scared of the train (along with the carousel, which I can't say I enjoy since I always get dizzy on any carousel). The first time around the track, he cried for a little bit and clung to my mom. By the second time around, his face lit up and he was happy as can be.  All of a sudden, he proclaimed, "A CHOO-CHOO!!" as though it was just dawning on him what we were riding on and that he actually liked it.  Who knows!? Noah on the other hand, loved EVERY. SECOND.  Noah and I even rode the roller coaster for the first time.  He smiled in the beginning and he seemed to enjoy it.  It was pretty rough and jarring though so I think I can speak for the both of us when I say I was ready for it to end a few minutes into the ride.  I was curious how he would do on this particular ride since we have a Disney trip planned for the fall... and I think it's safe to say that he'll love the rides.  Now Collier... well, I'm not so sure.  Let's just hope his feelings change by the time September rolls around!

 

 
 
 
 

I adore this last picture of Noah, with his eyes closed, laughing and enjoying the warm sun and the breeze as he's riding along on the train.  He looks so happy.

Girls Weekend

My sweet friends all got together one weekend in March for another fun-filled Girls Weekend. Marianne arranged it since I would be getting ready for my procedure in April and Sonia is pregnant and her husband was having a surgery the following week that would keep her at home in Virginia until the baby is born (then who knows when she'd be able to come in town)...needless to say, we all wanted one last opportunity to get our '8-some' together! Sonia flew in to Huntsville Friday evening and I picked her up from the airport and we drove on to Birmingham to meet Marianne for dinner.  We ended our evening by going over to The Melting Pot for chocolate fondue... delicious!

 

 The next day, we lounged around drinking coffee, doing manicures and just enjoying one another's company. The three of us went to the Summit for lunch and a little shopping, where we met up with Amanda and Becca later that afternoon and then Chenequa met us back at Mari's house where we had set up a surprise baby shower for Sonia.  Baby girl Montgomery (coming this summer) got some precious new things and we can't wait to meet her!  That evening we all went out for a delicious dinner and then went next door to listen to a band that was playing.  Unfortunately, two of the girls from our group weren't able to join us for the weekend.  We missed them but still had a great time seeing those that could be there! I'm so thankful for these long-lasting friendships and know how rare it is to remain close with a group of 7 friends for over 10 years, despite (19) children between us all and the 100's of miles that seperate us.  I'm so grateful that we all make an effort to get together regularly and I love them all dearly.