G-Mom's Birthday Reunion

G-Mom turned 75 in February.  The family decided to make it into a reunion, which was great because we haven't gotten together in a LONG time.  It was so great to see the cousins, there was so much catching up to do; meeting the newer members of the family: spouses and kids.  It was a great, great day. 

My Grandma, Vernie Maria Grimes Spurlock, who we call Mom, fills my childhood memories. 

I remember running away to her house in Navajo that was right over a bridge next door. 

I remember how Mom always had her nails done,

and still does to this day. 

I remember her love for reading,

which was passed down to my mother and then to my sister and I. 

Papa would have the TV on in his recliner

and Mom would be in her chair, reading a book.

Mom is little in stature,

but watch out when she gets mad:

she fills the whole house. 

Mom was a seamstress. 

The summers after Papa died I would stay with her. 

She'd sew and we'd watch movies like:

Hello Dolly,

My Fair Lady,

Funny Girl,

Funny Lady. 

She took me to Broadway plays:

Cats,

Secret Garden,

Phantom of the Opera.

During one of those summers,

I cut a picture out of a Sears magazine of a purple dress I fell in love with.

She made if for me years later for my senior prom.

Mom and I would sing together. 

The words of Que Sera Sera

still return to me as I'm calming one of my boys. 

Mom loves music boxes. 

And I loved it when she played them.

I catch myself whistling the tune to Frank Sinatra's My Way

as I'm cleaning or driving down the road.  

I've claimed it as my theme song.

Mom loved to travel. 

She took me on my first airplane ride, 

and a train ride too. 

She'd listen to me chatter and never grow tired of it. 

I'd listen to her tell stories of her childhood

and stories of my mother.

Mom loved to paint.  

And during those summers, she taught me to draw and paint.   

I treasure the paintings hanging in my house today. 

I treasure the memories and music still so alive inside of me. 

The memories that have sprinkled my life with color and experience.

I love you Mom. 

L to R:  Uncle Pride, Uncle Glen, Uncle Rance, Mom, Mother, Aunt Teddy, Aunt Tony

All because two people fell in love... and there were still quite a few missing.

A cousin tradition.  Some of the cousins didn't want to participate this year.  After all, we are getting old.  Others just couldn't make it.

1992 I think.

1997?

I had the best childhood in the world.  I couldn't have asked for better.  And these crazy people played a part in that. 

I'm so blessed with my place in this big world.  And this weekend was a reminder of that. 

1 in 88

There's an article on foxnews.com I read this morning.  It's very interesting, check it out.  We are now 1 in 88. 

April Autism Conference in Flagstaff

As April is approaching, so is the big conference up in Flagstaff.  I have so many thoughts running wild in my head right now, but I'm going to limit them to this.  Check out this conference, and come if you can.

Check out this new blog I found.  It is amazing, and the writer of this blog is one of the presenters at the Autism Conference in a couple weeks.  I am anxious to listen to her because it seems that her son and Race are in similar places on the spectrum.  I need some inspiration right now, today, for the whole month of March.  It's been a hard, autistic month.

I have so much more to talk about on this.  Give me a few days to put my thoughts together.  But here's a statistic to think about; that I've been thinking about a lot since I heard it a few days ago.  On the radio.  90%  of adults on the spectrum are unemployed.  90%!!  This includes adults with aspergers and high functioning autism like Race.  The odds are against us.  But I'm here to tell you, we are going to beat the odds.  And it starts with awareness and intervention.  So, think about that for a few days while I write up something awesome!  :)

Check out the blog, check out the conference.  Remember, it starts with awareness.

Dancing Tae Kwon Do Style

In February Race and I attended the Mother Son Valentine's Dance.  I was a little worried how he would react with all the loud music (and boy was it loud!), but he did great.  We got there late (planning on my part) and only stayed an hour.  Which worked out perfect because as we were leaving he said his "brain hurt." 

And it turns out, I had the best date there!  I mean look at this guy dance: aren't I the lucky gal (you might want to turn your volume down, the music is a little out of control).

Kite Attack

I got attacked by a kite last week.  I really did, and it just so happens I have proof.  Watch and laugh because there's NEVER a dull moment at our place.  Never.  

The Pirates of Bell Trail

In January we also went hiking with our friends. We always love getting together with the Bazzill's.  On this adventure, the boys were pirates discovering a new land called Bell Trail!

Here they are docking their ship.

Then climbing the mountainous terrain.

And taking a break...

This pirate kept scouting too far ahead of the crew and didn't like it when his mother made him wait.

It was a great day for an adventure.

Yard Work

This was the first year I hired help to rake the yard and help me get ready for Spring.  I think I got quite a deal; 50 cents a bag. 

Working in the yard is tough.  Just ask this tired guy. 

I love my workin' men.

Chasing Boats

Lane has been very patient with me since I've started my classes.  He entertains himself so well as I type away on the computer.  So on some of the warmer January days, he and I took a few field trips while Race and Witt were at school.  Here's when we chased boats down the ditch.  He loves his boats.

He's getting so big so fast.  I still call him Baby, but looking at these pictures... when did he turn into a little boy???

What NOT to Wear

In January my fabulous and fashionable friend Adriane and I went on a What NOT to Wear outing.  Except we went to Flagstaff instead of New York, and we went to Savers instead of Fifth Avenue.  But hey, other than that it was just like the show! 

But before our adventure, I had to introduce Adriane to Mike and Rhonda's biscuits and gravy.  There is nothing more yummy.  For a whole $4 you can stuff yourself sick with the biggest biscuits and best gravy ever.  It's the perfect place for two gals who can hold their own in an eating contest... seriously people, bring it on! Anyway, if you ever get to Flagstaff, it's a must.

Then it was on to Savers where we spent the entire day entertaining ourselves...

Okay, the thing about this outfit, is it's one I really would have worn in high school.  It's so bright and colorful!  Doesn't it just shout out happiness?

But Adriane, The Fashion Queen, says no.  The outfit doesn't shout out happiness, instead it screams, look at me, I'm 30, pretending to be 16! 

She says this one works much better for my age, body type, etc.  What do you think?

Well I can't complain, since the jeans were $8, the top $5 and the shoes $5. 

I just love Savers, and my fabulous fashionable friend...even though I didn't get any pictures of her... (I promise I didn't play dress up all by myself...).  We both left Savers a little delirious, but with lots of fashionable finds.  There's nothing better than a great deal.

We always have a great time.

Zelda Sleeps

Lane refers to himself as Zelda.  He got this from watching Race play his Zelda game since Christmas.   I know, Zelda's the princess, it's Link who's the hero.  Just ask Witten, he corrects Lane daily on the fact.  But it doesn't matter to Lane.  He's Zelda the hero...even at nap time. 

Oh, and if Zelda whacks you with his sky sword when you come over... it just means he wants to play. 

New Years

For New Years we went to our good friends place, the Bleak Family.  They have a great family party every year.  I can't believe these were all the pictures I got.

The next morning we headed over the hill to spend a couple days at Grandpa Armstrong's place.  It was so relaxing and fun.  It's one of the boy's favorite places.  A creek, horses, trees to climb, places to explore.  It's boy heaven.  Even for John. 

You couldn't get Witten inside.  He wanted to stay outside with the horses forever.  This is him with his good pal, Red.

Race and Grandpa building a fire.

Lane saying hi to Baby.

Race isn't too fond of horses.  They smell.  But he loves trees.

I'm kind of funny about New Years.  I don't make resolutions for January 1st. I make them as needed I guess; which is often.  But I love the opportunity I have to evaluate my life and see where I am.  I'm grateful for the knowledge I have of the Gospel.  That I can change, I can be a better me...starting now.