Week #7 @ The Dahlhouse: Matthew Turns 2; Valentine's Day & A Beach Trip

 (Outside is where he wants to be...all.the.time.)

 (Taco Tuesday...the kiddos request this meal weekly.  Trying to get more veggies in their lives.)

 (3am snowfall on Valentine's Day)

 (PJ party for Valentine's Day)

 (Chinese New Year in full swing...a student's family meal)

 (Two year photo shoot)

 (Daniel-son)

 (More Snow)

Our week was filled with the bustle of a full schedule.  The week started with Luke's Casey Eye appointment.  I am happy to report two things...1) His eyes remain stable and 2) Mark went with him to this appointment I got a break!  He will return in June for another check up.  The weather was beautiful last Monday (a bit cold) but clear.  The kids and I found ourselves in the backyard soaking up the sun.  Matthew found some toys and is always so very happy to run around outside and so very unhappy when he has to come in the house.  

Each week I have been asking the kids what they want to eat for dinner.  This helps me in two ways.  I come up with ideas for dinner with their input, and they are more likely to eat it because they helped pick dinner.  I've been trying to include more veggies in our meals.  Tacos are one of their favorites and an easy way to get more fresh veggies. 

I woke up to a blanket of fresh snow on Wednesday morning.  It was 3am, and I was up to teach my sweet students.  This week was Chinese New Year.  I was shown this picture of a traditional Chinese New Year meal.  I was also greeted with a big red Chinese New Year sign and wished Happy New Year several times.  These kiddos are so sweet.  Although, I am ready for my schedule to get back up to full again.  It has been a long holiday break for my students.

Matthew had his two year old photos taken by my sweet and dear friend Brienne.  His birthday signifies the anniversary of our friendship.  It hard to believe two years have flown by.  Matthew was a little reluctant at first but she got some great photos and I can't wait to see them.  

Friday, the whole family headed to Long Beach, WA for a weekend getaway. Our friends invited us to stay at their beach house, and we were so thankful for an opportunity to unwind.  It was very peaceful and a beautiful house.  We were able to walk to the beach, collect some sea shells, practice our best Karate Kid impressions and eat some really yummy seafood.  Saturday was Matthew's actual birthday.  He laid in bed between Mark and I, and I counted down the minutes till the exact time (7:57am) he was born recounting the story of that day.  He actually blew out the candles on his mini cupcakes and it was a very relaxing day.  

More snow greeted us last night and this morning.  Most of it has melted away...just in time to go back to school tomorrow.  I am happy to report that my computer has been fixed!  It will be returned to me tonight.  Although my laptop and I have become better friends this past week.  It got me through all my VIPKID classes without issue, and worked beautifully at the beach house.  I taught my first away from home class this past Friday.  It felt good to know that I can do this job just about anywhere there is WiFi.  Week #7 was wonderful, and I am looking forward to whatever adventures await in the next.  

Week # 5 & 6 @ The Dahlhouse: Schedule Changes, Rabbit Show & A Birthday Party

Weeks 5 & 6 are together for this update because my trusted, loved and well used PC decided to give me the "blue screen of death."  I have fiddled around with it for awhile; however, I have decided to let a good friend and computer genius have a go at it, and see if he can revive my good friend.  If not...{crying} I will be looking for a new PC. We've had our current one for 4 years, but I am not ready to part with it.  I love that computer.  But for the time being, I am currently attempting to make friends with my new laptop, which I have never really figured out.  Most of my pictures are all on the computer, so I have attempted to salvage a few from social media to make this update. 

Week 5 continued as normal.  It was mostly a quiet week.  Matthew had therapy, and continues to make progress on his speech.  He has begun to say a few phrases such as "play-it", "ready-set-doe", "bye-bye," "ba-ba," "puppies" (every animal is a puppies), "tank-u", "peeze," "nope", "daaaa-deee," "mommeee," waa-er," "beep-beeps," "bus," etc.  He has yet to really say a sentence or connect more than two words together.  Even the two words together is very far and few between.  I try not to worry too much and remind myself he is making progress.  I am still waiting for an occupational therapy evaluation.  His teacher therapist said that the waiting list is 4 months.  I've already been waiting 6 weeks.  I went this route because they told me it would be quicker.  Ha.  I have been thinking I am going to ask Matthew's pediatrician for a referral to Legacy for a "real" OT evaluation.  Like most things, you get what you pay for.  If I am going to pay for the therapy, I want it to be quality and I know it is at Legacy.

Yesterday our little Man Cub celebrated his 2nd birthday with a household of our family and very dear friends.  My heart was very full as I looked around the house at our friends and family.  What a blessing and support they are to me.  The theme for his bday was surprise..."Trucks".  I had fun decorating and coming up with ideas ( thank you Pinterest). 

Two weeks ago, Mark was asked to mentor in Longview/Kalama again.  We were shocked and overjoyed!! This position means a predictable schedule and set days off.  I can't explain how going from "no schedule" to a set schedule has changed my life.  It always does.  We had just completed 7 months of being essentially "on call" all the time to now having a schedule.  It's crazy.  The position is always temporary, mirroring the supply and demand of grain and other crops they need to ship through the port.  But I am believing for at least a few months of some peace and predictability.

Last weekend, two of the kiddos participated in a 4H rabbit show.  This was Luke's first time showing his rabbit as a senior.  This is the top class that Luke can compete in.  He was very nervous to say the least.  However, he did a fantastic job.  I had a very fun time hanging out and visiting with the other moms and taking a small break from the little 2 year old.  It was a great day.

Week 4 @ The Dahlhouse: Meetings & Projects & Trucks

Week 4 at the Dahlhouse was hard week.  Some weeks just are.  So much going on and trying to hold down the house while Mark is busy working (traveling) can take it's toll after a while.  My Monday was insane and there were moments where I wasn't sure if we were all going to make it though.  I found this quote that is so true.  On Monday I was a little bit of everything all rolled into one mom.  

Monday I had a big meeting for Luke at his school.  It wasn't because anything was going wrong, but because sometimes you just are hoping things can be better, and hopeful everyone can be on the same page.  No matter how many of these meetings I sit in over the years, they are never easy.  Even when you are all on the same side.  A lot of meetings feel like "us vs. them."  However, I am happy that this meeting was...them with us...working with us...to make sure everyone was up to date on Luke.  Monday, Mark was in Pasco, so I was flying solo on this meeting.  Mark is my rock and it's difficult to go to these meetings without him.  He is incredible source of support.  Luke's tutor; however, was an amazing support and additional advocate for Luke.  I was so thankful she was there.  I did well...despite choking back some tears at times.  I surely didn't want to cry, although I easily could have.  Even though I know all the truth about Luke and his special needs...it is never easy to hear others talk about it.  I keep going...one foot in front of the other.  Advocate...advocate...advocate his worth.

Birthday prep is underway during this week at the Dahlhouse.  I can hardly believe this little guy is going to turn two in just a few weeks.  Seriously...where has the time gone.  It has flown by.  I am really enjoying this stage.  He is funny, opinionated, strong willed, sweet, loveable, has his own personality and likes...he is joy!

Matthew LOVES his trucks!  I am so excited he is getting his two year pictures taken this next week with our favorite photographer: Brienne Kristen Photography.  And the theme will be....you guessed it "TRUCKS!"  I was looking through the newborn pictures she took of Man Cub (2 years ago) and can hardly believe he was that small.   

Projects were accomplished this week.  Luke completed his Revolutionary War Timeline.  It was a major class project for Humanities; but Luke did an amazing job.  I am very proud.  He made it out of sheetrock.  I am also excited that he will be getting to see these places when he goes on the DC Trip.

This is what was happening when I was working with Luke and not paying attention to Man Cub's every move.  Goldfish, board games and toys!

His favorite toys are anything with wheels!  He will say "choo-choo," "car," and "bus".

Grace had an ortho appointment this week.  Braces are getting closer and closer for her.  She is excited to get her teeth her fixed.  I know it will give her more confidence.  

I found this little gem when I was cleaning out the diaper bag.  Seriously!  This girl!!!  I LOVE her!!! It's glamor shots at Chuck E Cheese.

 Brother bonding.

Mark and I went to the Portland Auto Show this week and Man Cub tagged along.  Vehicles are another one of Matthew's love languages.  He LOVED getting in and out of all the cars.  He walked around saying "beep-beep".  People thought he was the cutest!   I agree.

We call this the "silent fit".  Matthew protests when he doesn't like something.  He doesn't yell or cry.  Just lays there and makes faces at you.  In this example we made him get out of the car and he didn't like that idea.  He went and laid down in the middle of the Toyota display.  Awesome.  We are obviously winning at this parenting thing.

I love this picture...we are in my dream car.  Someday!  It is a Land Rover Range Rover.  It was pretty much the best.  I am grateful for a busy, crazy, loud life, and to get to do the job of advocate for my kids.