Mary tagged me so here it goes...
What is your full name- Rachael (I have no middle name and my last name I try to leave off my blog)
Nickname- Honey (I think only my husband has a nickname for me)
Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
Song that resembles your life- Happy Ever After, by Carrie Underwood from "Enchanted"
Milk or dark chocolate- milk chocolate
Big mac Or whopper- I like the cheap 59¢ hamburger from Arctic Circle--it's the best
Beach or Mountains- Mountains
What kind of shoes are you wearing- Bare foot
TV or Book- BOOK!
Favorite store- Walmart
What was the last thing you ate? watermelon and pasta salad
Clean freak or total slob- in the middle
Do you wish on stars- yes
Ever been stung by a jelly fish- No
Best cartoon ever- Inspector Gadget
What scares you- the dark, scary movies, losing my family
Favorite doughnut? cream filled or apple fritter
Been to LA? No
Least favorite veggie- can't think of one at the moment
Dreamer or doer- both
One word that describes you- involved
Name of your first friend- Susan (that I remember)
Night light or completely dark- night light
Believe in love at first sight? yes
Best toppings for a pizza? pepperoni, sausage and olives
Ever owned a goldfish? no
potato chips or french fries? potato chips
Who should play you in a made for TV movie? Cameron Diaz--not that I look like her I just picked her I guess
Spender or Saver? saver
Butterflies or dragonflies- butterflies
Which ONE would you like to do the most- Skydiving Rappelling Scuba Diving: Rappelling
Fearful or fearless? both
Bully or bullied? bully earlier in life and now I would say I can be both
Glass 1/2 full or 1/2 empty? 1/2 full
Ever sent to the Principal's office? no
Social butterfly of wallflower? social butterfly
Secret keeper or blabber mouth? secret keeper
Shift or Automatic? Automatic
Worry wart or worry free? worry wart
African safari or bicycle through Europe? bicycle through Europe
Ice cubes or crushed? cubes
What do you like on your burgers? Beef, american cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, avacado, ketchup and mayo.
Bikini or board shorts- board shorts
Favorite kinda cookie- snicker doodles and sugar cookies
Best Commercial- the Mountain Dew one that Wayne showed me --here, check it out
Word or phrase you say a lot? "You've got to be kidding me..." and "Bless her/his heart." or "Sakes a livin'"--got that one from my grandma
Favorite flower- lilacs and tulips
Our Life
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
The X Factor and the Rainbow Connection
What kind of headline is that? Well, let me tell you my thought process...
I was checking out Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band online because I really think it would be cool to have them do a Fundraiser Concert for Fragile X Syndrome Awareness. So, of course, being one of my favorite bands I listened to some of their songs on website and reminisced about some of my old favorites... have any of you heard them? If you have of course one of your favorites would be the "Corn Dog" song. But, one I thought of was the one they sing, "Rainbow Connection." You know, the one Kermit the Frog sings..."Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what's on the other side..."
Ya, well, I love that song, loved it since I first heard good ol' Kermy sing it.
Have you ever really listened to the lyrics? I will post them below so you can read my thoughts and then put them together.
I really want to get the word out there about Fragile X Syndrome. Why am I so passionate about it? Why don't I just take care of the tasks I have here at home and let someone else worry about FXS Awareness? I don't know really. It's just in me I guess. A desire to advocate and to educate for my children in a way that may bring everyone to the front line. I want people to understand my children. I want people who have children like mine to know there is someone else out there that is facing the same hardships and successes.
Some may say I am a dreamer and that in reality I can't expect to accomplish all this in short time. I am patient and I will keep working at it. I have to believe that someone out there will help me bring Awareness. I have to believe that God will give me strength to move forward, regardless of how many uneducated people treat my children as if they are dumb, awkward, or ill-parented.
I know that when my son was struggling all those years to speak, to walk, and to play with peers it was one of the hardest things I had to go through. Not knowing what exactly to do for him, not knowing how to cope with his late night wakings and scary tantrums, trouble with transitions, and inability to communicate his needs or wants was heart wrenching. I wanted to know what was causing these struggles for him. I want any parent out there who may have the same struggles I did, to be able to learn sooner, rather than later what they can do for their child.
I want to know that if I get to the other side of this barrier that there are people who want to help get the word out there. That many families who struggle as we did, may have peace and understanding in their home.
So I will keep believing that Heavenly Father will guide me and help me in trying to pave the way to awareness for Fragile X Syndrome--that I'll get to the other side of the Rainbow.
RAINBOW CONNECTION
Kermit the Frog
Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side
Rainbows are visions
They're only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we've been told and some chose to
Believe it
But I know they're wrong wait and see
Someday we'll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
Who said that every wish
Would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star
Somebody thought of that
And someone believed it
And look what it's done so far
What's so amazing
That keeps us star gazing
What so we think we might see
Someday we'll find it
That Rainbow Connection
The lovers the dreamers and me
Have you been half asleep
And have you heard voices
I've heard them calling my name
Are these the sweet sounds that called
The young sailors
I think they're one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
There's something that I'm supposed to be
Someday we'll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
I was checking out Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band online because I really think it would be cool to have them do a Fundraiser Concert for Fragile X Syndrome Awareness. So, of course, being one of my favorite bands I listened to some of their songs on website and reminisced about some of my old favorites... have any of you heard them? If you have of course one of your favorites would be the "Corn Dog" song. But, one I thought of was the one they sing, "Rainbow Connection." You know, the one Kermit the Frog sings..."Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what's on the other side..."
Ya, well, I love that song, loved it since I first heard good ol' Kermy sing it.
Have you ever really listened to the lyrics? I will post them below so you can read my thoughts and then put them together.
I really want to get the word out there about Fragile X Syndrome. Why am I so passionate about it? Why don't I just take care of the tasks I have here at home and let someone else worry about FXS Awareness? I don't know really. It's just in me I guess. A desire to advocate and to educate for my children in a way that may bring everyone to the front line. I want people to understand my children. I want people who have children like mine to know there is someone else out there that is facing the same hardships and successes.
Some may say I am a dreamer and that in reality I can't expect to accomplish all this in short time. I am patient and I will keep working at it. I have to believe that someone out there will help me bring Awareness. I have to believe that God will give me strength to move forward, regardless of how many uneducated people treat my children as if they are dumb, awkward, or ill-parented.
I know that when my son was struggling all those years to speak, to walk, and to play with peers it was one of the hardest things I had to go through. Not knowing what exactly to do for him, not knowing how to cope with his late night wakings and scary tantrums, trouble with transitions, and inability to communicate his needs or wants was heart wrenching. I wanted to know what was causing these struggles for him. I want any parent out there who may have the same struggles I did, to be able to learn sooner, rather than later what they can do for their child.
I want to know that if I get to the other side of this barrier that there are people who want to help get the word out there. That many families who struggle as we did, may have peace and understanding in their home.
So I will keep believing that Heavenly Father will guide me and help me in trying to pave the way to awareness for Fragile X Syndrome--that I'll get to the other side of the Rainbow.
RAINBOW CONNECTION
Kermit the Frog
Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side
Rainbows are visions
They're only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we've been told and some chose to
Believe it
But I know they're wrong wait and see
Someday we'll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
Who said that every wish
Would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star
Somebody thought of that
And someone believed it
And look what it's done so far
What's so amazing
That keeps us star gazing
What so we think we might see
Someday we'll find it
That Rainbow Connection
The lovers the dreamers and me
Have you been half asleep
And have you heard voices
I've heard them calling my name
Are these the sweet sounds that called
The young sailors
I think they're one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
There's something that I'm supposed to be
Someday we'll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Kids Who Count
Well, now that 2 is 3 she has to move on from Kids Who Count to the District Preschool. I am very excited for her but, it is hard to see her have to leave all her little friends and her teacher. Here is a little bit from her last day. And thanks, to all the parents who said it was OK to put these pics on my blog. They are all so cute. Just leave a message if you want copies of the pics you see, I will bring them into work.
More Family in Town
Marc's cousin, aunt and uncle came to visit for a while. Here are some pics of a little BBQ.
8 and "grandma" Florence (she is Marc's aunt)
8 and "grandma" Florence (she is Marc's aunt)
Marc and his cousin Cathy
If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?
Well, I am guessing yes, because it sure made an impact on our camp trailer!
We had set up the trailer in a secluded place in the mountains for my brother and his wife. We went up later to camp up there. Well, sometime between when they left and when we got there a 50-60 foot aspen fell and hit the end of our trailer.
Watch this video..
We had set up the trailer in a secluded place in the mountains for my brother and his wife. We went up later to camp up there. Well, sometime between when they left and when we got there a 50-60 foot aspen fell and hit the end of our trailer.
Watch this video..
Fragile X Association of Utah Picnic
At our house!!
We quite a good turn out. It was great because we had some new members come. She has a daughter with Fragile X who is 4 so it is going to be great to have someone I can talk to about her experiences with a young one.
Anyway, it went well, with the horse riding and the bounce house and all the great food! Thanks to Kathy and Burgandi it was a great success. The flies weren't cooperating but, non-the-less, it was great. We were so happy to host it!
Here are some clips.
The banner was set up in front of our house.
We used our friends tables along with ours for all the food and participants.
One of the Dad's of someone with FXS relaxing on the bounce house.
Boy with FXS riding Puzzle--it was is first time to ever be on a horse and he loved it!
The bounce house was so much bigger than I pictured. It was so awesome, it had aan obstacle course, slide, bounce area and basketball hoop inside.
8 had a blast jumping and sliding--all the kids did--young AND old.
One of our seasoned FXS riders getting ready to go, he was so cute!
Our friends really helped make out picnic a success. Here is one of them BBQing hamburgers and hotdogs, and most of the pictures were taken by his wife. Thanks guys!
8 on Blue.
My dad had fun helping out too. And Marc's dad also took some of the pictures.
Marc is so handsome and so sweet, he spent his whole day leading horses and putting kids on and off them. He is such a great support.
One of the FXS boys had so much fun he fell asleep right in the middle of it all.
16 and our friends little girl on the bounce house.Friday, August 22, 2008
Friends that camp together, stay together...
Here are some of our bestest friends! We went camping up Santaquin Canyon. We had a great time.
2-buck Tuesdays at Thanksgiving Point
We went to this 2 different Tuesdays--so awesome! I mean when it is only $2 you can't pass it up! These are pics of the gardens and the dinosaur museum.
2 is now 3
No, I have not changed the numbering system... my daughter turned 3!
She really had no concept of a birthday, so it wasn't like she was asking about presents all day or anything. I wasn't even sure she would enjoy opening presents--but, when it came time she was very excited, mostly about the purple Carebear that Marc and I gave her.
It was great to have most of the family there for the celebration.
Here is 3 opening her favorite present, I just did a short clip--I said her name several times so I had chop it up but, I hope you get the idea, it was so funny.
Here are some snap shots of my brother on 12's stilts and a fun shot of him and 3 on the tramp, it explains why 3 looks like and orphan in the video--I really do fix her hair!
She really had no concept of a birthday, so it wasn't like she was asking about presents all day or anything. I wasn't even sure she would enjoy opening presents--but, when it came time she was very excited, mostly about the purple Carebear that Marc and I gave her.
It was great to have most of the family there for the celebration.
Here is 3 opening her favorite present, I just did a short clip--I said her name several times so I had chop it up but, I hope you get the idea, it was so funny.
Here are some snap shots of my brother on 12's stilts and a fun shot of him and 3 on the tramp, it explains why 3 looks like and orphan in the video--I really do fix her hair!
My Brother's Wedding
My brother is married!! He has such a wonderful new wife--they are so happy. It was such a beautiful wedding in ivory, lime green and brown--it looked so nice. They had a icecream sundae bar--that was such a great idea!
Here are a few snapshots from the wedding.
12 and my sister, Kirsten smilin' it up!
Aaron just chit-chatting--isn't the brown tux cool!?
My grandma even came to the reception! So awesome!
Cutting the cake!
Aaron looks a little mischevious...
But, they were nice.
Here is 16 after she caught the bouquet... well, I shouldn't say that she caught it, she actuall picked it up off the floor after she and all the other girls watched it fly over their heads.
Me and the new bride.
Why are 2 and 8 not in any of these pictures? Well, let me give you the short story...
They had really had it by the end of the day after the wedding at the temple and the pictures at the temple, and then hanging out with everyone waiting for the reception.
When we took them for the pictures before the reception I could tell it would be a miracle if they both made it through to the end of the night. First of all I noticed when we first walked into the reception to get pictures that 2 had a stinky diaper so I take her and the diaper bag into the bathroom to change her quick because the were waiting for us. Well, to my surprise, her brand-new-never-been-worn-made-special-for-the-wedding-ivory dress had poop (yes I said poop) all over the inside of it, from waist to bottom. I am baffled as to how to clean this up as I only have 10 wipies and no extra brand-new-never-been-worn-made-special-for-the-wedding-ivory dress! So, I did my best. Tried to hold back my horror, throw-up and tears and waltz "happily" into the reception area. Luckly the stain didn't show through the dress but, she stunk really bad. What do you do? We had to get pictures! Anyway, as the night went on the stench of the dress faded but her anxiety did not. Between 8's crying and hiding from everyone and 2's clinging and pinching me I was about ready to lose it. Finally 2 decided she could live without me for a minute so I let her roam to give me freedom...then I heard the scream of terror. No, not 2's--it was my cousin Amber's daughter, little daughter! Aaaaahhh! Oh, I was so sad I tried to apologize and still keep my sanity and stay calm so I took 2 immediately to let her know that it was wrong to squeeze and push little kids, not to mention it isn't nice to pinch their faces. As soon as I regained composure I went over to my cousin to apologize and make sure her daughter was alright, as I was standing there, my aunt who was right behind her started talking to me so I turned from Amber and began talking to my aunt. All of a sudden I hear another scream of terror and again it is from my cousins little girl because 2 has a firm grip on her face! (Sorry Amber.)
Needless to say that was when Marc took 2 and 8 home so that I could stay the rest of the night at my brother's wedding.
Other than that little spurt in the night, it was fabulous. (smile)
Here are a few snapshots from the wedding.
12 and my sister, Kirsten smilin' it up!
Aaron just chit-chatting--isn't the brown tux cool!?
My grandma even came to the reception! So awesome!
Cutting the cake!
Aaron looks a little mischevious...
But, they were nice.
Here is 16 after she caught the bouquet... well, I shouldn't say that she caught it, she actuall picked it up off the floor after she and all the other girls watched it fly over their heads.
Me and the new bride.Why are 2 and 8 not in any of these pictures? Well, let me give you the short story...
They had really had it by the end of the day after the wedding at the temple and the pictures at the temple, and then hanging out with everyone waiting for the reception.
When we took them for the pictures before the reception I could tell it would be a miracle if they both made it through to the end of the night. First of all I noticed when we first walked into the reception to get pictures that 2 had a stinky diaper so I take her and the diaper bag into the bathroom to change her quick because the were waiting for us. Well, to my surprise, her brand-new-never-been-worn-made-special-for-the-wedding-ivory dress had poop (yes I said poop) all over the inside of it, from waist to bottom. I am baffled as to how to clean this up as I only have 10 wipies and no extra brand-new-never-been-worn-made-special-for-the-wedding-ivory dress! So, I did my best. Tried to hold back my horror, throw-up and tears and waltz "happily" into the reception area. Luckly the stain didn't show through the dress but, she stunk really bad. What do you do? We had to get pictures! Anyway, as the night went on the stench of the dress faded but her anxiety did not. Between 8's crying and hiding from everyone and 2's clinging and pinching me I was about ready to lose it. Finally 2 decided she could live without me for a minute so I let her roam to give me freedom...then I heard the scream of terror. No, not 2's--it was my cousin Amber's daughter, little daughter! Aaaaahhh! Oh, I was so sad I tried to apologize and still keep my sanity and stay calm so I took 2 immediately to let her know that it was wrong to squeeze and push little kids, not to mention it isn't nice to pinch their faces. As soon as I regained composure I went over to my cousin to apologize and make sure her daughter was alright, as I was standing there, my aunt who was right behind her started talking to me so I turned from Amber and began talking to my aunt. All of a sudden I hear another scream of terror and again it is from my cousins little girl because 2 has a firm grip on her face! (Sorry Amber.)
Needless to say that was when Marc took 2 and 8 home so that I could stay the rest of the night at my brother's wedding.
Other than that little spurt in the night, it was fabulous. (smile)
More fun with cousins
We went to the big city with grandma and grandpa G and our California cousins. We took the TRAX and the kids loved it.
We went to the Planetarium there and the Gateway splash pad! We had a good time.
We went to the Planetarium there and the Gateway splash pad! We had a good time.
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