Easter pt 2

 Allison and Jacob decorating eggs.

 Isaac and Ammon

 Isaac.  They only got 5 eggs each this year.  Which reminds me.  We still have them in the fridge.  Egg salad sandwiches for dinner?

***

We have a Dittmer tradition, stemming from Justin's childhood.  

Each child gets a designated color and all children have the exact same number of plastic eggs.  We have never been able to do this outside, so this year was unusual that way.  It's typically in our living room.  Justin and I hide them according to age/difficulty.  It's fun to see them find other siblings eggs and not be able to tell them.  It usually takes about an hour to find all the eggs.

 Jacob and Ammon searching for eggs.

 No.  Isaac doesn't have a puke bowl. 

 I love the look I caught on Allison's face.  This is when she heard that Ammon had found the special egg.  It's got a funky design and is one that anyone can find but has no treat in it.  For some reason this is really really cool to them.

 Ammon's  stash.  You can see the stripey egg on the right.  This year, Allison was unable to find one pink egg.  I think the ants will get the candy this year.

 Lunch at Uncle Grandpa's.  We wandered down to the lake for a few minutes.  What a gorgeous day!

 There is also another fun tradition at Lamon and Barabara's.  Everyone picks a hard boiled egg and then you choose a neighbor to smack ends with.  If your egg cracks, you're out.  If not, you keep on smacking other people's eggs around the table. 

 Pretty dang good cake if I do say so myself.  Hmmmm.  Maybe I should go make another.

Ammon the Football Player.  He has squishy blocks in his shirt.

Easter 2011 - pt 1

Annual Shoreview Ward Egg Hunt

This year it was inside.  Not sure if it was the rain, or because the Blaine ward had eggs outside first, but inside it was.

 We went to the Rotary clubs annual egg hunt near our church.  We've gone in the past.  Not sure if we'll do it again.  It's a lovely community project, but a bit of a joke.

 There's a huge metal slide at the park.  It wasn't so great today; a little rainy and cold. 

This might give you an idea of why I think it's a joke.  There are hundreds of kids waiting for the count down on this soccer field riddled with eggs.  When it hits "1" all eggs have disappeared within about 30 seconds.  So much work for such short wahoo!  Ammon got four eggs.

One had a prize ticket in it.  He won a Transformers egg dye kit.   Can you say excitement?

I'm being cynical.  I have a scratchy throat and feel ick.

It was fun for Ammon regardless of how many eggs he got or his prize.

Had a couple pictures I wanted to share from today.

Ammon got himself ready for school today wearing shorts and penny loafers.  It was only about 35 degrees outside.  He said it wasn't cold.  Ammon rocks.

This evening, I went for a walk with Justin and Ammon.  Not much to say except it was nice, although chilly, to get out.

Spring brings...

...change.  

Allison decided she wanted a haircut.  Isn't it adorable?  I think it suits her personality perfectly.

Thanks Kristy!

Not Isaac

I don't even quite know where to start with this post.

I have only recieved a few random comments of this blog.  They're always from friends and family.

Well I got this doooozy the other day on the story of Isaac's bulling incident:

"Your Isaac accidentally flung a pencil that hit this boy, who also just happened to mishear an insult from Isaac? Yeah, right. Mom, your Isaac is a little bully, and this time he picked the wrong victim. Sounds like apologies are due on both sides."

Okie Dokie then.

I was stunned.

Jaw dropped.

This random reader does not know my Isaac if he said this.  I can barely see where he might could come to this conclusion.  Maybe I didn't illustrate it properly??

Regardless, I had Isaac read it, along with the other supportive comments (thank you!)

I asked him what he thought.

Isaac: it makes me kind of sad.

Me:  Why?

Isaac:  Because, maybe he's right.

Me:  What do you mean?

Isaac:  Well, I didn't apologize after I flung the pencil.

(What a good little Isaac)

Me:  Okay.  That's true.  You should have apologized.  Did you do it on purpose and call him names?

Isaac:  No, but I should have apologized.

I love that!  He saw his fault in the matter, and could see how it might have ended differently.

Isaac a bully?  Dude, you've got the wrong kid pegged.

Say What?

A friend of mine the other day said something that hit a nerve.  It was in a public place with lots of other friends and she made a comment about a guy that had been there the previous week and played an April Fools joke on us.  He acted rude and loud and obnoxious.

Well, this week as we were talking about the joke, she made a comment that she thought he had Aspergers and got a few giggles out of some surrounding people.

I thought, "huh?  say what?"

That was a stinging comment.  

I sat and mulled this over the rest of the night.  When I had a chance to talk with her alone I told her that I have a son with Aspergers syndrome and it offended me when she used it like having autism is something that is laughable.  I didn't quite say it like that.  In fact as soon as I said I have a son with Aspergers she immediately began to cry and felt horrible for what she had said.

I was certainly not mad at her for I'm know I've said things that have hurt people with no intention to do so.

What hurt was that my son is a joke to people.

I don't want people to judge him for being "quirky," but because he is amazingly different.  Autistic people tend to be misunderstood.  I hope with all of the surge in diagnosis and media that is will be more accepted and understood in the future.  There is even a prime time show with a child with Asperger's syndrome.

What is normal anyway?  There is no such thing.  It's what makes us such unique fascinating creatures.  

I love my Jacob and even though he is the toughest part of my life, he's mine, and it's my right to be the only one who gets to give him a hard time (haha). 

He likes the way he is.  Just today he told me that he doesn't care what people think about him.  

Bravo Jacob!

Randomness by JoAnne

April 9, 2011 about 2 am

Muskrats have ugly tails.

Justin's necklace from Florida broke after three years last night in bed.

I like wearing my original sapphire wedding ring.

Sapphire has two "p"s

Going to Time Out For Women tomorrow.

Going to probably sleep through a fair amount of it.

I'm so glad spring is here.

I'm happy I have a healthy body to rake leaves.

The blister isn't my favorite though.

Time for lights out.

April 10

Justin and I have been digging fresh broccoli - cooked - lately.  Tasty.

I've been sad the past few days.  I want a best friend.

It smelled like rain outside all day, but didn't rain.

Justin and I made super yummy stir fry for dinner.  

My jammies are comfortable.

My parents might fly out to visit.

They haven't been here in a year and a half.

My messy house is getting me down.

Isaac loves hot sauce.

Justin has had a monster sized cold the past few days.

I saw a pileated wood pecker yesterday for the first time.

The kids are all waiting downstairs with popcorn ready to watch Groundhog Day.

I took three hour nap today and had major action packed dreams.

I don't want to clean up dinner.  

I don't like putting left overs away.

I often like to eat left overs for lunch the next day.

My self talk is deplorable lately.

My kids have been cute today.

Hmmm. I might need to retract that last one.

Our whole family squishes onto one regular sized couch to watch movies.

Ever since I've been sick last week I don't want to make my favorite kettle popcorn.  

This is good and bad.

4/10

Justin brought me a waffle in bed this morning.  

We forgot it is fast day.

The boys are getting in to playing scramble/boggle on face book.

My left leg fell asleep sitting here.

There was a thunderstorm last night.  First of the year.

I have a basket of folded laundry sitting on my floor.  

It's been there over a week now.

Allison is pretty great at putting clothes together.

We have to leave for church in half an hour and I want to go back to sleep.

Maybe I should feign a headache today.

Then I'd feel guilty.  

There was a woodpecker on our house again this morning.

It is so hard to not get mad at Jacob. 

The boys are using the word 'retarded' at each other.

About time to get out the bar of soap and make a fine lather.

hehehe

I'm soo soooo soooooo glad we don't have ward firesides on Sundays anymore.

I need to find a way to earn money.

We need to finish up our taxes soon.  Only five days away.

That money is for a vacation to New Zealand.  Woot!  Woot!

I am having a huge doubt that will happen.  Boo!  Boo!

I feel a huge guilt that we should save that money for the boys missions.

Allison loves her high heels.

pm

I got a new calling today.  Troop Committee Chair.

I love Skittles.

4/11

It is gorgeous outside, only a little on the chilly side, beautiful sunshine.

Then why do I feel so sad?  I'm not usually a crier.

I hate library fines.

Chicken noodle soup is the bomb.

I can't believe I'm looking at Drivers Ed for Jacob.  

I didn't realize he could have a permit when he turns 15.

Some &*@^%&@ animal is eating my spring greens.

Isaac and Allison are in their swim suits going to do water balloons on the trampoline.

4/12

Finished out taxes last night. Over $9k!!!

New Zealand here we come!

And also another huge accomplishment:  put away all the snow clothes!!!!!

Ammon walked in the door and noted how clean the entry way was.

Finished Allison's binder (cloth covered with cross stitch initial).  Hope she likes it.

The birds are chirping today.

Jacob and Isaac are in a super heated screaming match downstairs.

4/13
Allison got the cutest haircut today from Kristy Abrahamson.
My daffodils are blooming!
I got to watch Helen and Simon Robison today.  So cute!
Glad my pms bout is on the down hill.  That was some scary stuff.
Laura came over and went on a walk with me through the field.
Then we watched Pillow Talk.
I love Doris Day.
I can't turn the lights off.
I have to get Jacob off to Seminary in about 5 hours.  Poop.

4/14
Didn't go to bed until 1am.
Made for a yucky morning.
Ammon got himself to the bus; none of the kids missed the bus.
I did a craft project today, but it's not turning out how I envisioned.
Ammon was putting on his flip flops yesterday and said, "these work better without socks."
My dishes stink.
I did the vinegar thing on my shower head.  It's like a brand new one.
Hulu is great.
What a lazy day.
Jacob doing a spanish art assignment:  [I chose him because] he's the only one who doesn't do porno.
I need to get over myself.
4/15
I surprise myself at my ignorance I have of the world.
I'm usually glad of it though.
While I know it's important to stay up to date on some things,
 I don't even want to know about most of the others.
I'm glad I'm not camping tonight.
Justin will be home tonight after a three day trip...
for about five minutes.
I'm going to party with some chickies.
I'm taking strawberry shortcake.
4/16
Excited for Justin to come home this afternoon.  He's been gone since Wednesday.
I slept over with Ammon and Allison at the Gray's house last night.  Fun times fun times.
My teeth hurt from that cold popsicle.
Thinking and rethinking if I want to do the whole photographer thing.
4/17
Will the kids ever NOT play video games Sundays?  You'd think they'd learn.
Headache still there from yesterday.
4/18
I won a whole bunch of photography type stuff from a blog give away!
There are still nice people out there.
Sea salt and pepper kettle chips are nom nom nom.
Justin loves his bike rides.
4/19
I have a clean bathroom!!
Now if I could get off my butt to do other stuff.
I guess I did get a few photography things done :)
So much drama around here.
Bicker.  Whine.  Complain.  Cry.  Jeering.  Oy Vey.
4/20
Joy oh Joy!  Did my last night with Activity Day Girls.
Fun girls, but time to move on.
Root beer float ice cream is dreamy.
4/21
Not sure how I feel about some of my "new" shirts.  Or my instyler.
Going to be a busy day.
I had cinnamon toast for breakfast.
It's sunny today!  Yippppppeeeeeeee!
I need to plant my peas soon.
Who wants to come do my dishes.  And laundry.
Not to mention all the other cleaning type things.
Time to go volunteer at Allison's school.
I love when the street sweeper comes.
My headphones hurt my ears.
4/22
Good Friday/Earth Day  woop woop.  i'm so over earth day.
Going to the temple with Justin :)
"It's not a tumor"
This is the second time we've left the kids while we go to the temple.
The kids cell phone is lost.  Again.  Surprise surprise.
4/23
Finding awesome 80's movies to have the kids watch.  Gremlins.  Honey I Shrunk the Kids.  E.T.
Went to the church egg hunt this morning.
I like naps.
4/24
Playing "MASH" with Allison.
I should really not be eating this ice cream (root beer).
Allison and Ammon both told me that I'm fat tonight.
It was a great Easter.  Fun baskets.  Egg dying.
My only regret is not having a family home evening centered on the Atonement.
4/25
Oh what a beautiful morning!  Oh what a beautiful day!
I've got a scratchy throat today.
Justin is in Wisconsin until tomorrow night.
4/26
I wish I had Skittles right now.
Maybe I'll go make that fantastic popcorn.
My scratchy throat is way worse today.  I've lost my voice.
Plus I feel ick.
I know it's wrong of me, but I like the rain outside.
Those were yummy breadsticks.
4/27
Allison is home today with a sore throat and runny nose.
I'm feeling marginally better today, so that's nice.
I found the kids' cell phone in the bottom of the washer.
Justin got it to turn on.  Not sure it's going to work though.
I'm stressed about getting Jacob to do his Eagle project.
Enough of the clouds already.  Bring on a sunny day please.
I bought myself some Skittles at Target today :D
Nice walk with Justin, regardless of a few snowflakes.
4/28
Homemade chicken noodle soup is on the way for din din.
I allllllmost burned the bread by watching a dumb show on hulu.  waaaaa!
I have flour all over my face from making noodles.  It feels sandy.
I'm gonna toot my own horn.  That soup tastes amazing.
Wahoo!  Got another prize in the mail.  This time it's a camera charm necklace.
Choir was fun tonight.  Good times.  Even if my voice is all kinds of crackily.
4/29
Wahooooo for a sunny day finally!
Lawn fertilized.  Raspberries pruned.  Cushions on chairs.
4/30
Justin got a huge gash above his eyebrow today at soccer bonking heads with a guy.
He used super glue to close it.
I got queasy just looking at it.
As Justin says, "it's raining like a mama lama outside."
Dominos for dinner.
I want to learn my camera more/better.
Brewsters Millions tonight.

and a little more of Oklahoma.

 Taco Bueno is a must.  They have good mexican fare, plus Red Fanta at their soda machine.  It makes me smile eating there.

 We went on a hike, while Justin mountain biked on the blue pond trail.  I love that Isaac wasn't phased by two miles.  Justin is training them well.

 Always on the search for the elusive skipping rock.

 Doesn't Ammon make the best poses ever?

More of Oklahoma

Oh my goodness.  The weather!  It was so nice!  We left 34-40's to enjoy the 50-70's.  Sigh.

 Justin, Ammon, and Jimmy.

 First time meeting Thomas (four months old).

 Brittany made me this awesome jar of photo props. 

 Jimmy.  Someone get this kid a washcloth stat!

 Grandma and Grandpa let the kids pick out fish and name them.  This fish tank was a huge hit with the kids.  They spent tons of time sitting in chairs chattering back and forth about what each of the fish were doing.

 Love these guys!

 Allison is a super baby sitter.  She took Atticus for a walk around the block.  Also, our first time meeting him (20 months).

 Ammon getting on his skateboard groove, trying to do a kick flip.

 Allison had a thing for bugging Alex.  He was good to try to keep her at arms length at all times.

 Alex playling frisbee in the front yard.

Allison played ball with Allicus for ages.  This boy loves balls.  He has a lot of similarities to Ammon at this age:  bottom scooter, rubs blankie on nose, loves balls.    He's a very quiet boy and so cute!

Honest Abe

Justin.

He couldn't tell one little tiny white lie.

And it ruined a fun surprise...

I decided a few weeks ago to drive to Oklahoma for spring break with the kids.  We hadn't been there in a year and a half so we were overdue.  A couple days before lift off, I was falling asleep in bed and had an epiphany - Justin should come with us and surprise his family!  So we talked about it, a lot, and after he got affirmative confirmation from his boss, we decided to make it a go.

So the night before we were to leave, he called his dad to see if they still would like the speakers we wanted to get rid of and his dad asked Jusitn, "are you bringing your bike down" not ever guessing Justin wasn't coming in the first place. 

Well, goody-two-shoes couldn't lie, so everyone found out our fun surprise.  Ah well.  

 Jacob and Legos.  Like a bee to pollen.

 Ammon loved the cats there.  He would seek one out and walk around with it.  I love his hands in his pocket too.  What a little man.

Justin did indeed bring his bike with us.  Who can't love a guy in spandex?

 Who can say 'no' to those eyes???

 We went to an art museum in Tulsa with Joey, and also met up with Alex there.  They had a great children's program, one of which was making cars out of clay.  They also all got art boxes with a sketch pad, pencil, and eraser.

 Big comb?

 Squish!

 Joey.  Need I say more?