WELCOME 2016!!

As we say goodbye to 2015, I look back at all the wonderful and amazing times we have had this year.

No matter how much I remember, I know I will always miss something - which will pop up as a splendid memory later.

Some of my most favorites at this time are:

Liam deciding to go to a Karate class and finding an activity that he enjoys so dearly he decided to join team when given the opportunity.  He was asked to be apart of the Master's Club and is working on being part of the Dojo Dudes as well as using kamas in one of his forms. 


Liam is doing great in school and learning to make wise choices for himself.  He loves to read and is really getting into writing.  He learned how to write his name in cursive to sign my birthday card.  (Yes, the tears were there).  He is growing up soo fast I don't feel like I can turn around without missing some awesome thing he has learned.

We unearthed rocks.  It was pretty cool!!

Aine has been doing soo much this year.  She also joined Karate and was asked to join the Master's Club.  She has since started using Nun chucks and is enjoying the ability to do what she wants to do.

She has been horseback riding, but took a necessary break which once weather conditions are verified she will be back in the saddle :)

Aine started walking on her own the end of October and hasn't stopped since!  She has started to ask to walk instead of being carried and is also walking up the stairs by herself!

She has had a bunch of testing and monitoring of her heart in the last month and will have further testing done in the next couple of months to finalize some information and then we will start processing and sharing that information.  But.... as of right now, her heart is as stable as her heart can be (another checkup will be in 3 months), her lungs sound good, her speech is progressing, her walking is Awesome! and her hearing is "getting better" as she now wears hearing aids while awake.

Waiting patiently for the doctor

Ready to get my hearing aids!

Sadly - none of the places we update are letting me upload videos (I'm calling not operator error - LOL!!!)

I will work on getting those loaded - or - I may have to get help from someone...

I hope you have a great 2016!!! 

June came and went - July is just about to do the same thing!

I have a hard time allowing myself to realize just how fast time is going.  It just seems to go faster everyday.

The kids are doing great - they are enjoying the summer, Liam is spending some time with his friends, they are continuing with karate, horse, and swimming.

Aine has been going to school once a week to get her back in the swing of things and working with another kiddo.   Liam has been working hard on his workbooks (some days are harder than others - like today), but we get through them :)

Aine will be having a CT scan as well as a barium study this week and we are hoping for good answers (Great heart function and no reflux).

We are getting used to having a second dog in the house again and are excited to see how she hunts. 

Shawn completed Warrior Dash but was unable to run Tough Mudder because of the storm that came through.  He is not happy about not running it, but will go again next year.  He has a few more runs this year with the soonest one being the firemans 5k.

Mixed Feelings

On Monday we lost a very special person in our lives.  Shawn's mom - my mother-in-law Sandi.

She was not only a Wife, Mother, Mother-in-law, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend - she was a light during the sad times, a great ear, the rock to keep you planted on the ground, an honest answer and full of love.  There is no question in my mind that she will be greatly missed and that anyone that has had the honor of meeting Sandi will never forget her and will always smile when they think of her.

Knowing that Cancer was taking a toll on her body and causing pain makes it 0.0001% easier to handle that she has crossed through the pearly gates and is watching over all of us; but it really doesn't make it any easier because in reality it just plain sucks. 

A few of the things that I get sad about when I think about this fact:
I am:
short one person to tell good news to,
to kid with about moving closer to us,
to get a hug from,
to get a smile from,
to joke with about how much time something should cook,
to watch smile when my kids are around.

These are just a few of the thoughts that make me tear up.  Yesterday really brought these to light as Aine and I went to her 6 month cardiology appointment.  On a normal basis, I would tell Shawn and he would tell his mom, who would tell his dad - I can hear the pleased tone in her voice as they have a discussion and the HOT DOG!! coming out of his dad's mouth - but the reality of it.....  it Didn't happen!  Why???  cancer - that's why.

I try to remember that she Was with me - I brought her with, with a gift that was given to me.  A gift I would have never asked for, nor expected to receive.  A gift that I never realized she had given me the entire time we knew each other.  STRENGTH!  The strength to carry on even during the hardest times in our lives.  The strength to know when to fight, the strength to know when to call on someone whether they are "here" or not, the strength to stand tall even when others are trying to pull you down.  Strength is never a weakness - you just need to know what type of strength you need at that current minute and use it to the best of your ability.  Never give up - pursue what you want and never look back.

Today my thoughts have been all over the place, but most of them have gone directly back to Sandi.

The first day we met - she pointed out a sun catcher and informed me it was so no one walked through the screen door.
The first time she saw me without my shoes on (I wore heels way back in the day) and her comment - "MY! You Are short!!"
The first time I walked out of the dressing room while trying on wedding dresses and her face turned just enough to let me know she didn't like the dress. (I did Not get that dress)
The hug I received after Shawn and I said "I do"
The repeated looks at the bibs we gave them to announce we were pregnant with Liam.
The joy on her face every Christmas when we would walk into the living room and see her beautiful tree.  I was always amazed at how it looks - Stunning!
The joy she got in "hiding" that she was showing me something for Shawn or one of the kids.
The not so Awed face when she saw our Christmas tree which was decked out in retro ornaments and so flashy that it could probably be seen from miles away ;)
Our trip to South Dakota. (She posted and we Loved having her with us).
Sitting for hours at their kitchen table talking, laughing, and smiling.
And walking into a room and smelling her perfume.  It was always the same - Victoria's Secret.

I know she knows that Aine's appointment went well yesterday and that there are no changes from the echo that was performed 6 months ago.  That we will hopefully be able to do a chest CT scan without sedation (as long as no other procedures are needed).  That her cardiologist feels she looks the best she has ever looked and enjoyed seeing her so mature.

I will forever be grateful that I had the honor of meeting her, that she accepted me into her life and loved me like another daughter.

Love you Sandi! 

BRAG - BRAG - BRAG!!!!

It has been way too long since I let everyone in on what is happening in the Casey household.
We have had some major ups and downs, but many great times and accomplishments during that time and guess what!
Today is the day that I'm going to brag it up and show you what we have been loving to do! (you have been warned ;)

The Kids both had birthdays in April and Shawn and I celebrated our 11th Wedding Anniversary!

What more of a blessing could we ask for?

 

Maybe this crown that Aine received from school?

That's a HUGE accomplishment for this tiny tot!



 

How about being blessed with a support system that we have never met face to face??

 

THANKS BETH and FAMILY for the Wonderful surprise!

Liam even shared with his sister!

 

Another little glimpse of our happiness!

2 Birthday crowns, a wonderful bead from Beads of Courage, a couple reminders of Relentless 2015, and a Warrior Dash metal.

(The T-shirts Shawn wore would be here, but those are items that are returned to the families Shawn represents so they can pull strength from them as Shawn did during the race)

 

 

Karate!

Need I say more??

 

Liam and his one step performance

(a little blib of it anyways)

 

The kids showing how proud they are of themselves

(As they should be!)

a total of 2 awards each and a Great confidence booster!

 

 Liam receiving his yellow belt!

 

 

The trophies from the tournament in their home of honor

 

 

Liam finished Awana with glowing reviews.

(the blue lips are from Gatorade :) )

 

His hard work up close. 

The patch on the right is for finishing the starter book, the wings and gems are for completing all the verses in his primary book and having great attendance, the green patch on the left (behind the wings) is for completing his review (which was saying All of the verses in the primary book again.

and the face (Sparky) is for completing all of the extra credit cards in the extra credit book.

And last but not least the ribbon he received for completing his primary book!

 

 

Liam is playing soccer and loving it!

 

 A great way to remember where we have been and where we are going!

 

My mom gave Aine this angel after she was born for me to wear, I no longer wear it because the chain broke.  I know I could get another chain, but it doesn't feel right to.

The first rose Shawn gave me (it was in a bouquet of 12 but I didn't save them correctly and this is all that's left.)  2 hearts combined as 1

A half marathon metal and a relentless headband as a reminder that strength is not a weakness!

And last but not least a gold fish that was created by the hands of a kindergartener with a heart of gold!

 

Over the past year we have met so many wonderful people and feel very blessed with what has been put in front of us and the challenges we have over come!

Serious Business

I know it has been WAY too long since I have updated everyone on how things are going, and sadly that is going to have to wait as I have to get a Very serious issue off my mind.

Shawn and I have been dealing with a decline in Liam's attitude.  He has started to either be sad or angry ALL the time.  He is VERY oppositional and having nightmares to the point he crawls in with me as soon as he feels safe to leave his bed. 

The above is NOT my child.  He is a ray of sunshine (most of the time :0 ) who loves to test your knowledge, learn TONS, and enjoys spending time with his friends, playing with trains, super heroes/Star Wars, Angry birds, Legos, swinging, reading and did I say learning?

This serious business started to affect him in small slow ways - so small and slow that Shawn and I were questioning our parenting and starting to argue about what to do and change at home to make Liam change his behavior because I was at my wits end by the time Shawn would get home from work.

Liam and I were arguing soo much he would opt to read or go swing outside by himself instead of dealing with me constantly asking him to stop arguing with me.

I strongly believe that with the help of Karate, swimming, horseback riding, his teachers, friends and family Liam was able to finally make the correct choice - the choice???  To Stand UP for his friend, which lead to Standing UP for Himself!

You see, Liam and a friend have been being bullied on the bus. 

Why didn't we know about it? 

How did we Not know this was happening?

How could we blame ourselves for his change in attitude?

How could we not figure it out until now?

All of these are questions have been running through my mind and there is one key factor Shawn and I have never taught Liam.

That there is a difference - a difference between tattling and reporting.

Liam didn't want to tattle because that is wrong - and if you know him personally, you know he tries to always do the right thing.

However - what he didn't understand is that "telling me" (oooops - there's that tattling word!) about a problem is actually REPORTING it to me which is NOT wrong.

So.....   where does this leave things?

Well..... 

The problem is not resolved as of this time, but all things are moving in the direction that they should be.

Liam was HAPPY this morning when he left and actually hugged me last night in a super relaxed way.  He didn't have a nightmare last night and is excited that his sister and I will be picking him up today after school - because what better way to start the weekend???

How are we handling this?
1) We are using this as a learning experience
2) We are using this as an educational experience
3) We will be changing how we have conversations.  "It's OK to tell me" will no longer be used.     Reporting and tattling will now instead be used.
4) We will explain reporting better
5) We will explain tattling better
6) We will continue to discuss appropriate vs inappropriate behavior
7) We will continue to monitor his behavior and ask questions differently.

How will we ask this differently? 

Here are some examples of the NEW question format we will be using.

1) What was your favorite part of the day?
2) What was your least favorite part of the day?
3) Who did you sit by at lunch?
4) Who did you play with at recess?
5) What did you play at recess?
6) Who did you sit by on the bus?
7) Where did you sit on the bus?  (Seat or floor?)
If on the floor:  Why were you on the floor?
8) Did you move seats on the bus?
9) What made you move seats on the bus?
10) Did you play with toys on the bus?
11) Did everyone nicely give the toys back to who they belong to?

While I know that bullying has been around forever - there is no need for it, but keeping in mind that there is usually a reason that it is occurring everyone needs to work together to stop it in its track. 
As I tell Liam - Stop - Back up the freight train and think about it.  Don't repeat the negative - only the positive.

It is a parents responsibility to teach kids right from wrong, while utilizing the village to cement the positive behavior you have instilled in your own child.  Thank those that have helped you harden the concrete and make your foundation stronger.  Remove those that try to add too much water and ruin your hard work.

As an individual we can be stronger than we think we are and conquer a lot, but as a village we can pave the way to a bright future for our kids.

What can you do to help?

1) Don't feel sorry for Liam and his friends - commend them for doing the right thing
2) Stop and help at least one person EVERYDAY
3) Don't stand by and watch someone being bullied
4) SHOW your kiddos how they should act - please and thank you go a long ways
5) Act how you EXPECT your kids to act
6) EXPECT your children to act and treat others appropriately
7) Teach them it is OK to question things they don't understand
8) Teach them the difference between tattling and reporting
9) Know YOU can make a difference and the choice is Yours and your alone whether it is going to be positive or negative difference.
10) THANK those that help you, especially if they are apart of the village.
11) Apologize if you do something wrong.

There is another key part in all of this.

FORGIVENESS

You are the only one that will be able to truly heal yourself or affected family member.
Forgiveness is a huge part in the healing process and can also shed new light on a bad situation.

Because why let a negative situation water down thee concrete you worked so hard to pour?
You will become stronger and a better villager.

Please feel free to comment or share your personal stories, if they have been resolved, how they were resolved, and what you have learned from your experience.

Have a Great Weekend!!

Tired - Soooo Tired.......

I keep telling myself -
One day you will Not be soo tired
One day she WILL feel better
One Day......

That day will come.

Aine slept through the night, and has been able to bring up a lot of what is in her lungs.  I have been deep suctioning her to help and am very lucky that once we start she will lay with the line in her nose, because it is hard to mentally deal with deep suctioning her, so she makes it a touch easier by helping :)

She has only slept 1/2 of the day today, so that is also an improvement on yesterday :)

Her stats are about the same place that they were yesterday, but her color is way better than yesterday.

Thank you for all the prayers and good thoughts!!

COFFEE PLEASE!!!!

I will say this first - they were right......  

They being the hospital :(

This is going to be a L.O...N.....G...............   road to recovery :(

Another pretty sleepless night caused by a bump in the road not long after bedtime.

That bump in the road is causing an all day sleep fest (except for when the fever returns and she wakes up).

Her lungs still sound good, but there is a little bit of junk that can be heard - so we have bumped up her lung treatments to make sure it stays mobile and comes out.

The silver lining in today is that I got a bunch of work done, I'm on my second pot of coffee, and I did get one smile out of Aine.  The super bummer part is that she doesn't feel good and I don't like it.

RSV is NO fun and if we never deal with it again, it will be too soon.

Thank for all the prayers  and thoughts.  We really appreciate them.