ADHD

Liam had an appointment with the Neurologist which I really don't like, but unfortunately the only one who is qualified to look at him and diagnose him with ADHD is her. Anyway, Luke took Liam in because I just didn't want to get another lecture about my waste of money, time, and resources by adhering to a natural approach with his Autism.

According to her, almost all kids with Autism have ADD or ADHD. Liam is no exception. But she said if we really wanted that diagnosis, the ONLY "cure" is with medicine, i.e. Ritalin. She knew how opposed I was to it the last time I was in, but said if I really wanted the diagnosis, she would be REALLY pushing it on him as a necessary medication to take. I really hate that the only thing they do is just give out that toxic crap. (UGH!!)

So, the expected response to our inquiry applied. I didn't want a prescription, but a diagnosis so we can possibly get more services through the state/county for therapy. Then I found out that they really don't add extra services to it if you add ADHD to the mix (which is what Liam has in her mind). So, it was kind of pointless to go, other than to ease my mind that I'm not going crazy and that Liam has some issues going on that he's having a hard time dealing with.

His behavior has gotten a little better, and when I called his ND (you know, the Nautopathic Doctor who doesn't want to just put him in a toxic daze all day long), she suggested I start him on a couple herbs that she gives to her ADHD kids and see if it will help (and something which you can't "overdose on"). She said if he doesn't have ADHD, it won't really make a difference...so we'll see. I'm anxious to get this nipped in the bud!! My nerves are just shot as of late!!! (LOL)

After Liam had an "okay day" from school (hey it's better than "his day was pretty horrible"), we rewarded him by going to LegoLand. It's been so stinking hot lately here and he really enjoyed the Water Park portion of it.





Well, Monday is my first final exam for Anatomy and Physiology, Wednesday being my second (and last) final. I am so doomed, with all the demands with Liam, I haven't started studying!! I'm in trouble!!! (LOL) Luckily all I need is 11 points (out of 225 points) to get a C, which is all I need to get into the program. So not a lot of pressure, but I do want to get a better grade than a C! :) Oh well, I'm just happy to pass this killer class!! :)

Liam's Goat

I got a fun phone call today from Liam's school. Liam fell and hit his chin and he was at the school nurse, but was okay. I then contacted his teacher to find out more details, praying it was an accident.

Unfortunately it was not. Liam's behavior as of late has been pretty horrible, no doubt due to the change in address. I really am not sure what else it could be. I'm hoping too that once my class is over next week things will improve...pray that it does.

This is what the teacher reported to us:

"He was wound up and trying to hit at us. So we had him go to the quiet area, and while he was running there he ran into the wall."

It's just one of those days as parents where you just have to take deep breaths and say "I love my children more than life itself".

Unfortunately this was not the worst of his bad behavior lately. Liam was so mad to be leaving his cousins on Sunday, that his tantrum actually led to ripping out clumps of his hair!!! OH MY GOSH!!! Seriously, am I doing something wrong here!??!? Children definitely test your patience don't they!!

Liam's war wounds which Luke thinks looks like a goatee:




"My child will survive the fourth year of life, My child will survive the fourth year of life, My child will survive the fourth year of life" (LOL)

Mama's Day

For Mother's Day, my brother and sister-in-law took us out for a combined Mama's Day/Birthday Brunch for me. It was SO fun having all the cousins together. I love having them close by!

Of course someone ratted me out and told them of my birthday, in which, a bunch came out with Flan and sang something in Spanish. The waiter also hand fed me, which was totally embarrassing. Then each of the kids decided how fun that was and took turns feeding me also.


We had a great Mama's Day Brunch!!

Mother's Day Flowers

We signed up for flowers for church for Mother's Day. So mom, these are for you (and Mom J too). I wish I could mail these to you both, but hopefully a picture is worth a thousand words!! I love you so much and wish I could be with you to give you a big thank you hug. Luke and I have the best mamas in the world!!!







Liam's cheesy grin saying "Happy Mother's Day Grandma!"


I couldn't be the mom I am today without you!!

More Congrats!

Congratulations to Erin and Bear who gave birth to Lauren Rene on my birthday!! (LOL) What a GREAT day to be born!! Not that I'm biased.... :) We are so happy for you...she looks just like you Erin!! :) So beautiful! God be praised for such a wonderful blessing!!

Carlsbad Beach and LegoLand

For Family Fun Day, we went to Carlsbad. First to the beach, which Liam had been wanting to visit ALL week!! It has been kind of "chilly" here (highs in the low 70s)- yea, my definition of chilly is really pathetic now a days.

Carlsbad beach happened to be the site of two shark attacks as of late, according to my father. Liam really didn't go in the water, other than ankle deep...but it was close to LegoLand and a fun beach to go to (not to mention not crowded due to the chilly weather and sharks - LOL). The beach has black sand!! So cool!! Liam had a lot of fun digging away with his new shovel and pail, not to mention the all-favorite pinwheel which is plastic (SWEET!). It's not that flimsy aluminum-kind which falls apart 2 minutes after purchase at the store. :)


Wow those are some dirty tooties!! But the funny thing is that it's sand not dirt!! :)


I swear Liam got black sand in his ears! Typical boy...


He loves this pinwheel!!


He actually got up the nerve to splash around in the water...he's usually deathly afraid of the ocean!


The sand goes IN the pail, not on top...LOL



Afterwards we went to the always fun LegoLand. The place never gets old I swear! :) We went on quite a few rides and stayed for at least 4 hours. Usually we just go for 2 hours tops as we have a year pass and go back all the time. :) But today we stayed and went on some rides Liam usually isn't up for (rides that go faster than 5 miles an hour - LOL).



One in particular is an "Indiana Jones" type of ride where you shoot targets and compete against each other. It was a lot of fun!! Afterwards in the gift shop we tried on some of the "Indiana Jones" apparel - and got a good laugh too!! LOL

Indiana Liam


Blowing on the snake - I guess that's his way of scaring it. LOL



I love the aviator look on Luke - LOL


Don't give up your day job sweetie!!

Martini Bar

Luke and I went to a movie ("What Happens in Vegas") and then to "Infusion" in Ladera Ranch, a martini bar to celebrate my birthday. Luke was so sweet and got Respite from RCOC to watch Liam for free (Wha Who!!). Five hours of just Luke and me time - boy, it was like a mini vacation! (LOL) I haven't had that much fun in a long time!!




Many martinis later, I decided that the Key Lime Pie Martini has to be my favorite.



The Chocolate Martini was really strong!!




I can't wait to go back!!



Cheers!!

My Birthday

Today I turned 28. Luke was so sweet and planned a fun day with just him and a family dinner. We first went out for lunch where I got some "real" cake without Liam knowing it while he was at school (he he he). I love our lunch dates, and cherish them more than he realizes!! :)


Yummy wheat and milk-laden cake!!! (LOL)




For dinner Luke made spaghetti (at Liam's request, GFCF of course - quinoa noodles) and a double layer GFCF chocolate oreo cake and GFCF Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. It was SO rich!! (LOL) Yet that did not stop Liam from devouring it!! (LOL) He had been patiently waiting all night for it to finish cooking (as patient as a 4 year old knowing cake is coming can be!).


The cake was much anticipated...


The glorious GFCF Ice Cream which we are SO grateful is in existence!!


Thank you Dad J and Sally for the presents!! I love them!!


I've wanted this book for a long time!! :) Can you tell?!?



Luke surprised me with his birthday present. He signed us up for ballroom dancing classes in July!! WOW!! I am so excited and can't wait!!! He was very successful at totally surprising me!! :)

This is so beautiful. I don't even remember the last time Luke's has such a romantic toast. I wish every day was my birthday!! (LOL) He was so sweet to toast, shoot the camera (crooked...but hey, it's the thought that counts!!), and juggle the wine. (LOL) Love you honey!!

Happy 28 to Me

In and effort of remembering the past 28 years God has blessed me, I had to leave a brief little photo album of the life of Christy Ariel:

They are kind of in order (LOL)...


































































A big thank you to my parents for being my models, my best friend Luke for being my rock, and my two beautiful boys who make every day a reminder of God's grace and beautiful creations.

Congrats!!!!

Wow, it seems for some strange reason all of my friends are having babies!! (LOL) What wonderful news to hear!!

Lots of congratulations to extend. First to the newest Johnson, Zane Jorell, the newest family member to Jill and Owen. Boy, what a journey you guys have been through!! I am so thrilled beyond words for you guys!! He is SO adorable, and looks just like a mini-Owen!! So cute!!!!

And to the newly pregnant, Kelly and Chris!! After 4 years, we are so ecstatic for you guys and wish you nothing but the best with your new parenthood. He or she will be one lucky little one to have you guys as parents!! :)

Soon coming due, Erin, Ellen, and Mary. We can't WAIT to hear the good news about Lauryn, Brendon, and Lane's birth!! Keep up the good work cooking, I know it can seem like it's taking forever!! (LOL)

Our prayers and love are with you guys!!

Massive Catch-Up Blog

Hello!!

I can't believe how long it's taken me to write this blog. Trust me when I say I have really missed writing it!! :)

As you can imagine, this past month has been insane (nothing unusual for our family), but has been particularly crazy with school and the move.

I have been diligent about taking pictures, and it was so wonderful offloading all 96 from my camera!! (LOL) Don't worry, many of those are pictures of models of organs for school! :)

The first for display are pictures taken at our favorite little fish place we eat at every Sunday. I love it particularly because Liam can eat a healthy meal their...fish food is brain food! :)




Yummy Yummy!!


Next for your visual enjoyment are pictures of a trip to Uncle Christian and Aunt Annes. We went swimming at their neighborhood pool which is salt water - so weird swimming in a pool of salt water...but it's supposed to be healthier for you. Anyway, we had tons of fun, and Liam was beside himself with all his cousins to play with.

Christian looks like one of those Chiquita Banana women - LOL. He's just trying to stay out of the sun, and looks so fashionable doing so. (LOL)



Afterwards Liam came home and made a book train...still does it eventhough I think he's becoming more and more mild with Autism (it's common to line things up with Autism), but I think it's still cute.


These are pictures of the family at Chipotle. I laughed so hard because Liam thought the model sporting the T-shirt was a model of grandpa Mack!! Oh man, that's funny to me anyway.... Grandpa might not appreciate it, but we all got a good chuckle out of it that day. :)


Liam got grandpa's nose right on the...



Liam had received some tattoos from his cousins as a gift, and were very unsure about that whole tattoo idea. He's not a fan of stickers on his body at most times (another Autism trait). Anyway, daddy took the plunge for him to show him that it's okay to try it and picked one out for him....the girly fish in "Shark Tale". He insisted on it!! Again, much laughter ensued, this time at daddy's expense. LOL

No matter how much you GRRR babe, it's still a girly fish. LOL






The next weekend we went to the California Science Museum, mainly for me. They have a body worlds exhibit there, and didn't quite make it in time, but they had lots of cools stuff there otherwise which was free (can't beat that!!). Afterwards, we went to the rose gardens outside it. So gorgeous their!!!!


Not sure what was so fascinating under there...






Liam and I are in there somewhere



And here too by the water fountain


Liam's attempt at a somersault


This was at the museum, where Liam and daddy lifted a truck (and some other guy in the pic too I guess) thanks to a bit of torque. :)


Liam loves the helicopter, go figure.


The view on the way home from the city.



This face cracks me up!!


These are pictures of Liam putting together his first real puzzle!! He was SO excited to do this (which some help of course)!!



Next comes this biggie - the MOVE!!! Ugh!! Where to begin...oh yes, packing. We didn't begin packing any boxes until 2 days before our move...nothing like cutting it close!! (LOL) We didn't have time with my lecture exam a few days before. I had to focus on that before anything with the move was to get done (my grade's more important to me). Luckily I got a 101% (PRAISE GOD!!!)!!! After that was done, it was "shove everything you can into a box!" Liam was so cute, and helped tape his first box!! Had to get pictures of that!! :)


Cute little helping hands...


Liam's first taped box (with daddy help - lol)


I guess daddy's head needed to be packed, LOL. Gotta make sure that gets there!!



Saying goodbye to our old apartment...

And hello to the new...



The move on the whole went pretty well. Had a few issues, but given the fact that it was just Luke, Liam, the dolly, and I, I have to say it could have gone much worse!! We did however underestimate the amount of time and energy a "short move" would be - A MOVE IS A MOVE!!! Just because the distance isn't far, you still have to move everything over!! (LOL) Luke's arm got a gash in it from the filing cabinet drawer, and I smashed my thumb into a railing with the dryer. But the piece dela resistance had to be Luke accidentally pushing the couch to much into my shin which then met the cement stair. I seriously thought I broke my leg. I'm glad Liam was not their at the time to hear the horrible profanities I was saying. (Lord forgive my weakness) But it really did hurt!!

This was the EVIL stair that did not budge when my shin decided it should move.



We did have a few casualties. Luke made a brave attempt to save the filing cabinet drawers when they started to fall from our rolling wire rack. In doing so gashed his arm, yet couldn't save the filing cabinet from its doom. Good try sweetie!!!



Another casualty was our dryer which slipped out of my hand going up the stairs (I couldn't get a good grip on it, and my sweaty hands just let go unfortunately). So, the exhaust got bent and then the new nozzle gas line was too small. Long story short, we had to make a run to the hardware store....which is now Liam's favorite place to be. (LOL) Boys and their toys! (LOL) He insisted on taking pictures of the monumental event of going to Lowe's. :) Gotta love cheap thrills!! :)

Note how tired I look! (LOL)





Later that night we were SO grateful to have respite come in and watch Liam for a few hours while we finished up on Thursday night. Boy that was wonderful!! Luke only had off that Thursday, and we still did not get everything in!!! It was taking FOREVER!!! Friday came, and it was just me left while Luke went back to work. Yea...as you can imagine, I didn't get it all done either!! (LOL) We ended up staying up until 5:15am!!! I cannot believe how long it took us!! We really don't have that much stuff!! But it just kept coming out of the wood-work I swear!! (LOL)

These were the things which helped us TREMENDOUSLY: Liam's little red wagon, work gloves, and each other and the Lord of course (last but certainly not least).

I never thought Liam's wagon would be so useful!! LOL




We are now all in and starting to settle nicely. I think Liam likes the new place better oddly enough. I thought having his bed in the living room would be a problem, but he LOVES being the center of attention (go figure). He also loves to watch the street (again, a downside to our place to us, lol) when the cars and firetrucks go by. But even though it's a tight fit, things are fitting well and we aren't killing each other yet! (LOL)



To end my long, yet eventful blog, I leave you with Liam's school pictures just taken a few weeks ago that we just got today. He is so cute with those killer blue eyes!! Wow, I'm glad he got that from his daddy!! So beautiful!!



Well, thanks for being patient while I kept my camera fuming with storage! :) I promise to do better with the updates! :)