Monday, June 16, 2014

Superhero Party


A couple months ago I signed Jett up for the Superhero party that Lehi city puts on every year. I figured since Cruise was able to play baseball this summer, I would sign Jett up for something that he really enjoys, which of course is superheroes. The party was held this past Saturday at the Lehi rec center in one of the large gyms. He decided to wear his Batman costume (so hard to choose between Batman and Superman!).
It was all set up SUPER cute and had some awesome SUPER stations where the kids could play games and do some fun things.
Jett first visited the real superheroes of Lehi city: the firemen and policemen.
He then raced tricycles...(he won)
Fought Hulk...(he lost, but really, anyone would lose vs. Hulk, even Batman)
Did a football toss...(not quite sure how that one fit into the superhero theme)
And did some superhero training. He totally rocked that one! They had him go throw an obstacle course of sorts where he had to jump on a tramp, punch a bag, shoot a bad guy, and go through a tunnel. He did SUPER!
After we visited all the stations, he picked up his donut, popcorn, and balloon and we headed back to the Batcave where we both crashed immediately.
He really enjoyed it, but being the sweet brother he is, asked if we could bring Cruise next time. Love that little superhero!

Bipolar Hair

Last week was a bad, bad week as far as my bipolar goes. Some extremely low days that I wouldn't have gotten through without Dave. I was so grateful to be able to get my hair done towards the end of the week. It was so great to sit and talk to my good friend Michelle who does my hair at her salon in Riverton. She has been the only friend thus far who has been brave/thoughtful/caring enough to just talk to me about my own issues and how I'm doing. I really needed that. But on top of all that, she gave me a new cut and color for a new and improved Emily. My meds should be kicking in pretty soon and I am already starting to feel a little better. Some days are better than others, but my new hair has given me a little boost. I got it dark with some crazy red. I call this haircut/color "Is my mania showing?":
There's my mania right...there!

We Got a Crawler!

Miles finally crawled last Wednesday! It's like he just woke up and decided "Well, I guess I'll crawl today". Cruise & Jett were so excited and are looking forward to being able to play with their baby brother a little more. I think Miles is pretty happy about it too. He has been loving getting to people and things he wants, but of course putting all sorts of unapproved things into his mouth. There is only one "person" who is not so happy about Miles' newfound skills:

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Dear Bipolar,

Today I found out about you. I found out that for a long time you’ve messed with my happiness, my feelings of sanity and contentment. You were the one who made all that I once enjoyed something of the past. You pushed away friends and family members. You made me feel incredible at one point, only to drop me to the lowest depths of despair and emotional pain. You’ve messed with my relationships with my dear husband and beautiful children. If there is any reason to rid you of my being, it is that: my family. You cannot take that from me. You won’t; I won’t let you.

Now that I know about you, I have realized that the destruction and psychological fractures you’ve inflicted can be repaired. I refuse to let you win. I refuse to let you run my life. I will fight you until the day I take my last breath. I will do all in my power to see you shrink into a bad dream of the past. I hate you. I truly hate you.

What you don’t realize, is that my drive and resolve are stronger than you. My support system can over-take you. I am more than you realize and I am worth the fight, my husband is worth the fight, my children are worth the fight. You will lose, and I will conquer my demons, specifically you, Bipolar.

You messed with the wrong girl.

Your worst nightmare,

Emily

First Fishing Trip of the Summer!

Dave took the boys out for their first catch of the season! They came home with 3 rainbow trout...these kids are so funny:

The Museum of Natural Curiosity

This place is A-MAZING! I am so glad we have a family pass to Thanksgiving Point because otherwise, this place is expensive! The boys are completely in love and ask to go almost every day. They especially love the Rainforest area, specifically the Monkey Temple, which is pretty much a giant jungle gym. They also have a baby area just for the little ones! They really thought of everything.
They have an area called Kidopolis, which is essentially a little town just for kids! They have a bank, a recording studio, theater, vet, magic shop, library, pretty much everything a town would have, and then some!
Another area is called Water Works that has all things water. They provide water covers and even boots for the kids, so they can go nuts! Although, the cutest part was the baby table. I just about died when I walked by and saw all these babies sitting in what looked like a giant, raised swimming pool. I had to do a double take when I realized none of the babies were wet! So we had to get Miles in on the action.
Another area is the Discovery Gardens, but I forgot to bring the camera the day we went there. I'll have to remember next time. The Discovery Garden was merged with the outdoor splash area with the Noah's Ark sculpture. They also added in a play area complete with spinners, seesaws, and a zip line. When Dave saw that, he said, "Oh good! Now I don't have to put in one!"

Truly an amazing museum. I recommend everyone go at least once, but plan for a whole day because the kids could play there for days and not get bored. The good news is, they have a cafe there, so you really never have to leave until closing!

Cruise's Graduation & Dance Festival

 I'm still trying to catch up from last week since it was Cruise's last week of school. Sorry it's taken a week to get to it!

On the 28th of May, Cruise's class had a little graduation ceremony complete with caps, diplomas, and a giant, oversized gown. I have been so grateful for Cruise's teacher, Mr. Harris, and his aides Mrs. Jones & Mrs. Poyfair. They have done incredible things and have helped Cruise in ways I never could. I don't think they will ever adequately know just how much they have contributed to Cruise's success. So proud of this kid:

After the graduation, we headed outside where the school partook in the yearly dance festival. Of course they made those poor 1st graders go last, but Cruise did AWESOME! They danced to the gummy bear song and he, of course, was a green gummy bear. Cruise knew all the dance moves and didn't mess up once. It was so much fun watching him!

Monday, June 2, 2014

Cruise's Coach Pitch Baseball

Cruise started coach pitch baseball this past week! He's been talking about it for months and was so excited to start playing on a team. I've decided to only put the kids in things if they ask, so I waited until Cruise asked if he could play baseball on a team. If you had told me just a year ago that Cruise would be playing team sports, I would've thought you were out of your mind! This kid never ceases to impress me.

He had his first practice on the 23rd of May, and we got to pin-point a few of the possible triggers for meltdowns he might have during a game. He got a little frustrated when the ball wouldn't come to him, but he generally did pretty well. His coach is super understanding and very patient with him, which is such a blessing.
His first game went fantastic and he had a blast! Sure, he had no idea how to play the game, but he was all smiles the whole time! When it was his turn to bat, he hit the ball and eventually ran to the 1st base. Even when he got out, he was a good sport. My parents were able to come to his first game, which was a lot of fun. Cruise loved having them there to cheer him on! It's pretty fun to watch him play. When he makes it to the base, he likes to chat it up with whoever is there.
His second game didn't go as smoothly, as he was tagged out at one point and especially when he struck out. That was not a pretty sight. But it's all a learning experience and I'm so glad he gets to do it!