Wordless Wednessday

Dear Lord

I ran across this the other day and could not help but laugh....

Dear Lord,

SO far today, I'm doing all right. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or self-indulgent. I have not whined, complained, threatened my children, used time-out, or eaten any chocolate. I have charged nothing on my credit card.

But, I will be getting out of bed in a minute, and I think I will really need your help then.

Isn't It AMAZING

Isn't it Amazing that a child who could not hold his head up until 1 1/2 years old is now riding a horse?? Isn't it amazing that a child who Dr's said was "incompatible with life " is almost 7? Isn't it amazing that a child who could not stand to have anything on his head is wearing a helmet? I could go on and on about Davis. This is a little boy who defies all that is against him. Despite his limitations Davis seems to keep on pushing the envelope. He is a fighter.. And on the days when I am tired, frustrated and don't seem to understand. I am reminded that Davis is a true miracle !! We have come along way and I don't want to ever forget that. Davis never ceases to amaze me !!!

Fall in Gatlinburg/Dollywood

This weekend we all went to Gatlinburg and Dollywood. It was a perfect time to go. The weather was wonderful and the leaves were beautiful !!!

Cathyrn loves driving the cars.....

Davis rode for the first time by himself. I am to big and can no longer squeeze into the rides with him. It was sooo sweet seeing Davis with Cathryn and their cousin Hayden riding together. Davis really enjoyed it !!!!

My two sweet angels !!!

I can't wait until my parents, sister and her family come to Gatlinburg for Thanksgiving!!! What a wonderful time ..

This is as crafty as I get !!!

A few weeks ago I got on a kick to #1 paint Davis' room and #2 make Cathryn a giant chalk board. Since moving in our house last year I have wanted to make the bonus room more "play friendly."

Cathryn loves her chalk board and all it took was a little paint and some white molding!!! I am not very creative so this is as "Crafty as I get."

Monday Monday .....

Today the weather was in the 40's so Cathryn and I decided to stay in and bake cookies !!

Nothing beats a big spoonful of cookie dough

and a little helper !!!

Please Remember ....

Some things Cathryn says that I don't want to forget....

I wear my Babin Suit and Simiees (Bathing suit and swimmies)

Cathryn always gets up in the morning and says, " It's light out mommy."

When asked her name Cathryn says, "Cafrin Ewisabeth Salwer."

I hurt my bingers (fingers)

I luv you Mommy!!

Dadis (Davis) , Juan (cousin John), Hay (cousin Hayden)

"There is toliet paper stuck on my bottom."

BooBooAid (Band aid)

Pise (Surpise)

Yucky the Cat (Lucky)

Desus (Jesus)

Pease May I help ....

I go peepee in the potty, but no Poopoo !!!

One time, just one more time Mommy (as she holds her finger up)

Dadis(Davis) is crying.. It's OK Dadis

Pease (please)

Mommy you back !!!

Mommy where r u ?

I pall (fall) down

Yes Mim Mommy

Each day brings a different challenge and some frustrations. This has been a good exercise for me....

"It only took an Egg Timer"

Recently, Cathryn REGRESSED with her potty. This summer was a breeze. Cathryn was ready and willing to potty on her own. We made a big deal out of Big Girl panties, read stories and gave reward stickers. All was Wonderful !! Until she went back to her 2 day preschool in Aug. It was as if the potty didn't exist and she wanted nothing to do with it. We were back to negative 10 and I was beside myself. Forward to today... I decided to use the good old egg timer. We devoted several days to "Potty training #2". I dreaded this process mainly because I knew we had to be confined to the house (which I rarely am) and live by the timer. Every 30 min. it would buzz and Cathryn would run to the potty. Needless to say we are going strong and I see a light at the end of the tunnel. Potty training is a new process for me. I sometimes wonder if Davis being in diapers has anything to do with this relapse. Cathryn sees her brother in diapers and doesn't understand why she can't be. I try to explain as best as I can about Davis and why he can't walk, talk, go potty etc... Cathryn just says Ohh, kisses Davis and turns her attention to something else. The sweet innocence if a child. But, for now Praise the Lord for the egg timer !!!

Friday Night Lights

Perfect cool night
for High School Football !!

Sleeping Beauties !!

Snug as a bug in a rug

What a precious sight....

"The Schwans Man"

One of our favorite times is when " The Schwans Man" comes. Cathryn loves "The Schwans Man" because he lets her get up in the truck and gives Davis free ice-cream. It is the simple things in life that bring us most joy :o) If only it could always be this way !!

The Great Planters !!!

I don't have a green thumb, but I am soooo proud of my plants!! They have lasted all Summer and now they are perfect for Fall. It's the Great Planters Charlie Brown .....

Corn, Pumpkins and Bees

Yesterday we had a family outing to the local Pumpkin Patch / Corn Maze. It was a wonderful day... great Fall weather. We love this particular farm, lots of activities and fun for the kids. Cathryn took a friend and all was well with the Salyer family... Until Davis got stung by a bee. He was so sad, it broke my heart. Davis cried (I don't think he new what to do). My children have never been stung before. What do you do? My mother's moto growing up was, "Heal Thyself." All is well and Davis survived. He is such a trooper !!! Typical day in our family :o)

Fall is Here !!

I love Fall !! It is absolutely my favorite time of year. I look forward to pumpkins, mums and the change in weather. We live in TN. about 1 hour from Gatlinburg. The trees are beautiful and I am reminded of God's mighty hand everywhere I go. Growing up it was a tradition to drive with my grandparents in the RV from Fla. to Gatlinburg. I never really appreciated the beauty of Fall and the special time I had with my grandparents. Little did I know that many years later I would live near my childhood vacation spot. Every time I go memories come flooding back and I am thankful for the times we had.....

Long Distance Love !!

This is for my loving family who live sooo far away. I hope this can shorten the distance bewteen each other. How I miss each one of you and wish we could see each other more. Cathryn loves her Pawpaw and Nana. She is at the fun age where she loves to talk with Nana on the phone. Every conversation is so exciting and new. They talk about shoes, clothes, surprises coming in the mail and Lucky the cat. Davis loves his Pawpaw like no other. The two of them could swing in the hammock and cuddle all day together. They are two peas in a pod. When Davis is with his Pawpaw their is no other. What a sweet and loving relationship !! And even though he can't talk he always responds with a big grin or laugh. Both memories are Priceless... Nana and Pawpaw, This is for you !!!

Blessings from above

Welcome to my life and family. I am a mother of two beautiful children. My oldest Davis is truly a miracle. He was born with HPE, Hydrocephalus and Dandy Walker Syndrome. The last six years have truly been a gift from the Lord. Davis has far exceeded what Dr's ever dreamed he could do and we are thankful for each milestone he makes. Next is Cathryn Elisabeth , our sweet angel. Everything she does is so new and exciting. Cathryn keeps us on our toes and is Wonderful with Davis. I have a big helper ALL the TIME !! With a busy, hectic life (as most have) I find myself needing to calm down, relax and reflect on our blessings. Hopefully, this Blog will help!! I have always wanted to journal, but seldom did I find time. Maybe through this journey someone reading will relate and find comfort. And I will find an outlet... Enjoy