Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Happy Holidays

Well, I must admit that I did not have time to write a Christmas letter this year:( So I thought I would send a quick update with some pictures of some of our Winter Activities. I must say that it is hard to even type Winter because it is between 70-80 degrees everyday. The boys are still wearing shorts to school and I think that Mark may never wear jeans again. It is truly gorgeous weather. Our windows are open and we can walk around the neighborhood and look at all the extravagant Christmas lights. We are blessed with a a wonderful neighborhood. Kids galore! The boys are so happy and enjoy playing outside with their crew everyday. Trevor is one of the oldest and had taken on the role with a great sense of responsibility and pride. The crew has accepted Darren and they play with him when he is willing and allow him his time when he needs it. Couldn't ask for more. 
Yes, Darren ran from Santa once, then came back and did his best to smile. Santa was kind and patient...thank you Santa! We will leave more cookies for you this year.
I am happy to share that I was offered a job in the county as a full time aide to a 3rd grade girl that has a seizure disorder. I will be her one on one aide and I am thrilled to be back on my career track. Trevor currently attends a school that is K-2...and will be changing to a school next year that is 3-5. Well, I will be working at the 3-5 school. It is a large school, 950 kids. The principal and staff are wonderful and I feel that it is a good fit. I will be finishing up at Saks at the end of the month and then starting my new job on Jan 10. Very exciting.
Over the holiday break Trevor will be attending a baseball camp at Roger Dean Stadium. He is really looking forward to that. Honestly, with our crazy schedules, it has been hard figuring out any extracurricular activities. Hopefully with my new job, we can get Trevor back into the sports he loves...that is the goal.
Mark is still working hard at Ruby Tuesday. He has learned so much in a short period of time. It looks like he could possible get moved to a store closer to home...so keep your fingers crossed! Currently he drives an hour each way...hoping to cut that in half with the switch.
Darren continues to do well at school. He went through his typical rough spell..testing everyone that he could...but he has made a turn and is excelling once again. These cycles are just part of living with Darren. I think we have learned to expect and accept them a little more than we used to. The spells are frustrating, but he always comes out of them stronger...maybe we all come out stronger:)

We miss everyone, especially during this holiday season.  Much love to all!


Waiting for Santa

Our REAL Tree

Christmas Palm Tree

Trolley to Winter Fun in Downtown Abacoa

Here we go!

People everywhere!

SNOW?

Yes! Snow! They shipped it in! Watching kids play in snow in their shorts was certainly a sight!

I think Darren was in shock.


The surrounding neighborhood does a Christmas light display like I have never seen. We went for a walk one night and when I saw this particular one, I started running like I was 8 again.  So cool.

This one had a bubble machine! Unbelievable!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

80 degrees??? WOW!

The Neighborhood Crew



Yeah, it's fun to be in Florida!


Life is Good

The Pool in November??? AWESOME!!!
 THANKSGIVING DAY

Come and get me!

The chase is on!

Exhausted!

Gotcha


It is so strange to have our Christmas tree up and our windows open! Today was 80 degrees and beautiful.  The boys have the opportunity to play outside with friends everyday. Trevor peer out the back door looking for his friends...as soon as he spots one...off he goes! We are lucky to have a lot of kids around us and a street full of nice neighbors.  We had a very great Thanksgiving...it was nice just being together. Thanks to everyone for making the boys birthday so wonderful. Your calls, gifts, emails, and cards were all greatly appreciated. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.  And last but not least, we are so proud to share that Trevor got straight A's on his report card!!! Not sure Mark and I produced that...but we'll take it.  We are so proud of how hard he working and how well he has adjusted.  That says a lot about his character and drive. Darren.....is changing. That is the best way I can explain it.  I watch him through a different set of eyes these days. I am learning to accept all that he is...all that is was...and all that he can be.  There is no question that he is absolutely in the school, and environment, that he is best for him. Much love to all! Happy Holidays!