Getting naked, testing for school, and first haircut.

Dear Noah:

LOTS has happened the past few days in our world. You decided you wanted to go out and play with the little neighbor girls.......so out you went. This was the first time you all had been outside because it has been raining a lot. I helped you set up a tent on your side of the fence and then helped the neighbor girls set up one. I figured once the tents were up you have always played well...I could run to the bathroom and bedroom. I came back out only to find you shirtless, shoeless......AND MINUS pants! Somewhere along the way you had decided it would be nice to apparently strip and walk around our backyard naked. AND it did not stop there. In a matter of less than five minutes you had also talked the 2 little girls into taking their clothes off too!

Oh ...MY.........Shit!

I heard the mother next door yelling for the girls to COME IN.........the tent was taken down very quickly.......the chairs put back......all disappeared. I quickly took care of getting YOU inside and proceeded to tell you all the reasons WHY you should not be walking around naked in the backyard let alone talking anyone else into stripping down with you. Now I know there are men who go their entire lives WISHING they could accomplish the same thing you did in a matter of like five minutes.......but at 8-1/2 .....I think you can wait a little longer! You have made it very clear to me over time how much you LOVE WOMEN however.

I asked you if you all did any touching, hoping I would hear NO... and I was happy to hear you all did NOT do that. I don't know what Mom next door thinks.....part of me does not want to ask. She is probably over there wondering what I think.

Today was testing for school. You did VERY VERY WELL. The school psychologist came out immediately and told me she wanted to let me know I would have nothing to worry about. You were definitely ready for school and would do just fine! NOT in the MD room.......probably not in the "resource room".......but in the regular classroom or in the resource room for a couple classes and the regular room the rest of the time. It all sounds very promising. She was totally impressed with you and came out many times saying how sweet and adorable you were and she loved you already. She also said she was very impressed with your reading abilities and comprehension......and math skills.......and your eye contact and social skills. She said she could tell someone has been working with you a lot.....which of course is me your mommy. BUT she said you SAT the entire time very well........did not need to get up or move around......and it was just a very good experience. Tomorrow night is open house......and she wants to get you started right away in school so it will be the Tuesday AFTER Labor Day. YOU ALSO will eventually be riding the bus after all......so that will be an experience for you as well!

ANOTHER FIRST happened today. Today was the first time you have ever had your hair cut at an actual hair salon. I did not take my camera out today and so many times today I wish I had it with me. I normally take it with me everywhere and now I know why. You climbed up into that hair salon chair.....sat so well....smiling the entire time. She took a long time to cut off all the hair you had as it was soooo long but.. YOU DID SO WELL! You tolerated the entire hair cut....even a shampoo.....and the BUZZING CLIPPERS!!!!! I was thrilled.......and now.........you are even cuter than before and look like such a grown up little man. She cut it like a classic boy hair cut......and we can put styling gel in it and spike it up some if we want or feather it back to the side. By the time we got home today from a long day of running around here is how it looked (you wanted to show all sides and angles so here they are)

BEFORE

















I noticed you already have a mustache growing on your upper lip. You have hair growing pretty thick on your legs......little blonde hairs all over.....so cute.

You have said so many amazingly cute and funny things lately. I also heard you VERBALLY tell Marilyn at the hair salon anything you wanted or needed or preferred while she cut or washed your hair. HUGE for you.......to verbally tell someone else what you need without having a hissy fit in the process.

Noah you have made me so proud of you......you my little man are growing into a wonderful young man. I know you will do well. I believe in you and have faith in you and will make sure you do the very best you can in your life.

I love you so very much!

Mommy
XOXOXOX

school daze.......

I am shaking my head. My son will have to be tested before entering school this year since he has been homeschooled for a couple of years now and is going to try re-entering the public school system. I am more than a bit apprehensive about that......not so much about his doing well or minding being away from me........but more about what he may NOT learn while there.

PART of the testing would normally consist also of an IQ test. Noah had this done 2 years ago. However....2 years ago he was still not very verbal.....and not able to understand what he obviously does now. He scored in an average range 2 years ago rating superior in a couple of specific areas.

I never like to place much emphasis on results of IQ tests and their scores. However, when I spoke with the school psychologist/principal yesterday.....and she mentioned the fact that he already had been tested and they would NOT do it again (the IQ portion)......I spoke up and said "yes but that was 2 years ago."

She proceeded to tell me that it did not matter......now get this.......that the score would not really ever vary much after 5 years of age!

Has anyone else heard of that? Do you for one minute honestly believe YOUR own IQ score is the same as it was when you were only 5 years old?

I have taken many IQ tests. My score has varied a few times.......depending on how I felt when I took the test. Sometimes I lacked the patience to sit there and answer the questions and I hurried through it and got some answers wrong. Other times I had time and answered most everything correctly and got very high scores which to me makes it seem a bit more conditional.

Anyway......I was just curious if anyone else had heard about an IQ test NOT changing much after you are 5 years old because I for one do NOT believe that and if that is the case why are we bothering to have our children go to school and learn anything the rest of their lives?

sorry.....I already know I have a slightly bad attitued about this and I am being a bit hypocritical because I believe an IQ score means crap....and yet this is bothering me. I guess because they have instantly dismissed my son's potential before he has even started school.....already telling me and sending a message to him.....that he could not possibly have improved in 2 years time.

I am not sure my stomach and fortitude can make it through a public school setting.

County fair.....

Noah and I went to our county fair yesterday in between rain storms. This was the first time he had been to a county fair in a long time....one he could remember anyway.

Together we went through a fun house and I about fell on my butt on the way out......and we played putt putt golf.......saw all the cows, pigs, rabbits, dogs, horses and other animals. We did lots and lots of walking and still missed some areas. We plan on trying to get back there another time or two while it is still around.

Today we went and picked up his new orthotics. To be honest I am not sure these are going to do the trick but we will give them a shot. Next will be some new shoes for more support. We treated ourselves to Cracker Barrel for breakfast....and enjoyed it a lot. We had a good day but very busy one. Noah will be getting a hair cut soon too and school is next week providing all his stuff can be taken care of before then. So we went and did some school supply shopping today. AND I am still going to work with him here at home supplementing his schoolwork. I love to teach and work with Noah and I just feel it is necessary.

I just finished baking him some more gingerbread cookies. I am starting to fizzle out. We have had a very long, busy day running errands and shopping.

SO I will end this here for tonight since I notice I can barely type anything accurately......and write more another time.

I LOVE YOU NOAH!

mommy
XOXOXO




THIS is the EXIT of the Fun House where I just about fell on my butt. I thought it would be no problem walking OUT of this MOVING tunnel....I hit it and it about knocked me on my......well you know.....and then I could barely stand up let alone walk out. I ended up falling out.....onto the woman at the end of the ride who I guess is there to help people out. I felt badly as I got to laughing and she was I think trying NOT to laugh....and I had to put my hands on her knees to get myself out of there. I apologized to her......and felt like a real idiot! haha......BUT Noah and I had a good time anyway. AND no one got hurt.

Dear Noah: Crossing the fence......

Yep. You went outside yesterday to play with the neighbor girls. I usually am either outside with you or in the kitchen doing things so I can see you in the yard. You have been very good lately though with staying in the yard and doing all the things you are supposed to do......and then there was yesterday.

I had to go back into the bedroom area and the bathroom while you were outside....when I came back to the kitchen and looked out the door.....guess where I found you??

YEAH...NEXT DOOR IN the neighbor's yard with the girls. Oh great....I was going to have to play the BAD ASS MOM role and punish you.....which I hate doing but know it is necessary.

SO I made you get your little ass back on OUR side of the fence.....then proceeded to ask you what you had done. You were bawling and your face was beet red. You were hot and sweaty. You proceeded to tell me that you and the girls thought it would be a great idea for you to go into their yard......so WITHOUT MY permission or their mother's permission......you climbed up and over the fence....and not only was in their yard....but told me you also took a "tour" of the inside of the neighbor's house. I imagine the mother wondered what the crap was going on.

SO.....you did not get to play outside any more yesterday.......and you did not get to go swimming. I talked and talked to you about doing the right things and "LISTENING" and asking permission, safety issues.....so much crap it gave me a headache! You half-heartedly listened....really only more upset you got into trouble and the fun stopped rather than truly understanding the aspects of what you did wrong or how it would make me worry or accidents could happen....etc.

sigh.......we had SEVERE storms last night. They woke me up and then you up. Needless to say you did not really want to spend that time in your bed alone......so I let you come into my room. The storm was really bad and very very loud with lots of lightning and thunder and tons of rain. We love storms but I have to admit I was a bit worried we were going to have a tornado.

I do love you Noah......still.....always.....but I want you to keep a good attitude and frame of mind and I know I am being probably unrealistically hopeful this will continue into preteen and teenage years.......

sigh.....but we will do our best trying!

It did concern me that the little 5-year-old girl understood that I would be worried about you if I looked in the yard and did not see you.....but you still did not quite get that....at 8-1/2 years of age. While I understand that is just how you are made up.....it did little to make me feel any ease about certain social situations in real life.

{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}

Mommy
xoxoxo

"IT'S ONLY WATER".....PROGRESS indeed.......

The following is a video clip of Noah playing and splashing in water at C.O.S.I.'s OCEAN area. This is the same little boy......who just 3 years ago.....would scream if he got even ONE DROP of water on his shirt or clothes....and then would have to CHANGE them immediately. This is the same little boy.....who 3 years ago pushed another little boy in kindergarten because that little boy splashed Noah with water at the sinks. Look at him now. LOVING the water.......not being afraid of getting wet. In fact.....loving that too. AND best of all.......not caring if his clothes were wet at all and walking around and continuing on as they dried! I had to laugh the other day when Noah stepped out of the tub and I saw where he had splashed all this water onto the floor. I started to say something about it and he cut me off saying "But Mommy.......it is only water.....it will dry!" Nothing else needed to be said.

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Trip to C.O.S.I.

My sister and I took the kids to C.O.S.I. on Monday. We all had a good time...and the kids really had a lot of fun. We all really enjoyed the PROGRESS section where we could step back into time......1950s, 60s, and up to see the progress we have made over time. We all had a ball in the 1950s/60s area. It was so amazing to see all the toys and foods and "things" from that time era.

Here are a few photos:




The kids really loved this 1950s style restaurant where they were allowed to get behind the counter and pretend to WORK there. They never wanted to leave!




AND they moved so fast it was difficult to get a picture of them without it being all blurry!

Another area was the OCEAN area and all the water activities....

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MORE RECALLS!

This message consists of the following:

1. Mattel Recalls Batman(tm) and One Piece(tm) Magnetic Action Figure
Sets Due To Magnets Coming Loose
2. Mattel Recalls "Sarge" Die Cast Toy Cars Due To Violation of Lead
Safety Standard
3. Mattel Recalls Barbie and Tanner(tm) Magnetic Toys Due to Magnets
Coming Loose
4. Mattel Recalls Doggie Day Care(tm) Magnetic Toys Due to Magnets
Coming Loose
5. Additional Reports of Magnets Detaching from Polly Pocket Play Sets
Prompts Expanded Recall by Mattel


********************************************************

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2007
Release #07-269

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 597-6597
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Mattel Recalls Batman(tm) and One Piece(tm) Magnetic Action Figure Sets
Due To Magnets Coming Loose

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Batman(tm) and One Piece(tm) magnetic action figure
sets

Units: About 345,000

Importer: Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.

Hazard: Small, powerful magnets inside the accessories of the toy
figures can fall out and be swallowed or aspirated by young children. If
more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attract inside the body and
cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage which can be fatal.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm is aware of 21 incidents where a magnet
fell out of the toy figure, including a case of a 3-year-old boy who was
found with a magnet in his mouth. The boy did not swallow the magnet and
no injuries have been reported to Mattel and CPSC.

Description: The recalled Batman(tm) toys include:

The Batman(tm) Magna Battle Armor(tm) Batman(tm) figure with model
number J1944,
The Batman(tm) Magna Fight Wing(tm) Batman(tm) figure with model number
J1946,
The Batman(tm) Secret ID(tm) figure with model number J5114, and
The Batman(tm) Flying Fox(tm) figure with model number J5115. The seven
inch tall action figures include the Batman logo on the front and
include magnetic accessories. The model number is located on the lower
right corner of the tag which is sewn to the figure.

The recalled One Piece(tm) toy is:

One Piece(tm) Triple Slash Zolo Roronoa(tm) figure with model number
J4142. The 5 1/2 inch tall action figure has green hair, black pants,
and has magnets in his hands which connect to magnets on various swords
that the figure can hold. The model number is printed on the back of the
action figure's left leg.

Sold at: Discount department stores and toy stores nationwide from June
2006 through June 2007 for about $11.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the toy and contact
Mattel for instructions on how to return it to receive a free
replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Mattel toll-free
(888) 597-6597 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at
www.service.mattel.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the
recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07269.html


********************************************************


NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2007
Release #07-270

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 916-4997
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Mattel Recalls "Sarge" Die Cast Toy Cars Due To Violation of Lead Safety
Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately.

Name of Product: "Sarge" die cast toy cars

Units: About 253,000

Importer: Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.

Hazard: Surface paints on the toys could contain lead levels in excess
of federal standards. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and
can cause adverse health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves die cast "Sarge" 2 1/2 inch toy cars.
The toy looks like a military jeep and measures about 2 1/2 inches long
by 1 inch high by 1 inch wide. The recalled toy has the markings "7EA"
and "China" on the bottom. The "Sarge" toy car is sold alone or in a
package of two, and may have the product number M1253 (for single cars)
and K5925 (for cars sold as a set) printed on the packaging. The cars
marked "Thailand" are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from May 2007 through August 2007 for
between $7 and $20 (depending on whether they were sold individually or
in sets).

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from
children and contact Mattel. Consumers will need to return the product
to receive a replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Mattel at (800)
916-4997 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.service.mattel.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the
recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07270.html


********************************************************

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2007
Release #07-271

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 597-6597
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Mattel Recalls Barbie and Tanner(tm) Magnetic Toys Due to Magnets Coming
Loose

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Barbie and Tanner(tm) play sets

Units: About 683,000

Importer: Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.

Hazard: A small magnet inside the "scooper" accessory can come loose.
Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more
than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and
cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of magnets
coming loose. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves Barbie and Tanner(tm) play sets --
model numbers J9472 and J9560. The toys include a "scooper" accessory
with a magnetic end. Recalled scoopers have a visible, silver-colored,
disc-shaped magnet on the end of the scooper. Scoopers with a white
material covering the magnet and products manufactured after January 31,
2007 are not recalled.

Sold at: Toy stores and various other retailers nationwide May 2006 to
August 2007 for about $16.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from
children and contact Mattel to receive a free replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Mattel toll-free at
(888) 597-6597 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at
www.service.mattel.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the
recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07271.html


********************************************************


NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2007
Release #07-272

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 597-6597
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Mattel Recalls Doggie Day Care(tm) Magnetic Toys Due to Magnets Coming
Loose

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Doggie Day Care(tm) play sets

Units: About 1 million

Importer: Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.

Hazard: Small magnets inside the toys can fall out. Magnets found by
young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is
swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal
perforation or blockage, which can be fatal.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of magnets coming
loose. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled Doggie Day Care play sets have various figures
and accessories that contain small magnets.

Product # and Name
H1532 Doggie Day Care Coco
H1533 Doggie Day Care Sparley
G4461 Doggie Day Care Lula and Baby
G4462 Doggie Day Care Crockett and Baby
G4464 Doggie Day Care Taffy and Baby
G4459 Doggie Day Care Snack Time with Cookie
G4460 Doggie Day Care Diaper Change with Ginger
H1530 Doggie Day Care Ice Cream with Ranger
G9703 Doggie Day Care Puppy Park with Dixie
G4457 Doggie Day Care Dream House Nursery with Honey
G4458 Doggie Day Care Bath Time with Beau

Sold at: Toy stores and various other retailers nationwide from July
2004 to August 2007 for between $4 and $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from
children and contact Mattel to receive a free replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Mattel toll-free at
(888) 597-6597 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at
www.service.mattel.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the
recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07272.html


********************************************************

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2007
Release #07-273

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 597-6597
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Additional Reports of Magnets Detaching from Polly Pocket Play Sets
Prompts Expanded Recall by Mattel

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Products: Various Polly Pocket dolls and accessories with
magnets

Units: About 7.3 million play sets (about 2.4 million play sets were
recalled on November 21, 2006)

Importer: Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.

Hazard: Small magnets inside the dolls and accessories can come loose.
The magnets can be found by young children and swallowed or aspirated.
If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other
and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal.

Incidents/Injuries: Since the previous recall announcement, Mattel has
received more than 400 additional reports of magnets coming loose. CPSC
was aware in the first recall announcement of 170 reports of the magnets
coming out of the recalled toys. There had been three reports of serious
injuries to children who swallowed more than one magnet. All three
suffered intestinal perforations that required surgery.

Description: The recalled Polly Pocket play sets contain plastic dolls
and accessories that have small magnets. The magnets measure 1/8 inch in
diameter and are embedded in the hands and feet of some dolls, and in
the plastic clothing, hairpieces and other accessories to help the
pieces attach to the doll or to the doll's house. The model number is
printed on the bottom of the largest pieces on some of the play sets.
Products manufactured after November 1, 2006 and are currently on store
shelves are not included in this recall. Contact Mattel if you cannot
find a model number on your product to determine if it is part of the
recall.

Sold at: Toy stores and various other retailers from May 2003 through
November 2006 for between $15 and $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these recalled toys away from
children and contact Mattel to receive a voucher for a replacement toy
of the customer's choice, up to the value of the returned product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Mattel toll-free at
(888) 597-6597 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at
www.service.mattel.com

List of Recalled Polly Pocket Magnetic Play Sets and Item Number

Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Hangin' Out House(tm) Playset B2632
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Treetop Clubhouse(tm) Playset B3158
Polly Pocket!(tm) Spa Day(tm) Caboodle Asst. B3201
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Gameroom Garage(tm) Playset B3211
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Totally Tiki Diner(tm) Playset B7118

Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Boutique G8605
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) City Pretty(tm) Playset (Lila(tm)) H1537

Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Sporty Style(tm) Playset (Lea(tm)) H1538

Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Totally Zen(tm) Playset (Shani(tm))
H3211
Polly Pocket!(tm) Fashion Polly(tm) Happenin' Pet Salon(tm) Playset
55503
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Magnetic Additions Assortment B2631
Picture not available
Polly Pocket!(tm) Lunchbox Cafe(tm) Playset B3203
Polly Pocket!(tm) School Time Fun(tm) Playset B3204
Polly Pocket!(tm) Lip Gloss Studio(tm) Playset B3207
Polly Pocket!(tm) Glitter Boutique(tm) Playset B3209
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Dip N' Dive Pool(tm) Playset B3210
Polly Pocket!(tm) Birthday Suprise (INTL) B3396
Polly Pocket!(tm) Dazzlin' Pet Show(tm) Divine Dogs(tm) B7078
Polly Pocket!(tm) Dazzlin' Pet Show(tm) Magic Rabbits(tm) B7082
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Sweet Treats(tm) Playset B7125
Polly Pocket!(tm) Mailbox Surprise(tm) Playset B7127
Polly Pocket!(tm) Stretch Polly Disco Lamp B7128 Picture not available
Polly Pocket!(tm) Jewlery Box Bedroom(tm) Playset B7129
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Party On The Go!(tm) Playset B8478
Polly Pocket!(tm) Spa Day(tm) Playset B9521
Polly Pocket!(tm) Lunchbox Cafe(tm) Playset B9522
Polly Pocket!(tm) School Time Fun(tm) Playset B9523
Polly Pocket!(tm) Glitter Puff B9525
Polly Pocket!(tm) Spa Day(tm) Playset B9578
Polly Pocket!(tm) Boutique On The Go(tm) Playset B9929
Polly Pocket!(tm) Mailbox Surprise(tm) Playset C0504
Polly Pocket!(tm) Jewelry Box Bedroom(tm) Playset C0505
Polly Pocket!(tm) Disco Lamp C1341
Polly Pocket!(tm) Disco Lamp C1342
Polly Pocket!(tm) Mermaid Stars(tm) Playset G8602
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quick Click(tm) Playset G8606 Picture not available
Polly Pocket!(tm) Snow Cool(tm) Hotel Playset G8612
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) House of Style(tm) Playset G8614
Polly Pocket!(tm) Totally Beadiful(tm) Jewelry Maker G8615
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quick Click(tm) Penthouse G8616
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Movie Time(tm) Playset (Lila(tm)) H1553

Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollywood(tm) Limo-Scene(tm) Vehicle J1659
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollywood(tm) Dial-A-Style(tm) Lila(tm) Doll J1661
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollywood(tm) Dial-A-Style(tm) Lea(tm) Doll J1662
Polly Pocket!(tm) Stickin' 2 Style(tm) Doll J1670
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Rockin' Theme Park(tm) Playset J1681
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Dress N' Drive(tm) Lounge Playset J1687

Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Theme Park Party(tm) Quick Clik(tm)
Doll and Fashions J1695
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Quick Clik(tm) Polly(tm) Doll J4169
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Quick Clik(tm) Crissy(tm) Doll J4170
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Quick Clik(tm) Lea(tm) Doll J4171
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Quick Clik(tm) Shanil(tm) Doll J4172
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Costume Cart (Lea(tm)) Playset J9305
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Gift Shop (Lila(tm)) Playset J9306
Polly Pocket!(tm) Twirl & Swirl(tm) Beauty Case J9648
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Dial-A Song Polly Fashions J9965
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Kerstie Fashions J9966
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Rockin' Tour Bus(tm) K3460
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Pool Party(tm) Playset (Lila(tm)) H1554


To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a table containing
pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07273.html


********************************************************


The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting
the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more
than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.
Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents
cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed
to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire,
electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The
CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys,
cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals -
contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of
deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30
years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's
hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or
visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email
subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers
can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at
www.cpsc.gov.

Noah playing with his HO scale train

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Noah driving yet another train on his PC

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Noah driving Japanese Amtrak on his PC

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Noah driving one of his trains on his computer

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Dear Noah........

Still working on you ASKING for help or INITIATING greetings.

When you go to the restroom and need help you will never call out for me. You will BANG on the bathtub or wall or floor to get my attention. Only a couple of times can I recall you actually CALLING out for me and that was only AFTER I yelled in asking if you needed help with something.

Same for mornings....you came out again this morning. I was in the kitchen. Not one word spoken from you.....until I had said something first.

I have also noticed you still have a very hard time looking me directly in the eye.....which is fine because I "get that"......I hope it does not cause you any problems in school.

AND you have gone back to watching video clips some little boy makes on YouTube who yells a lot. Something about it intrigues you.....and then you record YOUR versions of train movies like this little boy records. AND you also use BAD WORDS like this little boy sometimes will.....but when I asked you WHAT bad words......you told me this:

"well mommy I know you are going to get mad but I said dork and punk."

I actually sighed some relief! I mean yes I would prefer you NOT use those.....but....your choices could have been a lot worse!

You also told me that my collection of videos on You Tube were "awesome!"

You are really developing quite a personality and are becoming very expressive which is GREAT and amazing to me......after so many years where you basically never very expressive at all!

Here is a video Noah made.......this is NOT his "bad train" video.....but I thought it was cute......especially the ending....

Dear Noah......your blog won awards!

Our lovely mommy/friend Tina at http://autismschmatism.blogspot.com/ nominated your blog for the above 2 awards.......THANKS SO MUCH TINA. You are always so kind and take time to always be a faithful reader and leave encouraging comments! We do appreciate you!

Here are the rules: For those who answer blog comments, emails and make their visitors feel at home on their blog. For the people who take others people's feelings into consideration before speaking out, and who are kind and courteous. Also for all those bloggers who spend so much of their time helping other bloggers design, improve and fix there sites. This award is for those generous bloggers who think of others.

So, know it is my turn to pick out five bloggers that I feel are deserving of this award.

My choices are:

1) This Mom
http://www.thismom.com/ (A must read.....Kyra is a mom to 6-year-old Fluffy...who has Aspergers....an excellent read. She is an excellent writer and her thoughts you soon realize are all the thoughts you wanted to say but could never quite figure out how to say them! She is one of those who you can relate to so easily because SHE GETS IT!)

2) Every Day Is A Holiday http://journals.aol.com/jennyeveryday/everyday-is-a-holiday/ (A wonderful blog I visit a lot to take me away to dreamland! Jenny is a wonderful multi-media artist and her creations are simply amazing! She is an incredibly kind and gracious host and inspires you to CREATE!)

3) Living Life In Tx
http://crazyintx-kristi.blogspot.com/ (I can relate to so much of what she writes about. Her days are busy and she always somehow just makes me feel better if I visit and read her blog).

4) Angie Beth
http://angiebeth.blogspot.com/ (one of my sisters....her blog always inspires......creativity.....cooking.....soul searching......almost all my family blog and all their blogs are great reads)

5)Donna Williams
http://www.donnawilliams.net/autism0.0.html (A MUST CHECK OUT and see blog...Donna is an adult with autism and WOW is she ever creative! You will be inspired!)

Dear Noah....

I have been working with you lately on "making your presence known" as you have a tendency to walk in a room where I am but my back is turned toward you....and you are very quiet....and do not say anything to let it be known to me you have even entered the room. I usually turn around and there you are.....and sometimes it startles me or catches me off guard.

I remember when you were little and would wake up in the middle of the night and need something.....you would walk into my bedroom.....but just stand there. You would not think about tapping me or calling out to me "mommy, I need _____"......you just stood there silently. Somehow I could sense someone was there and would wake up and find you standing there. You were still doing that even here last year.....at 7-1/2 years of age. Coming into my room in the middle of the night or early morning......but not saying a word. Just standing there. I have gone through the drill many times with you as to what you SHOULD do in that scenario.....and finally......a few months back......it sunk in and you now GET IT. IF you come into my room and need something.....you TELL ME. It was months of constant prompting....what to say and what to do in each step.

We had to go through that when you were much younger too.....as far as how to go up and even say hello to other kids. What you might ask them.......how you could ask their name...etc....because you would walk up to them but just stand there......not knowing what to say or how to act. I am thrilled to see you now not only participate in conversations.....but MANY TIMES INITIATING them...even with adults! You have made tremendous progress!

However......this new little trend of yours (not entirely new as you have done it before in the past but stopped it)......where you come into a room where I am.......and do not let me know you are there but you end up right behind me 9 times out of 10......sort of freaks me out sometimes! I know you do not realize that this seems odd or off or inappropriate. Trying to teach you this is very upsetting to you because you feel you are doing something wrong and end up crying and do not always understand. BUT I know you will GET IT one day soon.

Today we initially had a follow-up appointment to keep at your orthopaedic doctor......but we did not have anything yet to follow up on so I canceled. BUT YOU did not know this.....and I heard you get up earlier to go to the bathroom and you must have looked at the clock because I heard you say "OH NO!"........but instead of coming in to wake me and ASK ME about it........you just walked by my bedroom door and looked my way but went back to bed. Later when you did finally wake up......you came in and climbed on my lap in my office and said to me "You failed to wake me up 2 hours earlier than usual for my doctor's appointment you idiot!"

I was caught off guard by that but not entirely. For YEARS I did not let you read many of the Peanuts Comics and such because you did not and still are not very good at discerning what are and are not appropriate comments to make to someone. I am not even totally sure you understand what IDIOT means.........BUT.....you read it in your Peanuts Comics. Same as BLOCKHEAD.......and STUPID....which I have heard you recently blurt out in different situations! Same as OH GOOD GRIEF (which is acceptable in most cases...haha).

SO I have also been trying to work with you on those things. Especially before school. I can only imagine how well it would go over if you said something similar to a teacher! YIKES!

I guess you could sum it up saying we have been working on social skills a lot lately.

Today it seemed the heat index was 120 degrees outside. It was unbelievable! I did hear it was 110 heat index. Supposed to get even hotter later this week. So we took off to Indiana to an antique mall and walked around in there and explored. We had a great time and you loved the road trip.

It won't be long and school will be starting!

I love you Noah......to the moon and back again.....forever and ever I will!

Mommy
XOXOXOXOX

canned green beans recalled...

Some 15,000 cases of French Style Green Beans in 14.5 ounce cans made by Lakeside Foods, and bearing some 20 different brands are being recalled in the US and Canada as a precaution against potential foodborne illnesses such as botulism. As yet no illnesses have been reported.

The announcements were made on Wednesday and Thursday this week by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Lakeside Foods Inc of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, US, the producer of the affected product.

The food producer found food safety had been breached during a routine inspection: some cans may have been underprocessed (not enough heat) and some may have leaks, allowing possible contamination by dangerous organisms such as Clostridium botulinum which causes botulism, a potentially deadly form of food poisoning.

So far, none of the cans tested shows signs of botulinum toxin, and according to a statement from the FDA and the producer, the "company continues to test out of an abundance of caution".

The producer said in a prepared statement that it had "identified and corrected the condition that resulted in its decision to voluntarily recall the cans in question" and that none of its other products is affected.

Food poisoning from Clostridium botulinum can kill and starts with the following symptoms: general weakness or feeling of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dry throat, headache, dizziness, double vision and difficulty speaking or swallowing. Other symptoms include trouble with breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distention and constipation.

If you have these symptoms go and see a doctor. If you know anyone who has these symptoms, suggest they see a doctor.

Product Identification
If you have bought any of the products described here, throw it away, even if when you open the can it looks or smells OK.

The products affected are the "French Style Green Beans" in 14.5 oz cans and contain one of the following codes in the top line of the can code:

EAA5247, EAA5257, EAA5267, EAA5277, EAB5247, EAB5257, ECA5207, ECA5217, ECA5227, ECA5297, ECB5207, ECB5217, ECB5227 and ECB5307.

If you have any cans like this you should return them unopened to the place you bought them from.

Brands
The product is sold under the following labels:

ALBERTSON'S
HAPPY HARVEST
BEST CHOICE
FOOD CLUB
BOGOPA
VALU TIME
HILL COUNTRY FARE
HEB
LAURA LYNN
KROGER
NO NAME
NORTH PRIDE
SCHNUCKS
SHOP N SAVE
SHOPPERS VALU
CUB FOODS
DIERBERGS
FLAVORITE
IGA, and
THRIFTY MAID

Distribution
According to the FDA and food producer's statements, the cans were distributed in the following regions:

In the US (20 states): AL, AZ, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, MS, NC, NY, OH, OK, TN, TX, VA, WI.

In Canada: according to the CFIA, the product was also distributed in Ontario and the Western provinces.

Further information
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-466-3834, Ext. 4090.
Contact Canadian Food Inspection Agency at at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

Click here to keep up to date with this product recall (food producer's website).

Click here for more information on foodborne illnesses (Canadian Food Inspection Agency).

Click here for FDA (US).

Crickets and Candles......

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Forget the label.....BELIEVE in your child for success....

Autism! Pdd nos! Aspergers syndrome! ADHD! High functioning! Low functioning! Delayed! Hearing these words about your child can be crushing. They can devastate you to your very core. The good news is THEY DON'T HAVE TO! Let me tell you why....

It doesn't matter. That's right. It simply doesn't matter. If you want to really help your child then read on. I'm serious. Don't be like the thousands who wish they had "lived" this concept sooner.

Pretend for a moment you have a newborn. He is simply perfect. By the time he is two years old, his fingers are so long, they look strange. You go to a renowned physician and ask "What's wrong with my child? Why are his fingers so long?". The physician smiles and says "Your child has a condition called spindle fingers. He has a natural gift for playing musical instruments. Many dream of having this talent".

You're absolutely thrilled and can't wait to share the news. You rush home but on the way you stop to buy a toy xylophone, piano, drum set and flute. You set them out on the floor when you get home and you watch proudly as your toddler strums each one of them. You don't care that everyone else thinks it just sounds like noise. You have a budding musician on your hands and he's practicing!

As the months go by you encourage your child to play instruments. He gets a little older and expresses his preference for the piano. You take him to piano lessons, listen to famous piano players and perhaps even go to concerts. You explain to your son that his fingers are long because he is talented at playing the piano. Your son plays the piano beautifully. He is proud of his fingers and his talent. You are proud of your son.

You run into the physician a few years later. You tell him proudly about your child's piano skills. He smiles broadly and says "I made it all up. There is no condition called spindle fingers". "What?" you shriek "that's impossible. My child is an excellent player".

"Of course he is" says the physician "It's called belief. You believed in your child's fingers. You believed in his talent. You encouraged him. It didn't matter how many mistakes he made. You hardly heard them because you knew he was on the path to greatness. Your son felt your belief. He saw it in your eyes. He felt it course through his being. It inspired him. Every time he looked at his long fingers he thought about his talent. He felt proud of himself. He knew he could do it. Your unwavering faith inspired him to be the best he can be".

My advice to you is this. Forget about the boxes and the labels. Ignore the judgments. Your child is fascinating. Your child is a unique and wonderful being who is incredibly special. Give him the tools. Encourage him on his journey. Never lose faith in him. Stand by his side. Teach him as much as you can. Watch in delight as he soars far beyond everyone's expectations. Everyone's except yours and all those who joined your belief along the way!

(snippet from article from Autism Today)

Pool Day........

Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-08-02

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more recalls for products made in China...please read!

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2007
Release #07-257

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 916-4498
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Fisher-Price Recalls Licensed Character Toys Due To Lead Poisoning
Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and other children's
toys

Units: About 967,000

Importer: Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y.

Hazard: Surface paints on the toys could contain excessive levels of
lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse
health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled involves various figures and toys that were
manufactured between April 19, 2007 and July 6, 2007 and were sold alone
or as part of sets. The model names and product numbers for the recalled
toys, which are all marked with "Fisher-Price," are listed below. The
toys may have a date code between 109-7LF and 187-7LF marked on the
product or packaging.

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from May 2007 through August 2007 for
between $5 and $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from
children and contact Fisher-Price. Consumers will need to return the
product and will receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the
consumer's choice (up to the value of the returned product).

Consumer Contact: For additional information contact Fisher-Price at
<>(800) 916-4498 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at
www.service.mattel.com

Product List:

33662 Elmo Light Up Musical Pal
33664 Big Bird Light Up Musical Pal
39038 Elmo Tub Sub
87946 Elmo Keyboard
90609 Elmo Collectible
90612 Zoe Collectible
90614 Big Bird Collectible
93068 Elmo Boom Box
93307 Press N Go Elmo
93492 Cookie Saxophone
93615 Splash Tub Puzzle

B7554 Count To Beat Elmo
B7987 Elmo In The Giggle Box
B9620 Dora's Talking House
C6908 Dora, Backpack, Perrito Figure Pack
C6909 Diego Figure Pack
C6911 Boots, Tico Figure Pack
G5112 Sing With Elmo's Greatest Hits
H2943 Grow With Me Elmo Sprinkler
H3344 Birthday Dora
H5570 Elmo & Pals (Elmo, Zoe, Bigbird)
H4628 Water Fun Tote
H8237 Blue 3 Pack Figures In Tube
H9124 Chef Dora
H9186 Giggle Grabber Ernie

J0338 Diego Talking Field Journal
J0344 Go Diego Go Deep Sea Rescue
J0346 Go Diego Go Talking Rescue 4 X 4
J5936 Giggle Grabber Chef Cookie Monster
J6537 Sesame Street Giggle Toolbelt
J6763 Royal Boots And Tico
J7983 Sesame Street Tub Pots & Pans
J9692 Dora's Talking Pony Place
K3414 Diego - Talking Gadget Belt
K3580 Fairytale Adventure Dora
K4140 Toucan Motorcycle Rescue

L3194 Surprise Inside Diego Eggs
L3488 Sesame Street Birthday Figure Pack
L3507 Sesame Street - Super Boom Box
L5202 Birthday Dora
L8905 Pablo & Pals
M0352 Dora Figures Diego & Bear
M0527 Sesame Street Giggle Doodler
M2051 Lets Go Rescue Center
33663 Ernie Light Up Musical Pal
34658 Elmo Stacking Rings
39054 Sesame Street Shape Sorter
90267 Ernie Splashin' Fun Trike
90611 Cookie Collectible
90613 Ernie Collectible
90745 Construction Playset
93107 Action Fire Engine
<>93308 Rev & Go Cookie Monster
93493 Elmo's Guitar
93780 Music And Lights Phone

B7888 Shake, Giggle & Roll
B7989 Silly Parts Talking Elmo

C6910 Swiper Figure Pack
G3825 Dora Talking Vamonos Van
G9717 Giggle Doodler
H3343 Cousin Daisy
H5569 Elmo & Pals (Elmo, Cookie, Ernie)
H4187 Dora Figures In Tube
H8236 Dora 3 Pack Figures In Tube
H8238 Sponge Bob 3 Pack Figures In Tube
H9125 Bedtime Dora
H9188 Giggle Grabber Oscar The Grouch

J0343 Go Diego Go Antarctic Rescue
J0345 Go Diego Go Mountain Rescue
J5935 Giggle Grabber Soccer Elmo

J6762 Queen Mami
J6765 Prince Diego
J9518 Sesame Street Giggle Drill
K0617 Twins Nursery
K3571 Go Diego Go Mobile Rescue Unit
K4139 Go Diego Go Dinosaur Rescue
L0305 Dora Figure

L3215 Sesame Street Elmo Jack-In-The-Box

L5813 Diego Tub Trike
M0351 Dora Figures Dora & Kitty
M0524 Go Diego Go Talking Gadget
M0732 Dora's Talking House
M2052 Fairytale Castle

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the
recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07257.html

Dear Noah......a BIG DAY for you!

Today we had to get up early and head to the new Orthotics place to have you fitted for orthotics...and you did great! You handled it much better this time round and you won't need the same type of orthotic anymore which is great news!

THEN we had a few other stops to make......you got to eat at McDonalds and play in their cool play area........we picked up some bargains at the local Goodwill and we passed the most gorgeous little park in another city.......that had a pool for little kids in the center! JUST a big round pool 1-3 feet deep....for little kids under 12 years of age. ALL fenced in.......AND FREE! We came home and dropped all our stuff off and then drove back so you could go swimming. The atmosphere at this park is so great. The parks in our area are absolutely gorgeous! BIG HUGE trees.....lots of shade......nice shelters.......bathrooms.......playgrounds.......clean......and then this one with a cool pool!

YOU had a ball.....and we will likely be making this trip every couple of days so you can swim! EVERY shot I took of you today you were so happy and smiling so big. Today you had a great day! You had a couple of times when you lost it for like 3 seconds and screamed to a girl to stop splashing you......I made you get out of the pool for a time out and told you if you did not want to get wet you had no business being in a SWIMMING POOL! AND besides.....you like to splash other people....so I reminded you to not do so unless they too wanted to be splashed because maybe they would also not enjoy it. You listened....took the time out and were fine afterwards. BUT as I look at the pictures tonight...I am impressed with the HUGE happiness on your face......that makes me feel good.


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-30


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-30


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-30


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-30

There were other kids in the pool and you had a ball playing with them. I purposedly tried to take shots withOUT the other children as I know some parents would not like that. SO it looks like you had the pool to yourself but you really didn't.....though it was NOT busy. A very secluded park.....almost seems slightly forgotten on the wayside......perfect for a day in the sun!

I love you Noah.....and am very proud of you!


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-30

(AND I have been awarded and award from a fellow blogger.....I will address all that tomorrow :)

Dear Noah....

It has been pouring down rain......mommy has a migraine.....

not much else to say today......more later

but I do love you Noah.....

mommy

xox

Dea Noah....

Your sunburn is improved.....and you are just now starting to act like you would like to try eating something other than Popsicles. You act like you are having a very hard time swallowing.......but tell me your throat is not as sore as it has been in the past.

sigh.....Last night you went to bed at 8:15 p.m. and woke up exactly 4 hours later raring to go. I smeared more anti-sunburn stuff on your back and let you stay up to watch one television show....then lights back out and back to bed. You got up at 5:45 a.m.

Oh.....you earned 5.00 for the pulled teeth and the rest still look beautiful!

I love you.....I hope you get back to yourself soon.

Mommy

Dear Noah.....DENTIST DAY!

Well Noah.....all I can say is I am so proud of you! You did so very well today at the dentist. This was your first time EVER in going to a dentist and it was the first time I had ever seen a pediatric dentist clinic. Definitely geared toward children....scaled down dental chairs...the works. ALL kid size! We got there and had to wait a little bit...but you played well with a couple of children in the playing area.

Then back inside the clinic. The dentist came in and he was a very nice man. He asked you to open up wide and you did. He said "WOW he really has brushed his teeth well in the back and sides....they look perfect!" I told him you have always been pretty good about keeping your teeth brushed and clean till the bottom and top ones started becoming loose and falling out.....then we had a very difficult time cleaning the front teeth. He said you have great teeth......and the crowded teeth and front teeth that stick out too far would only be fixed later after you got all your permanent teeth in. At that time if there are still issues with over-crowding of teeth they would send you to an orthodontist for braces or some other type of correction.

SO next it was off to get x-rays....you were already in the chair with the protective vest on before I got there. It was a striped vest with a big yellow smiley face on the middle. You were being given instructions on how to hold and bite down on the radiographic plates in your mouth.....and even though you said a couple of times you did not want to do it.....you did.....all four! You did not even need any help! (they said usually the kids do need someone in there helping to hold the plates in their mouths!)

Back to the dentist chair where the hygienist began cleaning your teeth. She carefully explained all the equipment to you....and even the sharp scraping tool did not scare you. In fact...you chose cherry-flavored polishing gel.......and she got to work. You had NO cavities.......little tartar build up.....only on the front ones we had a harder time brushing recently.......so she scraped and buffed and you did very very well. We had all agreed ahead of time if she was able to do so while cleaning, she would pull those 2 loose teeth in your mouth. I heard an OUCH out of you and apparently she had pulled the top loose tooth.....and she finished cleaning....and pulled the bottom one out! YOU sat up.......and they even did a fluoride treatment in grape flavor....which you kept saying you did not want her to do....but you still let her....and you endured it very quietly.

NO meltdowns.......no breakdowns! You did very well...lying quietly on the table and allowing her to work in your mouth. By the time she was done you were ready to go home.....but otherwise you did well. I did ask if I could take a couple of pictures of you on the table in the dentist office. You of course wanted me to FILM it....which I did not. Here are a couple of you:


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-23


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-23

You do not look happy......but you also have a bad sunburn from being in the pool a few hours yesterday with your cousin. This is the FIRST sunburn you have ever gotten...and I am still not quite sure how you got this one. BUT you are a bit lethargic from that.....and the "zombie mode" is your way of coping and getting through all these things you have gone through the last couple of days but especially today (you had 2 busy days in a row visiting relatives and swimming yesterday and then today at the dentist....which is probably overwhelming to you).

I am thrilled you did so well. You are learning to cope and make it through difficult situations. You are acting so much more mature and grown up and I am so happy for you and so very very proud of you.

You my little man are becoming an incredible young man......and one day you will be a most amazing man. I love you very much and today I am especially proud of you!

Mommy
XOXOXOX

OH.....they put your two teeth in a tiny green trinket box....and you got to pick a prize from their treasure chest for doing so well. You also got to pick a new toothbrush which was SpongeBob of course....

I have not seen you step off into a ZOMBIE mode for awhile......but this has been a very active few days for you and lots of stress....you are coping well. You slept all the way home from the dentist......at my parents' house and then at home. It is only 8:15 p.m. and you came in and asked if you could just go on to bed now...as you were very tired. We put cooling gel on your sunburn.....gave you some Motrin.....and off you went. By the way.......your teeth are so pearly white now! JUST beautiful!

NEXT will be your first HAIR CUT!

Noah practicing batting......he has only done this a few times in his life.....but his coordination is improving tremendously!

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a great day.......and baby ducks...

Noah and I had a great day Monday. After a doctor's appointment for myself I took Noah to a park in the area to play. Then we ran to a cemetery that has a tombstone that has a telephone bolted on the top of it....I have always wanted to show Noah that!




THEN we ran to Target...and he did some late birthday/Christmas gift certificate shopping for himself......





Then we went and had a picnic at our local park for a couple of hours.....where a mama duck and her babies kept us company. CLICK here for a snippet BABY DUCKS CLICK HERE

the duck movie takes a few minutes to load!

Then we left there and went to the library and to Hallmark to finally see the new Christmas ornaments for this year. Finally back home again where Noah played with his new toys and computer game.

At the end of the day Noah said "Mom, we had a great day today!"

and I would have to agree...

I love you Noah.......

mommy
XOX

my slide-show tribute to the "Fairy Forest"

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The song is "Carolan's Welcome" from The Twilight Realm

I also posted this on You Tube FAIRY FOREST

outside Fairy Forest......in my uncle's backyard.....where the magic begins....

Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-14


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-14

OVERLOOKING the Tipi


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-14

Fishing dock.....swings........so beautiful....


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-14

The Fountain...


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-14

The sandbox....


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-14


NEXT..........we will journey to the FAIRY FOREST!

Need one say more?

Noah and I went to my uncle's house the other night.......to see his Fairy Forest...a magical world he has created for children....and we really enjoyed our visit and his environment, home, everything was so beautiful and takes one off to far-a-way places in their imagination. He has decorated his home in such a way it reminds you of a vacation home and model home......Stepping through the gate that leads to his backyard is like turning a page in a book to another world. I will post more photos and story later.....but I wanted to share this one of Noah.....as you can tell by the photo below.....Noah stepped into the world of relaxing immediately!


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-12

PART of the view from my uncle's deck


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-12

Noah discussing house plans with grandma C.

Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-11

Notice his hand rubbing grandma C.'s arm....he loves to touch.....and in the other room he rubbed her neck.....saying he liked to do that because her neck was so smooth!

He was in his element. Told me to go into the other room so he and grandma could "talk." He was really enjoying showing her his books of house plans and describing the floor plans to her.....on and on he went. He was so happy and so excited. He owns about every house plan book Lowes sells......and can study them for hours. He has a software program too where he can design his own houses which he loves to do. I never told him how to run the program a couple years ago.....he somehow figured it all out himself. One of our favorite past-times is to go check out model homes and real estate! haha....we love it......Noah can study floor plans and blueprints for hours on end......and has MANY!

Here is a snippet:

NOAH TALKING HOUSE PLANS WITH GRANDMA C. CLICK HERE

some pictures Noah took and a movie he recorded...

Noah and I went out one night and snapped some shots of the sun starting to set....he caught these shots outside our home before getting into the truck....this was the night they shot fireworks off in the city.....and we drove around before heading there.....(I noticed he has the date off on his camera....probably accidentally pushed one day)


Shot at 2007-07-08


Shot at 2007-07-08


Shot at 2007-07-08


Here is a movie he recorded of himself playing with "his girls" pretending to be a tornado..

NOAH PLAYING

Dear Noah...

We went to my parent's house yesterday for a belated birthday celebration. We all had a great visit and you, as usual, really enjoyed your visit. You really come to life during get togethers now and I can sit back and see the progress you have made each and every time we go somewhere or do something involving other people. Here are a few shots of you and your cousins and grandpa...














Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-07-08

Hot Fun In The Summertime!

the "GIRLS" CAME OVER!!!!!

BEFORE I finish posting about the rest of the zoo trip.....I have to give this update!

Noah's GIRLS (the 2 little neighbor girls) CAME OVER TO OUR BACKYARD yesterday to play WITH Noah and to go swimming in our pools!

When I lifted the oldest over the fence.....and her and Noah were finally together.......where they could TOUCH each other and PLAY together in the same space.........well.......WOW. I have never seen any 2 children so happy and excited!

They started giggling and laughing and she started running and Noah started chasing her......kicked up their heels and ran with body language screaming FREEDOM the entire way!

I almost cried like an idiot......but was happy and they were happy.

THEN they all decided to go swimming.....and I made sure to get mom's permission!

They had a ball! This was the FIRST TIME Noah has EVER had ANYONE other than family come over to play with him or swim with him. I swear I could feel his heart pounding with joy!







and this little one......(she is only 3 years old.....) told me "I AM SO HAPPY!"




I told their mom whenever Noah was swimming since I had to be there to watch him anyway.....if the girls wanted to come over to swim too they could. So we will see.....they sure had a great time yesterday! And the oldest.......kissed Noah a couple of times........AGAIN..........(I think they have a crush on him!)

a trip to the zoo...

Noah and I decided on the spur of the moment to take a trip to a zoo in a different state......so we did. We had a heck of a time getting there.......construction issues and wrong directions. We finally did arrive. Had a very nice time and enjoyed it. I will post more pics for the story tomorrow...

Dear Noah...

We went to see an early fireworks display at our fairgrounds last night. We had an excellent parking spot and seats in the back of the truck......it was the most beautiful night imaginable for fireworks of just hanging outside!

We got back OUT of the fairgrounds after the show within 3 minutes......however....we had to turn down a side road and then got stuck in some traffic so it was awhile before we got back home.

The moon was gorgeous and full last night too. We also got to stop by (AFTER you played with the girls for most of the day and had "SO MUCH FUN" you said....and visit with Grandma C. and when arriving your Aunt Angela and her family was there. You were so excited to see them you walked right past grandma not saying anything to go and hug and greet ANGELA! haha. We had a very nice visit......

Here is a snippet we will share from part of the fireworks show from last night:




I love you Noah......I had a lot of fun with you last night.

Mommy
XOXOXOX

Dear Noah...

Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-06-30

You and I love to play dominoes! I think everyone else was bored!


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-06-30

We decided to go visit your grandma and grandpa L. late afternoon, early evening Saturday. We had a very nice enjoyable visit. We all played a game of dominoes while there. Your Aunt Becky was also there to visit.

On the way home we were once again able to capture an amazing sunset! We also came through town and snapped a few of the courthouse all lit at nighttime. The town we live in is very beautiful and has such wonderful architecture....in many of the homes as well as buildings downtown and around the area. Of course I took the pics of the sunset while also DRIVING the car...something you NEVER should do. I finally did pull over to snap a couple.....most were taken while moving on the road.......but I did manage to get a few good shots!


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-06-30


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-06-30

This reminds me of a Charlie Brown sky.....it looks like someone took pastel chalk and colored the sky canvas! The Peanuts videos always had skies that resembled this....it was gorgeous!


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-06-30

The bell tower and clock are always lit at night....and very pretty


Shot with DMC-TZ1 at 2007-06-30

Sunday we will probably go visit Grandma C. as part of our day.

It is getting late and I am tired.

I love you

mommy xoxoxox