Battle Ship

On School days, we limit the use of electronics. This is Monday- Thursday. On Fridays after school and Saturdays are the cool days they get to use electronics. There are some restrictions such as bad grades, not great behavior, and especially is chores are not done. 

Since we have made this rule, we've seen more bonding time with the kids. We have seen the kids explore and encourage them to go outside, ride bikes, meet up with friends and play games. This time the kids were playing the game Battle Ship together. They were having so much fun pranking each other and trying to win the game. It has been so fun to see them motivated to getting their chores and homework finished so they can have more free time. 

(Notice Mckay stacking his boats on top of each other. This was funny.) 

 Tanner thought he was so clever getting his boats on the edges of the board. :)

These are the best memories by boys will remember playing. They have been getting along better and having more fun, especially without so much screen time.  Mckay recieved this game from the Burn Unit when he fell in a fire pit a couple years ago.  We will share about that another time. By the way, Tanner won the game. 

A good - Busy Two Weeks

(Levi and I relaxing in my bed. This paticular day was hard. He missed school and we were all fighting off the flu)

(On the way home from the Chiropractor, #braydensleeps.  Mckay is a great photo bomber!)

(My Selfie.)

(Brayden and his school team won their last soccer game)

(Brooklyn sprained her ACL and MCL and had a bone bruise) 

She hurt her knee from soccer warm ups on a crappy field.

(Brooklyn and her friend Maia went and served a few hours at the Bishops Store House)

(Brooklyn had requested a picture with Levi. Levi was having fun using crutches for fun. It was a good fun time for them to have fun together.

This is how I felt. I was overwhelmed after a long two weeks and I just wanted to sleep for more then 4 hours. I was just wanting and needing my bed. 

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Sea Life Aquarium & Legoland Discovery Center

Brooklyn, Tanner, Mckay, Levi and I went to the Sealife Aquarium and Legoloand Discovery Center with Hope kids.  I was so glad I had Brooklyn's help, the kids were able to run off on their own while I tagged along with Levi. They were able to participate in a lot more activities together and off on their own as I was with Levi. I am thankful for Brooklyn staying with Mckay and Tanner and enjoying themselves. This will be a memory they will never forget. Thank you Hope Kids for your generousity. 

New Years Eve with Phoenix Suns

(We are sitting in our stands watching the Phoenix Suns game for New Years Eve with the younger kids)

When Levi was struggling sitting in the stands and keeping to himself, we ended up going to the gorilla's playground and playing. It was so much easier and nicer to enjoy each others company. We enjoyed watching the kids play and run. Thank you Hope Kids for setting this up so we could attend.

Brooklyn's Winter Performance

Brooklyn is in Social Dance at school, as part of her P.E. credit. She tried out for the winter performance and made it. She had devoted a lot of her time for practice after school, during class and at home. She enjoyed every minute of being on stage and performing. We are so proud of her hard work and desire to try out.

(Brooklyn & her best friend CeCe)

Coyotes Game with Hopekids

We attended the Coyotes Game through Hopekids. It was so nice to be in a suite. With Levi having special needs, not understanding his boundaries and not being able to sit still, sitting in a stadium seat is unbearable. We were fortunate enough to be in a suite, plenty of leg room and the choice to be able to move whenever we want is another plus. We came and thought we were prepped and going to have a good time. As the game started, I looked over to check on Levi and this is what he was doing.  I did not know that every time a goal is made, the lights flash and the stadium rings a bell. Flashing lights and loud sounds trigger seizures, so I had to cover his eyes every time. 

My son was overstimulated, cold, and couldn't handle the noise. He was using his brothers' jacket to muffle the noise over his hooded jacket. He was curled up and starting to shut down. When I took him to the bathroom with me, for a movement break, he was sitting in the corner of the bathroom stall in a fetal position, covering his ears and whining. I called Aaron, explained what was happening. I couldn't believe how sad this was to him. I have never been to the coyotes game, so I didn't know what to expect. I wasn't prepared. I felt awful. Aaron went to one of the security guards explaining he needed ear buds to cancel out the noise for our special needs boy. Those foam ear buds did the trick. He was back to himself, eating snacks provided in the suite and watching Jack Frost on the TV. 

Our niece Ashlynn came because Brayden was not feeling good and we needed to fill that ticket spot. We are so lucky she came. She and Brooklyn enjoyed each others company and were fun to watch as they tried to get on the Jumbo-tron.

Thanks Hopekids for giving us this opportunity to go. We appreciate it.

Donated Bikes for Hope Kid and Siblings

Andreas' Closet partnered with The Lost Dutchman Motorcyclist Club who donated hundreds of bikes and toys for the Christmas Angels Trees in Walmart and Hopekids. My kids were able to come, pick out a bike & helmet of their choice,  and walk out without having to pay anything as it was a donation.  Here is the story from 3TV.  If I knew they were going to take pictures and that I would be on Tv, I would have actually got dressed and brushed my hair.  😂

 https://www.azfamily.com/news/lost-dutchman-motorcycle-club-buys-gifts-for-hundreds-of-christmas/article_19eab98c-fc33-11e8-8f68-8b7eb15de474.html

Thank you Grandpa Richins for letting us use your truck so we could transport the bikes home.

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Movie Under the Stars

Through Hopekids we were able to attend a Movie Under the Stars and watch Incredibles 2 outdoors. It was a movie I couldn't bring Levi to, as it has several scenes with flashing lights that will trigger seizures. We were fed cotton candy, popcorn, pizza, fruit snacks, soda & water. Then given glow sticks and light up fidget spinners.

We brought our own chairs and blankets. It was actually really cold and I am so glad I dressed warm. I am glad that my teenagers came and enjoyed the fun movie and food. I am glad that we have the opportunity from Hopekids to enjoy fun events that we can bond and make memories as a family.

Merry Christmas

I cannot believe I didn't take as many pictures as I wanted of visiting family on both sides of the family. We had a great Christmas Break and a great Christmas.  On Christmas Sunday, all my boys wore sweaters and were dressed handsome, I wish I got a picture of that. Our Outfits all matched. Mckay and I wore a Navy Blue Gingham top. Brooklyn and I wore cheetah print. And the boys wore either black or grey sweaters.  

Brooklyn's Christmas Sunday outfit. We were late to church. I wanted to snap a picture for my Mom as her dress was part of her gift.

We went to my parents house for dinner and made Gingerbread houses for dessert. It was fun and even the teenagers got involved in building their houses. Some of the adults were involved helping those that needed help.  I knew that this would be just so fun for the kids to enjoy and eat as they entertained themselves. 

Mckay has a crown of leaves on his head, like Ceasar. He looked so cute.  Brooklyn struggled with her house, she flipped her plate upside down thinking that would help balance her house out.  She ended up requiring help from Uncle Jesse. 

Mckay's Gingerbread House. I cannot believe I didn't get everyone else's. Levi's house was built for a second before he started eating it.  :)

Charlie & Brayden building their two story mansion. It held well and they both spent so much time on it. I am proud they spent so much time on it. 

On Christmas Day, these are the only pictures I actually took. Our Tree and Levi watching his new Paw Patrol Movie he received in his stocking from Santa. He was so happy.

🎄I was in heaven, because I was catching up on some much needed sleep. 

Hopekids Pizza & Cake

We attended a Pizza and Cake event with Hopekids. We never really know what to expect at each event, whether it be school, church or family event with Levi. We are so glad we went. It was a great opportunity for us to bond with Levi and Mckay one on one. Since Levi requires so much attention, my other kids have been receiving less attention and they are struggling.  The pizza was delicious and we each made our own.  The kids also decorated their own cupcakes and ate them. 

Since being on their journey with Levi having Epilepsy and Special Needs, how his Epilepsy isn't going away or getting better we have been struggling. For me, I have been so isolated and not having another person to turn to that has already been down this road. Levi wanted to go outside and run around. Aaron was outside and talking with other Moms' about how Levi is getting ready for the VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulator) surgery and how we have been so worried. This Mom he was talking to, said she had a niece who had it. She said how she saw a difference in her seizures and her life. We have NEVER had anyone to turn to for something like this. This was a glimmer of hope that I was leading in the right direction. This road has been so hard already, but I am starting to see small glimmer of hopes that I am going down the correct path. 

Aaron and I both felt grateful that we were able to meet someone who had a good experience with the VNS surgery. We had hope that Levi would do okay and this surgery would help him, possibly reduce his seizures and pain that he is constantly in.

Mckay had a smile on his face the whole time. I helped him roll out his pizza dough. I helped him with his toppings. He made friends at our table and made more friends when we were outside running around with other Hopekids. We were accepted and loved, no matter our circumstances.  It was a nice time together and we are super grateful for that bonding moment to make memories together.

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Sibling Love

On Veterans day, we went to the zoo. It was packed with so many veterans and kids and it was fun. I had my whole family there and loved it. At the end of our trip, we were walking out but saw these beautiful pelicans. Mckay and Levi's relationship has grown tremendously and still needs improvement, who doesn't need improvement? Levi now hugs and kisses Mckay when he is happy and wants to share that love and happiness with him. It is so cute to watch and know that they are building their relationship.

Mckay and Levi LOVE to sleep in Brooklyns' room. Our rule is only on weekends, this is allowed because they play and don't get as much sleep as they would sleeping in their own beds. This paticular night, Aaron and I were on a date. Brooklyn called us in a panic that Levi had a seizure in his sleep. He woke up, said he had a seizure and whined. Brooklyn prayed to Heavenly Father to ask Levi to stop having a seizure. Levi did stop and then said he wanted to go back to bed.  I am forever grateful that Brooklyn was there to help when I could not. It was a bonding moment in her life and I have seen Brooklyn change for the better. 

I wanted to share the love my children have towards their brother Levi. Levi is very hard at a lot of times, and even when we struggle and have a rough day, at the end of the day, we still love and appreciate Levi. I know I do not give my children enough credit of how much I appreciate them. I try to improve where I am struggling. Brooklyn, my daughter has told me lately how she wants to work at Hopekids Foundation and wants to have a special needs child, preferrably a Down Syndrome Child. I have never heard of any teenager plan to have or want a special needs child for their life. I KNOW that she is learning to love everyone from all backgrounds and all needs in life. I KNOW that she is paying attention and trying to be close to Heavenly Father. She is an example to me. She teaches me new things every day. 

On this particular day, I took Tanner, Mckay and Levi to a Hopekids event at Sea life Aquarium and LegoLand Discovery Center in Tempe. The boys were counting down the days and was so excited. It was also a stressful day. After a long full day at school, Levi is tired and overwhelmed. He usually has between 5-7 seizures at school, not including what he has at home. Overstimulating him causes more seizures, which makes it challenging at these fun events. With Levi's special needs, he doesn't pick up on social cues and boundaries. This is another challenge that we have to maneuver through, daily. The boys are learning to communicate and bond with Levi. It is so nice to see them work together and get along. 

I just wanted to remember the growth of my children bonding and building their relationship with Levi. Not everyday is stressful, we have many good days, but they all take a lot of work. We are forever grateful for having Hopekids in our life. It makes us bond and look forward to really cool events. 

Special Needs Siblings- What Life is really like

As you know I have 5 children, 4 of them are "normal". Which simply means they do not have Special Needs. The siblings to a child with Special Needs has a lot of work on their plates. They have to adjust to a schedule and life they didn't choose. They have to help care for a Special Needs sibling, which is stressful and exhausting. My kids have to put their feelings aside and realize that their brother Levi can't handle the excitement, questions and interactions they want from him. They have to adjust that our lives aren't like their friends and we can't always do everything their friends' families can do. It has been so very tiring and exhausting on my other children. I see it everyday in their faces, in their behavior at home and when they explain their feelings to me.

(Tanner, Mckay, & Levi cashing in their free personal pan pizzas for good grades)

I have created a list of 5 ways to help Support Siblings of a Special Needs:

1.) Tell the siblings in words how you appreciate them.
I know I do not do this as often as I would like. I know that they need it more then I have expressed to them. My children are a HUGE help in my daily life, even the smallest tasks aren't over looked. Sometimes I forget to tell my children how much I appreciate them. I know that when I express my appreciation to them in details they love it.  I simply say things like "Thank you so much for making Levi a snack after school. I really appreciate you for serving your brother."


2.) Apologize that their schedules are chaotic.
It is not fair to the siblings schedule to be chaotic. They did not choose to have a brother with special needs and they did not choose that our schedules really have to revolve a lot around Levi. It's not fair to them and they need to hear that. I want them to know that I agree it isn't fair and I appreciate them for trying to adjust.  I have simply said "I am sorry our schedule is chaotic and stressful. I can tell you don't appreciate it and it stresses you out. I appreciate you for trying your best."

(At a Private Screening for Incredible 2 with our Orthodontist)

Tanner, Mckay, Levi, & Me

(Brayden & Levi spending time together after school)

3.) Spend One on One Time with Each Child.
I cannot stress this enough! When you have a Special Needs child in the home, your other children tend to get pushed to the side, because you are so busy being an advocate to your Special Needs child. It is not fair to them that you are exhausted and drained. It is not fair to them that you are overwhelmed and don't have enough time for them. They need that connection and love from you. What works best in our home is to schedule time out on the calendar. We agree on a date and time that works best for both of our schedules. Then we plan out what we are going to do.  Sometimes we watch a movie together, kids choice. Sometimes we play card games or board games together, kids choice. Sometimes we go shopping together and go out to lunch, listen to the kids talk about their day or vent.  How I get them to hang out with me, I simply say "Hey Brayden, I know I don't spend enough time with you, can you look at your schedule and I will take you out to lunch? What day works for you? Where do you want to go?"

(Aaron & Mckay at the Diamond Backs game- we were given 2 free tickets from Grandma)

4.) Connect with your children.
 I try to reach out to my children, one on one and let them know how much I appreciate them. I do not get the chance to do this everyday, but I try my best to speak to them with kind words. Give your children hugs, kisses on cheeks, words of appreciation, pats on their backs and smile at them.  When I do these things with my children, I can already tell they feel appreciated and loved. I give my teenagers Brayden & Brooklyn and well as my younger boys hugs and tell him how much I love him. When I talk to them in a kind heart and loving tone, they never push me back. My children have stressful lives at school and at home, I don't want them to ever feel like they aren't loved or not appreciated. I have said "Hey Brooklyn, How was your day at school? What was your favorite part at school today?"  "Brayden, what's your plans this weekend?"

(Brayden sleeps a lot in the car. I decided to snap pictures at every chance I get)

5.) Check in with them daily. 
Ask them about their day. Go through their schedule with them. I always tell my children that I love them before they leave for School. We strive to have prayers and scripture study before school (it doesn't always happen).  We carpool to school right now, and when I pick up, I welcome my children and carpool buddy in the car and listen to them telling me about their day on the way home. I ask about upcoming games they are playing in, I ask about upcoming tests and ask if I can help them study. I ask them how school was. I feel like it is always important to check in on my children and make sure they are okay. I want them to feel like their feelings and life matters, even though I have a busy schedule. I can make time for a check in.

Your children will feel loved even if you can do this checklist once a week. They want and need to feel that connection with you. It is something, us humans crave. Do your best! They will appreciate you for trying and asking.