Spring Break 2011

Went went to see my BFF over spring break. We spent 10 days, enjoying Connecticut's beauty. Jake and Isaac had a great time with Rosanne's girls. They both miss them terribly. We hiked The Sleeping Giant, visited the coast, ate really good pizza & Italian pastries, and had a wonderful Easter. Who knew the racoons would join in on our Easter egg hunt? We hope to go back to Connecticut someday soon.........

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April = Autism Awareness Month!

Last Saturday we gathered together with other autism families to launch balloons in honor of our loved ones affected by autism. I personally love gatherings that include other children who have autism. I know that NO ONE is going to look at Isaac like he's a spoiled kid, who is out of control. I know if he happens to have a meltdown we won't be singled out. I love the fact at these types of functions that EVERYONE knows and loves Isaac- just the way he is. Being among other autism families helps me to feel less lonely and lets me know that others are dealing with a lot of the same issues. Although autism comes with a lot of negative traits, one thing for sure- it has brought a lot of amazing people into our lives! As we counted down till the balloon launch, I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. Isaac was so excited to let his balloon go and kept asking "Is it time yet? Is it time yet?" Even with clouds in the sky, Isaac had a great time. Everyone launched their balloons and blue filled the sky. Afterwards we enjoyed treats and visited with our friends. Isaac had no idea that we were honoring him last Saturday. He has no idea that he is even different. I am so thankful for that. He lives his life the way everyone should. He enjoys the here and now and never worries about the past or the future. People tell me all the time how lucky Isaac is to have me for his mom, but I think I'm the lucky one...........

December with The Stanger's

Jake went snowboarding for the first time this month! He was so excited! Mike has been snowboarding since he was young and wanted to get Jake started in on the fun. They spent the summer gathering equipment for Jake. They waited for a day when there was FINALLY enough snow and set out. Jake had a great time. Although, he was a bit sore the following days. He said he wants to do it again. I'll let Mike handle that......




Merry Christmas from the Stangers! We hope all of you had a wonderful time with friends and family. We spent Christmas Eve with my family, over at my parent's house. My brother, Ez, and his family came, along with my brother, Clint. We ate yummy food and visted with each other. Christmas Day we spent in Farmington, with Mike's parents and his brother and his family. We also got to spend the day on Christmas with Mike's Grandma, Laverne. My boys just love spending time with Grandma Great. Although, Isaac was a little worried about getting her home to sleep in her OWN bed......



Isaac and Mike grew chin curtains for Christmas!! Isaac loves to do everything Mike does, which includes growing facial hair. Isaac came down to sit with Mike and said "look, Dad! I grew a chin curtain, too!" FUNNY BOY!!











Isaac also celebrated his 10th birthday this month. His birthday is EXACTLY 1 week before Christmas- not ideal for mom. We spent the day at Classic Skating where Isaac cruised on his scooter and jumped all of his energy out. After Classic we went to In-N-Out Burger for refueling. After dinner we had Mike's family over as well as my parents and a good family friend, Chris Lagiusa, with his son, Parker. We all enjoyed sugar cookies and ice cream to honor this special boy. Sometimes it feels like a lot longer than 10 years, but I wouldn't trade it for a minute! Happy Birthday, Isaac!!

Strawberry Reservoir, August 2010

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Last weekend we went camping with my brother, Ez, and his family. We drove about an hour and half up through Park City and Heber to Strawberry Reservoir. Ez found the perfect campsite with plenty of room and a little stream running off to the side. We packed up the 4-wheelers for some fun in the back country. We spent the days driving on the trails and cookin' up some good food. I admire how well Ez, Tammy, Lance & Cody all tolerate Isaac so well. We all had a great time! Although, I must admit, 2 days of sleeping in a tent (without showering) may be a bit much for this city gal..........

Isaac & The Incredibles

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On Saturday, May 1st, Team Isaac & The Incredibles braved the winter storm to show support for autism. A big thank you goes out to all the people who have shown their support for Isaac & The Incredibles through donations and participating in the walk. We appreciate ALL OF YOU!!

Alive & Kickin'

In case you're wondering, we're still here. We've just been busy- living our lives, enjoying our friends and family. Last Saturday we went to the Hogle Zoo with our great friends, The Foxes. The boys had a great day and the weather was PERFECT!

Next up: Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Saturday, May 1st at 10:00 am. Heritage Park, Salt Lake City, Ut Hope to see you there!

MeRrY ChRiStMaS!

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Home for the Holidays

On Wednesday, my whole family celebrated Christmas with my brother, John and his wife Deonna. Since they live in Las Vegas and won't be home for the Holidays, we celebrated a little early. It's always nice to have my whole family together. I'm grateful for the Holidays and the time we can spend with our families.

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

Our East Coast Travels!

On September 16th, we packed our bags and boarded a plane to Connecticut. Connecticut you ask? Yes, Connecticut! We have some very dear friends (who used to neighbors) that live in Cheshire, Ct. We were able to spend a whole entire week with the Tejeda family, enjoying their company and catching up from the last 5 years.

While in Cheshire, we went Duck Pin Bowling, apple picking and breathed in lots of FRESH AIR. We rode the Metro train into NYC one of the days and were able to see the amazing Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, and eat at a really yummy Italian restaurant! We rode the underground subway all over the city with ease, thanks to our personal Tour Guide, Luis!

The boys loved getting to know Lexi & Bella all over again and they also got to see what it's like to have a baby sister thanks to Julia. Jake made some new friends and Isaac loved driving the motorized JEEP around like a maniac!

We sure had a great time and can't wait to visit Connecticut again- we still have more to see in NYC!

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C A L I F O R N I A

Last Wednesday, Mike and Jake took a little road trip to Grass Valley, CA, with Mike's dad. Isaac and I stayed home and spent some good time together.

In Grass Valley they visited the gold mine museums, train museums and of course, THE RIVER, where they panned for GOLD! On their way home they stopped to see Lake Tahoe.

By the end of the 5th day we were all missing each other- Mike and Jake were missing Isaac and I, and we were missing them as well. It was a nice little get-away for Mike and Jake and I hope they can do it again soon.

Lake Tahoe
Yuba River, Nevada City, Ca.

Yuba River

Disneyland 2009

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We had a great time in Disneyland! The weather was PERFECT, not too hot and not too cold. We spent 4 days at Disneyland and California Adventure. Mike's favorite ride was Space Mountain. Barb's favorite ride was Toy Story. Jake's favorite ride was Space Mountain. And Isaac's favorite ride was the Monorail. We enjoyed our time together as a family!

F*R*I*E*N*D*S

Tali & Isaac

Best Buddies
The Adam's Family

We were asked to sumbit a couple of photos with Isaac and his friends for a DVD that was to be played at the Autism Walk Kick-Off Dinner. Isaac is so lucky to have friends who don't ever see him as being "different". Although Isaac may not be able to play in a way that his friends want, they never seem to run out of fun! I am thankful for these FRIENDS and hopeful Isaac will have a lifetime of GOOD FRIENDS!!

Jake in the Kitchen

Yesterday, after Jake got home from school, he said he had thought of something that he could have for an after school snack. He said that since he likes cheese sandwiches so much that he was going to try a piece of cheese with mustard on it. He went into the kitchen and whipped up his masterpiece, ate it all up, and loved every last morsel! While that kind of "cooking" is fine for him, I think I'll wait till he has a little more training before I let him prepare any of my snacks......

Really Yummy Sugar Cookies

My mom found this recipe years ago and it has been our sugar cookie recipe ever since. Everyone loves them and always asks for the recipe. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Sugar Cookies
1-1/2 c. shortening (part butter)
2c. sugar
4 eggs
1t. vanilla

1t. lemon extract
5c. flour

2t. baking powder
2t. salt
Mix thoroughly shortening, sugar, eggs & flavorings. Blend in flour, baking powder & salt. Cover & chill for at least 1 hour. Heat oven to 400. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface. Cut into desired shapes. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until edges barely start to brown. Frost & enjoy!

Butter Cream Frosting
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. butter
4 c. powdered sugar
1 t. vanilla
3-4T. milk
Blend all ingredients together.

Through the Eyes of Isaac

One of the few good things about autism is being able to see life with a different perspective. My little Isaac can (and always has been able to) see life in a different way. Sometimes what he sees is so obvious, but overlooked by the average set of eyes. In the photo above, Isaac has a "beard". It's actually the net to his basketball hoop, but to him, it was his beard. He was a "Daddy" for the evening. He even fell asleep with his beard on that night.

I truly love this about Isaac and I hope he continues to amaze me with his own interpretation of the world.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year......................

is when you can have your WHOLE family gathered together, enjoying one another's company, for the Holidays. My brother, John, and his wife, Deonna, were able to come to Salt Lake for a family gathering. It was a nice to have everyone together, if only for a day..........

HaPpY HoLiDaYs!!

The Festival of Trees

We went to The Festival of Trees on a fieldtrip with Isaac's class. For the most part, Isaac thought the trees all looked the same. He found a few trees that stood out among the rest and fast became his favorites.

Grinchy Christmas & the coolest tree made from blown glass!

The only Snowman you'll find around here.............................................

Isaac (and all the other children) absolutely LOVED this tree. It was titled "Kinetic Christmas". It had all kind of balls coming and going and going and coming. It was amazing!

AND............If

I were a

Gingerbread

Man, I'd want to live here!

HaPpY HoLiDaYs!!

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I was very thankful for the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with my extended family this year. We had my parents, brother, Clint, brother, Ez & family, My aunt, Bernie and Dave, and my Uncle, Ralph and Janis over for Thanksgiving dinner. We had a good time, enjoying each other's company. After the big feast, we had a little band practice! ROCK ON!!

Michael Scott Oakes

Michael Scott Oakes

1975-2008

My cousin, Mike Oakes, passed away October 20, 2008, unexpectedly, at the young age of 33. He was the youngest son of Ralph Oakes and Bernadine Oakes. Baby brother to Linda Oakes Pressley and David Oakes. He leaves behind 2 small children, Austin and Mikayla Oakes.

Halloween

This year for Halloween we thought it would be fun to have the boys dress up like Danny Zuko from the movie Grease. Talking with Jake, and knowing that he loves the "1950's", I knew that he would most likely go along. Isaac on the other hand, he doesn't really even know that HE can choose his own costume. But, he's easy going enough that he didn't mind dressing up as a T-Bird.

I found the boys the perfect jackets and painted "T-Birds" on the back. I thought I found the perfect wigs, but those weren't exactly what I was looking for. All in all, I think the boys had a great time being Danny Zuko. Jake loves his jacket and still wears it around.

After weeks and weeks of Isaac asking if it were Halloween yet, the night finally arrived. We set out a bit early so we could really enjoy the 65 degree weather. Right away, Isaac noticed the "Sky is CLOSED", meaning it was cloudy. He was a little nervous, but went ahead to the first house. While at the first house, our neighbor decided to bring his garbage can up from the curb. Isaac nearly jumped out of his costume and immediately thought he heard "THUNDER". Needless to say, I couldn't convince Isaac that what he just heard was only the garbage can. So, after that, he was DONE! I think we made it to 4 houses and then he parked his little self on the couch for the rest of the night......................(sigh)