The FIVE J's

Random Thoughts

2012-02-16T23:23:00.000-06:00

As I wandered through our house tonight, I noted the junk everywhere after my attempts to clean up. I chose to surrender the fight and catch up on blogging.
Our younger two are enamored with the vents - I either find them standing waist-up in them, hiding in them, or stuffing things down them. I just passed glittering objects in the one near our room, and it would give me chills to open it up and get the toys, so I just ignored it.:) For some reason, reaching down them gives me the same sensation as wondering if a monster is under the bed when my feet hit the floor in the middle of the night. Don't tell the kids.:)
Today Joel clocked Jonathan with a hard plastic helicopter (this is a pattern). I made him sit on the bathroom floor alone after being disciplined. Nothing seems to work with him - he is very sweet and loving but can be hard as nails. He laughs when disciplined, does not listen, and is carefree about hurting his brothers. The comfort I take in this is that Jonathan was this way for some time and no longer is. At the time, I thought it was related to his delay, that he didn't understand how his actions affected others, etc. because Jackson had never made the same choices. Jono snatched hair bows, glasses, pulled hair, hit, etc. and we called him the Down Syndrome Bully. So, I remind myself that Jonathan was once this way and maybe Joel will snap out of it. Until then, I think we have discovered that isolating him works wonders.
Tonight, we did just that. After injuring his brother, I put Joel in the bathroom. He was content for some time, so I just waited until he wasn't. Then, when he reached his limit, he got the bathroom rug and stuffed it in the toilet (which did not have clean water in it). He called for us. Jamie answered. Jamie asked him if he did it so he could get out to which he answered, "yes." Upon my arrival, he put his arms around both our legs and said, "I wuv you guys." Unbelievable. Jamie and I usually look at each other and say,"Were you like this? I wasn't!" Jamie and I both had our moments but both of us were rather compliant and people-pleasers so this kind of behavior baffles us.
This is the first week that our children have not been sick since the first week in January. Monday Joel went to Mothers' Morning Out and it was the first time I had been alone on a weekday in almost six weeks. It was nice. I felt human.
Jonathan was weepy when I picked him up today. He is fighting congestion again. When he gets congested, he tires easily and can't breathe well. I assume this is because he has asthma. I know I feel the same way when I am congested. I will think he is getting a bug until I pump him with his inhaler and mucinex and then he starts feeling better. Poor guy. I hope this improves with time.
A few weeks ago, Jonathan wrenched the toilet handle off one of the toilets. I have no clue how to repair it. I bought the replacement handle yesterday, attempted to fix it, and just could not follow the pictures. I did get it down to where all the old hardware was off and there is a hole in the tank where the handle was. Last night, as I lifted the tank to manually flush it, I found Jonathan's toothbrush in there. Disgusting. Jamie was in bed, falling asleep. I ducked my head in and said, "Hey! Jono's toothbrush was in the tank. Gross!" Jamie said, "I know. I saw it." WHAT?!!! "Sorry I didn't get it out." Needless to say, that toothbrush went in the trash and he has a new one now (I keep new ones in the closet for such a time as this).
Joel has been coughing for weeks. He seems completely fine - no fever, good appetite, etc. but coughs mostly when lying down. I facebooked for suggestions. One was Zarbees - an herbal, natural treatment that has been great. Another was putting Vick's on his feet and wearing socks at night. For the most part, he can sleep cough-free at night now but the cough is not clearing up. Wondering if we should go to the doctor but so tired of going there...:)
Jackson requested that Joel and I come to lunch today. I ran out of time to stop by home so I grabbed McDonald's and headed to the school. I thought it was possible I wasn't supposed to bring McDonald's in the school but wasn't sure. Joel and I ate it. The boy across from me didn't have lunch so I shared with him. Then, all the boys wanted some, and I felt badly not sharing with them, so I did. When I got up to leave, the teacher politely intercepted me and told me I wasn't supposed to share fast food with the kids. I was so embarrassed. I am such a rule-follower and felt like a child whose hand had been slapped. As I tried to maintain eye contact with her as she mapped out the policy, I felt her discomfort in having to explain this to an almost forty-year-old mom. Ugh. I also realized that Joel had disappeared out the door and I was trying to remain cool. After she was finished, I ran out the door and Joel was no where to be found. I tried not to panic and eventually found him in the lobby, "hiding" from me. We came home and I put him down for his nap. I fell asleep next to him and didn't hear my alarm go off. We awoke at 2:45 (I usually leave the house at 2:35 to walk and get there by 2:50). We raced there in the car and were on time, thankfully. I didn't need another strike against me at school - I was feeling emotionally fragile already.:)
Our house is coming along and we are now in the stage of picking out colors, appliances, etc. I hope this part is fun and not a trial.
I ran in a half-marathon on Sunday with no training other than Crossfit. I work out, typically five days a week. Crossfit says that you should be able to hop in a half-marathon or marathon and be just fine. I decided to find out. I think Jamie was as nervous as me. I was terrified of maiming myself. I went with our babysitter, Becca, and we got there as the gun went off. We ran past the Balloon Lady who seemed to be astonished we arrived. I spent the next two hours and six minutes running and feeling great. I was trying to run in this manner they call Posed Running. Since I had never done it for 13 miles, my calves cramped around mile 11 or 12. I tried not to push it, took a bathroom break, and hydrated at almost every water station. It was 21 degrees and I was nervous about that as well, but dressed appropriately, so I felt fine. My calves hurt for three days, but other than general soreness (and nausea after I ran, which is typical for me), I recovered just fine. I am not trying to brag - it isn't bragging because my time was not impressive. However, my point is that Crossfit works. I was skeptical but am not anymore!
Jackson starts soccer next week. He hasn't played since he was four. It was at age four that he decided organized sports were not his thing. He has done swimming lessons and baseball since then but has difficulty engaging. He wants to be the best without practicing and gets frustrated if his skill level does not improve without trying. Again, Jamie and I look at each other, wondering where he got these kind of ideas, but continue to encourage him to try sports. This time, I think he is realizing he has no one to play with after school because everyone else is busy with activities and that if he wants to see people, he is going to have to do an activity. He does seem excited and we just want him to have fun. We shall see. I don't know how I am going to get him to practice and handle the other two but it will work out.
This post was certainly random and disconnected so thanks for staying with me! I will post pix next time.

Current news and catching up on pictures

2012-01-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

Last Friday, the first week into school, I picked up the boys from school. Jackson had an offer to go home with a friend to which he gave a gave a negative response. I knew something was wrong. He said his stomach had been hurting since after lunch but he was afraid to go home because he had missed so much school already (he has had to miss some school to test why his bones measure as if he were an eleven and a half year old - he is eight and a half).

We went home, he ate, ran around, and then felt nauseated. For the next six days, he didn't feel nausea so much as had horrible cramping. He would seem fine, as if he were improving, and eat and then have terrible cramps. He would scream, "I am dying!!!" while writhing on the couch or floor with tears streaming down his face. He is dramatic so Jamie and I didn't know if he was taking it to an extreme or if he was truly feeling this much pain. Jamie took him to the ER Sunday night. We thought maybe Jackson's appendix was going to rupture. The ER doctor said it was just gastroenteritis (sp?). Jackson's pediatrician prescribed some pain meds the next day that didn't even touch the pain. Two days later we went to the hospital to have tests run to determine if there was an obstruction. His ultrasound and x-ray were clear.

The conclusion that we have come to is that this was a nasty bug that depleted the good bacteria in his stomach. We think his pain was real but it would escalate as soon as he sensed it coming - he would be fearful of how painful it would be and make it worse by panicking. At night he said he could calm down if we rubbed his feet (Jamie did this for him on and off all night when he took a turn sleeping next to Jackson - I was not as kind:)) or if we simply were in the same room. I think he was afraid of facing it alone. Thankfully, he was able to go to school the next Friday.

I am working on potty training with Joel. He can go on command but doesn't seem to want to go on his own. He was the baby that did not like having a wet or dirty diaper (I did not believe this was a real phenomena until I had a child that did it) so I figured he would be easy to train. As of late, he has developed a passion for diapers and does not want to part with them. I am closing in on the last diaper and have heard people approach their children with "We have no more diapers so you are going to have to use the potty" and am not sure how that will fly. I hope he will be diaper-free and pull up-free soon. He did take the initiative to poop in the potty today alongside Jono. Both decided to dip their fingers in the product they made and smeared it on their Thomas Legos. Nice.

We are currently renting a home down the street from where we are renovating our new house. The interior and exterior have been stripped clean. As soon as our plans are finalized, construction will begin. This has been such a tough process. At church we have heard such emphasis on living on as little as possible so you can give away as much as possible for the sake of furthering the Gospel. This is completely biblical but I am legalistic, always looking for rules so it is hard for me to enjoy a project like our house, wondering if it is okay for us to have something new. We are trying to be conservative in our planning and to be willing to move one day, if we feel called elsewhere.

Here are some pix I found...

Joel got into my closet and was tromping around

in my heels that rarely see the light of day.

Christmas at Grammie and Grandpa's at Thanksgiving. Not one of Joel's

finer moments. He threw a gift across the room when he was overwhelmed.

Jackson and Grammie on "Christmas Day."

Grandpa watching the antics of his grandsons.

The marble Jono swallowed the day after Thanksgiving.

Joel loves this mask and thinks he is scary.

He does seem to scare Jonathan.:)

Found this cat behind the couch with chocolate chunks.

What are we going to do with this kid? Sneaky and determined...

Christmas Day with beloved Lion, who imparts much comfort.

Opening presents on Christmas Day.

Still opening...

Jackson got a guitar and Joel seems to like it, too.

Daddy plays pretty well himself.

Cousin Eric likes the guitar (and so does Flat Stanley).:)

Eric got an awesome drum set and was incredible

with letting everyone give it a try. He is great at sharing!

Jackson and Eric at Nana and Pops' house with Flat Stanley.

Aunt Betsy with her new little boy, Hart.

Sweet baby boy! Our new nephew.

We think he looks like Uncle Bryan.

Daddy had another birthday on January first!

Decorations courtesy of Jackson.

Merry Chaos!

2012-01-03T17:50:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas from the Warrens! This is the Christmas card we send out every year. The underlined sentence is the one-liner we put in the card but here, underneath, I have included an explanation of each one. Needless to say, this is rather long. You may need to take breaks....

Lessons Learned 2011

Crossing of the eyes indicates continued need for wear of undesired glasses.

Jonathan's left eye wanders and he has to wear glasses to strengthen those muscles. He does not like to wear them.

If your child is missing, don’t fret - look in the washer.

One morning Jamie could not find Jonathan. Joel led him to the dryer and showed him Jono's hiding place. Very soon after, Jono climbed into the washer and hid there instead.

Ice cream sandwich wrappers left secretively behind the couch indicate an addiction.

We had problems with Joel getting hungry and helping himself to the fridge or freezer items. His food of choice became ice cream sandwiches. Locking the doors was hard. Why I didn't figure out to move the ice cream sandwiches to the top of the freezer until later, I don't know!

A 5AM fridge raid goes sour when attempts to retrieve food awaken sleeping parents.

Joel wakes most mornings between 5:00 and 5:30am. He often tries to feed himself. One morning I woke up at 5am to the scraping of a chair across the kitchen floor. When I walked in, he was poised in front of the open fridge on the said chair, ready to get his ice cream sandwich.

Maiming the neighborhood’s future Olympic gymnast in a bike wreck is no laughing matter.

Jackson and a neighbor's daughter both were at fault. They were riding close to each other and couldn't turn away in time. She had to go to the ER to get her arm checked out. Had Jackson not been wearing his helmet, he would probably have had a concussion. I was concerned for Jackson, but scared the aspiring gymnast had been benched!

Moving boxes are not clever hiding places for TV remotes or ready-to-expire gift cards.

Joel and Jonathan tucked our remotes in moving boxes we didn't unpack. We won't unpack them until we move a few months from now when our house is finished. We cannot operate our TV without these remotes. Irritating. Jamie bought a bunch of gift cards at a silent auction last spring. When we moved they got stuck somewhere in a box and never were unpacked. We couldn't find them and worried they would expire before we moved again! One weekend, he was bound and determined and found them.

Never leave luggage unattended when liquid meds are involved... red stain, white bedspread.

When I was packing for Thanksgiving, I left Robitussin out on the bed in a Ziploc (I think). Joel walked in our room and opened the child-proof top and began to pour a dose for himself all over our white bedspread. I prayed over the bedspread, stain treated it, and washed it immediately.:) No stain remained!

Potty training - the student becomes the teacher.

Jonathan is showing Joel how it is done!

Evening playtime requires Daddy to suit up with athletic protective gear to avoid injury.

At night the boys get really excited when Jamie gets home - so much so that Jamie should wear rec specs, a helmet, and a cup as a result of the playful blows he is dealt.

Never go to Disney in June - watch the double stroller boxing match unfold for free at home.

We decided to try a trip to Disney this summer while my sister and her husband were there. It was incredibly hot. Joel and Jono were in a double stroller and fought the whole time. Jono did not care for Disney and Joel was ticked most of the time. It was not pleasant.

A pinworm diagnosis explains repeated scratching in embarrassing areas... for months.

Jono had been scratching in a certain area for months and we thought he was enamoured with that area and kept telling him to stop. On our way home from Disney, we discovered he actually had been itching for a reason - pinworms - and had probably had them for months since it started in May. One of many reasons why it is frustrating when your kid loves to put things in his mouth he shouldn't and unable to communicate clearly.

Poison Control remains a close friend and confidante.

I still call them often and wonder if they are reporting me on the sly. I had to call them from South Carolina at Thanksgiving to report that Jono had possibly swallowed a magnet.

Waking to a glass microwave plate shattering sets the tone for the day.

One morning Jonathan opened the microwave and dropped the rotating glass plate on the floor. That was the first sound I heard that day - a terrible way to wake up.

Discipline takes an interesting turn when YOU are threatened with the spanking stick.

Joel is not phased by discipline in the least. When requested to do something he says, "NO!!" He also finds our spanking stick and will ask me if I want a spanking.

Honey and syrup apparently double as both sweeteners and morning drinks.

I have found Joel in our pantry with both the honey and the syrup upturned, resting in his mouth. He usually says, "Oh, hi Mom. Want some?"

Muscle fatigue from exercise ironically results in the inability to lift or chase your child.

I get up every weekday morning at 5am to work out. I find it ironic that while I am getting stronger through Crossfit, I can't chase my kids while my muscles repair daily.

Camp near a laundromat. You never know when you might need one... at 2AM.

Jamie, Jamie's dad, and Jackson went camping in Pensacola with the Cub Scouts. Jackson had a slight fever but seemed okay. They flew there and on the descent Jack threw up. He was not himself and woke up screaming that night. His clothes and sleeping bag were wet so Jamie had to find a laundromat and dry them at 2am. Jackson screamed home. Upon their return, they visited the ER and it turned out that he had an infected eardrum which may have ruptured. And we thought he was just being dramatic.

A homemade mummy costume for Halloween seemed like a good idea... for about five minutes.

Jackson wanted to be a mummy for Halloween. I made him one out of toilet paper. It was unsatisfactory. Jamie redid it as we were headed out the door. It flew off in pieces as Jackson raced from door to door so he came home and changed into a Star Wars outfit instead.

Edward Scissorhands lives here, wielding knives and scissors before sunrise.

One morning Jamie came out to the den and found Joel walking around with knives and our scissors from our knife block.

You don’t need a daughter to have a Drama Queen.

People ask us if we will try for a fourth child to get a girl. I feel like I already have three.

Lego extractions can be performed in-house now as well as at the hospital.

Joel stuffed a Lego gem very high up his nose. Jamie put on a hat and tucked a flashlight in it up over his ear. I held Joel down. Jamie took tweezers and got it out, saving us a trip to the ER.

Fake injuries seem to be easily subdued by toilet paper bandages.

When Jackson gets "hurt," his pain is suprisingly eased by a fake bandage.

A lunch box can go to timeout at school for being used as a bat to the face.

Jono hit a friend in the face at school with his lunchbox and would not quit. His teacher put his lunchbox in time out and Jono did not know what to do. I have since used the tactic at home.

A diaper fashionista lives here - apparently, if it’s not Elmo, it’s not happening.

Joel can use the toilet but refuses to because he loves his diapers. We went through a period where he refused to wear any diaper but one with Elmo imprinted on it. His wishes were not always granted and those were not happy days.

Heard EVERYDAY: “We don’t eat boogers. We don’t eat poop. Yucky.”

Joel is our first booger-picker. We repeat this mantra often to remind him to keep his fingers clean.

Mysterious, in-house honey bee infestations make sense after noticing the neighbor raises bees.

In our previous home, we had honey bees flying around in the ceiling tiles and sometimes in the downstairs living area. I would dust the blinds and find many dead. We could not figure out where they were coming from. Later, once they were gone, we drove past our backyard neighbors' house and saw they had a wooden box up on concrete blocks swirling with bees. It all made sense after that. These were cranky, hyper-vigilant neighbors of ours who complained about things that were nothing in comparison to if one of us had been allergic to bees!

Toothpaste is not just for cleaning teeth - use it on your hardwoods.

One day I walked out of the kitchen to find Joel had smeared toothpaste all over the floor. So much fun to clean up.

Girls aren’t the only ones who like tea parties, make up, and pink high heels.

For some reason, all of our boys have liked to dress up in dresses, jewelry, and heels. Jono still has tea parties and I found Joel with my concealer all over his eyes one day, barely able to see, looking like a beige racoon.

We run this place like a jail - three meals daily, locks on all the doors, and a prison yard out back.

Not kidding. We have locks on the fridge, freezer, dryer, and pantry. I have constructed loops around the fence posts to keep the gates closed. As crazy as it sounds, I feel safer here than our last house because we have a fence now.

No Warren child has ever been kicked out of Preschool Sunday School. Until this year.

I was subbing for Jono's buddy one day at church. We were out on the playground. One of our administrators came to find me to tell me that Joel had been in time out repeatedly for pushing. He was at her desk because he had been kicked out of the room. I was shocked. Never did I expect that! I picked him up and we headed home shortly thereafter.

A friend of our kindergartener remarked that our son “doesn’t take school seriously.”

In the first week of school, one of Jono's classmates noticed how he chewed on everything in sight, including erasers. The little boy came home and told his mom that Jonathan was not taking school seriously.:) This little boy has turned out to be so helpful and a translator for Jono in class.

While seated on the toilet, why not save time and “wash” your feet?

Sometimes after using the bathroom, Jono comes out all wet. While sitting down, he has decided to stand in the toilet or kick his feet around in the contents. Nice.

The definition of allowance seems to be “pay me for doing nothing.”

Jackson often wants an allowance even though he has completed no chores and is shocked to find we won't pay him. Our child will not suffer from entitlement.

Fistfuls of chocolate ease the process of haircuts - for parent, child, and barber.

When we go to see the boys' barber, I dread it. He is absolutely wonderful but Jono does not like for his head to be touched. So, with each cut, Jono gets chocolate as a reward. It is getting better, but is still difficult.

No suitable housing + surrendered, peaceful prayer = escape from Death Trap rental house.

When we sold our house this summer, the buyers wanted us out immediately. We could find no rentals at all in our area - we needed to stay within certain zones so our kids could continue to go to their elementary school. The only house Jamie could find was down the street from our old house. The top floor looked down into the den and the realtor selling the home called it "The Homewood Chalet." The stairs were not up to code and I could just see the kids taking nosedives off the stairs into the den. There was no yard in the front or the back. The front yard was still on a busy street and the backyard had a deck - one side opened onto tree stumps and the other onto huge rocks. I could also envision our boys jumping off the deck onto those. I felt incredibly uncomfortable but Jamie said we had prayed and this is what God had provided. We needed to trust Him. It was Wednesday. We were supposed to close Friday and move Saturday. Wednesday night I prayed and thanked God for His provision but asked if He would please provide something else. The next day, an hour before we signed the lease to the Death Trap, a friend of a friend called to offer to rent us their house - down the street from where we would eventually buy and renovate. God is good!

It’s not a holiday worth celebrating unless you make a trip to the ER.

We go to the ER so often, we go to Krispy Kreme afterwards to celebrate that treatment is over. Jonathan swallowed a marble on the day after Thanksgiving. It was part of a magnetic set. I KNEW he had not swallowed a magnet but Poison Control told me if I was not 100% sure, to take him to the ER. I was so mad! I was thankful for good medical care, but so tired of the constant ingestions of inedible items!

And that, my friends, is the way our year went!

Merry Chaos,

Jamie, Julie, Jackson, Jonathan, and Joel

www.thefourjs.blogspot.com

Flat Stanley's Visit

2012-01-02T17:25:00.000-06:00

Our niece, Emma, sent us a little character named Flat Stanley. We were instructed to color Flat Stanley according to our climate (which we neglected to do - Jackson had him wear shorts, which was accurate some days) and cut him out. Then, Flat Stanley was to accompany us on our adventures, we were to write about them, and mail him back to Emma's teacher.

Here are the events that transpired while he stayed with us...

Flat Stanley hid in one of our stockings.

He helped to prepare Uncle Jamie's coffee one morning.

Aunt Julie had lots of ironing to do and Flat Stanley gladly helped her.

He played trains.

Flat Stanley taught us about how Christmas is about Jesus and not all the stuff you get.

He explained this to us using our Nativity Set the boys had out in the playroom.

He took a nap on Joel's bed.

He watched Jackson play on the computer.

He hung out with Joel and Jonathan as they watched TV.

Jonathan was not quite sure he was comfortable with Flat Stanley.:)

Flat Stanley tried to help take out the trash but got caught in the can.

He enjoyed adding some last touches to our Christmas tree.

He got the mail for us one day.

He watched Jackson open a gift from a neighbor.

He helped Aunt Julie unload the dishwasher.

He took a trip with Aunt Julie to see their newest cousin, Hart.

He had to ride in one of the bins in the security area.

He rode the escalator in Atlanta.

He met Hart Bender, Aunt Julie's sisters's first child.

He had his own seat on the plane.

Flat Stanley, thank you for having such wonderful manners and for being so helpful. We enjoyed your visit!

Rest of November through middle of December 2011

2011-12-18T14:43:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Dobbins grandparents, Grandpa and Grammie, this year. Grammie had made most of it before we got there late Wednesday night so getting everything together was easy on Thursday. Gigi (Julie's grandmother) came over Thursday at noon and stayed all day. We tried to coordinate dinner during naps so that we could talk and enjoy it:) but both the younger boys woke up. It turned out to be just fine.

On Friday morning, we decided to let the boys open up gifts from Grammie and Grandpa. We thought they might enjoy spreading out their gifts and they might better remember them. They still were a bit overwhelmed and, at one point, Joel threw a gift in frustration. He was promptly removed from "Christmas" until he got himself under control.:)

Jackson loves being at Grammie and Grandpa's because he has his own room there like his cousins do at his Nana and Pops' house. Jackson will settle in like he owns the place so we have to remind him we are guests and he needs to give up a turn with the TV so Grandpa can watch. It was pretty cold so the boys did get out and play on the trampoline some but we didn't go the park like we often do when we are there.

Friday evening Jonathan was playing with a marble. I saw him do it and realized I should get it from him. There is often a part of me, upon watching a scene unfold such as this, that thinks, "He won't do it this time" but that part of me is most often wrong. Jonathan proceeded to swallow it and hurried to be, indicating it was caught in his throat. I banged his back for it to go down. It did. Seeing as I am at a pro at this now, I didn't panic. I had him eat bread and drink clear fluids, both of which he got down just fine. Jamie was gone. When he returned, I told him what happened. I felt like the situation was in control until he reminded me that what Jono ingested was part of a magnetic set. I became very ticked off because I KNEW Jonathan had not swallowed a magnet but I could not prove it. I began slamming things around, called Poison Control, was given the news that we had to go to the ER, and acted like a baby. Once again, a holiday was interrupted because Jonathan just had to put something in his mouth.

My mom accompanied me to the ER. Swallowing a magnet is very dangerous because it can pinch your bowels, cause decreased blood flow, and end in death. So, he was sent to the top of the list. He got x-rayed, examined, and was let go. Only the marble made an appearance on the x-ray (as I KNEW it would be) and we were free to go.

That was enough excitement for one visit. We left on Saturday morning. One day we will be able to stay longer but right now we have to keep our out of town visits short to keep our sanity as well as help the people we visit keep theirs as well.:)

We got home and I started to work on Christmas cards and teacher gifts. I see these facebook posts and blogs about keeping perspective on Christmas. It is hard but, honestly, I really want to give and let people know how much we appreciate them. I enjoy writing our card but it takes me a while to crank it out. So, while the season can be hectic and chaotic, I have enjoyed drinking hot chocolate, eating cookies, and decorating our tree. I will get sleep later (when Joel begins to sleep past 5am) and shed the extra chub that I have accumulated after the new year. Being alert and trim is overrated anyway!

I did not get much sleep this week. Thursday, I was trying to get Joel down for a nap. He gets up at 5am and is beginning to resist his nap. I don't get it. However, I was trying to get him down for a nap and I fell asleep with him. I didn't get to my phone when it rang. I got up shortly thereafter and got a call from Jamie. He had Jonathan with him. The school had called my cell phone and home phone. I didn't answer so they called him. Jonathan seemed to have had an asthma attack and was in the back seat while Jamie drove, gasping for breath. I could hear him and I was terrified. I thought maybe he had swallowed something and it was obstructing his airway.

Jamie had started to take Jono to the boys' pediatrician's office but after seeing him go white as a sheet with his lips turning blue, Jamie decided to turn around and go to the ER. Our pediatrician's office had called ahead and, when Jamie ran in with Jono in his arms, the ER staff got Jono in a room right away. After examining him and then giving him a high-powered steroid unrelated to asthma, it was determined it was more like a sudden onset of croup. Because of his DS, Jonathan has low muscle tone. This applies to his muscles all over. The doctors think that Jonathan's trachea got floppy and just stopped working. That was the obstruction - his trachea just closed of its own accord. Nothing like this has ever happened (that we know of) so we will count it a blessing he survived and note if anything like that happens again, we will head straight to the ER.

This is a crazy life we lead. We go to doctors and hospitals so much that we are comfortable there and have a tradition of going to Krispy Kreme afterwards. I do think that Jamie and I both would say that because God has allowed us to have quite a few difficulties these last 14 years, we finally understand how to live out our faith instead of just adhere to rules. We are learning to call on Christ to fill in our gaps and voids, recognizing that we cannot live this life on our own. Thank goodness we are not alone!

Julie:)

thejuliewarren@gmail.com

Daddy is using the Boo Boo Bunny

and Jono is making certain he is okay.

Joel at his preschool Thanksgiving Feast.

Jono's class picture after their performance.

Notice Jono is the only one without his headdress on.:)

Buddy Walk, Birthday, and Boogers

2011-11-15T22:55:00.003-06:00

The Buddy Walk was a success. Many thanks to those of you who donated, came to walk, and asked about us. Joel was asleep the whole time so that was very helpful. Family, friends, and teachers came. Next year we hope to have a tent.
I would post pictures but I don't have any. When we got there, our camera said, "Change battery pack." I used my phone the whole time but apparently it was not working. So, I had no pictures. I would like credit, though, because I did attempt to take them and document the event.
Thank you, again, for supporting us. We are so grateful.
Jonathan turned six yesterday. We had his birthday party at a local ice cream shop with his classmates and his friend, Molly. When I get access to those pictures, I will post them. Jonathan sat on the bench and ate his ice cream. He ate his cupcakes (more than one, yes). We sang to him and he opened his gifts - all without getting overwhelmed. This is the first time I would say that he was excited about his birthday and really seemed to understand the logistics and the fact that he was the recipient. I would say that his party was a success.
I am so grateful for Jonathan's classmates. They are kind to him and very loving as well as accepting. I sent an email to my fellow kindergartener parents at the beginning of the year to give them a "heads up" about Jonathan. I also gave points on how to explain his diagnosis to their kids. I cannot tell you how wonderful this community has been - not only the adults but also the kids. The parents obviously have worked hard to help their kids understand Jonathan and their children have been incredibly receptive. What an answer to prayer. Jonathan is often greeted with, "Hey, Jono!" and I even heard another teacher call him that. I am relieved and appreciative.
Tonight, I was bathing Jonathan and Joel. The water was running out of the tub and they were finishing up. Jono was sitting up and Joel was on his tummy looking up at Jono. Joel, with a look of disgust on his face, said, "Oooh! Yucky boogers!" This must be what he hears from me when I try to discourage him from picking his nose. Never had a booger picker until now.
Here are some pictures...

Joel's first day of school. He goes to Early Arts and his teachers are

Ms. Tracey and Ms. Joanie. Whenever we talked about school he always said,

"Yes, Ms. Tracey and Ms. Joanie." I thought he thought their names were

his school name. I asked him what the name of his school was and he said, "Eary Arsss."

Jonathan with his soccer gear on. He, like Jackson, much preferred

either the sidelines or the playground. It was a constant time of

bargaining. Jonathan's coach and teammates were very encouraging and

rolled with it. One little guy, Jack, would say to Jono, "Jonathan, I know you

can do it!" It has been neat to see these little people rise to the challenge of Jonathan.

Jonathan is making his own pb&j.

Joel quite distressed.

I rolled Jack in toilet paper for Halloween. He did not like the result.

Jamie took over and even spray painted him with brown to make him look old.

Jono did not want to go trick or treating. Once he learned he had to dress

up to get candy, he immediately popped up and got his pirate outfit on.

It was neat. Joel took the lead, running up to houses saying, "Come on, Johnny!"

The Mummy running around to get candy, leaving a toilet paper trail.

The Mummy quickly tired of his costume and transformed into a Jedi Warrior.

Counting their loot.

Team picture. Jono is not happy.

I was gone on a trip to NC last weekend to help host a baby shower for my sister. I came

back Sunday morning. While Jamie was helping the others get ready, Joel decided to paint.

Jono's field trip to Baker's Farm. He did not perk up until after lunch.

Cold and not having fun.

Jonathan with his sweet friend, Megan.

He got to pick his own pumpkin and went small.

He kept saying, "Happy Halloween!" He has come so far!

This is Jono's betrothed, Molly.:)

Sweet friend, Nicholas. He tolerates a lot from Jono - including a pop to the face.

Jono's first birthday gifts from Grammie, Grandpa, Aunt Betsy, and Uncle Bryan.

2011-10-14T21:45:00.003-05:00

Today Jamie's mom, Betty, took Joel for several hours. I was so grateful. We were supposed to see friends we have not seen in a year this weekend. Partially because of a snafoo on my end, we were unable to do so. It was a rough day because I had been looking forward to it for, oh, a year.:) I got my hair cut, nails done, and went to the library by myself. I grabbed lunch for me and Jamie and took it by his office. It was so wonderful to be alone - it was a nice consolation prize since we were unable to see our friends! Thank you, Betty!

At the end of school today, I grabbed Jono and we waited for Jackson to come out of the building. While we were waiting, one of Jono's classmates greeted him and introduced him to her brother. The little boy first asked if Jonathan had a new hair cut. Then he asked, "What is wrong with his face?" The child knew Jonathan looked different and was innocently pointing it out. I had difficulty not crying right there in front of the school. I needed to remember that this child was not being unkind and that made a big difference.

When Jonathan was born, I envisioned comments like that. I was terrified of looks we would receive. We did get looks when we were out, but often they were more curious or from people enamoured with Down syndrome. I didn't know anything about special needs. I was bitter about being involved in PADS (Parent Advocates Down Syndrome) - that I didn't have a choice. Members often say it is the club you didn't sign up for and didn't ask to be a member of. Jamie and I had just spent four years raising money for the Bell Center. We realized we would have to help this organization for the rest of our lives because of Jonathan - it was overwhelming and we haven't exerted much effort in the last three years on the fundraising side.

However, when Jonathan was two, I became treasurer of PADS and Jamie sat on the board (and still does). We had attended new parent meetings since Jonathan was born and received so much simply from the relationships developed there. We enjoyed giving back but still did not wholeheartedly fundraise. We figured our service was enough at that point and we took time off from fundraising.

Now that Joel is two, I have my sea legs. I don't feel so overwhelmed and have embraced DS wholeheartedly. I still have my moments but I am ready to get back in the game. I was late this year but I believe in this group and hope that any of you who love us and want to support us will donate - even if it is just $10. If 200 people donated $10, that would be $2000! Easy! You can donate online anonymously - I think some people don't give because they don't want others to see the amount they gave and how it would compare to other donations. Don't let that stop you, please. We will take any donations - large or small.

If you would like to attend the Buddy Walk, it will be from 2-4pm at Regions Park this Sunday. There will be music, face painting, bounce houses, and more! The actual walk usually begins around 3pm - it is just a loop around the parking lot. There is info below on how to register or donate.

To watch a video of Jono over the last year, watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ1WXtBNha8

If you want to register to walk with us, go here:
http://www.downsyndromealabama.org/content.asp?id=100740

If you cannot walk with us and want to donate, go here:
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/julie-warren-2/2011PADSBuddyWalk.

Thanks for your support and love,
Julie:)

Buddy Walk on Sunday

2011-10-10T11:11:00.010-05:00

Please join us this Sunday from 2-4pm at Regions Park. We will be walking to fundraise for our Down syndrome support group, PADS. You pay $10 per person (that will go towards our fundraising total) to get a t-shirt which serves as a ticket for the games and bounce houses. At around 3pm, we will begin our walk. The fundraising winners will be announced at the end.

PADS has been huge in our lives. It has been a tremendous source of comfort, support, and encouragement for us. It is where we meet with other families in our boat, encourage new families, and support our kids. Your donation funds new parent baskets, gifts for speakers at new parent meetings, meals to new parents or hospitalized kids, educational books, speakers, conferences, our Adult Down syndrome clinic and its staff, and our executive director's salary just to name a few.

Jamie currently serves on the board and I was treasurer for two years. I took a few years off after Joel was born and am now helping with new parents. This group is one that we will be connected with for the rest of our lives. We appreciate your help!

To watch a video of Jono over the last year, watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ1WXtBNha8

If you want to register to walk with us, go here:
http://www.downsyndromealabama.org/content.asp?id=100740

If you cannot walk with us and want to donate, go here:
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/julie-warren-2/2011PADSBuddyWalk.

Thank you so much for supporting us,
Jamie, Julie, Jackson, Jonathan, and Joel

Warren Family Update

2011-10-06T13:50:00.000-05:00

Over the last six months, a lot has happened. In the fall of 2010, our pastor asked our church to begin praying about moving to a different part of town. He said it would make sense to live in a place we served, rather than just swooping in to be saviors and then going back to our nice homes. We didn't think this was the plan for us, but we began to pray. A lot of the people moving were going to homeschool. While I was a teacher before the boys were born, I don't feel equipped to homeschool Jonathan. I think he will get better help with teachers who have specialized in special education.

Previous to this, we had found out about a home in our neighborhood that sat vacant on a dead end street. The street had many other families on it, one of whom were friends of ours - they had three kids like us and their middle child (Jonathan's betrothed:)) has Down syndrome as well. The owner of the home is a friend of our family. Jamie contacted him a few years ago to ask if they would be willing to sell. They politely said "no" and that five other people were in front of us. So, we decided to stay where we were and put down roots. We had great neighbors across the street, down the street, and behind us. Our street could be busy at certain hours and we thought drug deals could be going on next door, but that was okay.:)

When we began praying about if we should move or not, our family friend (the owner of the home we had been interested in) contacted us and said he was ready to sell and we were at the top of his list. I was thrilled - I thought praying for the church move had been God preparing us to move to this other street in Homewood.

Jamie and I got our house ready and put it on the market in the fall of 2010. Every couple of months, we would wonder if we were doing the right thing. I wondered if I had misinterpreted what I thought God was saying. It was stressful trying to keep the house clean when I never knew when a call would come to see the house. Jonathan was potty training and letting the boys have fun but trying to keep things neat was hard.

In June, our contract was up with the family of the "new" house. We ended our contract with them. Three days later we got an offer on our house while we were at Disney. Jamie sat outside Pirates of the Caribbean, wheeling and dealing. We closed on a Friday in July and were supposed to be out by Sunday. We were in a quandry - we had no place to go. On Wednesday of that week, we had no place to go. We were looking at a house a third of our home's size. The realtor called this house "The Mountain Chalet of Homewood." I affectionately referred to it as "The Deathtrap." There was no front yard or back yard and it was on our old street. The backyard had a deck - on one side were stones and the other had tree stumps. Knowing my boys, they would jump off and be dashed to their deaths. Inside, you walked in at the second level and looked down into the den. Two bedrooms were upstairs. One room had French doors that were locked. If, however, someone were to get them open, they would look down into the den. I was terrified that the boys would kill themselves. The staircase was not up to code.

Jamie and I talked about it. He had scoured the neighborhood, as had our realtor and friends. He said, "We have prayed about this. We have no other options. This is what God has provided. We will trust Him." He was right, but that night I prayed. I told the Lord that I knew He had provided us that house but would He please give us something else?

The next morning (Thursday) I woke up feeling peaceful. My mom was in town. She and I had been to visit my aunts and sister and she had stopped back through with me. She helped me with the boys while Jamie and I tied up loose ends. That afternoon, an hour before we had to sign the lease, a man called. He told me he owned a home on the same street of the home we wanted. He wondered if we wanted to rent his house? I almost started crying. I called Jamie, we met this man at the rental, and we took it right away. God is so good! I know that there are more serious things in the world going on, but I was so grateful He chose to provide differently for us.

Now we are living on a new street. We hope to buy and renovate the house down the street but we will see if that works out. We miss our old neighbors, but we are so grateful for our fenced in backyard and the quiet street. The boys can run outside and I don't have to worry that they might get run over. There are other kids on the street that come out to play and they are kind to our kids. Everyone is accepting of Jonathan and so good to him. I often get nervous about our reception in new social settings so that was great for me.

We don't know what is going to happen next but we are confident God will determine our steps.

Joel's Second Birthday

2011-10-06T13:28:00.000-05:00

Joel turned two in June. He is a most delightful child. He can't wait to do what his brothers do and jumps right in, thinking he is as old as they are. It has been curious to watch him develop and catch up quickly to Jonathan. Jackson loves having him around and is a great big brother. Joel drives Jono crazy but Jonathan loves him as well.

Because of Joel, we have locks on the fridge - both the refrigerated side and freezer side as well as on the pantry and dryer. We constantly find him hiding behind the couch, eating ice cream sandwiches. That is why we got the locks but if someone leaves it unlocked, he seems to know when and opens it to help himself to a snack.

Joel's vocabulary is growing, as is Jono's. We hear that the two help each other and it seems to be true. One night, I was putting both boys to bed and Jamie was with Jackson in the other room. I was on our bed, flanked by Jono and Joel. I had turned out the light, they were settling down, and I was telling Jonathan that Jackson's friend, William, was sad because someone had thrown William's bey blade into the bushes and it could not be found. Jonathan does not like for people to be sad and proceeded to start talking about how William should not be sad. Then Joel chimed in and said, "Johnny, William IS sad" and Jono would come back with "No, William not sad." It was entertaining to be in the middle of such a simple yet wonderful conversation between brothers, one of whom we did not know would ever talk. Thank you, God.

Joel fits right in. As Jono has tapered off with the destruction, Joel has kicked in right behind him. In addition to the locks, Joel likes to skim his hand along the countertops, looking for food, drink, or toys. He enjoys taking apart Jackson's Legos. He has lots of bruises and scrapes from falling down - often in a hurry to get places. He likes Little Einsteins and enjoys playing games on my phone. Jono and Joel fight over my phone to see who can play Thomas games.

Joel throws food at the table and refuses to eat. He wants to eat junk all the time and I have to negotiate with him. Honestly, Jono has prepared me for this guy. Joel refers to himself in the third person as well. Not sure how to break that one.

Happy second birthday, Joel! We love you, Buddy!

Joel enjoying opening his gifts.

Trying to keep track of who gave what.

Taking a break, lying down on the couch.

Thomas Legos ("gegos").

New train table. Hopefully, better access to

trains, less fighting. Probably not...:)

A parking garage!

Sharing. Wow.

Happy second birthday, Joel.

May - Jono's Preschool Graduation

2011-10-06T13:05:00.001-05:00

Jonathan had a great year in preschool this year. It was sad to see it end. Mrs. Connie, Mrs. Kendall, and Mrs. Patsy worked so hard with Jonathan, especially on potty training. Thanks to them, Jonathan learned to use the potty. That in itself was a HUGE accomplishment. They also were on the receiving end of us figuring out meds to help Jono attend better. That was rough - some days we didn't know if Jono was on the right meds or if he was getting sick. Because of them, their patience and creativity, Jonathan made tremendous progress this year. Many thanks to Hall Kent!

Jono receiving his preschool diploma from Mrs. Connie.

Winking for the picture.

Jono and Daddy.

Mommy, Jono, and Daddy.

Mrs. Kendall and Jono.

April 2011

2011-10-06T12:35:00.000-05:00

Jackson's eighth birthday cake.

All three have a bent toward pink heels.

Chalk drawing.

Jono has lots of practice with the doctor.

He can even say "Dr. Cortopassi" now. Impressive.

Jackson's poster for his All About Me day.

Joel helping Jono paint.

Jono loves the computer.

Who knew the laundry basket could be such fun?

Naptime on the kitchen floor.

Picnic on the porch.

Cheers.

Sweet brothers.

Mothers' Day. So glad I am a mom to these guys.

It is never dull at our house. You can say that again.

The many

faces of

Joel.

Jono at Chuck E. Cheese for his graduation party.

Enjoying his cake - saying "cheese.":)

End of March 2011

2011-10-06T09:41:00.001-05:00

Joel loves to paint... himself.

Jackson was Daniel Boone for Character Day at school.

Jono eating his happy meal. The kid LOVES chicken nuggets.

Three boys riding a fake horse.

Going on a trip with Daddy.

Taking the shuttle.

In the hotel (or the apartment, as Jackson likes to call it).

On the slopes.

Ski school.

Having fun.

All geared up.

Stud.

Two studs.

Riding the lift.

We went to Oak Mountain State Park the second half of

spring break. We weren't sure how the canoe ride would go,

but both boys did great. Joel and I waited in the parking lot.

Enjoying the ride.

Swimming in the lake.

Zonked Joel.

Jack eating a popsicle.

Joel's favorite pose.

What Joel does with broccoli.

Jono the Rapper.

Who is this guy?

A conniving child.

Nice.

Jono eating his chicken. We came up with a song just

to get him to eat. Meals at our house can be exhausting.

Jacko turned eight this year.

Seeing Jono potty train has Joel ready to go.

Joel is wearing one of Jono's chewy things -

it looks like a green telephone cord. I think

Joel does it to taunt his brother. It works.

Pix I left out in February 2011...

2011-10-06T09:02:00.002-05:00

You may have noticed that I have not updated the blog in six months. I will make an excuse later. For now, here are some pix I left out in February.

Warning: some of these are gross. Be prepared.

This is Jackson's Pinewood Derby creation (his and Jamie's). He enjoyed racing it -

creating it was challenging because he didn't always want to do it.:)

Success for Jonathan. VERY close to being totally potty trained.

Thank God!

Accidents happen. Ugh.

Accidents happen. We had another glass piece on our wall

that was rather expensive. Jonathan decided to rip it off the wall and it

shattered on the ground. Another lesson in why we should not invest in

nice things.

Again, thanks. Apparently, this cannot be fixed.

We have to buy new glasses for me. Awesome.

Merry Christmas, Mom. New glasses.

This is Joel's Mothers' Morning Out class at Trinity.

They are celebrating Valentine's Day. He did not want

to participate in the picture.

Jonathan's preschool class did a 50's number.

He is the one on the far right, back row, with his

arms folded back behind his head.

March

2011-03-31T23:11:00.001-05:00

I have been working on this post for close to two hours. I find it infuriating because I cannot post pictures in a timely manner. This last time I have read our mail in between uploading pictures and that has helped.

Enough complaining. Here are some pictures since last I posted...

Joel wedged between the chair and table.

He loves to wear this hat around

the house. Both he and Jono wear this hat

along with mittens around the house.

Joel loves to wear Jono's Thomas boots.

The Jonster

Teamwork

Jackson's Pinewood Derby car

Jono got into Jackson's drawer. This is

Jackson's swim trunks and swim shirt.

Joel

Joel after using the potty. This child

will probably be potty trained before

Jono!

Jono after painting. The boy likes to paint his body.

Standard around-the-house uniform:

boots and diaper. Often the diaper

goes missing after a while.

Jackson received his Wolf badge.

Congrats, Jackson!

Jono and Joel paint several afternoons a week.

Ever since Uncle Bryan visited,

Jackson likes to pack a backpack and

take a jaunt with all his supplies.

Boys fell asleep together. Sweet.

Joel driving Jono nuts. Not so sweet.

Jack and Jono hanging out before bed.

Jamie after bathing the younger J's.

Joel left his mark on this mat. Thanks.

Jono at his Fifties Dance.

Jono took his shoes off at school and did this with the babydoll.

Rest of January and February

2011-02-27T01:43:00.004-06:00

I have said this before and I will say it again. I often blog in my head and think of all these things I want to record. However, I fear a new parent with a child with Down syndrome is reading and may become discouraged by what I say. If you read our blog and see lapses in updates, it is either because we are super busy and I am exhausted or I am discouraged. Know that most of the things I say about Jonathan are as a result of his particular personality and are complicated by DS, not caused by it necessarily.
January and February were particularly isolating and challenging months. We began potty training with gusto. We found that Jonathan can indeed use the bathroom but chooses not to. We have also discovered that, when bored, both Joel and Jonathan go into "destructo" mode. We knew this before but as Joel gets older and more capable of matching Jonathan in his destructive abilities, it becomes incredibly maddening. I understand the term "witching hour" better than I ever have. On the plus side, Joel is enamoured with the potty and has made several successful pit stops. He may be trained before Jono.:)
After seven years of leading a Small Group at church, we finally dissolved our class. Everyone was going in different directions and it was time to call it quits. I so looked forward to it (probably more than anyone there) because I rarely got interaction with other adults without kids around. Since we have stopped meeting and because the weather has been so cold, I have been very isolated. I finally realized this and, at my women's minister's prodding, joined a Biblestudy on Wednesday mornings. I take Joel and get to participate in a study with other women. I think this may be the first time in four years I have been able to attend a study. It is rare that we all get to go to church on Sunday mornings because someone is usually sick. So, if I cannot attend church, it is nice to know that I can do this study come Wednesdays.
Joel is already matching Jonathan on many levels and surpassing him. It is bizarre to watch. Joel mimics Jonathan's incorrect speech, but Jonathan's speech therapist said not to worry. Joel can feed himself better and more neatly than Jonathan. Joel can operate toys with more precision than Jonathan. It is a reminder to me that Jonathan indeed has lower muscle tone and while he needs to be held to a high standard, sometimes he truly cannot accomplish the same things without help or without being clumsy.
Jonathan is learning to write his name at school. Currently, he writes "Jo" by himself. Had we been thinking, we would have named Jonathan "Joel"! He will get to it. I am confident. I try to get him to practice this each day before we paint. I am going to be working on this and other things this summer so he is as prepared as possible for kindergarten in the fall.
Jonathan's speech continues to develop. He is saying many words and each are becoming more clear. I have hope that one day he will speak very clearly. He does not use the potty unless I prompt him. However, he will stay dry until I take him. I was spoiled because Jackson was trained in three days with hardly any accidents after that and no pull ups. This has been so hard. But, then, I look around and notice my friends with other hardships in their lives and remind myself that things could be worse. I have realized, too, not to discount my suffering - it is my suffering and just because there are worse things out there doesn't mean that what we endure "counts less."
Jackson recently told us that he was disturbed by how much Jonathan gets into trouble. This revealed to us that we need to handle Jonathan's discipline differently. We explained that Jonathan has to be punished so that he will learn to stop his behaviors but it takes him longer to learn. We also realized that we needed to be more patient and to separate our frustration with Jonathan's behavior from other goings on (i.e. don't let anger from dealing with Jonathan tinge our voice when address other matters).
Jackson continues to use his imagination constantly. He cannot stop talking about imaginary stories and characters he has made up. He loves to construct plots and story lines and describe every moment. He also is a great help with his brothers. While he also is frustrated with their destruction, he loves them and can be very sweet. I think it is tough to be Jonathan some days and tough to be Jackson others.
We have had a few warm days and I cannot say how that has improved my disposition. It has been wonderful to get outside. Our street can be busy and I still find it alarming to be outside and have one of the kids run toward the street. We plan to put our house on the market again. Please pray that it will sell if God wills it. If we stay here, we hope to fence in the back yard and start some improvements to direct the boys to the back yard and away from the street in the front yard.
Julie:)

Open House, Blank Slate, Doctor's Exam

2011-01-10T00:02:00.001-06:00

Jamie and I stayed up late last night getting ready for our Open House today. Our house is on the market. We have a great house but have an opportunity to move to a different street. We our torn. I love our home and yet I want someone else to see how great it is and want it, too. We thought the Lord was directing us to put our house on the market because the offer for another home was made to us when we were praying specifically about moving. However, I now wonder if we mistook the "signs" for God's hand when they were not of Him. I don't think I have done that before. Maybe I have and am learning to distinguish between His hand and coincidence. I have never believed in coincidence but just because events seem to be happening to work together does not mean they are of Him, I suppose.
The boys and I took off for Krispy Kreme once everyone was ready this morning while Jamie finished up with the house. We then stopped at Nana and Pops' house to get dressed. From there we headed to church and Jamie met us there. Our sermon was about a "blank slate" and giving all we have to God. Our pastor is pretty intense but I cannot argue with anything He says because it all stems straight from God's Word. He challenged us to be ready to die for the Lord. I have never wanted to die for the Lord because I love it here. That is an advantage in living a life where you constantly have to lean on Him - you begin to yearn for heaven and see your life is nothing without being lived completely for Him. I don't do that well, but at least I am desiring it. Dr. Platt challenged us to be ready to give up all our possessions for His glory. He reminded us that nowhere in scripture does God direct us to have buildings and mentioned several times putting our church up for sale. I would not be surprised if that happened soon.:)
We got home this afternoon, messed up the house because that is what Warren boys do these days, ate dinner, and took baths. We had some lessons in not strangling your brother or banging his head into the faucet in the tub. Jackson announced he found a bump on his body. Jamie decided to play doctor and had Jackson show him the spot. Jamie put on a headlamp to investigate and Jackson was scared. He kept screaming. Jonathan became very distressed that Jackson was upset and kept signing "finished." When Jamie concluded the "examination," Jonathan followed Jamie into our room and kept saying "Daddy hurt Jackson" and then would sign "finished." Once he was satisfied his message was received, he walked up to Jackson in bed. Jackson said, "I'm okay, Jonathan. Don't worry." Jonathan buried his head in Jackson's side and Jackson gave him a hug. Jono got in bed and Jamie lay down next to him. I heard Jono give a big sigh of relief and he quickly fell asleep. Often when Jonathan is highly upset, he gives up and falls asleep. He seems to absorb the emotions of those around him and is very empathetic (or is it sympathetic?).
I wish you could have seen Jamie examining Jackson. It was so awkward and funny. I kept having to bury my head and shake with laughter. The headlamp made it all the more hysterical. At one point, Jackson told me to quit laughing and I told him I was sorry (I didn't think he saw me:)). It was all so comical and crazy. Our life is wild and it is never boring!
Julie:)
thejuliewarren@gmail.com

First day back after the break...

2011-01-04T23:30:00.000-06:00

We are supposed to send a baby picture of Jonathan to school tomorrow. My printer is not working well so I grabbed one out of his scrapbook. I took a moment to look at the pictures from when he was born and could not help but cry. We looked so shellshocked in the pictures and there was little Jono. He was hooked up to an oxygen saturation machine, had a canula in his nose, and had to stay under lights because he had jaundice. Rarely does much time pass when I don't relive that time. As the years have passed, it has become bittersweet. I am ashamed of how I felt yet so grateful he is here. I saw Jonathan's diagnosis as such an imposition and so unfair. I remember screaming under my breath at the Lord and shaking my fist at Him. I was furious after all "I had done for Him" that He would allow this to happen to our child. It is neat how God has worked in our hearts and how He continues to show up and work through us because we cannot do this on our own.

I see now how Jonathan didn't ask for his diagnosis and, frankly, didn't ask for us to be his parents. He is so much more patient than I am in is challenges and far more determined. He drives us nuts with his antics, but I realize without the DS, he would have been our wild kid anyway.:) Oh, how I love him. I wish I could go back in time and visit myself to share that with me (that sounds weird but you get it, right?).

This morning was the first day back to school. Jackson was excited but sad to see his break gone. Jonathan did not want to go. Jamie took him and I saw Jono signing, "Mama" through the window with tears rolling down his cheeks. I could not help but cry. Joel hung out and destroyed things while I attempted to clean and do laundry. He and I also played. I set up a new Geotrack configuration and he sat on it. Thanks.

Before the boys left, Jamie prayed over them, asking God to give them self-control. I also spoke to Jonathan about using the potty. I reminded him not to go in his pull up but in the potty. His teacher said he had a really good day and I was so relieved. Upon our return home, we took his pants off to continue his training. He received instructions not to soil furniture or rugs and promptly pooped in his potty. Later, with his pull up on, he went in his pants. I am not sure how to get him to make the change. Practice, I suppose. Prayer as well!

As I was cleaning up the kitchen tonight, I watched a little of the show "Parenthood." Each of the extended family was dealing with issues. One couple told their daughter about heaven so the child could reconcile her bird's death. Another set of parents met their daughter's boyfriend. He was of a different race, had not finished high school, lived on his own, was a recovering alcoholic, and yet was so impressive with how well he was doing considering all he had been through. Still, her parents felt uncomfortable with her dating him since she was only sixteen years old and forbade it. Of course, she saw him behind their backs. I watched these stories and realized that one day I may be wishing that my biggest problems are cleaning the eternally ransacked house, potty training, and not getting sleep. Lord, prepare me for what lies ahead!

Julie

thejuliewarren@gmail.com

Happy Birthday, Honey!

2011-01-03T22:55:00.003-06:00

Jamie is a New Years' Baby. On Saturday, we celebrated by letting him sleep in, opening gifts, and just hanging out. That evening we were ordering out Mexican food from La Paz and Jamie's parents were coming with a homemade yellow cake with chocolate icing.
I had Christmas stuff piled in the foyer, all packed and ready to go in the attic. Joel had been pointing at the attic door and I pulled it down and let him see the inside of the attic. As I came down, Jamie thought I was hinting to put away our Christmas decorations. I wasn't but he suggested we get it over with anyway and I agreed. I would say this was about 5:30pm.
After we finished, it was about 5:50pm and Jamie's parents were due to arrive at 6pm. I walked into the kitchen to find evidence of Jonathan at work. On the counter was his methylin (liquid ritalin) and syringes. It was spilled on the counter, floor, and was all over the legs of his pants. I remember the pediatrician saying if ever too much was administered, this was no laughing matter.
We knew he had not imbibed but called Poison Control. They told us to report to the ER. I told the lady on the line that Jamie's party was in five minutes and what a bummer. She thought I was considering not going to the ER and urged me to go anyway. I told her I was going but just that this was typical.:)
I packed Jono up along with our DVD player and DVD's. Jamie packed me some food and off we went. This was good because Jamie has been the one to go in time's past and I needed the practice. You never know what this boy will do.
The doctor decided simply to watch Jonathan for four hours since he was doing so well after an hour and we suspected he had not had any of the meds. Jonathan happily watched videos while hooked up to monitors and gave me no problems whatsoever - that is, until, the lady who emptied the trash came in. He went ballistic and started crying. She had on a mask and gloves. He, as I have mentioned before, associates these things with shots and pain. I explained to her why he reacted the way he did and she ripped her mask off saying, "It's okay! See, it's just me!" That did not help. He did not calm down until she left.:)
Jonathan kept asking about Nana, Pops, eating, and Daddy's presents. I explained that he had made a poor choice by getting out his meds and that we would miss the whole party. I didn't want to guilt him but I wanted him to understand that there were consequences more than coming to the hospital.
We waited for the four hours and packed up at 10pm. Thank you, Children's Hospital, for being so good to us and for working on New Years' Day!
Jamie took the day off to run errands and work on work here at home. When I got home from working out, Jonathan was walking around with a PJ shirt but no pants. Jamie had the portable toilet out and said we were working on potty training today. Jonathan will go on demand but will never tell you he needs to go. He is getting to the point where he is either telling me right before or right after that he has dirtied his pull up, but that is the extent of it. Jamie has mentioned taking a week off from work to get the potty training done.:)
I told Jonathan he was not allowed to soil the furniture or floor - only the potty. I noticed him running to get on a pull up later and I said, "No pull ups. You need to use the potty." Next thing I know he is. I think he did four or five times. He went for a pull up again later and I issued the same command as before. He got on the potty again and pooped!!!!! I know this seems silly but the kid is FIVE YEARS OLD and we are still changing dirty diapers!!!
So, after today we can conclude that the kid can recognize when he needs to go. He simply doesn't mind walking around in a dirty diaper. Pray that we can help him complete this process! Jamie and I are tired of having our house smell like the zoo (I am NOT kidding). Even Joel, who is 18 (19 tomorrow) months old, will look at me right before filling his diaper and says, "Poop." The kid has seen too many poopy diapers.
Here are some pix... Enjoy!

Jamie and his waffle maker. He loves Belgian waffles.

Joel likes to wear hats.

Jonathan has been here...

It is never boring here, that is for sure. The boys go to school tomorrow and while it will be more calm, I am sure I will miss them.

Jonathan and Joel "playing" next to each other.

Merry Christmas from the Warrens

2010-12-30T17:12:00.003-06:00

If you did not receive our Christmas card, either it was a mistake (please email me your address if you wish to be on the list), you have never been on our list because we have been out of touch, or I don't know you and you read our blog. I wanted to share it with you. Here is the picture that is on the front. Inside, for the past few years, we have listed "Lessons Learned." I am going to list them and then explain each one. Enjoy (or be grossed out). You choose.:)

1. Winking and crossing of the eyes reveal a need for glasses. In this picture you can see Jono is squinting. We had him examined in October because he kept winking/squinting. It turns out he needed glasses. Getting him to wear them is a challenge, but we are working on it!

2. Sprinting naked towards potential buyers of your home does not bode well. Our house is currently on the market. One day Jackson came racing inside, telling me someone was outside wanting a flier. I came outside to talk to them and shortly thereafter, a naked Jonathan came outside, squinting furiously and running as fast as his little legs would let him towards this couple's car. Nice impression. Thanks, Jonathan.

3. Deadbolts and "lockdowns" prevent little Houdinis from escaping. Since we started locking our deadbolt to the side French doors every day, many more escape plans have been foiled. However, you can feel stir crazy and like you are in prison when you live like this!

4. Missing pencil erasers can surface in diapers two days later. Jonathan is still notorious for snatching Jackson's pencils and eating the erasers. We then add those triangular erasers to the tip and he eats those as well. We typically find them in his pull ups a couple of days later... ruined, of course. I have chosen to send Lego heads that Jonathan has ingested through the dishwasher and let Jackson use them again. Don't tell...

5. Why use your own toothbrush when you can use someone else's? Both Jonathan and Joel enjoy using all of our toothbrushes. It is not unusual to find an arsenal of toothbrushes in their medicine cabinet, waiting to replace the offended toothbrush. Nor is it odd to find toothbrushes in the dishwasher so they can be disinfected and reused.

6. Mealtimes are like sporting events - a lot of cheering and physical contact. We still have to bargain with Jonathan at every meal to eat meat and veggies. We have some songs we have concocted ("Johnnie, eat your meat! Johnnie eat your meat!" or "If you're happy and you know it, eat your meat!" (thanks, Aunt Betsy)). We also have to utilize the strategy, "Jonathan, if you don't eat that, I will make you eat that." This involves forcing him to spoon/fork food into his mouth. The idea behind it is that he won't want to lose control and will do it himself. Sometimes that happens. Most of our meals are like this and can be quite exhausting. I thumb my nose at the people who say they fix the same food for their kids and their kids can go without if they don't eat it or those people that say your kid will eat something if they just try it three or four times. Not so with the kid who literally gags on pasta or throws up eggs. His is very much a sensory issue - one we hope to say "good-bye" to soon.

7. Poison Control is like the military - they don't ask and they don't tell. I once asked them if they could see on their screen how many times I had called (afraid they would report me). They said "no" but they could find out. I pleaded with them not to look and enjoyed my anonymity for a moment.

8. iPhones are great babysitters while playing the waiting game. I feel like a cheater because I cannot control my kids at times but it has been such a lifesaver in line at the post office (why don't those people move faster?) and waiting in all the doctor offices we visit. Thank you, Apple! I love you people!

9. Cleaning up a mess yourself is not recommended but is less hassle. I like things ordered a certain way and sometimes it is simply easier to do it yourself instead of ask your kids to clean up only to do it again once they leave. I know I may regret this tactic but I do it!

10. Latex gloves can be a source of terror when frequenting the pediatrician. Jonathan had to receive synagis shots in our home for several winters in a row. They were intended to keep him from getting RSV since he was more at risk after having had a heart situation. Those nurses snapped on the gloves and he would just cry. He began noticing them at the dentist, pediatrician, and when the bug man came. He equates those gloves with shots and immediately begins to sign, "Finished."

11. Consequences hurt the punishers significantly more than the punishees. Jackson has had difficulty telling the truth the last few months. Each time, we take away more and more privileges. This often means we have to entertain more because he has less to entertain him. We don't want him lying but you can bet it is not just because it is wrong but because we are tired!

11. White bedspreads show mud stains. Dark comforters show snot tracks.

12. Boredom yields partners in crime. My friend, Courtney, has dubbed her younger two "Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee" and nothing could be truer. These boys, when not watching a video, eating, or entertaining themselves with toys, can be very creative to the point of destruction. I find food smashed in the couch and carpet, folded laundry strewn everywhere, toothbrushes used as paintbrushes, and the Christmas tree looking like a cat fight took place in it.

13. Swimming is like taking a bath - better when stripped of clothing. This summer at a friend's pool on one or two occasions when we were packing up, I would turn around and Jonathan would be completely naked. Before I could get to him, he would jump in the pool. He cannot yet swim. Once, his eyes were above the surface and the rest of him beneath. He just looked at me, totally unperturbed. I had to jump in fully clothed to rescue him. Funny yet terrifying.

14. Why use a tissue when a wall is available? When I made up Jackson's bed one time, I found a shrine to boogers on his wall. We had a lesson on no matter how tired you were, if your nose needs tending you GET UP and address it with a tissue, not the wall.

15. Strollers and car seats are socially acceptable alternatives to leashes. When we are in the car for short periods, it is usually quite calm because I don't have to worry about the boys crawling everywhere or destroying anything. When we get out and go to the store, the only way I have control is to stick them in the stroller. I can't put them in the grocery cart because they will lick it like it is candy and bring some disease home. I would never use the leash/backpack you see some people using. I think we would get some mean looks especially if we used it on Jonathan!

16. Mouthing metal articles is a documented developmental stage. This is according to us, of course.:) Jonathan cannot help but put anything metal in his mouth - doorknobs, cabinet door knobs, drawer pulls, keys, coins, die cast metal trains and cars, nails, batteries, screws, screw drivers, etc. It is maddening and appears to be sensory related. We hope it is just a stage!

17. Buzz cuts are a rite of passage but not necessarily flattering. Jackson begged for a buzz cut this year. We let him have one and it stopped us in our tracks. He looked so old but it also took away the sweetness from his face - it made him look harsh. Once school started, we instituted "Project Grow Hair Back." We will probably let him get another one this summer. It is only hair, after all, and we look for times to say "yes" when we have to say "no" so many other times!

18. The term "potty-trained" is relative. Because Joel has witnessed so many dirty diapers I change on Jonathan, he will say "poop" right before he goes. He knows. If he wants to, I think he will potty train easily. Jonathan could not care less. He can use the bathroom all day long if you take him but he will not tell you. He is beginning to say "poop" before he goes as well. He does not appear to be smearing it all over his body anymore (yes, it was awful!!!!).

19. Objects may ride on your car bumper for miles and still arrive home safely. One morning I went to work out and a friend said, "Do you know you have a shoe on your bumper?" I had no clue. Thank goodness because our phones (home and cell) did not survive the same fate a few years ago.

20. The "birds and the bees" may be introduced to your child at recess. Jackson came home one day and said, "Mom, what is sax?" I almost laughed and cried at the same time. A girl new to his class who loves him asked him if he knew what "sax" was. I told him to let her know he was not allowed to talk about things of that nature, which he promptly did. He asked me if it was inappropriate and I told him he was just not old enough to talk about it yet. Some may not agree with that philosophy but I need to get my speech ready. I could not do it on the fly.

21. Don't ever play dead while wrestling with your kids. It freaks them out. Since I have boys and was a bit of a tomboy myself (never prissy), I will wrestle with them. I don't let them win either. Jackson always wants to wrestle, thinking he will best me. Recently, he got me in a head lock and pressed his elbow into my throat and I could not get out. When he let go, I fell to the floor and was trying to catch my breath. He got in my face and asked if I was okay. At this point, I made a bad decision. I love to play jokes and this was not the time to do so but I closed my eyes, dropped to the floor, let my head fall to the side quickly, and whooshed out my breath. He shook me and I did not respond. He ran to the den so I thought he knew I was joking. Later he ran to Jamie to tell him I was dead. I thought it was hilarious yet knew I should not laugh. Jamie was not happy. I asked Jackson if he thought I was dead, why did he take so long to tell his dad?:)

22. Imitating Curious George's speech is hard to correct. Jonathan's speech is gradually developing but he has an odd bent toward the same grunts and hoots as Curious George. He went through a phase where all he wanted to watch was Curious George. When I noticed the imitating behaviors, I worried he would never stop!

23. Well check ups are dreaded more than sick visits by parent and child alike. I hate the shots and feel like such a liar when I say, as I am pinning my child down, "It's okay." Thank goodness for the flu vaccine up the nose. Jackson would worry about flu shots for months. Joel had to have shots recently. Jonathan had them at his five-year-check up and I forgot to anticipate this. As we thought we were leaving, the "shot nurse" came back in to take blood. She had already given him shots and I told him it was over (lie). He had to have blood taken to check his thyroid. We had to pin him down, listen to him scream, and I just cried along with him.

24. Lip gloss oozes all over purse contents after being handled like a chew toy. This has happened a few times now. I will find my lip gloss with a top that no longer fits and holes in the sides that, unfortunately, have already leaked gloss all over my compact, pens, and other things. Ugh.

25. Once shoes, phones, and remotes go "missing," recovery is not an option. Once I figure out an item is missing, there is no getting it back. We have several pair of shoes with only one shoe, a few remotes gone, a watch that has not surfaced, and a phone or two that has disappeared. It is maddening! You just hope they are in the floor vent, but they are usually in the trash that went out days ago!

26. Why climb a tree when you can scale the piano? At first, we hear them playing the piano and think it is sweet. Then, we hear scuffling and wonder what is going on. Jonathan used to do this. Now, Joel does. They both climb to the top and cannot get down. Humorous and frightening at the same time.

27. Some children have a magnetic bent toward anything that glitters. Jonathan calls anything that is gold "money" and wants to put it in his mouth right away. The little neck piece that is used to hold Jackson's Cub Scout scarf in place is a favorite of Jono's. One day, after putting the Christmas tree up, I noticed the bottom looking like it had been roughed up. We have a sash of sorts that we drape around it that we have had for almost 13 years. I realized that it has gold glitter etched on the edges and that must have drawn Jono's eye, for when I peered closer, it was torn to bits. Thanks, Jono. I still used it and tried to mask it when we showed our house during the holidays.

28. Dryers are not good hiding places. I found Joel closing the dryer door on Jonathan one day. I told Jonathan to open the door to see if he could. I was afraid they would do this again when I wasn't around and he would not be able to get out. I wanted him to see that he could. Sure enough, he used his little powerful legs to pop out. One of these days...

29. Too many bottles lead to cavities...too few bottles end in sleepless nights. Since Joel was four months old, he has woken nightly with something dripping down his throat. He now takes prevacid and allergy meds. They seem to have helped considerably. However, he can still wake up and we are not above giving him a bottle. This causes cavities and we figure they are only baby teeth, right? Most nights I get five hours of sleep tops and I will take anything I can get to go back to bed!

30. Why eat peanut butter when you can wear it? Jonathan loves to smear peanut butter all over his body when he is eating it. Something about the texture that he just has to experience all over. I will be glad when he quits this.

31. Little escape artists elude the stroller straps in stores while shopping. We thought Joel might be more compliant and calm since he is the third child. Not so. He hates being confined to the stroller like Jonathan and does his best to get out anytime he can while howling and screaming. I usually get sympathetic looks along with irritated ones. I try my best to go alone at night or before the sun rises now!

32. Childproof tops on medicine bottles are not always childproof. I cannot tell you how many times these kids have gotten into medicine after getting into cabinets that were supposed to be out of reach. We have to put locks on out of reach cabinets since they have learned to drag chairs to the countertops or climb the drawers. It started with Jackson taking too many vitamins long ago... I would also appreciate it if the childproof locks on cabinets and doors would work like they are supposed to...

33. Wearing your pants backwards and not noticing is hilarious. Jonathan likes to dress himself these days. He is very good about putting on pull ups alone and he likes to select his own outfits, too. One day our realtor (and friend) was over telling me about a sign he put in our yard. I looked down on the kitchen floor and Jonathan was playing with his pants on backwards with not a care in the world. I could not stop laughing!

34. The classroom bully lost his title to his little brother. Last year (or the year before) I wrote that the classroom bully lived at our house. That was Jonathan. He hit his "friends" and pulled their hair. He does not do this anymore. However, Joel has learned to defend himself and routinely clocks Jonathan. He gets out the lightsaber and tries to play with it like he witnesses his big brothers. He likes to get out the bat and hit balls. If he doesn't get his way, he throws things (for which he is disciplined). The kid has a temper and does not hesitate to show it. Jamie said the other day, "Maybe we got Jonathan to prepare us for Joel." Say it isn't so!

In conclusion, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We are grateful Christ was born, because without Him, we would not make it!

Laughing all the way,

Jamie, Julie, Jackson, Jonathan, and Joel:)

Christmas with the Warrens:)

2010-12-30T15:18:00.001-06:00

Not a very attractive picture of us! This was at our annual Parent Advocates Down Syndrome Christmas party and I thought I would save on the mall Santa and have the kids sit with this nice man. I had to get in the picture for the two younger kids to cooperate and then the two older guys had odd expressions on their faces. Next year...

It snowed in Columbia the day after Christmas (late Christmas night). This is Jackson out on my parents' trampoline, thrilled with the opportunity to play in the snow. He is very hot-natured and did not want to wear a coat.

Joel wanted to go outside

(he is very determined) and

got ticked off when he realized

how cold it was.

This is Aunt Betsy and her husband, Uncle Bryan. Jonathan about killed himself trying to say "Uncle Bryan" over and over again but he was not about to give up. It hurt to listen because he was stuttering and would not let up!

Jamie drinking his much-loved coffee.

Silly Daddy.

Aunt Betsy was trying to sidle up next to

Joel but he was not interested. One day...

Aunt Nancy and Mom/Grammie. I am terrible about

taking pictures and they graciously allowed this one!

Grammie and Grandpa's tree had

colored lights. Ours always has

white lights and Jackson has requested

colored. He got his wish! Thanks,

Grammie and Grandpa!

Grandpa found a sled!

These are my duck shoes from wet

times at Furman. Jonathan decided

he wanted to wear them. That is

me to the left in my pajamas - nice.

Uncle Bryan and Jonathan looking at the

snow at the dining room window.

Someone's snow angel - Jackson's?

Jackson posing with the afore mentioned sled.

Joel and Grandpa posing while Joel readies for his nap.

Another pose with the sled.

Jackson, Aunt Betsy, and the sled in

Grandpa and Grammie's front yard.

Aunt Betsy. Enough said.

Mommy, Daddy, Jonathan, and

Jackson. Joel was taking a nap.

Again, another pose with the

sled. Mommy and Jackson.

I am wearing my sweater coat

and regular clothes. I put on my

hood and my dad's coat along

with gloves. Nice ensemble.

Uncle Bryan digging Aunt Betsy's

face in the snow... I think.

Married just one month.

Jamie's Heisman pose.

Dad, the Stud.

Jonathan is sitting on the front porch. We couldn't get

him to participate. Sometimes he would rather just watch.

He is ready to go in.

Done.

Pleading with us to go inside...

Jamie put plastic bags on the kids feet so they wouldn't get their socks wet.:)

Last night at Grammie and Grandpa's. We had

them watch Max and Ruby while we got ready.

Jackson left to go to Greenville, SC yesterday with Nana and Pops. Jack was the ambassador from our family. The rest of us stayed home. Jonathan was distraught so I was trying to play with him alone while Joel napped. We played the Wii. He wanted to bowl. Usually, he wants everyone else to play and then he will just watch. Yesterday he said he wanted to play. He did and he was able to figure it out. YEAH, JONO!!!!!!

Joel wore my glasses. We were

trying to get Jonathan to wear his

glasses. He refuses unless you

threaten him. I had a conversation

with the eye doctor today and he

gave me some tips to help him wear

them more.

Julie wearing her glasses (notice how I tried to smile like Jono)

and Jono wearing his. He would not smile until we said he could have

dessert if he did.:) We are not above bribing in our house. I used to

criticize other parents for a lot of things I have

since succumbed to so watchwhat you say you will never do!

Bat Videos

2010-12-30T14:16:00.002-06:00

Jamie and I were out with his grandmother Thursday, December 16 for dinner when we got a text from our sitter, Katie. It said something to the effect of this: "The kids are asleep. I don't want you to be alarmed but you seem to have bats." We were incredulous! How in the world did they get in?

She told us that Jackson was watching TV in our den while she was busy putting Jonathan down to bed (Joel was already down). Jackson came running down the hall, crying, saying that there was a bat flying in the den. She didn't believe him (she felt badly about this later:)) and asked if maybe they had talked about bats that day at school and he mistook another flying creature for one. He said no, that this was brown, furry, had pointed ears, looked like a flying rat, and was circling the den ceiling. She got him calmed down, put him to bed, and told him not to worry. She didn't think anything of it again until she heard something behind our drapes. She got up, pulled the drapes slowly away from the wall, and saw a bat peeping out. She ran out of the den into our kitchen and proceeded to text us.

After receiving the text, Jamie immediately got on the internet on his phone to see how one gets rid of bats. He read that you needed gloves and also needed to talk to them in hushed tones (The Bat Whisperer). When we left the restaurant, Granny and I dropped Jamie at home. Then I took Granny to her house and returned to ours to find The Bat Removal complete. Here are some videos Katie took while Jamie got rid of the bats. They are not super clear. He is outside in our carport (there are lights on the fence part) with our drapes and he has gloves on. He is also whispering to them...:)

Up until the holidays...

2010-12-25T22:14:00.000-06:00

Jackson and his friend, William, in their Turkey Trot in November. At one point, Jackson grabbed William's hand and said, "Let's do this!" Jackson does not participate readily in sports. We have to encourage him to exercise:). Once he is there, he is fine. During the race, he came upon his friend, William. He saw William and encouraged him to finish the race.

Jackson worked for weeks on his Veterans' Day program.

Nana and Pops showed up to watch.

Ladies getting their nails done the weekend of Betsy's wedding.

Betsy married Bryan Bender on November 21.

So strange for my little sister to be married!

Jackson and Jamie picked out our Christmas tree while the other two boys and Julie stayed in the car.

Jamie and Jackson froze while Julie, Jonathan, and Joel stayed warm in the car at Lowe's.:) The little guys watched movies while their brother and dad were super cold!

Jackson got out of the car to mail a letter for me and this is what his pants looked like. This was the

second time I noticed this after school. Not sure if this was on purpose to be cool or happenstance.

Can't just decorate the tree. There always has to be something crazy going on...

Daddy and the little guys.

Jono and his peers at the mall, waiting to get their picture made with Santa. Each year they go to the mall and have their picture made, roam the mall, and eat lunch. I realized that this kind of situation is bad news for Jono. He did fine for a while but we had to wait for 20 minutes. He kept exerting his will, letting me know he wanted no part in much of what we did. It was hard, being at the mall with all that open space, and he had to obey rules.

Jono sending his "letter" to Santa. This picture belies

the Hell that transpired before. He was not happy.:)

Jackson and his fellow Cub Scouts on their float for the Homewood Christmas parade.No, it was not Mardi Gras.

Jackson's Cub Scout float. He and Jamie were cold but

had a lot of fun. Next year we hope to participate in the

construction of the float.

Jackson had another Market Day at school before Christmas break. He made Lego creations again. He

sold outimmediately. It was hard not to push him to make more Legos so he could make more money.:)

Pops demonstrating how to use the technology that came with

their gift to Jonathan - his own McDonald's drive thru.

Joel playing with his cars.

Jackson showing his gift - a Lego video camera.

Jamie carried our drapes outside where the bats had secured themselves. GROSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

Cuter than we imagined...

November

2010-11-30T12:58:00.000-06:00

Today is Tuesday and I have a sitter come to watch Joel so I can go out and run errands. I have a lot of things to do but I realized that I could go eat lunch with Jono at school unhindered by the youngest Warren. I decided to head that direction.

When I got to school, Jono was the line leader and did not seem surprised to see me. As he was leading his class to the lunchroom, one of his teachers, Mrs. Kendall, said he told her I was coming to lunch. I never told him this.:) I suppose he does have that sixth sense because of the Down syndrome...:).

He got in line and ordered his pizza, pears, corn, and other foods. His head teacher, Mrs. Connie, said they normally don't let him have chips but she did today. She had him open his own straw and helped him open his milk. She had him practice wiping his hands and face. She made him try all of his food. He seemed to thrive on doing all this on his own. He just turned five and all that sounds great for a typical five-year-old, but sometimes it is simply easier to do it for him. Sitting there, watching this transpire made me realize that I still do too much for him.

It was good just to be with Jonathan. So many times Joel tries to dominate whatever Jonathan wants to do and Jonathan just lets him. Jonathan cannot do anything without Joel wanting to be in there with him. Many times, this is a great problem, but often, I miss time alone with Jono.

To back up and catch up, I went to Raleigh for a shower for my sister, Betsy, on Halloween weekend. I was torn because I didn't want to miss out on the dress up extravaganza. All three boys were going to dress up like Star Wars characters. I only have a few pix, but Jamie said it was wild.

Jonathan celebrated his fifth birthday on the 14th of this month. He knew exactly what was going on and did not have to be told. He knew it meant presents for him ("Yeah, presents! Cake! Eat!") and he was very intent on opening his gifts. It was neat to see how he has grown.

Many people have commented on how Jonathan is winking so much. I took him to the eye doctor and he prescribed some glasses for Jono. The prescription calls for bifocals because the doctor thinks as Jono begins to squint, he crosses one eye. Apparently, bifocals help with that. He does not enjoy wearing them and I fear pushing glasses that are not the right fit.

My sister got married to her finace, Bryan, the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Between one of our babysitters, Kayla, Jamie, and his mom, I was able to leave early. We had a stomach bug scare right before but that is all it was. Jackson was sick to his stomach and had to be retrieved from school the day before I left. But, either God heard my cry and spared him, or it was just him being overtired. I drove to SC with my Aunt Nancy. She and I along with my cousin, Jane, my other aunt, Gail, and family friend, Elizabeth, hosted a bridesmaid shower for Betsy and her bridesmaids on the 20th. It was wonderful being able to participate without having to stop and start with the boys.

Betsy and Bryan tied the knot on Sunday the 21st. It was a great ceremony and a wonderful reception. Everything looked great - purple and gold everywhere. Everyone danced and I jumped in there, realizing I was as many as 20 years older than some of the kids dancing!!! Again, thanks to Jamie, Jim, and Betty for watching the boys so I could enjoy the wedding and be a part.

Jamie and his parents left Monday morning after the wedding. I stayed an additional day with the boys so they could see my family. We left Tuesday, found Em on the interstate, and followed her to Birmingham. We stopped at one point, and she let Jack ride with her and the kids the rest of the way to Birmingham.

Uncle Ryan arrived Wednesday. We went back and forth for the remainder of the week between our house and Jamie's parents. It proved to be a lot of fun and quite exhausting. Both Joel and Jono are congested but seem to be on the right meds to be on the mend.

Jackson continues to be a great big brother. He helps play with his brothers and then entertains himself when I have to cook or clean. He loves his dad and likes to stay close to home. We are working with him on his behavior at school, which has improved. He also has a tough time following directions but seems to be talking out of turn less. I think it is tough being a boy in public school.

Jono has glasses. His behavior has drastically improved. He is still doing crazy things (eating metal, painting himself with watercolors, digging for treasure in his dirty diapers, etc.) but is much more compliant and repentant. He also has begun to say many more words and knows it so he names everything he can. It is so neat and such an answer to prayer. Now we need to work on potty training (going on his own) and possibly finding an assistive speech device.

Joel cracks us up. He continues to speak his own language. He is starting to swat at us so we are learning about gentle hands. He is not laid back but lots of fun. He, like his brothers, does not require a lot of sleep so he is up early. He still does not sleep consistently through the night but we sure sleep like logs when he does!

We currently are getting back into the routine of school. We hope to get our Christmas tree this week. I am listening to Christmas music all the time, trying to maximize the season! Our lives continue to be crazy but full.

Julie:)

Jono at the Pumpkin Patch with Lily. He loves Lily!!

Jono's class at the Pumpkin Patch.

Joel and Grandpa the weekend of Granpals'
Day for Jackson. A great time was had by all.

Jono at the Buddy Walk. He disappeared shortly after this pic and gave me a scare!

Joel loves to serve himself.

Me and the boys at the Buddy Walk. Jamie was doing PR. It was quite warm.

Jackson working out at our gym, Iron Tribe Fitness, doing Crossfit.

The Hansen kids and our kids the weekend of their commissioning to Africa. They were in our Small Group and will be dearly missed. They left today!

Joel does not seem to like the Ewok outfit.

Brotherly love.

Having a picnic lunch outside with Daddy.

Token pumpkin picture.

Joel and Jack jumping on Jono's tramp.

Jackson and Gracie playing with Jono's track.

Likes this cabinet.

Headed home after the wedding and seeing Grammie and Grandpa.

Jono put this on. Nice.

This is the position Jono was in when we noticed the squinting at first.

Sweet brothers.

Rest of October and beginning of November 2010

2010-11-08T11:47:00.001-06:00

I did not know second grade would be so difficult for me. Each year the teachers ratchet it up another notch and I don't seem to be able to keep up with all the rules! This makes me laugh because, when I taught, I ran a very tight ship. But, in my defense, I was teaching seventh graders, right?

Jackson has had difficulty remembering assignments, bringing home books, the rules on taking reading tests, when his spelling tests are, and not talking at inappropriate times. Each time he tells me about these things, we use them as opportunities to teach him to show respect, be honest, follow directions, etc.

Jackson and the whole second grade are learning about communities this year. Jackson and his classmates are assigned jobs each week where they get paid. They lose money if they receive a ticket. Their tickets are recorded in their take-home folders so we can see the area in which our children erred. Jackson averages about two or three tickets each week and loses cash each time. This does not bother him in the least because he only gets to use his cash once each nine weeks at Market Day. So, we have had to institute some Double Whammy procedures at home to make it hurt a little more.

Market Day is a day where each child devises a product and produces enough to sell. Each child makes their own sign and sets up a table, trying to sell their wares to make a profit. Jackson's first products were little creations he made out of his overflow of Legos at home. He sold out in the first few minutes!

Jackson and Jamie went to Mobile to sleep aboard the USS Alabama with the other Cub Scouts in Jackson's pack. They had a great time and took lots of pictures. Enjoy!

Jonathan has been doing well at school. He continues to receive "good" reports rather than "great." I think he would have to be perfect to get a "great" rating. I have calmed down considerably since the beginning of the year. Initially, I was so concerned about his rating each day but I realized the anxiety I was experiencing was mostly self-inflicted and not of import.

Jonathan has continued to do his crazy stuff. One day an older couple was inquiring about our house. I was talking to them in our driveway, and Jonathan comes tearing out, holding something, winking, and completely naked. I scooped him up, excused myself, and took him in to get a bath.:) I heard the fireplace screen crash down yesterday morning and found him in the fireplace with soot all over his clothes for church, face, hands, and feet. He did the same thing last night and Jamie cleaned him up. Never a dull moment!

I took Jono to the eye doctor a few weeks ago because he has been winking/squinting a lot lately. It started at times that seemed normal but now he does it frequently. The eye doctor said he needs glasses so we are going to get those soon, when I can just take Jono. Any doctor's visit usually means he fills his pants out of nervousness and it would be nice to be alone to deal with that instead of with the entourage of the Warren boys.:) He also spends most of the visit signing "finished" because he is so afraid of being stuck or hurt (he is used to be lying and saying "It's okay" followed by a shot).

Joel continues to teeth. Either he or Jonathan usually wake at night with coughing or breathing problems. Joel, since four months old, has been waking each night with drainage. I am hoping this will end once his teeth are all in. We shall see.

Joel entertains us with his unintelligible verbage and signs adapted from Jonathan. He continues to walk/run around on his toes. He and Jonathan get along quite well and Jackson loves to play with him (unless Joel is intent on destroying Jackson's Legos).

We will soon be marrying off my sister, Betsy. She and Bryan get married the Sunday before Thanksgiving so that is the next big event we are anticipating!

Julie:)

This is a picture Jackson drew. All the kids drew them in his class, saying in what areas they wanted to improve. He says he wants to be "a better person in math."

This is Market Day at Edgewood. Jackson constructed different creations out of Legos and sold out in the first few minutes!

Jackson is showing all his Community Cash.:)

Jackson closed down his table after just a few minutes of selling out!

Jackson on his Cub Scout trip with Dad.

Jackson and Dad on the deck of the USS Alabama.

These were their sleeping quarters. Jamie said they slept well and that the boys did not act out.

Jackson and his buddy, William.

Jackson ticked off.

Taking a tour of the ship.

Dad.

Going to bed. Sounds like the boys all did well.

Dad and Jack on their first Cub Scout trip.:)

Sunset at the USS Alabama.

Jacko with a dummy in a flight suit behind him.

Jackson and his buddy, William, again.

Jackson on the way home from Mobile. Wiped out.:)

Jackson and Jonathan camping out in the backyard with Dad.

The Warren boys (minus Joel, still asleep in the house:)).

First week in October

2010-10-07T22:19:00.000-05:00

Jamie flew to NC last Thursday for his annual golf trip with his buddies from college. I stayed behind with the boys. I packed them in the car and took them to SC on Friday.

Aunt Betsy is getting married to Bryan Bender in November and the ladies from our church were giving her a shower. I wanted to go but did not know how I was going to swing it. I didn't want to leave Dad with all three boys. Jonathan could pull a Houdini, Jackson might talk his ears off, and Joel may scream continuously. I prayed about it:) and immediately, I thought of a girl who was born on Mom and Dad's street and grew up there. Jackson loves her so I contacted her on facebook and she gladly accepted the challenge of my boys. Beth and her friend, Hannah, showed up on Saturday and I was able to attend the shower with no worries! Many thanks to Beth and Hannah!

While we were gone, Jonathan had a few unexplained fevers. If fever due to anxiety is possible, I think that is what it was. He is very attached to Jamie and kept signing for "Daddy." Being in a different place without his dad seemed to be very difficult. Once we saw Jamie, he was healed! I have started to notice several behaviors that Jonathan does in connection with anxiety and it explains many things - fever, mouthing anything in sight, constant movement, etc.

On Sunday, we went to Greenville and picked Jamie up at the airport where he had driven and dropped his rental car. Our friend, Jeni, was there visiting home with her daughter, Elena. We were able to meet up with them at Cracker Barrel. We went to college with Jeni and she currently is on staff with Young Life in Costa Rica. It has been YEARS since we last saw her. It was great to catch up in person.

We got home Sunday afternoon in time for Jackson's cub scout meeting. He and Jamie worked on his Bobcat badge in the car and Jack received it that night. Yeah!

It has been a good week home. I kept Jono home Monday to make sure he was okay. Jamie put up our bounce house since rain was not forecasted this week. I have let the kids bounce to their heart's content in the afternoons. It is a great way to get rid of their excessive energy. Joel can be in it and the other two are fairly gentle with him. Tonight Jamie and I talked about how it is only a matter of time before he takes Jonathan down.:) It will probably be a good lesson for Jono.

Jamie and Jackson head to Mobile to camp out on the USS Alabama with Jack's cub scout troop this Saturday. Jamie heard from a co-worker today that this particular camp out is loud and not much fun.:) We shall see!

Julie:)

thejuliewarren@gmail.com

Elena, Jeni, Jack, Joel, Julie, and Jono outside

Cracker Barrel.:)

Jamie and I swapped places.

Bounce house antics. Jackson has been

nicknamed "Hard Hitter" at school and he

performed accordingly.

Who is the Alpha Dog now?

Jono has been closing his left eye a lot. We

cannot tell if it is necessary or has become a

strange habit. We scheduled him for an eye

appointment. We are calling him "Pop-eye."

Joel thinks he is the same size as the rest of the

Warren boys.

Jono is taking a rest as his hair houses some

static electricity.

Joel saw his brothers doing this.

Who's the hard hitter now?

He is growing up too fast! Our baby!