My Girl, The Track Star

Hayley is pretty humble. She will just say that she just enjoys the running and being able to do it with her friends.

She's for the most part, quiet, unless around her peers. She has her own ideals about the world and about life in general.

When she was a bit younger, my husband and I had our reservations about Hayley in regards to being a "dirt digger" or a "sporty" kid. She loves to wear girly outfits. She's discovering makeup (mascara and LIGHT color lip gloss or lipstick only). And she is becoming a woman before my very eyes.

But this morning, after twelve tedious weeks of training and hard work, with already visible physical results, my eleven-year-old young lady ran her first ever (and most likely NOT last) 5K race with Girls On The Run Greater; Lynchburg Chapter.

A First and a Second Grade school teacher coached the all-girls team of (I think) fifteen runners for three months, and all the while teaching them life skills, how to have good self-esteem and quell the fears of those going in to Middle School next Fall (including Hayley).

The coaches also taught them breathing and timing techniques as to benefit mostly in running rather than walking during their 3.1 mile journey to the finish line.

Hayley and her BFF are really wanting to do this again next year. It all depends on the school and if they have a couple of teachers willing to coach, and if they can get at least the minimum number of teammates to join. And after witnessing it this year, I honestly can't see why ANY school wouldn't WANT to have such a positive program in their school.

My child has greatly benefited from Girls On The Run, as you can see from the pictures below.

             Yes, that IS pink and purple in her hair. And I actually like it!

              We are about to hear the horn to start the race.

                Almost there!! Only had about a quarter of a mile to go.

                 Hayley's school Principal came to watch HER girls be the best team ever! She said she was so proud of Hayley finishing the entire course without stopping. Or walking.

             Until next year!! They earned a good rest at the bridge.

                 Hayley and her BFF, who came in mere seconds after Hayley did to the finish line. They BOTH finished right under the 46 minute mark (by a few seconds!).

Who knows! Next year if Hayley can get on a team for Girls On The Run in her Middle School, this old gal may train with her and run next year's race. Family is allowed to run with a registered teammate.  It's been a LONG time since I ran a race. Last one was when I was fifteen and I ran in the San Francisco's Bay To Breakers (7 mi. course).

It Was A 'Pay It Forward' kind of evening

They say that Angels walk among us. They are hidden within society, not showing their wings, as to blend in. They show mercy, love and kindness. Some are our Guardian Angels, sent here to be with us, help guide us and to protect us.

I truly believe we have met an "Angel in Disguise"...

Last night, hubby and I decided to take the kids out for dinner. He was in the mood for Wendy's (seeing as what he is REALLY in the mood for, he can't have at the moment, so something else HAS TO take its place).

After a good, long wait, being that for some reason, the place was packed and the line long (on a SUNDAY night), we finally made it up to the counter to give the Cashier our order.

Between the meal combos and the Frosties (can't leave without having a Frosty!)the bill racked up to almost forty dollars (within a few cents!).

Scott whipped out the trusty Check Card and proceeded to hand it to the lady behind the counter, only to be told to put his card back in to his wallet.

After giving the woman a puzzled look, she said "someone already paid for your order" and then secretively-like told Scott it was the "lady ahead of you in the pink shirt".

By that time, I'd already sat the kids down at a table. He came to me and explained all that transpired and I was just flabbergasted, to say the least. So, as the "Lady In Pink" was sitting at a booth, awaiting her order, I sauntered over and thanked her for her sincere kindness.

Being that my poor cell phone was about to die, I had enough umph in it to post a text to my FaceBook about it. When I got home, I was surprised at how many "liked" or replied to my post. Especially those that were shocked that there are still people out there that love others enough, even strangers, to do "random acts of kindness".

But like I later stated on another Status I had done, the kindness of strangers still amazes me, but doesn't truly surprise me. I know that they are still out there, though in now a rare breed.

And like I said, blessed are the meek. This woman and her generous heart had taught my children something that no school, nor even I as a parent talking about it could ever teach them. They witnessed what I have told them about "love thy neighbor and do unto others as you wish to have done unto you".

They know (well, at least the two older ones do) that eventually, and as a family mind you, we intend to "pay it forward" to a fellow stranger. Be it at a restaurant, at the gas station or even the grocery store.

And after what I'd been witness to and on the receiving end of, it took me back to the movie starring Haley Joel Osment, Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt aptly named "Pay It Forward", where a teacher who is scarred from a fire has his class do a project of doing a good deed for someone, then in turn that person does a good deed for another. Then that person goes and also does a good deed, and so on. The stipulation? The receiver MUST follow through and "pay it forward" with an act of kindness towards another. Be it a stranger or a friend or family member.

With that all said, I *CHALLENGE* all of my readers who are reading this post to go out and "PAY IT FORWARD". And it does NOT have to be with buying something or paying for something for another person. Just as long as it's a random act of kindness.

(Not So) Hot For Teacher

As most of my readers know, I love volunteering at the school where my three children attend. I primarily work with the Kindergarten classroom that my daughter, Skyler resides at during the school day.

But right now, I'm not very happy with the school and how they are handling the transition of my daughter's class.

First, right before Thanksgiving, the Student Teacher had left after her fifteen weeks of "shadowing" and teaching the class was done as to be able to graduate and get her Teaching Certificate/License. The kids took her going away pretty hard, being that they had grown attached to her, and her to them. She was outstanding! And I loved working with her in the classroom.

Then, just as Winter Break loomed upon us, the second to the last day of school before break began, we got a letter from their teacher letting us know she was forced to resign due to health issues. So needless to say, the Christmas Party I put together for the class also became a Going Away/We'll Miss You party, as well.

Now, for almost an entire month, they've been doing the hiring process to replace the teacher in the Kindergarten classroom. And for at least another two weeks, starting YESTERDAY, there will be a substitute running the class.

There's a few problems with this though..

1) What's her name? None of the kids can tell us. Why? Because according to what many of us moms compared, she NEVER told them! Or said Miss B.

2) Where's the Daily Folder that they are to bring home everyday? Not in my hands! According to the kids, she will send them home today.

3) Subs...Is this one constant for the next two weeks, or are they rotating them?

4) Morning Routine (Calendar, weather, Wall Words, Days of the Week) were NOT done. In fact, according to the kids they did basically NOTHING of their routine or much of anything else the ENTIRE day. Just some coloring and Carpet Time...twice.

It would have been nice to have SOMETHING sent home on the first day as to who the person is and how long that they are staying with the kids (projected time) until they finalize the hiring process.

Us parents were forced to send our Kindergarten-age children to school to be taught by some "stranger" for the next two weeks. That alone was bad enough. But to STILL not know a thing about the person, quite possibly until the next day, to me is utterly absurd and disrespectful of the kids and of us as their parents.

In the event that nothing again is sent home as promised, according to the kids (getting their folders sent home), and especially if there is nothing pertaining to the teacher (introduction letter), then there's a number of us parents that are ready to go as a group on Thursday to the school and confront the matter. We don't like "smoke and mirrors" when it comes to entrusting our SMALL children to others that we know nothing about. We want answers and to know who this person is. Is that really too much to ask?

This is also making me decide firmly at this point, that on Friday I WILL indeed be at school for my Volunteer day as usual. This way, the kids will have SOMEONE that they know and are used to in their environment. Plus I know who tries to pull what, who is sensitive (sensory-wise), who has behavior problems that are out of their control and who are shadows (monkey-see-monkey-do) {mainly if seeing another kid is truly ill feeling}.

What a way to begin the last half of the school year, the beginning of 2011 and the start of a new school week.

ADHD...

As a mother, it is hard to watch your child struggle. What are ordinary, everyday tasks and expectations to us, is a ball of confusion and frustration for our kids.

Sitting still. Focusing. Being organized. Paying attention to the instructor. Following multiple directions at a rapid pace.

Sounds like a lot, and even a bit confusing to you? I'm sure that it does. But to my son, and to millions of other children in the United States alone, it is a hardship for them every single day to keep up with those tasks while in the classroom, and even at home.

Constantly, I have to remind my hyper, active, not-very-attentive son to complete this task first, so he can move on to the next. Then, after that, I have to remind him to let me check his work against his Agenda, to ensure that he completed the assignments. Then, and only then, may he have his computer or his TV time.

The same goes for his household chores. And the teachers have to stay on top of Bryce as well, being he can fall off of the track pretty quick, and pretty often.

Case in point.. Bryce was found to be sitting in the hall, by his Science and Social Studies Teacher's room. Apparently, he was disrupting the class and "poking at" one girl constantly. After being told to finally move himself to an area where he could be alone, he started to bawl and be belligerent. So, the teacher sent him to the hall.

Then, at snack time, when the Mixed Berries were passed out, he couldn't have any, being that the kitchen never made him a separate bowl without the Blackberries, being he is allergic to them. He went buck wild, pitching a fit, not concentrating on the teacher's explanation, and saying he was being abused because she was "starving" him.

It's not ALL stemming from his ADHD. The lashing out is from another disorder he is inflicted with. But the "poking" of the child, his fidgeting, his lack of concentration, and organization skills, as well as his hyperness, even in his talking to others is a part of the ADHD that he has. Bryce has the more severe form of the disorder.

And yes, he is on medication therapy for it. He takes Vyvanse in the morning, before school. His Intuniv is taken before bedtime. It also serves as a sleep aide, being that his brain stays in "overdrive". The Intuniv relaxes the centers in the brain to control his sleep pattern. And it helps him focus on going to sleep, along with his bedtime routine rituals.

One thing that I have noted the last few years, as the parent of an ADHD child that is medicated, is that most (not all, mind you) teachers think that the medication is the "magic cure-all" for the ADHD while the child is in their classroom. That cannot be further from the truth.

While the medications DO help the child stay focused, attentive, and with less likelihood to blurt out or talk out of turn (or even go way off the topic at hand), the medicines can only control those points to a certain extent.

The remainder of the ADHD child's success relies upon both the child's willingness to gain SELF-control and SELF-discipline, as well as the teacher's willingness to work with the child to achieve those same goals that ADHD students need to be successful students.

This may mean giving the ADHD child a separate desk area, where fellow students will not be a distraction. Or even asking the child if the student is understanding and able to follow the lesson. The teacher can't be "all mouth". They must be about action as well. This means walking around, using hand gestures. Anything to keep the ADHD child engaged in the lesson.

On average, the typical ADHD child can give you no more than fifteen minutes of their attention. For the ones with severe ADHD, you are lucky, and I mean LUCKY, to get ten minutes of their attention, being most severe cases have an attention span of only five minutes.

Too many teachers rely on medication therapy. And anti-medicating advocates talk about us parents? MOST of us parents tried EVERYTHING else under the sun for our children BEFORE going the "pill route".

Our child's first line of defense of course, are the parents. Then, the doctors and therapeutic team. Teachers though, as well as the other school staff round out the team for these kids. We ALL have to work together to help these children with ADHD be successful . Within the classroom setting, as well as out in the community and within the world.

So, remember that while ADHD medications DO help, it's far from being the "cure-all" route of having a successful child. One-on-one working with your child (or student, if that is the case), providing the appropriate tools for success, and helping them to build their SELF-esteem and SELF-control are the REAL keys for having an ADHD child that is well-rounded, adjusted, organized and an overall good student in the classroom and beyond.

Special Needs, Special Education, Aides, And Stuff.

As the mother of a Special Needs child that is NOT Neurotypical, I love to educate others (the public at large) on what it's like as a parent, but also for our kids, that have a SILENT Disability.

What is a Silent Disability you ask? Well, to put it in layman's terms, it means that someone has a disability, or a combination of different disabilities that does NOT outwardly show in physical appearance. They may walk and talk just fine. But on he INSIDE, it is a completely different story. The person may have Lupus or Fibromyalgia. Or they have Bipolar or Oppositional Defiance Disorder. And there are MANY upon many other ailments, malady's and illness that seem to not appear to be noticed on the outside of the body.

My son has several mental disorders. They impede and impact his daily living and social skills. And also his eating and sleeping habits. He has very few friends. He has a very difficult time with outward, verbal expression. He has emotional set backs, as well as a decreased maturity level (that is NOT within 'normal' range for a boy his age). For the most part, he looks, walks, and talks just like you and I. But when he displays his "quirks" and has manic episodes, and angers so badly that the devil looks like an angel, then you know something is seriously off with my boy.

Have you ever gotten upset at ANY person that parks in the Handicapped Parking space, only to see them get out and walk in to the store, minus a cane, walker, or scooter. And even without an oxygen tank? Are you more upset that they took that spot from a REAL disabled person? Or that they walk and act "just fine"? Maybe for you, it's both?

I've honestly lost count of how many stares my mother-in-law and I have gotten as we step out the van and WALK to the store's entrance from her handicapped parking space. She is disabled and cannot stay in the store and walk for too long. And she has a hard time breathing, but not needing oxygen (yet). She has Systemic Lupus, a colostomy bag and she tires easily due to the Lupus. But you cannot see that from just looking at her.

Now, back to children with Special Needs (of any kind, really). I was reading on my local news station's web page that a near-by county is CUTTING Behavioral Aides from their schools. Why? They suddenly became a part of the county's budget cuts.

http://www.wset.com/news/stories/0610/746253.html?ref=tw

Those that work with kids like mine are an integral part of those student's having the ability, focus and willingness to learn, and learn effectively. To take them away from those kids (as was said in the article) for even just ONE school year, can set those kids (potentially) back for SEVERAL years to come.

I'm sorry, but no basic Teacher's Aide will be able to 'effectively' assist those children in the manner that they need the help to be within the mainstream classroom setting. Not unless they too have children that have some type of mental/behavioral disability/disorder.

Even then, for as long as I have been dealing with and learning the ropes with my own child, it does NOT make me an "expert" in the field of Childhood Neurological Behavioral Sciences. I'm just a MOM that has a lot of personal experience and literature-based knowledge of what is wrong with MY child.

Many, if not MOST of those children have SSI Disability, as well as Medicaid Insurance. If need be, the kids can still have their Aides (those that will require the most one-on-one assistance), and Medicaid can pick up the bills. All they will need is a Pre-Authorization from their Specialist. Ninety-nine percent of the time, Pre-Auth's are APPROVED.

In the end, it's truly a win-win situation. No money out of the school's pocket (or the children's parents). And the kids get the Aides that they desperately need in order to receive the best education possible for their abilities (and disabilities).

Honestly, this is a 'no-brainer'....

Mean Girls...The realities from someone that's been there.

Mean girls. They have been show-cased in movies, in music and in the news. I've personally had experience with the real deal. Primarily in the Elementary School years. Being that I looked "different" from the other children, I was an outcast.

The girls mainly were the ones to degrade me. Not just in their words, but their actions as well. Often as a girl, I wondered what kind of "kicks" the kids got out of teasing and degrading me. What was with their pointless jokes on my behalf? To this day, I still at times have these questions pop in to my head.

Do bullies, especially the girls, really know what life-long affects take place when they pull their heartless pranks, say their cruel words and make their mark in the "Mean Girls" history book?

Thanks to their cruelty from long ago, I still have self-esteem issues. I often think of myself as not pretty and not worthy of love and affection by a man. Yes, I have a husband. One that loves me and sees me as beautiful. But personally, I cannot see what he sees.

All I still see to this day is a girl that has scars from one end of her body, to the other. I see where I once had a feeding tube from my diaphragm, in to my stomach. I see where the tracheostomy was performed and the trache was the symbol of my survival, as well as my ability to BREATH. I see the pitted area under my right arm where I had a chest tube placed to drain all the collective fluid from my right lung after it collapsed. I see the uneven breasts and the scar leading from under my right arm, leading up just past my right shoulder blade, where they re-inflated my lung, as well as reattached my esophagus, where it was detached (birth defect).

And to this day, I have lasting psychological and emotional side effects not only from having done what was needed to ensure my survival, but from the scars left behind from YEARS of torture from those that never truly understood, let alone took the time to TRY and understand or learn why I looked "different".

Mean girls have gotten to the point with their bullying in this cyber-age, where their violence towards other girls has taken such a toll on its intended victim, that those being teased, taunted and humiliated are TAKING THEIR LIVES.

Is it honestly worth a life to ridicule and demoralize another human being just to get "kicks" from someone else's imperfections? To me, no it certainly is NOT!

If only some of these "mean girls" could have the tables turned on them. Not that I would EVER wish ill-will on another human being. But how would they feel if something was to happen to them and they were disfigured? Be it from a car accident or a fall? Or from some other disfiguring and/or life-altering situation? Maybe they were placed on medication that made them gain weight, or it was caused by a medical condition.

Once their "perfection" is changed in to "imperfection", then they start having friends "dropping" them from their inner circle, or "cliques". Then, the stares and whispers begin. And of course with them not knowing the FULL story behind the changes, the rumor mill starts churning. As do the assumptions.

Finally, the heckling, physical picking and pranks begin.

Finally, that FORMER "mean girl" is getting to experience the reality of what she used to do at one time in her life. Now, instead of the huntress, she is the prey.

Try being in my shoes, or the "former mean girl's" shoes. If only more "mean girls" could experience what myself and MILLIONS of other girls of the past have had to endure. Not by choice, but by force.

Do I blame the parents? In MOST cases, YES! Especially in this day and age. Parents should be an EXAMPLE, as well as the greatest teacher when it comes to children having compassion and empathy for their peers.

Then again, parents can teach these kids all the good values of compassion, respect, empathy and love to their children, and those kids go out in to the world and make poor choices. Their greatest weapon of choice? The internet.

Cyber-bullying, especially among teen girls is at an all-time high. As are the suicide rates due to cyber-bullying. It is so easy to create a profile, "friend" your target and play with their minds and emotions. All the while, as you are "friending" the target, you are talking negatively behind the target's back.

After a while, there will be a whistle blower to throw it all in the target's face to show how "stupid" and gullible the victim has been. Once the victim sees what is REALLY thought about her, then the self-esteem issues, the emotional issues and the mental issues come in and destroy its target.

Please, teach your children to have compassion. Teach them that NO MATTER WHAT, the person that "looks" different (in ANY form!) is still a human being with feelings. Let your children know that it could very easily be them on the other end. Let them know that their actions indeed do speak louder than words. And words used in the wrong way, can and DOES hurt. No matter if they are said behind the person's back, to their face, or on a computer screen.

Discovery Channel's new Miniseries, 'Life' is making a big impact already on my kids!

I've got some of the best kids in the world. I really do! Yes, I know I sound biased. I have that right. They are MY kids after all. And who wouldn't be singing praises about their children especially after witnessing what I did last night. It was really an affirming moment for me. It told me that somewhere along the line, I've ended up doing something RIGHT with not just one or two of them. But with all THREE OF THEM.

On Discovery Channel, the highly anticipated 11-part Miniseries aptly named "Life" began at 8:00 PM. It's in two-hour blocks each Sunday. So, being it's an educational-inspired show, I'm okay with the kids staying up an hour late on Sundays to see this phenomenal series.

My family and I gathered downstairs, in the Family/TV area. Most of us huddled on the couch. Let me say that five people (consisting of Mom, Dad, a 10-year-old, a 9-year-old and a 5-year-old) trying to scrunch on to a 5-foot-in-length couch is a death-defying feat. You are almost crushed to death by those kids as they climb on you to find a comfy spot...Sounds like I have three more cats. Only human-size!

After settling in, the show started. And right from the start, we were amazed. All of us, including myself, were learning facts about nature's beasts (large, small and in between) that were never known to us before. And we were able to see the camera's capture of some of the wildest food hunts. A couple of them were documented on film for the very first time.

All three kids sat there in amazement as to what they witnessed on the screen. A couple times Scott and I heard "awww". A couple of "ewwww's" were thrown out. Including from yours truly, thanks to the big, hairy Tarantula Spider that was chasing his meal of a Pebble Frog.

The wildest part for me was when the Orca (Killer) Whales were hunting down a left-behind seal as their meal target. That seal got amazingly smart and was able to out-wit the three or four whales that were chasing after him.

But the saddest part came at the very end. A bison was hunted and bitten by a Komoto Dragon. They give off a toxic bite that sits and festers for WEEKS in the victim's system as it travels through the blood stream. He went down as he stood at the last watering hole available. By then, six Dragons were taling him, waiting for his death, which arrived in the middle of the night.

There were times during the show, that Skyler (the 5-year-old) would ask why something was happening, why an animal died, why this animal killed and ate another. But she was intrigued. She was interested in LEARNING about wildlife and it's raw, but fascinating world.

All three of them, in the end, after 'Life' has run it's entirety, I hope will carry away an even better respect, as well love, of nature, it's inhabitants and the power of the two combined. Since they were toddlers, my husband and I have been trying our best to instill good values in to our children. Including where animals and nature are concerned.

This miniseries is just one more tool that we as parents are using to get our children to understand 'Life'.

It's finally coming full circle!...I get to go back to "work" at the school. *STOKED!*

Today is another milestone reached. It may not be a "big thing" to most people. But when you have had to stay cooped up for one, thanks to Old Man Winter taking its toll, then dealing with medical issues that limit you in some ways, it makes for kind of a crappy and dull life.

Until today, that is!

This morning, I'll be returning to a 'job" that I absolutely love. VOLUNTEERING! I will be starting with a bang at that. This is 'Book Fair Week", and I'm staying all day, every day this week to help out.

I've missed "my kids" and being in the classrooms. I miss the interaction with students and staff alike. I miss feeling accomplishment.

Today, I am getting all that and some more back. My independence, as well as my "life after trauma". It's so nice to be even more "normal" like the rest of the world again. I can do more of what I've been limited for MONTHS from being able to do, thanks to my eye.

I've started to reclaim my old life as I add new chapters of perseverance and goal setting. It all started in January of this year with....COLORING MY HAIR. That was my first real taste of freedom (along with using actual face wash the month earlier).

You honestly do NOT know how good you have it, especially with the "simple/small things" in your life until they are suddenly stripped from you.

So, here is to a wonderful day, as well as a blessed-filled week ahead! Have a great one my friends.

Book Review : 'Angels In The ER'

I'm not one that is extremely religious by any means. I have my beliefs and I'm a 'live and let live' kind of girl. Basically, in my "beliefs world", I don't judge you on whom you choose to love (be it a man/woman coupling or a same sex coupling), what belief system you choose to have (be it Christianity or Pagan...to name a couple), how you raise your kids (as long as they are happy, healthy and well adjusted...not abused, neglected or taught to hate others).

I'm a believer in angels as well. I think that they are all around us. You just don't realize this. It may be the poor homeless person on the street, a child at school, or a church member. Or just a kind stranger who is seeing your struggle and wishes to help.

'Angels In The ER' is a book penned by Dr. Robert Lesslie, whom is a Doctor of Emergency Medicine at a hospital in South Carolina. In all his many years at this hospital, he has witnessed many "angelic moments" within the ER. From fellow staff, to patients, to even Security Guards.

Dr. Lesslie tells tales of recovery, life's little lessons learned, lessons on God's miracles and more.

I'm not one that enjoys Christian reading that is inundated with an over-usage of Biblical passages/Scripture. I like small tidbits. And this book offers just enough to "taste" the Scripture. He (Dr. Lesslie) begins each chapter with a verse to show in "real time" it's meaning through his stories of life, death, and lessons learned about human nature.

If you are a Christian novel reader, I gladly suggest that you pick up this book. You can get it at any retail store.

A Tribute To My Birthday Girl!!

Once again in my home, another special day is upon me. One that I will never forget for as long as I breath.

It was a bitter-sweet day for me at that time. Now, it's just sweet.

Today, my "baby" is no longer a baby herself. She has turned five years old.

Three days after Thanksgiving of 2004, I gave birth via Cessarian Section to a healthy, lively, six pound, fifteen ounce, nineteen inch long baby girl.

The reason that day was so bitter-sweet is because just a year before, I had lost a baby in my sixteenth week of pregnancy. It was due around my son's birthday. In my mind, this wasn't supposed to be happening.

In fact, if I had that baby, my youngest would never have been born.

Her road is long on this journey we call life. But my daughter is taking it in stride. She is now in Preschool, loves playing with her big brother and sister, has a heart of gold, and is the sunshine in the midst of rain.

What it all comes down to is that I wouldn't trade this path of life for anything.

As I went through my journey with my eye (transplant and all), Skyler was right there, side by side with me. Being my "Medicine Doctor", my "Tape Doctor" and my "Eye Doctor". She made sure I was okay and had everything I needed. Especially my tape for placing my patch over my eye.

How many four/five year olds do you know of that do those things for their parents or siblings? Not many. She cried when I was hurting. She hugged me to "feel better", she kissed my "boo-boo" (my cheek).

While I know that my two older children were concerned and helpful, Skyler really put herself out there. Then again, since she could walk and babble, she has been the type to make sure YOU were okay.

What did I do to deserve a child such as she? Skyler is here to teach US something. Although I have yet to figure out what. Maybe it's to love others as you wish to be loved. 

Or, to do unto others as you wish to have done unto you.

It could even be to take life by the reins and hold on. It will be a bumpy ride, but a thrilling one to cherish.

Better yet, maybe its all of the above....

Whatever we are to learn from my precious birthday girl, she is doing a fine job of teaching me. And I am so happy and proud to be her mother. Always have been, always will be.

I LOVE YOU MY DEAR BIRTHDAY GIRL, SKYLER! YOU ARE THE BEAT TO MY HEART. YOU AND YOUR SIBLINGS!!