A Night to Remember!

My husband surprised me this Valentine's Day with a special night out. Adam made reservations at a five star restaurant. The restaurant is located on an Indian Reservation at their resort. The experience was truly magical. We were treated like royalty (something I could really get used to) which truly made the experience. I was able to try many new types of cuisine. I had tuna steak for the first time, buffalo, blood oranges and many different cheeses that I don't need to experience again!! What a truly fun and yummy night. If you are ever looking for a special night out I highly recommend this true dining experience :)

Kai, meaning 'seed' in the Pima language, features a menu rich in creativity, history and Native American culture. Executive Chef Michael O'Dowd and Native American Chef de Cuisine Jack Strong incorporate the essence of the Pima and Maricopa tribes and locally farmed ingredients from the Gila River Indian Community to create unforgettable masterpieces. James Beard Award-winning Chef Janos Wilder is consulting chef for Kai and is renowned for creating unique and indigenous menu experiences.

Opening Day

Tee Ball 2009
"The Storm"

Adam was the second batter in the line up on Saturday.

He took Grandma Lund's advise and set the bat down before he ran to first base!!

He is off and running!

Coming home!! He enjoyed getting to play, but by the middle of the game he broke down and was ready to go home. He stuck it out and finished the game. Adam played 3rd base though I don't know if that will be his position every game. We play three games a week for the next six weeks. He loves it and can't wait to get dressed for the game tonight :) Play Ball!!!!

Addison Times Two or to the Second Power!!

Last night our family attended the Kick off Party for Take Steps for Crohn's Disease. We were introduced to a family that has a three year old little girl that was just diagnosed in the last few weeks. Amazingly enough her name is also Addison. We visit the same doctor too! She has a great family and they are right where we were just a year ago. Sarah (Addison's Mom) and I were amazed how the girls behaviors were a lot a like, they are both very busy and all over the place. I am very grateful to know that Addison's behaviors are not just acting out but really a part of her little body trying to deal with her symptoms.
Yesterday was doctor appointment day! Alex is growing and doing really well :) Addison is getting her Eco Gram at Phoenix Children's Hospital in the next few weeks and has also added a new pill to her daily regiment for an ear infection...As for Lil Adam he is healthy, happy and working really hard in school. He really enjoyed bowling last night and is ready to go again!!
Thanks to all of the wonderful people at CCFA for all that they do for our family and the many others suffering from this crazy roller coaster ride. Big Adam and I were talking last night on the way home about how wonderful we always feel after leaving one of their events. They always have tips and new ways to help our little Addison feel a little better even if it is just telling her how pretty she is!!!

Team Addison

Team Addison

April 18, 2009

Dear Family & Friends,

On April 18, 2009, our family will be walking in Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis, the nation’s largest event dedicated to finding cures for digestive diseases. I hope you will join me as a member of Team Addison.

Our team, along with thousands of others across the country, will raise money for crucial research that wouldn’t even have been possible a few short years ago. Beyond raising money for research, Take Steps brings together the community in a fun and energetic atmosphere. Participants are encouraged to make noise and be heard -- raising awareness of these little-known diseases in their community and across the nation.

This is an opportunity to do something good in the community and take a step toward a future free from Crohn’s and colitis. Start today, by:

• Joining our Take Steps team,
• Making a personal contribution to this worthwhile cause, and
• Raising funds for research, education and support.

You can register today by visiting www.cctakesteps.org, and following the prompts to register for the Phoenix walk on Team Addison. When you register, you will receive valuable fundraising tools and information from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, in addition to your own personal fundraising Web site.

If you are unable to participate but would like to support my efforts with a contribution, you can donate online at http://online.ccfa.org/site/TRC/Walk/2009TakeSteps?pg=peditor&fr_id=1252&px=1379488

or mail a check to my home address.

Together we’ll raise money for important research and raise awareness of two painful and unpredictable diseases that afflict millions of people. Thank you in advance for your support!

We love you,

Jennie

Amazing Jake's

Saturday we attended a Crohn's event at Amazing Jake's! The kids had a great time riding the rides and eating pizza! Mom even took a train ride with the kids!!

Adam and Addison took the wheel on the Cocoa Cups!! Alex just held on and enjoyed the ride :)

I loved that he was smiling with his teeth!

Riding the Carousel was fun for all. Addison loves to look around her and see things going by...

Adam and Alex looked up a lot to see the gears of the horses moving up and down :) I really enjoyed our experience at Amazing Jake's. I was able to speak to other parents that have been where I am with Addison and they could tell me what worked for them and what didn't. I really liked speaking to the Jackson family. Their son does the infusion treatments and I was able to learn a lot about that process.

Where Were You?

In my life time I can only remember a few really historical events thateffected me and those around me. This past week was one of the first events that my children where alive for. As I blog I print out my posts as my journal so please forgive me for being sentimental today. Tuesday the 20th of January 2009 changed the fabric of America. I want my children to know that God created the human race after his own self image. We might not look exactly alike, but we are all equal and loved by our Heavenly Father. I watched the t.v. on Tuesday (Casa Grande, AZ) not wanting to miss a part of this historical event. Lil Adam was in Kindergarten, Addison was playing and as President Obama was taking the oath Alex was sitting in my lap on my bed.
As you can see from the picture above, my parents were participating with the other 1.5 million people on the Mall in Washington D.C. They arrived at 4:20 am and waited in the cold until the oath was taken. What an amazing opportunity to be living during this historical event not only for our country, but the world!

The other big events that I can remember were first September 11, 2001. I am sure that my children will read about this sad day in their history classes. I was driving into work (Albuquerque, New Mexico) and heard on the radio that a plane had crashed into buildings in New York and D.C. As I heard the news I picked up my phone and called my mom. My dad worked at the Pentagon a lot and I wanted to know that he was safe. I was happy to hear that he was safe, but felt such heart ache for the families destroyed by this tragedy. Adam and I spent the evening watching the news. Americans really came together in the weeks and months after this tragedy. I can remember enjoying the coming together. A year later in my history class I had my students reflect on the past and share their feelings. They were truly effected by the event and changed forever as was the world.

Finally, I can remember sitting in my classroom in elementary school (Sherwood Elementary/Pensacola, Fl) watching the Challenger shuttle take off. This was a huge deal because a teacher was aboard this flight. As the Challenger took off something happened and they never left the atmosphere. Watching the explosion with my class is burned into my mind. My teacher wanted to turn the t.v. off right away, but we continued to watch and hear reactions from people.
To my knowledge there has only been one other shuttle explode in my life time. It happened a few years ago on a reentry. I was watching the t.v. and speaking with my dad on the phone.
Life can be funny sometimes, I can remember so much from these experiences in my life. Yet when I try to remember other things that have happened I can't recall as much as I want to.

To my children, always remember that life has it's good days and bad. Keep your heads up and follow our Saviors example. These are my memories of history, I can't wait for you to live your! Love , Mom

Tee Ball for Everyone!!

For the next six weeks our family night is going to consist of tee-ball practice! Lil Adam is signed up and ready to play. Tonight he had so much fun learning how to hit from a tee. His dad usually tosses the ball to him and he hits it, the tee was a little different today. By the end of his batting round he was really getting the hang of it though!

It's all about follow through right!!

Adam did pretty well catching, fielding and running the field with his teammates. I can see this experience becoming a top memory for him!

Alex was inspired by his brother tonight as well. As the team was running and working in the field Alex picked up a bat and ball and gave it a shot. He very carefully placed the ball on the tee and then with two hands and the bat over his head he tried to hit the ball. At one point I saw him actually use his hand as the bat to hit the ball after he missed it with the actual bat.