our snow storm

This is some pictures from our snow strom the other day.....it was a pain to drive in......but we have made it through it all!

Our Family Letter for 2010

O ur Family Newsletter

Happy holidays from our family to yours!

The purpose of a holiday newsletter is to keep friends and family updated on the events in your family’s life and share holiday greetings across the miles. So here we go…..

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, I was not going to write a family letter this year because I thought who would want to hear about our crazy year but then I thought really we have had some good moments, It has been a TOUGH year to say the least but a year of learning and growing and becoming a stronger family unit and hey we came out with our heads above water in the end, things are starting to look up.

The year in review

David was on WCB this year still from the accident in 2008, David was working Part time at Big Rock communications in Okotoks as this was what WCB wanted, in June David was told he could go back to work Full time and that he was fine by WCB, so David went on medical EI as he was not fine his headaches and shaking and almost passing out where not getting better and after working 6hrs he would come home and sleep, making it hard for me to work as well. So July started the fun David gave his notice to Big Rock and we gave our notice at our current rental unit, as we would not be able to afford it without WCB.

We knew David needed to be in Edmonton for medical doctors (his family doctor is there) and the schooling options for the kids was better, so we put everything in storage for the time till we were able to get housing through Edmonton housing.

Aug till September was our big trip….look down a ways to see where we went…

In September we came back to Edmonton as we were told by EI if we did not we would be cut off, we had no place to live when we came back but we followed what we were told and hoped things would fall into place, we camped the first 3 days which was not too bad, many tears were shed by David and I as we worried what life was going to be like, as we came back on the Friday, Monday morning we went to Social assistance another HARD step in our life as we have been able to provide for our family up till this point, I think I cried so much during that that the lady thought I was crazy but this was a HARD thing. But on Tuesday they put us into a motel till we could find something, not a shining moment again but it was not a tent which was nice as it was getting cold. After a week of being there and nothing happening I did call a MLA and see if there was anyway to make finding housing a little easier as we seemed to be slipping through a lot of cracks and it was becoming hard on the kids and us, we were in a room with 2 beds and a kitchen, the kitchen was nice but it was hard to be in that small of a place, on Sept 16 we were able to get into our own home through Edmonton housing 2 and a half weeks of not knowing is along time when you have kids who NEED structure so I am glad that it moved quickly. And we are slowly starting to adjust to a smaller place; we know in 2011 we will move again within Edmonton housing as this is not big enough for what we need because all 3 kids are in the same room right now because we need a place for therapy for Dallin, but its a place where we are safe.

Hoping for many good things to come in 2011.

Update the kids:

Dallin, turned 7 this year and has come along so much, watching him learn and grow is such a joy and a blessing, I have enjoyed homeschooling Dallin for the last couple years, but as of November I am now sharing that with a teacher through Edmonton Public, he is in a reach out program and we are working to try and get Dallin back into a classroom that will work for him and allow him to grow and become more and more amazing. Dallin teaches us so many new and amazing things and to learn how to think within his box and outside of his box!

Dallin is still doing Therapy for the Autism 10hrs a week which has helped him come along way, in Feb they (the government) will decided how much he will get for another year, but from 4yrs ago our little boy has changed so much, he know can fully communicate with us, there are days we still use some signing or pictures but less and less mainly now when he is stressed, we are working his anxiety levels as they are still very high, Dallin finds is very tough to go out in the real world as the sounds are a lot, if stop and think when you are in a store about all the different things going on and then to a child with extremely sensitive hearing think of all the extra stuff he hears that we don’t even think of. I know Dallin will change and grow some more this year and I am looking forward to it. He is a true blessing to our family he loves and cares for his siblings so much now, to even think oh his Christmas list he wanted to put the things his siblings wanted so they would be happy, bless his little heart, I hope he always remains so sweet and kind as he gets older.

Dallin is still in love with his Pet shop animals and is starting to want his own animals, he told us he wants a fish because it would be a quiet pet!

Joshua turned 6 this year, for some of the year Joshua has had specialized services as well to help his with some of his challenges, but at the end of July the Calgary office said he was considered mild which means you fall between the cracks in the system, so we are trying to get Joshua the services he needs as his ADHD (well the label the doctors gave him in Calgary….not the one I think he has but another topic) is becoming harder to handle with age, he is a very very smart boy when he puts it in the effort, Joshua is being homeschooled this year as well, but doing a online component and loving it, he loves this computer a little to much some days in my mind for his age, but I am told this is normal now! Joshua is working so hard his speech delay is there a little still but nowhere close to where we were, Good Job Joshua on your hard work. Joshua still loves his cars and can’t wait for Disney’s Cars 2 to come out next year. He loves those fast cars!

Sara turned 4 this year where has time gone, it feels like just yesterday that she was born! A lot has happened in those 4 yrs for everyone in our family.

Sara is a true girl, FULL of drama we have never seen. She has taught us all a ton, she is very patient until it is something she wants and then she wants it right now, she struggled really hard this summer with the boys both have a aid or a friend as we call them and she was so alone, I think it was the first time that all this therapy the boys are doing became super hard on her. She loves her brothers and very much wants to help them all the time, if the don’t get what they are asked to do quick enough she is one of the first people to tell them again or bring it too them. Sara has learned a lot of skills early in her life, she amazes me every day, she dresses her self might not be what I like but hey she did it! And currently we are learning to spell our name as September Sara will be able to go to kindergarten, and I know that will be an AMAZING thing for her she wants to get out and see the world but at that same point a momma girl, I will take it well I can I am sure it will change later in life.

A special message from our family

I would like to thank all our family and friends that have helped us this year to continue to make it amazing for our kids so that they have not noticed many of the struggles, we truly feel loved. We miss those that were close to us in Calgary, and we miss those that are in Ontario and who have still not meet us all, you are all in our thoughts and prayers

I know I have not put a ton of things on this letter, but if you ever want to keep up with our family feel free to check out our family blog, I do try to keep it some what up to date but some months are harder than others depending what is going on. W e love to hear from everyone. We hope everyone a happy and safe 2011 and that you are able to find the peace in your lives that you need.

Season’s greetings!

From the Mousir Family

David, Christine, Dallin, Joshua and Sara

 

….We all fall down, it is the getting back up that really counts. We all live and we all learn to help someone up when it is there turn! In life there in only one guarantee…. Your feet won’t always be on the ground, as we all fall down sometimes!

Our trip to build a bear

To Start the Trip off to Build a Bear

The Bears/Dogs before they got life

Listening to the instructions and getting them there life/stuffing!

 

Giving them there air baths to get rid of the extra hairs

Getting them all dress because you know stuffies need clothes too!

at the computers to name there bears/dogs

                                                            Dallin's bear is Colorful
                                                           Joshua's dog is Buddy             

                                                             Sara's bear is Fairy

The finished bears/dog and family phot at build a bear!

Before we left the mall we took a couple photos around the trees with our new friends!

Aunty Tara trying to take a nap with all the new friends!



Day 15- pictures of your Dream house

Day 15- pictures of your Dream house

I am want a pretty simple house I would like all the bedrooms on one floor

    

Would love a amazing play room for the kids to play in, with a slide going down to the play room...

 

and my most amazing part of the dream would be a sensory play room and not just one I would want 2 one that was more of the gym and large movements and then the quiet room the snoezelen room

My dream kitchen would be the cherry wood.....I want lots of counter space and a island the is just the right hieght so you dont hurt your back bending over backing. and I want 2 stoves!

Otherwise now other major dreams, well maybe a soaker tub in the master bath but that is not even a major thing! Every simple for the most part other than my "play rooms"

Day 14-Some pictures you love

Day 14-Some pictures you love

just some of the photos I love.....I love my family and nature so much!



Day 13-Goals

Day 13-Goals

I have lots of goals in life, probably the first and most important goal, to learn how to sleep more.....I guess I have few more years for that one!

my personal biggest goal is to not stress about the simple and small things, to enjoy life more

( I am a worrier)

my goal is to help my kids become the best that they can become

and later when the kids are a little older I would like to go back to school and become a:

Occupational therapist!

I would also like to lose a large amount of weight and be alot healthier!

but for the most part I am not a good goal maker or keeper so I don't say much

day 12- what you believe

This sadly is probably the hardest out this whole challenge! I have loved doing this challenge as it has made me think of my family and friends and why I do things and why I don't and who and how I am! it is amazing the things you learn about yourself and about others.

Beliefs are one of those things I have always been quiets about and I have always tried hard to respect how people feel and what they believe.

Alright. Here it goes....


I believe in living a good life. This means that I show respect to others, even if I do not agree with them. It means that I do my best to be honest, gracious, and take accountability for the choices that I make. I believe in quietly helping people around me, not for praise or glory but because they need help. I believe there is strength in family and friends and that I should show my love and appreciation for them. I believe that I should make a stand for the things I believe are right no matter what the consequences are. I will speak up for myself and be a voice for those who are unable to do so themselves. I believe that faith is a cornerstone in my life and as long as I hold on to my beliefs there is hope for tomorrow.

Day 11 favorite Tv shows

well that is funny because we have cable and it is hard;y ever turnned on.......so why do we have it......ummm another good question!
when we do remember we watch:
The big bang theroy because it is super funny and we relate to it alot!
and then some of David's favoirtes ( i watch them too but he remembers more than me)are:
2 and a half men
how i met your mother

but really tv is one of those if we remember thing!

Day 10 something you are afraid of

WOW this list could go on forever, I have alot of fears and as I get older and well learning more about things I have more anxiety issues than I think alot of people normally would.

probably the first thing sadly on my list is, I worry what people think to much, I hate being a reason people are upset or unhappy but learning to get over that one, but I am a person that NEEDS to know when I have done something people like ie: making a cake or a treat I love to know that they LOVED it!

I worry about my kids all the time, I want them to be happy and I don't want them picked on at school, part of the reason I am currently homeschooling as I know what it did to me as a kids, another reason that I have been struggling with them going to church and being picked on and I had that and I played the it is not bothering me card, and well years later it is still bugging something that have happened and still tend to happen.....why people don't get talking badly about people to there face and behind there back is NOT A COOL THING!

I am afraid of mice and most bugs but I think most women are.

I am also afraid of not being the wife I need to be to my husband I do love him dearly.....even the days I want to hang him up.....I do worry alot about him too, he has been through alot in the last 2 yrs since his accident at work.....I do hope things do get better for him one day soon!

Day 9 put your ipod on shuffle first 10 songs

Day 9 put your ipod on shuffle first 10 songs

feels like home by edwina hayes -

Everybody by Ingrid Michaelson Everybody

 It Matters to Me by Faith Hill
Behind The Clouds by Brad Paisley Cars OST 

 When You Say Nothing At All by Alison Krauss & Union Station A Tribute Album 

Fall into me by Sugarland

Didn't Even See the Dust by Paul Brandt

All I Want to Do by Sugarland 

Find Yourself by Brad Paisley Cars Soundtrack

Very Last Country Song by Sugarland

They all mean something, some more motivating and others are just fun and get me moving!

Day 8- places you have travelled!

I have not travelled alot I came to Alberta when I was 2 from Ontario, I have been back 2 times well I was still young, I have sadly never left Canada and for the most part have as a Adult only seen BC, Sad I know!hence the reason I would love to do away!

but I have now seen:
Creston, BC
Kimberly, BC
Smithers, BC
Telkwa, BC
Terrace, BC
Huston, BC
Jasper, AB
Banff, AB
Edmonton and Calgary and Red Deer.....

okay and a few other places but these are the "main" cities I have seen!

Day 7-Favorite Movies

To be honest about this I really don't have a favorite movie I love and go back to all the time, a couple that I do like is Martian Child because it talks about a child that is different and someone totally takes him in and loves him! and the other one that I have enjoyed for some of the same reasons close to the heart ( I am a emotional person and so I tend to like things I can relate with) that movie is my sisters keeper, it really taught me to remember that I still have more things to focus on than a diagnosis!

Day 6 — A song that makes you cry {or nearly and why}

                     Day 6 — A song that makes you cry {or nearly and why}


This is a song that holds a near and dear meassage to me.....it came out just after Dallin was dignosis with Autism....many tears were shead, as I needed the faith to know things were going to be okay....things have been okay but there is a long dark road that we still face every day, what tomorrow will be.....but we have more faith today than we did that first day!

Day 5- pictures of things that make you happy

Day 5- pictures of things that make you happy

My kids

My HERO'S

(next to there father)

but after watching and looking back what they have all gone through in the last 4yrs....they have dealt with it all well....better than us some days!

I love the mountains and the beauty from them, they are breath taking at times!

and pictures that just take my mind away to think!

I am a very simple person and I think trully most things that make me happy lead back to my family, spending time with them and enjoy the time....

I love time away with David to just think about life and where we are going, the pluses and the negatives...

we have have come along way in our 8yrs....and we have had some true rough spots!

Day 4---something you look forward too

Day 4---something you look forward too

right now I think the BIGGEST thing on my list would a vacation.....

far away from here!

currently there are 3 places I would like to go......

Toronto

My birth place, and we almost all my extend family is on my mom and dads side....

I would like to go and introduce my family to them vs through pictures, they have NEVER even met David...and I would like to take my kids to wonderland because I remember it being AMAZING!

Mexico

Ana is there and I miss her so much, she was a sweet sweet girl I was able to spend a winter with in Canada and learn a TON about there ways, and learned how to make corn shells like her, and anyone who has had them says they are amazing....just a ton of work, and it is crazy because they make them almost every day, the basics that is what we miss in Canada so much

and Jesus who is still in Canada but in Calgary, I would like to go when he is there, and spend time with the two of them and see the special spots of Mexico that they so love.

I am grateful that David got to work with Jesus and form such a amazing bond, I love all those guys he worked with that were from Mexico the sweetest guys they care so much about there friends, and I was privileged to be one of the "special" friends!

Tennessee

The person how has truly become my best friend......lives here, I would to go spend sometime there my Angie and get to know her and her kids more and Mr. Luke....

We have help each other through MANY tough times....and I am so glad that she has been able to be a good friend and listen to me....

and I would like to feel some WARMTH in my life too....

Day 3-Your siblings and parents

Day 3-Your siblings and parents

(the last time we were all together for a photo was our wedding in 2002)

I honestly wish I could say we were all closer.

I have two bothers both younger,

Jeremy is probably the brother I have always looked up to and been the closet too being that we are only 18months apart we did alot together we went to school and he was always just a year behind my and the teachers always would say why are you not more like your brother? but he got why are you not like your sister?

He was super smart without studying or trying in class and got AWSOME grade

I studied my butt off and either just past or failed....

always been one of those things.....some days I would still like his care free days being single and playing! but I wonder some days if he wouldn't want my life deep down and just says nothing!

Matthew is the baby and now he has his wife and kids too....

I don't have a up to date one as of yet.....I will look, Matthew and I have always just been there, I do remember doing more for him as a kid but now that we are older we do a few things together a year but sadly that is about it.....maybe one days as we get older we will get along better, but they have 2 boys and he married a girl named Christine too......actually she is me....we have the same first and middle and not she has my maiden name that I dropped!

my Mom and Dad....

over the years they have done the best they can.....I know I was not the easiest kid to raise but they tired.

My Dad....is my Hero 

 he is a man that did not get much schooling in his life but has tried to help raise his family the best he can, sure there are many things he could have done different but he TRIED and that is the most important thing!

My Mon is my other Hero

She has been through alot in life too but has tried the best she knew to be a GREAT mom.....we have NOT always seen eye to eye but that is okay makes us who we are....

The hardest day in my life was when my parents separated and then the second hardest days was when I was told is was almost final....I found out 10mins after I had been married that in 10days it would be final....I wish I didn't find out that way but I cant take that back, it has made me work a heck of alot harder at my marriage and not do the things I saw that made there marriage fall apart. They are both amazing people, just on different paths right now.

My Mom has since remarried Charlie and she loves him dearly....

He is not my Dad and it has taken me along time to adjust to him, but I am slowly learning to let him into our world a bit more all the time, he is a good guy but for anyone and I think a adult it is even harder to let someone in to a spot that was always someone Else's!

And then the other side.....not that they are not important too....

I got another set of parents that most days, I love dearly(I cant say every day because then I would be lying) and a Sister in Law...

and a set of Grandparents (so my kids have great grandparents)

this is all of last year at thanksgiving in Kimberly, Bc

if one thing this family has taught me is the BC is BEAUTIFUL.....I LOVE IT!

There is many other things they have taught me, my mom in law has taught me alot about baking and the joys that come from it which I some how missed a a youth....

This in my family.....most days I do love them all.....

I take them for what they are all of them!