tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52292578801265201772024-02-07T06:35:54.348-05:00McKinney ClanFollow our story about our son's recovery from autism, how we saved our other two children from autism, how we live a healthier life, and all the things our children have taught us.McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-87847204719303103852011-07-29T22:33:00.000-04:002011-07-29T22:33:35.855-04:00Our New BlogWith changes going on around the McKinney house, I thought it was time to start a new blog, because I have so much extra time...hehehe. It is in the beginning stages so bear with me while I add pictures, make updates, and changes. <br />
http://mckinney6.blogspot.com/McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-30998586950564673212011-07-04T15:34:00.000-04:002011-07-04T15:34:44.715-04:00THANK YOUI often blog about all things controversial and how my beliefs and opinions seem to be so different from the majority. Reading through past blog posts, I also noticed that I have mentioned a few times about lack of support from family and friends. I want to dedicate this post to the amazing support from some of my family and friends! My husband hasn't always agreed with me but he has always supported me when I want to try things to help our children. He has attempted to eat foods that don't look edible, helped with supplements, and, financial, always put the kids needs first, even if that meant making other sacrifices. Thank you babe, you have no idea how much your support means! My mom has stood by my side from the beginning doing everything she can to support me. She always makes sure she has food in the house that the kids can eat when we visit and will even drive an hour to a grocery store that has certain foods. She has tried to educate herself as much as possible to understand me and my beliefs. She has never judged me, questioned me, or complained about the choices I make for my kids. She will choke down a gluten, casein, soy, corn free brownie at my kids birthday parties with a smile on her face. Thank you Mom! My grandma, Ella Mae, has always supported me too. She shares my blog with her friends and always lets me know that I'm doing the right things for my kids. She even attempted a gluten free recipe for her infamous dumplings. Thank you Grandma! Then I have about a handful of really close girlfriends who are very loyal to me. I'm not going to name them but they know who they are. They are the ones who may or may not agree with me but support me. They listen, question, encourage, and support me. My life wouldn't be quit complete without them. Thank you ladies! I really don't know what I do with all these wonderful people in my life. I am so thankful and blessed! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-33808396531247289612011-06-26T23:49:00.000-04:002011-06-26T23:49:05.151-04:00Clean Eating on VacationI can't believe two weeks has gone by since my last post! We have been so busy around here. We've enjoyed swimming with the Dunigan's every week, playing outside, going to the library, dance class for Ella, the zoo, and all the crazy activities at home. We also spent a lot of time planning for our family vacation to Panama City. <br />
It is still important to us to avoid certain foods when we travel so we have to plan, plan, plan. It was even more crucial this year because my gym, PR Fitness (http://prfitnessblog.blogspot.com/) , started their Whole 30 Challenge (http://whole9life.com/2010/05/whole-30-v2/), the Monday of our vacation! Basically, I can eat meat, veggies, fruit, some nuts, and seeds but that is about it...for 30 days. I did not realize how out of balance my body was until the sugar withdrawal symptoms started! (More on that)<br />
We always stay somewhere with a full kitchen and we found a great resort this year with a spacious condo. Before we left we bought and made all our food for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. We decided to eat out for dinner each night. The kids were GREAT! They had an awesome time! On the other hand, this pregnant momma, was a hot mess. I'm kind of glad I went through all the crazy symptoms while on vacation because I was on the beach or at the pool in front of a bunch of people. I had to keep it together. My head pounded like it has never pounded before for 3 days straight! I felt very fatigued and was so irritable (just ask my husband, he'll tell you). :-) Going out to eat for dinner was pure torture and a true test of my willpower and strength to say "no" to some very tempting foods. Finally on the 4th day, I had a mild headache and was starting to get some energy back. Now on day 7, I feel like myself again. It just goes to show what sugar and the wrong carbs can do to our bodies...crazy! We did let the kids splurge on too much sugar and gluten but we kept them away from corn and peanuts. <br />
I've already gotten some remarks and comments about doing the Whole 30 Challenge. People think that because I'm pregnant I shouldn't be so restrictive. I think that because I'm pregnant I should be restrictive. I remember with Haiden eating whatever the heck I wanted and my pregnancy was often an excuse. "I'm pregnant so I'll eat the entire sleeve of Oreos!" I ate the most processed, disgusting food with him and have a ton of regret. With Ella, I wasn't much better. I still consumed my sodas, loved my ice cream, and ate about a cup of peanut butter everyday! Finally, after going through hell with Haiden and Ella's health I realized how important it was for me to take better care of myself when I am pregnant. With Mason, I did much better. I stuck to water and orange juice, lots of fruits and veggies, but still enjoyed a cookie every once and awhile...okay maybe everyday. It is obvious that I have a hard time making healthy babies since they can't handle and dispose of all the chemical in vaccines and our environment. It is my priority to make sure this baby is just as healthy as Mason was when he was born, if not more so. I am doing everything I know to do to make sure of that. I will continue to eat mainly organic meats, fruits, and veggies. I will continue to only drink water. I will continue to work out. I will continue to take clean vitamins. I will continue to reduce my exposure to chemicals. I will continue to make myself the strongest I can be to have a drug free child birth. So if that means doing the Whole 30 Challenge and eating Paleo, then I will!<br />
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Okay, I'll step down from my soapbox now and share a few picture from our summer so far. :-)<br />
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Haiden and Ella have become quite the puzzle masters. (Granny, Haiden loves this puzzle you got him!) <br />
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Painting outside! Why not, that why we get to pain on the concrete too! <br />
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Mason loves playing with his rice and beans. He fills up bowls and measuring cups, mixes it all together, hides letters, and makes me "taco soup"! <br />
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Haiden also has "home school" time everyday when Ella and Mason take a nap. He reads from a chapter book for 30 minutes, completes a speech activity each day that his awesome speech teacher from White Lick sent home, and complete two activities each day that his awesome general education teacher from White Lick sent home for the summer. He also loves to do the Brain Quest questions which I think is great! His motivator? When he is finished he get to play with this best friend, our neighbor, Tate!<br />
For Ella, I do these awesome Preschool Packs that I got from this website, <br />
http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/PreschoolPacks.html. She loves it!<br />
For Mason and all the kids, I love this blog, http://playathomemom3.blogspot.com/. She has really helped me tune in to my crafty side with the kids and they love all the new things I show them. <br />
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Can you hear them yelling, "Florida!" <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm20mOIpSmZbafA36N-Y2oFdKJ2Za4bUIo369EBY1qdlGhEIByQSiKW5JNR-3JO8vwcUAMh2yNCqieRTxXq-R-j-Fqvr_JbWnf8dLhlP1AocimAPYLXUI80bujfWmzJ1Aw2AYveTxQ3z3e/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm20mOIpSmZbafA36N-Y2oFdKJ2Za4bUIo369EBY1qdlGhEIByQSiKW5JNR-3JO8vwcUAMh2yNCqieRTxXq-R-j-Fqvr_JbWnf8dLhlP1AocimAPYLXUI80bujfWmzJ1Aw2AYveTxQ3z3e/s320/011.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> Haiden loved the ocean until day 3. I saw some fish, freaked out, and scared him to death.<br />
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On our way home from Florida I finished the book, The Vaccine Epidemic. It is a must read for any parent who wants to know their rights and understand the dangers of vaccines. I have more of that to share in future blog posts! Until then, I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-88274612635568301532011-06-12T15:26:00.000-04:002011-06-12T15:26:28.349-04:00Happy 2nd Birthday MasonMason,<br />
My how you've grown this past year! You went from a babbling, wobbly walker to a talking runner. You make me laugh all day and you test my consistency all day too. You love your big sister and brother so much and try so hard to keep up with them and follow their lead. About 5 months ago you started to show interest in using the potty but you could walk around with a poopy diaper and not ever care. Your favorite place to be is outside. Daddy built a huge sandbox this spring and you could sit in there forever just digging and playing with the sand toys. You also love to pick up bugs, squish them, laugh, and throw them down. You could also let me push you on the swing for hours. You love to eat! You eat more than most grown ups I know but you won't put anything green in your mouth. Within the last 3 months your speech has exploded and it is so fun to finally hear what goes on in your little mind. My favorite expression of yours is "Oh man!" when something doesn't go your way. At home you are so expressive, loud, and outgoing but when you get around strangers you become shy, quiet, and keep close to mommy. It's okay though, mommy likes that. You also love books, coloring with markers, trains, cars, blocks, painting, and swimming. Every night I rock you before bed and we sing "Rock A Bye Mason" and "You Are My Sunshine". You continue to be so healthy and strong and remind me everyday that the choices I have made are the best! You aren't going to be the baby of the family much longer since you have a new brother or sister on the way but you will always be my baby boy. Mommy, Daddy, Ella, and Haiden love you so much Mase-man!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_xXllDzFtgaN1W6bppxhjcp1DfU7grWvR_jZ8G6aI9RfPis13qakY42F9dvM5Y6pwMVkKnrupSUccXM91jfhLx9UIQDc7A9K4SLuvEHkjKWF4B0O1JmLDnT5tt_ixAIShkQdk7sC7LRt/s1600/176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_xXllDzFtgaN1W6bppxhjcp1DfU7grWvR_jZ8G6aI9RfPis13qakY42F9dvM5Y6pwMVkKnrupSUccXM91jfhLx9UIQDc7A9K4SLuvEHkjKWF4B0O1JmLDnT5tt_ixAIShkQdk7sC7LRt/s400/176.jpg" t8="true" width="266px" /></a></div>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-37996814570030306642011-06-07T14:35:00.000-04:002011-06-07T14:35:29.367-04:00Unavoidably UnsafeI've been back from the Autism One conference in Chicago for about a week and I'm still on a high! Before I left I was down and out about autism, vaccine injury, diet, and anyone understanding me anymore. I was sick of having to explain myself over and over and over again to family and friends who just think I'm crazy and cast negative judgement towards me as a mother. Now that I'm back I'm more confident than ever in my parenting and the choices I've made for my children! There were thousands of other parents who experienced the same issues I have, watched the same things happen as I have, and were helping their children get better. Ever since Haiden's diagnoses and our road to recovery I've felt that I'm suppose to do something with this experience. Maybe it was to just tell our story so that maybe I can save one other child but I have a drive to do more. <br />
Even though I was crazy busy photographing the conference I did get to sit in and listen to speakers I wanted to hear. I learned so much from Law Day with Mary Holland that I had to share!<br />
1. Did you know that the U.S. law states that vaccines are "unavoidably unsafe"? Hmmm, bet your not going to hear any doctor tell you that?!<br />
2. There is a Vaccine Injury Court that has no due process, no jury, and no cross examination. Sounds fair to me! (Insert sarcasm)<br />
3. There is a 1986 Vaccine Injury Compensation Program that has compensated over 2,500 families since 1990. In order to be compensated you have to go through Vaccine Injury Court which is almost impossible. You also have to have hard core evidence. How many of you are taking before and after pictures/videos of your children when they get shots?<br />
4. There are over 11,000 cases awaiting Vaccine Injury Court.<br />
Now, I'm not a doctor, I'm not a lawyer, and I know little about politics but to me this is worrisome. If vaccines were so safe, and it is okay to give our children over 30 doses of vaccines by 3 years of age, then why does the U.S. law state that vaccines are "unavoidably unsafe"? Why is there a Vaccine Injury Court? Why is there a Vaccine Injury Compensation Program? Why are there so many cases awaiting to be heard in Vaccine Injury Court? <br />
When vaccines where first considered effective living conditions were much different. There wasn't proper trash removal, there wasn't proper transportation of food, there weren't waste treatment plants like today, and sanitation standards were different. History has shown that diseases come and go even without vaccines.<br />
There aren't any studies that shows the health of unvaccinated vs. vaccinated children. There aren't any studies that show what can happen to our children when they have 30 doses of vaccines. All our government keeps doing is adding more and more vaccines to the vaccine schedule. All I keep hearing about is how Autism, ADHD, ADD, and allergies have increased by 400%!<br />
Now, there are some of you out there who will say, "Well there have been studies that show there is no link between autism and vaccines." Let me tell you what is wrong with those studies. For one, they were funded by the vaccine makers themselves so there is a HUGE conflict of interest. For two, they only tested one vaccine (MMR) and one vaccine ingredient (thimerisol). You have no idea what all those chemicals can do to your child. You want to see what they are injecting your child with? Take a look here, straight from the CDC, http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf.<br />
Also, the government is currently paying millions of your tax dollars to 83 known, and I emphasis known, families who have children with vaccine injury and autism. http://video.foxnews.com/v/4687300/. <br />
Like I said, I know little about politics but I feel like the only way changes are going to be made is if we go to the people who can change the law. The Canary Party was launched two weeks ago and I am getting involved. I feel that I can help make a difference and save other children. If you are interested or would like more information, I encourage you to visit, www.canaryparty.org.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xp5J2uVkUltHk44FcnmuVf9DL5mXAWxjcCLhHL2SgNyBBkXD0RnmrLAJpCR_FMkIETJnfijBcL0_D6Xk48PGWsDlf0OYyRfqzmfrJFxHdfRQWJi_UbR42RCzdiZMMWFUhFJP2zAIKpKj/s1600/200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xp5J2uVkUltHk44FcnmuVf9DL5mXAWxjcCLhHL2SgNyBBkXD0RnmrLAJpCR_FMkIETJnfijBcL0_D6Xk48PGWsDlf0OYyRfqzmfrJFxHdfRQWJi_UbR42RCzdiZMMWFUhFJP2zAIKpKj/s320/200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Dr. Wakefield and I. I respect this man even more now that I had the chance to meet and talk with him!McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-17708208603848728492011-05-21T14:08:00.001-04:002011-05-21T14:08:38.851-04:00AutismOneI have received all my information and duties for the AutismOne conference in Chicago this week! Everything is planned out, well almost everything, and I have a ton of emotions going a hundred miles per hour! I am super excited to attend an event with thousands of other professionals, parents, grandparents, doctors, teachers, and advocates who "get it"! I'm thrilled that I get to photograph this event and all the amazing speakers, vendors, and activities. I can't wait to learn new information about the latest research, therapies, treatments, laws, supplements, and foods! I want to jump up and down when I think about all the advocates, doctors, and authors who are leading this great movement of "Recovery Is Possible" and how I get to meet and photograph them! For me this is like attending the Grammies and meeting all the artist, or attending the Academy Awards and meeting all the actors and actresses, or a huge sporting event and meeting all the athletes. It may sound silly to you but to me these are my heroes and the people I look up to the most. Why? Because they fight for what they believe in! They know that autism is not a brain disorder that can't be healed, they know that there are reasons why there has been a 400% increase in autism and they are fighting to be heard! These are the kind of people I love. They never give up, they fight for these kids, and they don't let anything or anyone stand in their way. <br />
I have never been away from my children for 5 nights and 5 days so this makes my heart sink but I know that I have an awesome opportunity in front of me. My mom is coming up to help take care of the kids and I know they will love every minute of it. I've told them several times that Mommy is going away for awhile but as soon as I mention "Grandma" they light up! I'm very thankful for my husband's support because we parent so well together and I hate anytime he has to be gone overnight.<br />
I can't wait to share my experience when I get back!<br />
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<a href="http://www.autismone.org/content/autismonegeneration-rescue-2011-conference">http://www.autismone.org/content/autismonegeneration-rescue-2011-conference</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5jqs7tZDqlEACYINE93v5ylbF1N38mGBISXW2G6Oj3GF2EIJIRdiGXTBmJfiXF76bXCHcp4ZDOixq4TVCED7kNXtdKxMTdcTvTXcLhfQrwnF7YvyAJpysqyanYyoSNRvrXSseTgOrzV5/s1600/AO_Conference_Header_2411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5jqs7tZDqlEACYINE93v5ylbF1N38mGBISXW2G6Oj3GF2EIJIRdiGXTBmJfiXF76bXCHcp4ZDOixq4TVCED7kNXtdKxMTdcTvTXcLhfQrwnF7YvyAJpysqyanYyoSNRvrXSseTgOrzV5/s400/AO_Conference_Header_2411.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-46720977980791801042011-05-10T15:07:00.001-04:002011-05-10T20:51:09.345-04:00A bunch of ramblings and my kidsI often think about things I can blog about. I have a lot on my mind and a lot that I want to share but get caught up in the business of life. Here are a few things I've been meaning to blog about but haven't:<br />
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1. Ella and Mason's IGG food allergy test that came back positive for peanut and corn but negative for egg and dairy.<br />
2. Paul Thorson, who conducted the study showing there is no link between autism and vaccines, was indicted on fraud. Didn't hear about that one on your prime time news did you? http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2011/04/13/dane-indicted-for-defrauding-cdc.html<br />
3. Labels. Everyone seems to get upset about labeling children and how they don't want to put a label on their child. No one seems to get upset about labeling their child High Ability, Gifted and Talented, Athletic, Top of the Class, Musically Inclined. A label doesn't define who your child is, it opens the door to a ton of resources.<br />
4. How the government is paying out millions of dollars to children with autism that have been vaccine injured and the truth is about to explode. Don't believe me? Take a look, <a href="http://video.foxnews.com/v/4685191/probe-to-reveal-link-between-vaccine-settlements-and-autism">http://video.foxnews.com/v/4685191/probe-to-reveal-link-between-vaccine-settlements-and-autism</a>.<br />
5. Our average weekly grocery bill of $300! Trying to find a balance with eating healthy, organic food but not spending our mortgage each month in groceries!<br />
<br />
<br />
Instead of going on about everything that is negative, I'll continue this post with all things positive...my 3 kids!<br />
<br />
Haiden is doing AWESOME and we couldn't be more proud of him! I can't believe he is finishing up his 1st grade year. We had open house at his school last week and it was so fun to see the progress he has made over the year. He has been playing soccer for about 4 weeks now and loves his team. The kids all seem to get along great and they really play well together. We are trying to give him more responsibilities because for so long he hasn't had any real chores. ( I know, completely my fault.) He isn't a big fan but does it anyway, we only get a couple eye rolls and sighs. :) He is still completely obsessed with basketball and wants to play it and/or watch it 24/7!<br />
<br />
Ella is still Princess Ella but there has been a lot less crying and fewer breakdowns. As I mentioned above, we found out, through an IGG blood test, she has a food sensitivity to peanuts and corn. Never in a million years would I have thought this! I always thought it was dairy and eggs. I've also adjusted my parenting style with her and it has made a world of difference. :) You know the saying, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree"? Well it is so true, Ella and I are so much alike that we were butting heads constantly. I'm really working hard to be more patient, understanding, soft spoken, and sympathetic with her and it seems to be making a huge difference. She loves all things babies, dress up, and girly right now but she can run with the big boys, loves soccer, and doesn't mind getting dirty.<br />
<br />
Mason is slowly moving from a sweet baby to a defiant toddler. I knew this time was coming but I'm really not ready for it. He tests the word "consistent" to no end! Mason has also been in speech the past 6 weeks which I was a little hesitant to share. Partially, because to me, I had done everything right this time so why was he so hard to understand? Why was he getting so frustrated when he talked? Why did he seem to have low muscle tone in his mouth? I know how important early intervention is so I contacted our wonderful First Steps coordinator, Becky, who is also our neighbor and someone I really look up to. So maybe I fibbed a little bit on his evaluation but he qualified and we got a fabulous speech therapist who was also Ella's speech therapist. (On a side note, did you know that the APA has lowered their standards and that by the age of two years, children should be saying 10 words?! When Ella was 2 years old the standard was 20 words. So according to our pediatrician Mason didn't need speech because he already had 10 words at 18 months...crazy!) Within two sessions, Mason's vocabulary seemed to double and we were able to understand him more. Now he is saying 2-3 words phrases, communicates all his wants and needs, and even throws in a few extra hilarious "Mason sayings". For example, he tells me daily who all in our house has a wee-wee, he tells me when he needs "privacy", he has called me a poop head, and when I push him on the swing he tells me he wants to go high like a super hero. :)<br />
<br />
For Mother's Day we spent the morning at Eagle Creek Park. Brian took a few pictures of me and the kidos.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJk6_1RegRVBOqM5F5BeiSZkGpAzsFhLPtTmt_8qj_ZYXHse5pkZjv4BlnWXCi6L5j4b-tC5oJoQHShzFS6drGeQc_hNOiuowHaLhXhikoj2ZVW1Y2cYplszx2-ZNT9GaTEBM0mOCiJ0I/s1600/011+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJk6_1RegRVBOqM5F5BeiSZkGpAzsFhLPtTmt_8qj_ZYXHse5pkZjv4BlnWXCi6L5j4b-tC5oJoQHShzFS6drGeQc_hNOiuowHaLhXhikoj2ZVW1Y2cYplszx2-ZNT9GaTEBM0mOCiJ0I/s400/011+copy.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh85KXZeHaIsnfTwWOnnDRGp0yMFRKDkhMQ3HrbSRKAoayXLhcnUXsDgb_9lx935BgTQ4D9uIuFuNZ1SuFynLQMAyRpiaRo3nr6oqfeosmq-2Oq3whn5ixwahRcEoCQ_JerEZVdjoRZ7o/s1600/013+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh85KXZeHaIsnfTwWOnnDRGp0yMFRKDkhMQ3HrbSRKAoayXLhcnUXsDgb_9lx935BgTQ4D9uIuFuNZ1SuFynLQMAyRpiaRo3nr6oqfeosmq-2Oq3whn5ixwahRcEoCQ_JerEZVdjoRZ7o/s400/013+copy.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div> Baby #4 at 15 weeks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrooUIgZ5kfbB6ZFToz9tKNLLq1T1x8L1vsVXNJAU3977pahF63950EqHo9k-p_5yhZdcP6bQ6FShinJqTk56XY9dKmgjJDJoiy6_orPgi6ffMoNyRwkYcsgOZsmhlmmfpbNLzltevEWh1/s1600/019+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrooUIgZ5kfbB6ZFToz9tKNLLq1T1x8L1vsVXNJAU3977pahF63950EqHo9k-p_5yhZdcP6bQ6FShinJqTk56XY9dKmgjJDJoiy6_orPgi6ffMoNyRwkYcsgOZsmhlmmfpbNLzltevEWh1/s400/019+copy.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-27143634688359592372011-04-22T13:33:00.000-04:002011-04-22T13:33:00.801-04:00What's in your prenatal vitaminWe are thrilled to be expecting our 4th child! Of course I have my worries and I am doing everything possible to make this the most healthy pregnancy I can. Currently I participate in CrossFit at PR Fitness (<a href="http://www.prfitness.net/">http://www.prfitness.net/</a>) two days a week, yoga one day a week, and I try to swim once a week. I feel like we eat really healthy around here but I'm trying to stay away from sugar which is really hard for me. Sugar is my drug. :) <br />
All expectant moms know that it is important to take our prenatal vitamins. So as soon as I found out we were pregnant I called my doctor to call in my prenatal vitamins. Now that I've become an obsessive label reader the first thing I did when I picked up my vitamins was read the labels. I was disgusted!!! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrwSa-WDPdPsPoDbjHdKIyp_oBvSipQleZUPO5SLrVNGftIBiQ06l1uAPWALgp5NtXJCQToQZoVYatmeNCN5wah_E9DckHFFfNcl7H4Bjbr8CCtN9SVUdFoxSKKulRlQgWsvxSpdX1Byi/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrwSa-WDPdPsPoDbjHdKIyp_oBvSipQleZUPO5SLrVNGftIBiQ06l1uAPWALgp5NtXJCQToQZoVYatmeNCN5wah_E9DckHFFfNcl7H4Bjbr8CCtN9SVUdFoxSKKulRlQgWsvxSpdX1Byi/s320/001.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Here is the list of ingredients in the tablets: acaia gum, blue 2, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, red 40, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, triacetin, yellow 6<br />
What better way to help a developing baby grow than load it up on preservatives, fillers, binders, and food dye! I don't allow this stuff in the food we eat so I wouldn't dare put it into my body through a "vitamin". The softgel DHA vitamin only says at least 275 mg of DHA and EPA and other omega 3-fatty acids, gelatin, glycerin. For one, I have no idea where these omegas came from and two, I have no idea the potency.<br />
When I called my OB's office to ask for vitamins without all this junk, they had no idea!<br />
So I called up our dietitian, Staci Small, from The Wellness Philosophy for some advice. (<a href="http://www.thewellnessphilosophy.com/">http://www.thewellnessphilosophy.com/</a>) Lucky for me she is pregnant as well and was able to give me some great prenatal vitamins that are vegetable based.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv_51bdS9Zi59PtaaRHiVM59iHtlFxrhlWPnk8ypeJVL6n2bA9IE1gccAsmyviDqsgwu0ilOvsFdtCJ5vSovCUzgrdFPIUbuKqpTEJ3wVtTdN2pxo2SPrzKZW67oaAaelL7WsDgXhUg8S/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv_51bdS9Zi59PtaaRHiVM59iHtlFxrhlWPnk8ypeJVL6n2bA9IE1gccAsmyviDqsgwu0ilOvsFdtCJ5vSovCUzgrdFPIUbuKqpTEJ3wVtTdN2pxo2SPrzKZW67oaAaelL7WsDgXhUg8S/s320/002.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>These things are loaded with nutrients but don't contain any fillers, binders, preservatives, or dye. On the far left are the Pure Encapsulation PreNatal Nutrients, next is vitamin D3, then Kirkman Labs Pro-Bio Gold probiotic, and on the far right fish oil loaded with 600 mg of DHA and EPA from a well respected company.<br />
It feels so much better knowing my baby is getting the best!<br />
So pregnant mommies, what is in your prenatal vitamins? McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-32202312402511001432011-04-07T13:49:00.000-04:002011-04-07T13:49:29.286-04:00Autism ActionApril is Autism Awareness Month and I think it is awesome that an entire month has been dedicated to autism but we are fully aware by now! We are aware that autism is growing at an alarming rate. We are aware that 1 in 110 children and 1 in 74 boys will be diagnosed with autism. We are aware at the emotional and financial devastation this causes children and families. It is time for some Autism Action! There is a growing group of parents that "get it" and are taking action to recover, cure, prevent autism in their child/children but unfortunately there are so many others who still trust the "professionals". I finally "got it" and will continue to spread the word no matter what. I've lost friends, I have family who thinks I'm crazy, but I have a healthy son who no longer demonstrates "autistic characteristics"! We love you Haiden!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFviYyiQeyHzoJy3Msn5g5Wby7o42SM3YGeZG_LDm98B9dTU2J3T0pEqJJeGBC4FvRCAEFglHHUfY0h_HLvFxDmvFJrn77MuoktmiZe0Vv8HvgMZbBnjX6dP5K1rjIz84IIhb5GDhZkIKC/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFviYyiQeyHzoJy3Msn5g5Wby7o42SM3YGeZG_LDm98B9dTU2J3T0pEqJJeGBC4FvRCAEFglHHUfY0h_HLvFxDmvFJrn77MuoktmiZe0Vv8HvgMZbBnjX6dP5K1rjIz84IIhb5GDhZkIKC/s320/051.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-1095044651444869922011-03-20T14:55:00.001-04:002011-03-20T15:04:21.398-04:00Gardening TimeWe try every week to stay within a budget when we go grocery shopping but rarely do. Eating all organic can get expensive but to us it is totally worth it. One way to save money on our organic fruits and vegetables is to grow them ourselves. Last year we expanded our garden to 9ft x 13ft and we were able to get an adequate amount of produce. Over the weekend my wonderful hubby expanded our garden to 9ft x 33ft! We plan on growing all organic corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, potatoes, broccoli, cucumbers, asparagus, kale, spinach, and strawberries. We also have a pear tree and a cherry tree. Today we did a little gardening project with Ella and should have pumpkins in the fall! <br />
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You can see the old garden gated and how far out Brian extended our new garden.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNz4HQAuoNugP8jt2_3bxOxeSk7nJ-bXbTiR2r1ZWz4cDYw71k0OlSApydgbC2lvjeq_OlrbdJ7Aiyjfr6KOUCPvTwVgkj82YTK15ens_J2_McK8usDCODdx5Bdu6jm7wvHBK__mafJWTT/s1600/171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNz4HQAuoNugP8jt2_3bxOxeSk7nJ-bXbTiR2r1ZWz4cDYw71k0OlSApydgbC2lvjeq_OlrbdJ7Aiyjfr6KOUCPvTwVgkj82YTK15ens_J2_McK8usDCODdx5Bdu6jm7wvHBK__mafJWTT/s400/171.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We found this awesome pumpkin gardening kit at Lowe's.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeX8HBtWTOH5_cg44uBFKUnthWfyZrVSAfM2rebF5LNQ8PoRvIasHEVyc2TVdgjZ-A55LSj9PXWSiTN8gVylnfflJbUAMGwGYqkhSr4a3IPqncBW7ElIYXV7-2x97Vva1aZLaXMqykJnpc/s1600/187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeX8HBtWTOH5_cg44uBFKUnthWfyZrVSAfM2rebF5LNQ8PoRvIasHEVyc2TVdgjZ-A55LSj9PXWSiTN8gVylnfflJbUAMGwGYqkhSr4a3IPqncBW7ElIYXV7-2x97Vva1aZLaXMqykJnpc/s400/187.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> She is ready to plant her pumpkin seeds!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhBiMkPenHujxcqakoIVjl4M-_7lU-jOOhe9jxcj0RQmYTKT81ltyn3goK3q41YZEfrpnIaL8AekrdlqpIty9TFvlquJqgGC9JUYBen5LjPVHXGIJABSS3gaYMmJwUA_rt0o1BN129IpU/s1600/189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhBiMkPenHujxcqakoIVjl4M-_7lU-jOOhe9jxcj0RQmYTKT81ltyn3goK3q41YZEfrpnIaL8AekrdlqpIty9TFvlquJqgGC9JUYBen5LjPVHXGIJABSS3gaYMmJwUA_rt0o1BN129IpU/s400/189.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> Of course Mason wanted to help. Haiden is away for the weekend but he isn't much of a gardener.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVQs_YZKX-99WqB2YTKWxA25V5Gjk9dX3dYZOhfBCKC2VkAEj-_SGwOrQJ2hHURi2qh0WYyPaOdCoMyEJ3sIETSmY2m2x33K-B5Fcp7SeYcwhG1unTZ1cVtj9ly1yJOVvhyphenhyphenaiZpTRE0zX/s1600/190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVQs_YZKX-99WqB2YTKWxA25V5Gjk9dX3dYZOhfBCKC2VkAEj-_SGwOrQJ2hHURi2qh0WYyPaOdCoMyEJ3sIETSmY2m2x33K-B5Fcp7SeYcwhG1unTZ1cVtj9ly1yJOVvhyphenhyphenaiZpTRE0zX/s400/190.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> Adding organic soil.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmOWvJ5sJ3nlLd2EHuM2YRtj4pMF2uwqXJwU7k5RwYUjGSTAlmr2BbrJ3xjtlxVK-JWWT8E-Ek7KWVuNZGFMUpBZY98eYT8r5_LEAv_8x4t_yTBtEdQGhvzLDBpCIWGWer2-lyiGHSG7O/s1600/191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmOWvJ5sJ3nlLd2EHuM2YRtj4pMF2uwqXJwU7k5RwYUjGSTAlmr2BbrJ3xjtlxVK-JWWT8E-Ek7KWVuNZGFMUpBZY98eYT8r5_LEAv_8x4t_yTBtEdQGhvzLDBpCIWGWer2-lyiGHSG7O/s400/191.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> Helping Daddy put the pumpkin seeds in the soil.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfivFfLnpj_1Ztp0dXk3d01ry4yeQaJ3abfUs8nazBL8ADbNljrhEyaoMZtXxWS99u2i97o4X_tt3LtTRBoGucKS0w9RUjQ5ofCzmZHHY0ATM5hOXiLQf9R8Fzg-SHbYToV06g5Avkk3yZ/s1600/208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfivFfLnpj_1Ztp0dXk3d01ry4yeQaJ3abfUs8nazBL8ADbNljrhEyaoMZtXxWS99u2i97o4X_tt3LtTRBoGucKS0w9RUjQ5ofCzmZHHY0ATM5hOXiLQf9R8Fzg-SHbYToV06g5Avkk3yZ/s400/208.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Watering the seeds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYdx531miPv2vuqakHupw_fJIzg73ikVIvLRjZWH66KrT6zmWfGT_2G47HVOIMt9GAquJ9GsNdF8tHlHVSlnPcQBy_IVJSJjqhgBnboWleEklCwLk9YhmXpFuJk10T-ajGUEUpMKGp09A/s1600/211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYdx531miPv2vuqakHupw_fJIzg73ikVIvLRjZWH66KrT6zmWfGT_2G47HVOIMt9GAquJ9GsNdF8tHlHVSlnPcQBy_IVJSJjqhgBnboWleEklCwLk9YhmXpFuJk10T-ajGUEUpMKGp09A/s400/211.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Our pumpkin plants will live here until May when we can transplant them outdoors.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9xNWcV1qWvUFi3garaYnhX3oURCnGFCTlAc237izWvgBbm7DDQi7OTEgOXmxu8nGk-BWchQBz8T-JUguuPeNQsysVZN-9tqByeftpBpy5ApzODfDKdfP2dx8qmgeZSgKQF-MiQwXe8yF/s1600/216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9xNWcV1qWvUFi3garaYnhX3oURCnGFCTlAc237izWvgBbm7DDQi7OTEgOXmxu8nGk-BWchQBz8T-JUguuPeNQsysVZN-9tqByeftpBpy5ApzODfDKdfP2dx8qmgeZSgKQF-MiQwXe8yF/s400/216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Can't wait to show you our garden once we have all of produce planted and growing!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-62253460984027615422011-03-09T14:35:00.000-05:002011-03-09T14:35:46.761-05:00The EmailHere is an email I received from Haiden's special education teacher.<br />
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Hi Abby,<br />
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Haiden did such a nice job at the play today. I love when he is proud of himself... that confidence continues to grow! It was so cute to see your little group of kids sitting around you for the play! They were so good! The reason for this email is to share that the whole special ed team at WL feels that if you were interested or ready for Haiden to head back to his home school, we are all in agreement that he is ready. We are basing this on the level of sp ed support he needs to be successful. He has done so well in every facet, everyone has readily agreed that he could return to Eagle if that is what you would like for him. This is not a decision you need to make right away but if Haiden attending Eagle in 2nd grade is a goal, I need to start some transitioning discussions. Let me know your thoughts.<br />
<br />
Maria <br />
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I could barely finish reading the email because my eyes were filled with tears. This was something we really wanted for Haiden and we are thrilled that it is happening so fast!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIUGPtR5hxf7EIIt5pxUYEsCAEPP0nUlDA3pUNA2OQD3_oXm0_opgpgOijIUzWrOvVhW5hMY1Vds_K1cX0jKrYgA7fIkvqcDqZzt4XoK8nz5YIhN0e9ZWFxxguANYeJc2Nn8U9Dr44jZE/s1600/171+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIUGPtR5hxf7EIIt5pxUYEsCAEPP0nUlDA3pUNA2OQD3_oXm0_opgpgOijIUzWrOvVhW5hMY1Vds_K1cX0jKrYgA7fIkvqcDqZzt4XoK8nz5YIhN0e9ZWFxxguANYeJc2Nn8U9Dr44jZE/s400/171+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rkTZCgSs-aOf3jQ7TGA0lry-KkZpwWT2KMig1y8ZwdG1c0BdPPobStB5xiMBHrKTquKKNG8ZajggO9-83GWuZ6zI9yYdRTEL8QlGDurv3aYqqqW6tXpwPDYEUK0kOUK1NBxB_BK-x0VF/s1600/202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rkTZCgSs-aOf3jQ7TGA0lry-KkZpwWT2KMig1y8ZwdG1c0BdPPobStB5xiMBHrKTquKKNG8ZajggO9-83GWuZ6zI9yYdRTEL8QlGDurv3aYqqqW6tXpwPDYEUK0kOUK1NBxB_BK-x0VF/s400/202.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEn6Xaie2ytPlHfau049y0elcHKFYo9RArdb02c0NCrNppSMQNOBK0Nc5RNJF6rAUCKLb5aw2dkSA1aRClDus2SbapM_kz_fnTEOGjh27Bw-rFSBS6xEp4Fk3g9QmA3wfk4VtUmsG2peZA/s1600/228+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEn6Xaie2ytPlHfau049y0elcHKFYo9RArdb02c0NCrNppSMQNOBK0Nc5RNJF6rAUCKLb5aw2dkSA1aRClDus2SbapM_kz_fnTEOGjh27Bw-rFSBS6xEp4Fk3g9QmA3wfk4VtUmsG2peZA/s400/228+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-83979787148760896922011-02-24T22:27:00.000-05:002011-02-24T22:27:32.478-05:00Happy 7th Birthday HaidenDear Haiden,<br />
Wow! I cannot believe that you are 7 years old already! I was always told by my parents that time flies by but I never really understood what that meant until I had my own children. You are an AMAZING boy Haiden! <br />
Right now you love anything sports and have an insane talent for sport statistics. This past fall you loved watching Notre Dame football on Saturdays and Colts football on Sundays with Daddy. You remember the score to just about every NFL football game and know most of the starters and their numbers. You also know their win/lose record without thinking twice about it. Now, your new passion is basketball and you love anything basketball. For Christmas we bought a "real" basketball hoop that hangs on a door downstairs. You spend hours shooting hoops and have gotten very good at it. You really like watching IU basketball on TV. <br />
In school you are a superb student! You always have good behavior and seem to have many friends. In fact, several of your classmates with be at your birthday party this weekend. You are reading chapter books already and working your way through division. You also have a photographic memory. There will be times that we are reading together and you will look at a paragraph, look away, and "read" that paragraph to me. The first time you did it I was beyond shocked and asked you to do it again. <br />
At home you are very patient with Ella and Mason and I know it is not always easy being the oldest. I appreciate all of your help and how good you are with your little brother and sister. <br />
Seven years ago I never knew how much you would change my life. You have made me such a better person and everyday I try to be the best mommy I can be!<br />
I love you to infinity!<br />
XOXO,<br />
Mom<br />
<br />
<br />
He is such a goofball! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoG1cQZwE9vGBcIwKf1PzxosfXRTR7-dTNEXZBaCQSoOVttAlI65VEsnCJK722huKBvHTWCWJPV1Gm4qIj0KjCZ_JEUVREKpamgivu6A6T8UM7ABrgt1K-EFEtbYGgYbfiSCC307hMD_V8/s1600/001+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoG1cQZwE9vGBcIwKf1PzxosfXRTR7-dTNEXZBaCQSoOVttAlI65VEsnCJK722huKBvHTWCWJPV1Gm4qIj0KjCZ_JEUVREKpamgivu6A6T8UM7ABrgt1K-EFEtbYGgYbfiSCC307hMD_V8/s640/001+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-10549588147498584932011-02-22T14:51:00.002-05:002011-02-22T14:55:28.136-05:00Preventing ADHD, Sensory Integration Disorder, and AutismThe following post is my opinion.<br />
<br />
Most expecting or new parents only want the best for their child. As a parent we experience all kinds of worries and fears. When I was pregnant with Haiden I always had an overwhelming fear about autism. At the time I was student teaching and working with some autistic children so I just thought that was why I worried all the time. I thought I read all the books, I thought I did all the research, I talked to my OB, I talked to Haiden's pediatrician. I thought I was doing everything I could to have a healthy baby. Little did I know, I didn't have a clue. <br />
I know so much more now but i wish I knew then what I know now. I came across this great website called the Autism Research Institute. They believe that autism is preventable and that autism is treatable. I believe that too because my family has experienced it. Here is a great link to all the ways you can prevent autism in your child, <a href="http://www.autism.com/fam_preventing_autism_now.asp">http://www.autism.com/fam_preventing_autism_now.asp</a>. A lot of it is controversial but after living it, I know that it works. I didn't do any of these things with Haiden and he had autism. I did a few of these things with Ella and she would most likely get an ADHD diagnoses if we weren't doing the Brain Balance program (<a href="http://www.chironeuroindy.com/">http://www.chironeuroindy.com/</a>). I did almost all of these things with Mason and he is a "typically" developing child. <br />
If you are pregnant or the mother of a young child, please, please, please read this article. It could change your life and your child's life. Some of it may sound extreme but, after recovering a child from autism, I can tell you it isn't nearly as extreme as what you will have to go through if you have a child with ADHD, Sensory Integrations Disorder, or autism.<br />
Please know I post this information because I care. I know the devastation, the heartache, the stress, the anger, the guilt, and the helpless that comes from not educating myself.McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-62454816721897393522011-01-25T14:55:00.001-05:002011-01-25T14:56:36.620-05:00Brain Balance and Yoga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've mentioned in previous post that we feel Haiden is in a really good place. He seems like a typical child with some quirks that only we notice. Now that we are comfortable with Haiden's progress we have been focusing on Ella and her emotional needs. She is pretty unpredictable and can make or break just about anything we are doing. So we have started her on the Brain Balance Program and I have very high hopes! We went last Friday for an evaluation and the findings were very interesting. For example, she could track objects with her right eye but not her left. Instead of trying to explain it all to you I'm attaching two links if you are interested. I would also recommend the book that goes along with the program called <em>Disconnected Kids.</em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.chironeuroindy.com/">http://www.chironeuroindy.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://brainbalanceindy.com/">http://brainbalanceindy.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also started doing Yoga with the kids. Haiden likes to do it every once in awhile but Ella wants to do it about 5 times a day. She loves it! Some friends of ours got us the book <em>Yoga Therapy for Every Special Child</em> by Nancy Williams. (Actually, our friend's sister is Nancy Williams...pretty cool!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqNs3c5rO9ODb-sNn2S0JAr1QPz7DEncN-oTOJlHqkds1rG3-RDQVnd6sliWtrccMeBgMaHO4ugwu5z3HEQR-cEB3JHCiSM5D00_Hp9_67fjkYf3U3OD1KqaBbwjVp9TSCeAYKOi4zzFr/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqNs3c5rO9ODb-sNn2S0JAr1QPz7DEncN-oTOJlHqkds1rG3-RDQVnd6sliWtrccMeBgMaHO4ugwu5z3HEQR-cEB3JHCiSM5D00_Hp9_67fjkYf3U3OD1KqaBbwjVp9TSCeAYKOi4zzFr/s400/015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Ella demonstrating one of her yoga moves before bedtime. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAVZC39tnyVE0okDHzfXb7tCkthmAPIwfWezClbD6YjZb0mZlgYrOmkOjPh-aSsFHiwTTaiJ_iWudFtxk0Ft__exG7MVGckHQf1KLWaLsqemC5G9uykjecCMcrhQSggtCWVLC4UsVQvKT/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAVZC39tnyVE0okDHzfXb7tCkthmAPIwfWezClbD6YjZb0mZlgYrOmkOjPh-aSsFHiwTTaiJ_iWudFtxk0Ft__exG7MVGckHQf1KLWaLsqemC5G9uykjecCMcrhQSggtCWVLC4UsVQvKT/s400/005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Haiden demonstrating the "table" move.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBS1f7gHH1QiijwK2hiNLf-Dm3nCdZQUpILSmtE4w-aMIF0nlNL7PaTJu5GRrtmJh2tBe4XsKiheNPsuS6eB0ZitSsQ-qeYmH4JA6bh5ZJU71oYsDKrDiDHIUIJ5JwnW8avU-osBk7VnT/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBS1f7gHH1QiijwK2hiNLf-Dm3nCdZQUpILSmtE4w-aMIF0nlNL7PaTJu5GRrtmJh2tBe4XsKiheNPsuS6eB0ZitSsQ-qeYmH4JA6bh5ZJU71oYsDKrDiDHIUIJ5JwnW8avU-osBk7VnT/s400/008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Life with three kids continues to be crazy. I'm having a hard time balancing being a mom, wife, starting a photography business, babysitting two days a week, and running. My husband has been so supportive and I wouldn't be able to stay sane without him!McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-90492884428067846862011-01-19T22:23:00.000-05:002011-01-19T22:23:34.601-05:00Gluten, Dairy, Egg Free CupcakesI have found my new favorite Gluten, Dairy, Egg Free brand! Cherrybrook Kitchen is great and they also make pancake mix, cookie mix, and frosting! The kids were so excited when I told them that we were going to cupcakes!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL39wDHtz2thZpnPAEIxtugb9NqnX8W22P4JJuhNFxBgHNh7wvJ7WjzFyp6A5rAU9bp6gjKtFcyNIm3bsbTLq6aT6UwehyphenhyphenOjmeDq1EKaLyu0w7KQcGYQX4bCn9b2GC57UrgZQCddJRFoW6/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL39wDHtz2thZpnPAEIxtugb9NqnX8W22P4JJuhNFxBgHNh7wvJ7WjzFyp6A5rAU9bp6gjKtFcyNIm3bsbTLq6aT6UwehyphenhyphenOjmeDq1EKaLyu0w7KQcGYQX4bCn9b2GC57UrgZQCddJRFoW6/s640/004.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>Someone licked the batter!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-N5D6rktONKzzhd5_mRqGpv6bhGR2FvjKZj4h4Py3OXZEpIlH-OqKVFWu89qwa_q1FFl03yyRyMOpSzuNo7ywD4jHlEb7jgOz4Gu7L7fq6uMB2yXM2ICykKgMQcHP5jVKXMd2a48SVaBM/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-N5D6rktONKzzhd5_mRqGpv6bhGR2FvjKZj4h4Py3OXZEpIlH-OqKVFWu89qwa_q1FFl03yyRyMOpSzuNo7ywD4jHlEb7jgOz4Gu7L7fq6uMB2yXM2ICykKgMQcHP5jVKXMd2a48SVaBM/s640/005.jpg" width="428" /></a></div> Here is the cupcake before we put icing on it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm1vkJ0KPcZHikWQe5Tk1C4uH6xtPYGTLYJr5eTaT0v4AcE8S0eFHaQTUwgdSRmS9VpgkPXmbB-BaCPEISg-2P5cCvdD43Af2YxoPgu_gUMkAgJPIUU_tgljgE4KTe2iWnS8y4VKGodvB/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm1vkJ0KPcZHikWQe5Tk1C4uH6xtPYGTLYJr5eTaT0v4AcE8S0eFHaQTUwgdSRmS9VpgkPXmbB-BaCPEISg-2P5cCvdD43Af2YxoPgu_gUMkAgJPIUU_tgljgE4KTe2iWnS8y4VKGodvB/s640/014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Cherrybrook Kitchen frosting <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-lyTpwee4x06lsk-fP7dVuwnftgsvaMC_QhkITLxpLqMP0vexJJhSJnwRMbjhMYdc3ot05UOHRa22b80ZN_B4iURzzRe_GAFpqZ-tG3LWjci4fWDieEeM6WdCiZgwkY8MLY74CwXYEOC/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-lyTpwee4x06lsk-fP7dVuwnftgsvaMC_QhkITLxpLqMP0vexJJhSJnwRMbjhMYdc3ot05UOHRa22b80ZN_B4iURzzRe_GAFpqZ-tG3LWjci4fWDieEeM6WdCiZgwkY8MLY74CwXYEOC/s640/009.jpg" width="606" /></a></div> The kids wanted to frost their own cupcakes. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28EuYf_wIxmF1Z5e6e45QMGdAy2KWeYsRo0vYzARoiR9M5LQl9Am31CViwwjSQIUcEseIw_Z14L0dahsT9u0PhP0QxnCwKSG-MHWZgR0qCzor2-ZSKIcn-2BWnR2S-Khwc8CssNggbVWC/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28EuYf_wIxmF1Z5e6e45QMGdAy2KWeYsRo0vYzARoiR9M5LQl9Am31CViwwjSQIUcEseIw_Z14L0dahsT9u0PhP0QxnCwKSG-MHWZgR0qCzor2-ZSKIcn-2BWnR2S-Khwc8CssNggbVWC/s640/018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKSPVLgCYpuO8Vh6Q3F4br5vK8Tq4SIsOIg_jTY4-3u2EoRypOzRpbsLTt_Y149WTNoxwdPsK4EFbpucpZRSkU82sUsru69C9oBfUw3jSotnBURZ3Gg-azR3DDc3_LyFEEaOklZ3yV-tk/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKSPVLgCYpuO8Vh6Q3F4br5vK8Tq4SIsOIg_jTY4-3u2EoRypOzRpbsLTt_Y149WTNoxwdPsK4EFbpucpZRSkU82sUsru69C9oBfUw3jSotnBURZ3Gg-azR3DDc3_LyFEEaOklZ3yV-tk/s640/019.jpg" width="428" /></a></div> Mason wasn't too sure about it so Daddy helped him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTauMA2ZdUrYJqzpkcrLghzPWD0Qz_7cTxwqxdhBoVu7_4wD73j6kTiYsC7F9DMI-VXaoZizMWc3No9ZbGe0PZhNt2e9PdP2bFk-0y2rwi4aT2nBQl2h276ddLA3qUsS-F5jLS9HZGl6u6/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTauMA2ZdUrYJqzpkcrLghzPWD0Qz_7cTxwqxdhBoVu7_4wD73j6kTiYsC7F9DMI-VXaoZizMWc3No9ZbGe0PZhNt2e9PdP2bFk-0y2rwi4aT2nBQl2h276ddLA3qUsS-F5jLS9HZGl6u6/s640/020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoxCxsyOsptiUcRp9C3JsKQTu_AIIIHGs406EHO3-6n2UldwPVvw2VgQ51s3s1WE4-ITRAKSzuXo6z2PXWTOKwjAYPSrP76yB-1zvrkXo4pLIGkAOalPBAke-em7PgsdjGfR2KUE5jGZv/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoxCxsyOsptiUcRp9C3JsKQTu_AIIIHGs406EHO3-6n2UldwPVvw2VgQ51s3s1WE4-ITRAKSzuXo6z2PXWTOKwjAYPSrP76yB-1zvrkXo4pLIGkAOalPBAke-em7PgsdjGfR2KUE5jGZv/s640/021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRXCdPdWN8_XXu_CIbwBCg-R3Cr3Bzmfc-4ja3Kodb36n9H06bwLl7Ln4iwPLv1ujOr6Nl2iqxjCwPivN5MvcTpDa09gSr4iQr9GboJ9yCtKOaaanRZazs45vEpBo-n3DVmQZyw666mHH/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRXCdPdWN8_XXu_CIbwBCg-R3Cr3Bzmfc-4ja3Kodb36n9H06bwLl7Ln4iwPLv1ujOr6Nl2iqxjCwPivN5MvcTpDa09gSr4iQr9GboJ9yCtKOaaanRZazs45vEpBo-n3DVmQZyw666mHH/s640/026.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>The kids loved the cupcakes and were a little upset that I only let them have one. :)McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-28847182499366894852011-01-14T14:05:00.000-05:002011-01-14T14:05:28.022-05:00Juicing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwYHpiZxmuS3b_NZAhfRHEIjvjHrv12qzOfr0MxvCkns-JgqvhCmys5A7B5eoiigmRdhAqtUrNEmmHSD3Tfedc_SX5GckSO7f9t5XAFi8d3HqrkP3xyZ0g0kBBjhX45gUaIth8tSBr_iF/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwYHpiZxmuS3b_NZAhfRHEIjvjHrv12qzOfr0MxvCkns-JgqvhCmys5A7B5eoiigmRdhAqtUrNEmmHSD3Tfedc_SX5GckSO7f9t5XAFi8d3HqrkP3xyZ0g0kBBjhX45gUaIth8tSBr_iF/s640/002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are so many health benefits to juicing. Check out some of them here <a href="http://www.bestofjuicing.com/">http://www.bestofjuicing.com/</a>. Luckily Ella and Mason LOVE when I juice. Haiden, on the other hand, is not a big fan of it. I didn't start making juice until Haiden was six years old so he knew that there was a difference between the homemade juice and the store bought juice. Do you really believe that the store bought juice is "100% fruit juice"? I sure hope not! If so, you need to educate yourself a lot about the food you are putting in front of your children!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVXG1UJvKT2FZEK4CPhdkmljZLXwNOs916JOMg48fvUUuKQHJkTem1eq0Y893F8PugQOsW-LQiODvn2MQlgYOM1YyKrFGKVg5N_g7Y6oWzNOS_pambQnvspP8YXFxV7rHJW9KqzyI_LX9/s1600/003_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVXG1UJvKT2FZEK4CPhdkmljZLXwNOs916JOMg48fvUUuKQHJkTem1eq0Y893F8PugQOsW-LQiODvn2MQlgYOM1YyKrFGKVg5N_g7Y6oWzNOS_pambQnvspP8YXFxV7rHJW9KqzyI_LX9/s640/003_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> My little Mason likes to sneak a few orange slices.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNoNXDrdQy5p47MYI6csVbp-TNEsjyR0FhDQxfFvdf_F0E8ZJpMKbWlcao55Pq3HJIIrgFuVZOxaUgDuuJW4MRk1QmnLkgBdcib5Ln_AOKz-gNl-NSH-e5AKHTJ_op0FJvDJyn1lElSYp/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNoNXDrdQy5p47MYI6csVbp-TNEsjyR0FhDQxfFvdf_F0E8ZJpMKbWlcao55Pq3HJIIrgFuVZOxaUgDuuJW4MRk1QmnLkgBdcib5Ln_AOKz-gNl-NSH-e5AKHTJ_op0FJvDJyn1lElSYp/s400/004.jpg" width="267" /></a></div> Brian bought me this juicer about a year ago at Kohl's for $100. It is one of the lower end models but works great!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_SA2rahhfsmJpui_iB0CkZvlHUaD1O_M_4crLVlbM-HSnPdzj-mIfPTax75zhePCrsbn2Mb9dhEVyVmZjcJC4X69WJGg7mcE2QhjMQVerssriyTZ6sanvir8Pimyzolj37FcDY5HDE7L/s1600/006_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_SA2rahhfsmJpui_iB0CkZvlHUaD1O_M_4crLVlbM-HSnPdzj-mIfPTax75zhePCrsbn2Mb9dhEVyVmZjcJC4X69WJGg7mcE2QhjMQVerssriyTZ6sanvir8Pimyzolj37FcDY5HDE7L/s640/006_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> My little princess likes to take all the seeds out of the apples before I put them through the juicer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiklHFl5RV9ZBtGsAJOShwiIyRhoxvwillv79jW4qE0YeNmEQAMDR73C4ng5YE0wIJOOKkZiPcnEyL7g_Bifbzs5Ri7G1TaLc4GhnpQaz9hBPYnODJRFifIrC6OcfuQiwpABbPGnh2GvK/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiklHFl5RV9ZBtGsAJOShwiIyRhoxvwillv79jW4qE0YeNmEQAMDR73C4ng5YE0wIJOOKkZiPcnEyL7g_Bifbzs5Ri7G1TaLc4GhnpQaz9hBPYnODJRFifIrC6OcfuQiwpABbPGnh2GvK/s400/007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Voila! Here is a carrot, apple, and orange juice! We call it "I Love Juicy"!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-roxlK2psZhyx0a31JDGNX9KPLPCQH7g7OEC337TbzRf0paxnnevpMYBJuBzhkBZIsy9dgqr5q4cgvBAl0ZTVwxDz2gPtlSN5taP1Sj6KGotnlNA56zlVDEtRy5q-YjKTHB2iUAwWtDv/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-roxlK2psZhyx0a31JDGNX9KPLPCQH7g7OEC337TbzRf0paxnnevpMYBJuBzhkBZIsy9dgqr5q4cgvBAl0ZTVwxDz2gPtlSN5taP1Sj6KGotnlNA56zlVDEtRy5q-YjKTHB2iUAwWtDv/s400/008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaZzulPKKtYAJS3C3wm1qtQ77DXiZGm6eUu61yl5v94K14vKUOqa6OPN9BRKbBuVRPGp1otRgyFPV08glFu6_178C1qbp20FajrAEwugiWcKhimZw2aKtCOyJSG7x1WOjDKxBAqA5ptrr/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaZzulPKKtYAJS3C3wm1qtQ77DXiZGm6eUu61yl5v94K14vKUOqa6OPN9BRKbBuVRPGp1otRgyFPV08glFu6_178C1qbp20FajrAEwugiWcKhimZw2aKtCOyJSG7x1WOjDKxBAqA5ptrr/s640/011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Mason taking down his second cup.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzCJuI5cOFDZDwSf_MGV9XBAO91MHHImAb35D3h8hyphenhyphenqApQghfUYgp-fHGEhmviK51hLTXxbCUl1t-pxu-VtxarxXRqwr-NpAuHzdx2vfri6nZ_xVC5ZCq8K9QBMFMsMV0CGBQbPfBjuWE/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzCJuI5cOFDZDwSf_MGV9XBAO91MHHImAb35D3h8hyphenhyphenqApQghfUYgp-fHGEhmviK51hLTXxbCUl1t-pxu-VtxarxXRqwr-NpAuHzdx2vfri6nZ_xVC5ZCq8K9QBMFMsMV0CGBQbPfBjuWE/s640/013.jpg" width="428" /></a></div> The only bad thing about making homemade juice is that is stains the cups a little bit but to me a little stain is totally worth it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9IZ-emfZNONlW-fO_fSKfvX3Vje4O1ALOtgi2rtTELm0wiSdutpKc5UJyKNTvfgzkaK6ZVRg4SmQmT1diJ750J7CRzaQpRCUq8pLc937h80K3uTnyYrMvvsSYl42mZQOY97QNT4TUayT/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9IZ-emfZNONlW-fO_fSKfvX3Vje4O1ALOtgi2rtTELm0wiSdutpKc5UJyKNTvfgzkaK6ZVRg4SmQmT1diJ750J7CRzaQpRCUq8pLc937h80K3uTnyYrMvvsSYl42mZQOY97QNT4TUayT/s640/014.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-40170643913126295302010-12-25T13:29:00.002-05:002010-12-25T13:38:04.071-05:00Merry ChristmasWe are having a wonderful Christmas and hope you and your family are doing the same! We attended Christmas Eve church service, put reindeer food in the yard for Santa's reindeer, made homemade popcorn out of non-GMO corn kernels, and watched Polar Express. When the kids woke up this morning they were overcome with excitement. I made gfcfef pancakes with honey and then the kids opened up their gifts. They spent the morning playing and we plan on staying in our pajamas all day and watching Christmas movies. Our Christmas dinner is going to consist of baked ham, gfcfef mac and cheese (this is a first so I'll have to let you know how it turns out), roasted potatoes, and broccoli. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCC6wnMbqXDQqNFAiT7WIa4PQtVFwTlXpmZQutQehR5Yw7oZLLZ8RgHkXPwZvhGPcX9ak3LHBkUgBqq8IA1-nlvHisTZhSWvEnZtOEtth1W4uQffxEr7M0lte2Pb0va1r1-oyex_Bl6jh/s1600/038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554689161661623298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCC6wnMbqXDQqNFAiT7WIa4PQtVFwTlXpmZQutQehR5Yw7oZLLZ8RgHkXPwZvhGPcX9ak3LHBkUgBqq8IA1-nlvHisTZhSWvEnZtOEtth1W4uQffxEr7M0lte2Pb0va1r1-oyex_Bl6jh/s400/038.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-14934352060811405032010-12-13T22:19:00.005-05:002010-12-13T22:36:59.828-05:00Why Mason Is HealthierIt is almost embarrassing to say but I feel like I finally did things the right way with Mason. By the time I was pregnant with Mason, I was fitting all the pieces together with Haiden and Ella. So instead of typing a long story about all the things I did differently, I thought I'd make a list. Here it goes:<br />1. Only drank water<br />2. Didn't take any medicines (not even Tylenol)<br />3. Ate very well (So maybe the cookies at Marsh bakery don't count, but that was the worse thing I ate.)<br />4. Didn't vaccinate (Educate yourself people!)<br />5. Breastfed until he self weaned at 14 months (I never thought I'd be one of "those" people, but I totally am!)<br />6. Made all my own organic baby food<br />That's it! Here are the differences:<br />1. No colic<br />2. No jaundice<br />3. No major illness until two weeks ago (had a 24 hour bug).<br />4. Has met all developmental milestones<br />He lights up my life!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9WV2U_DDBSqs0ChWpqFuH2R0yadAuD4-N2BMFVYxhXNgO7Tw5K_jMJgKTV7dEn81_tmM1WPdAT91RdUWbu-QAGx9IBIhmyec2B1MuviQ38_GfGi_FVcggIcA_JyqpvIG64c05ITZWjwm/s1600/019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550374017890948322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9WV2U_DDBSqs0ChWpqFuH2R0yadAuD4-N2BMFVYxhXNgO7Tw5K_jMJgKTV7dEn81_tmM1WPdAT91RdUWbu-QAGx9IBIhmyec2B1MuviQ38_GfGi_FVcggIcA_JyqpvIG64c05ITZWjwm/s400/019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-42572565539049238312010-12-07T10:29:00.004-05:002010-12-07T11:06:06.060-05:00Saving Ella<div>Now that we have Haiden in a good place, it is time to focus on our little princess, Ella. I've mentioned it before and I'll say it again, I believe Ella was also damaged by vaccines. By the time Ella was born, we thought Haiden was damaged by having too many vaccines at once, not realizing that I didn't make strong babies, and that my kids couldn't handle ANY vaccines. I remember the day I went into the hospital to have Ella and the nurse asking me if I wanted her to have the Hep B vaccine. I had an unsettling feeling about it and told the nurse my fears. She said, "If you get the Hep B now, then that will be one less at her 6 week appointment." I thought, "Yea, that's true" and signed the consent form. A signature I'll regret for the rest of my life. </div><br /><div>By 48 hours of age, jaundice had set in and she had to stay in the hospital an extra day and was sent home with a billy blanket. By 2 weeks of age she had RSV. By 4 weeks of age she had her first ear infection and was on her first round of antibiotics. By 8 weeks of age she had her second ear infection and had her second round of antibiotics. At her well baby visit I agreed to one, just one, vaccine. Two days later she stopped breathing twice, was in the hospital, and sent home with an apnea monitor. (If this would of happened in her sleep instead of my arms, she could of died and it would of been called SIDS.) I still hadn't put it all together and didn't realize the vaccines were causing all these traumatic illnesses so at her 3 month visit I agreed to one, just one more, vaccine. Four days later, Christmas Eve, she was throwing up all day, and we spent Christmas Eve in the hospital because she was dehydrated. Oh, and she had another ear infection. At four months of age she had her fourth ear infection and was put on more antibiotics. At five months of age she had her fifth ear infection and at six months of age she had her sixth ear infection. She also had a constant runny nose and "colds". I finally realized that her little immune system had been destroyed and felt that vaccines contributed to that so I stopped after 4 vaccines and I am forever grateful that I did. After a constant runny nose and colds for six months, Ella was no longer sick but the damage was done. </div><br /><div>By now she had been diagnosed with hypotonia (low muscle tone) and still couldn't roll over. (The same girl that was holding her head up on her own at two weeks, all of a sudden had low muscle tone.) I contacted First Steps and physical therapy was started within two weeks. She started to make huge improvements but once we started "real" food, she would throw up or gag. I contacted First Step again and occupational therapy was started within two weeks. Soon we started Craniosacral Therapy and Ella stopped gagging and throwing up. By now she was dismissed from Physical Therapy too. At 18 months of age, when speech was not progressing, I had a speech evaluation and speech therapy was started shortly after. We also put Ella on a gluten/casein free diet. Within a month her language skyrocketed and she hasn't stopped talking since. </div><br /><div>Like I said, the damage was done. Being born with a weak immune system, then having vaccines destroy it, not breastfeeding (which I regret giving that up), then antibiotics that strip all good bacteria away from your gut (which 80% of your immune system is in your belly) equals a huge yeast problem also known as leaky gut. A lot of "doctors" won't recognize leaky gut or yeast overgrowth as a real illness but my real homeopathy doctors do. Having yeast overgrowth and leaky gut can lead to a lot of emotional problems which is were we are at with Ella. </div><br /><div>She is so smart, loving, helpful, independent, and has the best sense of humor but also so unpredictable. She can be happy one minute and the smallest issue can make her little world fall apart. It is also not easy being the middle child and only girl in the family so we've really been working on behavior modification. She gets a ton of one on one time with mommy or daddy and when she starts to break down we now remove ourselves from the situation instead of removing her. After almost a year of behavior issues with her, last week, was the best week ever! The only change I made was her breakfast and I can't figure out if that has something to do with it or not. Instead of gfcf/egg free waffles or pancakes with honey or real maple syrup, we had organic sausage or bacon with fruit. The change was awesome! The entire household felt less tense and more relaxed. (My husband actually wanted to be home.) Well, I haven't been able to go to the store to get more sausage and fruit so yesterday and today she had waffles with honey. Yesterday was totally exhausting and I felt like we took 10 steps backwards. After an amazing week last week, what in the world happened?! Could it be the food? I guess we will see.</div><div>Below is a picture from this past weekend playing out in the snow. She had so much fun!</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547970893976983730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunMho_1tIZgALvvTQHvEIwMjJwN0KDQ2LksD9URypTvjX_1MuBDM70lKklVJaG1Jbk6ZUyIO_CgDJ0ozJSnLRuJqzNIQRCHQYPrbBXR2SOQr-3TkGRjXq7WtnoVgna9Zh8bHWx_Ejnh-r/s400/250.jpg" border="0" /></div>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-77535410044082495122010-12-04T14:00:00.003-05:002010-12-04T14:13:04.226-05:00Haiden's PT ConferenceIn November we had Haiden's parent/teacher conference and I am so proud to share it with you! On the conference form Haiden's teacher, Mrs. Beard (whom I love), wrote "Haiden just lights up the room. He has such a neat personality. He has a lot to offer!"<br />She went on to add that "he begins work promptly, stays on task, is willing to ask for help, takes pride in his independent work, demonstrates good handwriting (thank you hours and hours of O.T.), follows directions promptly, demonstrates good self control, assumes responsibility between school and home, gets along well with others, is courteous and has a positive attitude, and cooperates with supervising adults." The only negative comment was that "Haiden will sometimes talk off subject." This comment didn't surprise me at all. That boy is able to turn any conversation into a conversation about football! I am so proud of my little man! He has always been such a fighter and he has fought his way out of autism! Never give up hope!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhtL2syCMGByJKhtAnAzDKK2aFgWGHK2xojbNEJS9md7ytXN9gudq6HLF0BDfqQCGRdUeQKHnQmwRSLWtvsuhFjycA1-xuMeB1aRnUgfwu1m_OADhwCU4fuQihY7aVD_KWBQolX0g-vW_/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhtL2syCMGByJKhtAnAzDKK2aFgWGHK2xojbNEJS9md7ytXN9gudq6HLF0BDfqQCGRdUeQKHnQmwRSLWtvsuhFjycA1-xuMeB1aRnUgfwu1m_OADhwCU4fuQihY7aVD_KWBQolX0g-vW_/s400/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546906837629145218" border="0" /></a>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-23482105975063380082010-11-30T15:05:00.003-05:002010-11-30T15:14:02.193-05:00Trying to Stay AheadBetween taking care of three little ones, babysitting two other little ones, drum lessons, gymnastics, my photography business, taking care of the house, cooking on a special diet, the holidays, and keeping up with the day to day tasks of life, I've been neglecting my blog! There has been a lot going on in our house that I want to share so bear with me the next few weeks as I try to catch up! In the meantime, here is a picture of my beautiful children at Grandpa Dean and Grandma Jeanne's house!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545438323489719090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCQpPENQ897Eq9eVeHPrraWlC9bIqCh5r-eH8dUN0LKTfHCefUsPDdnKarsWNPTX5C9TYuGhZWwb6tcO3LckwZ9oU5Tg0OZvdBEW94LlEVVNNQGS2bgUdnSezlFaarlxRRhweBTsqFDi7/s400/049.JPG" border="0" />McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-77901887478958583552010-11-10T21:25:00.002-05:002010-11-10T21:35:03.675-05:00My Favorite Green SmoothieWhen we were on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (and didn't know that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Haiden</span> was sensitive to almonds), I spent a lot of time at Georgetown Market buying almonds and cashews in bulk. I feel in love with this store because they have a juice bar. My favorite drink from there is called Tine Dream. Since I am unable to make the trip as much I decided to try my own version of the Tine Dream. I was pretty darn proud when it tasted just like the one they make at Georgetown! What I love most about this drink is that the kids even like it, especially my anti-anything-green guy...Mason. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmLa06Gx8S1QeJcsr03nTAKAbRMQp6E7GckKbnLbkt15EPotFEUoX-txaDxYXGHBGCP_FurzMwZj-2i8YNBEH5hffI5m9XoB1XIuEbGEy8NzncdOC5sLNau5ALLgmRMaSpgvriqUAqCBR/s1600/003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538113245641347234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmLa06Gx8S1QeJcsr03nTAKAbRMQp6E7GckKbnLbkt15EPotFEUoX-txaDxYXGHBGCP_FurzMwZj-2i8YNBEH5hffI5m9XoB1XIuEbGEy8NzncdOC5sLNau5ALLgmRMaSpgvriqUAqCBR/s400/003.JPG" border="0" /></a>Put organic spinach, organic bananas, frozen peaches in a food processor or blender and start blending. Add coconut milk <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">kefir</span> (loaded with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">probiotics</span>) and apple juice. Enjoy!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamHLnZzzml0a6mcnsWw7SUJA9Bcy3sOt6Oo0KtbMD60ex-uvGObVXP4KrNeZWlrmhgJ40o5ISKur1NaNBJK5ogT2H3AzJFaFloTNSwby3VHtBQuXKKP8yO6L3B_p1ScuWQqFxJcm5qisS/s1600/005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538113237771905970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamHLnZzzml0a6mcnsWw7SUJA9Bcy3sOt6Oo0KtbMD60ex-uvGObVXP4KrNeZWlrmhgJ40o5ISKur1NaNBJK5ogT2H3AzJFaFloTNSwby3VHtBQuXKKP8yO6L3B_p1ScuWQqFxJcm5qisS/s400/005.JPG" border="0" /></a> So, so yummy!!!! If you decide to try this please let me know what you think.<br /><br /><div></div></div>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-47698163922371757862010-11-09T21:28:00.003-05:002010-11-09T21:54:26.805-05:00Fall FunWhat's been going on with the McKinney's this past month? <br />Haiden lost his first tooth! He was so excited too! For a sensory kid, I was shocked. He has been wiggling it around for weeks and then came up to me and asked if I would pull it. I grabbed a tissue, counted to three, and pulled. His eyes got really big and he was a little freaked out by the blood but no tears. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Tfux-GeMoADFpyTBHOQip64a04A9tX2Ph71tAne54oXBLidAVDCTnUBWGUM36CZgXXusEpuJDUIziKIWaDH5ClyeovxzO7eAMmIsllSR-Ag5yQSqXViKLCvyZiY-b3t5n2899GGRE245/s1600/002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537745492500362338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Tfux-GeMoADFpyTBHOQip64a04A9tX2Ph71tAne54oXBLidAVDCTnUBWGUM36CZgXXusEpuJDUIziKIWaDH5ClyeovxzO7eAMmIsllSR-Ag5yQSqXViKLCvyZiY-b3t5n2899GGRE245/s400/002.JPG" border="0" /></a> We went on a trip to Stony Creek Farm in Noblesville. This place is great and if you are looking for a family friendly pumpkin patch with lots of activities for kids, this is it!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7RGP_9wQ0W07gcuPoGip8uSFm5i2Vm2MDo7_qtRD4rYBx6fCGmbPz8wt20LpP5RQ0gi12GOgPS2rFqB7IXnSmYFeSuTe5-YAKR1CRkWmUONVo-IwK0lGaCnNLIM1HRsd1q5_mAVgff-S/s1600/118.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537745234466054450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7RGP_9wQ0W07gcuPoGip8uSFm5i2Vm2MDo7_qtRD4rYBx6fCGmbPz8wt20LpP5RQ0gi12GOgPS2rFqB7IXnSmYFeSuTe5-YAKR1CRkWmUONVo-IwK0lGaCnNLIM1HRsd1q5_mAVgff-S/s400/118.JPG" border="0" /></a> They had a tractor for the kids to play on,<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6h6bsOdA7IIc5rzbdotCXwfSXTq6uEte6JVrjalWeheDWitXgO-M99EYkDvbDgOmrBbNA9ccRZi0ReumauKvUhC4tBwI5RlqIZhBQX2ROaahcPN9U4k0gTM1BbPWg29wFz9Duh_PlTwG/s1600/091.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537745220876316466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6h6bsOdA7IIc5rzbdotCXwfSXTq6uEte6JVrjalWeheDWitXgO-M99EYkDvbDgOmrBbNA9ccRZi0ReumauKvUhC4tBwI5RlqIZhBQX2ROaahcPN9U4k0gTM1BbPWg29wFz9Duh_PlTwG/s400/091.JPG" border="0" /></a> a maze made out of straw bales,<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW2X8lC8sjaGbE8Gz-EXKZC1zqUzktUpie6gJ7DKYz0lHHjgymQ9a3tfrbbuLQEKQVOo3IJ7zRQj1UIPFAiPpPv4hnoV7KafMTnzBXZw5Am7jaQXf8Wb4F9pJIyIcRzzsZtXlfrRnYDZG/s1600/082.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537745214930063314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW2X8lC8sjaGbE8Gz-EXKZC1zqUzktUpie6gJ7DKYz0lHHjgymQ9a3tfrbbuLQEKQVOo3IJ7zRQj1UIPFAiPpPv4hnoV7KafMTnzBXZw5Am7jaQXf8Wb4F9pJIyIcRzzsZtXlfrRnYDZG/s400/082.JPG" border="0" /></a> and a giant jumping pillow that Haiden loved.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGCJd7cmZi8BVhmgYoc2B3-aInJ3pvzvTLvvH4fuEIxG81ORj7dRN6VisXd1VmlOxIiAbvFQ6GtGmohOZ5t9XtoWUuPEN_dNSgtJTMRUJTZ1My69eJNorAMaoDooJkuGQe4zJm0D_TrDl/s1600/037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537745195296285618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGCJd7cmZi8BVhmgYoc2B3-aInJ3pvzvTLvvH4fuEIxG81ORj7dRN6VisXd1VmlOxIiAbvFQ6GtGmohOZ5t9XtoWUuPEN_dNSgtJTMRUJTZ1My69eJNorAMaoDooJkuGQe4zJm0D_TrDl/s400/037.JPG" border="0" /></a> They also had a hay rides, a kid friendly haunted house, food, a pumpkin train, and zip lining!<br /><br />When we carved our pumpkin I got this picture of Haiden and just loved it!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHheJ5JzH_rnQjGBqzNOfbbqHp6PMuFtroQ-iwKkQW0WHy2P-7gLlaKrfQxjHYLxxVWPC5MFevdimS-fSEpmS4pxIBqzZk4A-osDUJ3TKei5ypPNszktwnVEGtt8E-QpFSshQDCF5Al9WH/s1600/022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537744223086071234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHheJ5JzH_rnQjGBqzNOfbbqHp6PMuFtroQ-iwKkQW0WHy2P-7gLlaKrfQxjHYLxxVWPC5MFevdimS-fSEpmS4pxIBqzZk4A-osDUJ3TKei5ypPNszktwnVEGtt8E-QpFSshQDCF5Al9WH/s400/022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Mason helping carve his first pumpkin.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9wdDUrCsWSyFm95Dh-eZ3TjuKNEjmXUtdp6xCx_PsAzfAncC9F2tNMaaqB1JXrgdIF78pICugvopZJZHAQ4Mo5hnWUIwKD1GN6_skZv7ZC04f-v-cc-EypNgLukrC0CVE9BrQ3qulKSz/s1600/026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537744219371827570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9wdDUrCsWSyFm95Dh-eZ3TjuKNEjmXUtdp6xCx_PsAzfAncC9F2tNMaaqB1JXrgdIF78pICugvopZJZHAQ4Mo5hnWUIwKD1GN6_skZv7ZC04f-v-cc-EypNgLukrC0CVE9BrQ3qulKSz/s400/026.JPG" border="0" /></a>Ella helped out too. Even though she didn't like the smell and wouldn't touch the "goop" inside, she liked helping scoop it out.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPENkD9-qVZ23Jo6hBd4qKVnSUy618naC_HVC7g7lpDYeBi7jB2diMyQ2njrxv3hYiTNlc2ImCNCssl8pYLjv5YkdSjyq6V1x42GQL1C2D-_7a0en8jG_DMjAGocZLXbca78WqreeCE1B/s1600/013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537744210432765154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPENkD9-qVZ23Jo6hBd4qKVnSUy618naC_HVC7g7lpDYeBi7jB2diMyQ2njrxv3hYiTNlc2ImCNCssl8pYLjv5YkdSjyq6V1x42GQL1C2D-_7a0en8jG_DMjAGocZLXbca78WqreeCE1B/s400/013.JPG" border="0" /></a>So just a few years ago this would of made Haiden throw up. Now he is being a comedian. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDI9H-qCRprOnW9ekHVXgz8HgwDS6WIQxUeCsVkGjlYes9RInykTnmXWmQzbIaHSJENuHqp0QRaSQjS_GoNYqfDd-Jps8cwStqCh58pNxYsR0bjyiyvcxhY6ZehVhANrjh218vDfewdJNF/s1600/007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537744204688596962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDI9H-qCRprOnW9ekHVXgz8HgwDS6WIQxUeCsVkGjlYes9RInykTnmXWmQzbIaHSJENuHqp0QRaSQjS_GoNYqfDd-Jps8cwStqCh58pNxYsR0bjyiyvcxhY6ZehVhANrjh218vDfewdJNF/s400/007.JPG" border="0" /></a>We then took the kids trick or treating. This can be difficult because we know they are going to get a bunch of junk that they can't have, so my husband and I take care of that problem :)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKQY094HFRvDCMe_R0sWrVl5ftNnqJlk-8xRKEMeb5TdcP9Iz6q3CzWrutc4QolrV3BJ7CaV5djkWcf5rBPCsqNZ61KPYQJjQF6k9HzKsh0hggh_1OTOchTZL7f7N2QyhqXMzcJka6p69/s1600/110.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537744195007144914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKQY094HFRvDCMe_R0sWrVl5ftNnqJlk-8xRKEMeb5TdcP9Iz6q3CzWrutc4QolrV3BJ7CaV5djkWcf5rBPCsqNZ61KPYQJjQF6k9HzKsh0hggh_1OTOchTZL7f7N2QyhqXMzcJka6p69/s400/110.JPG" border="0" /></a> I can't believe we are into our 2nd week of November already! We will be heading back home to Tell City for Thanksgiving and I can't wait to visit with family and friends. </div><div>I'm also excited to share a new green smoothie that I made and the kids even liked it!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-88442976488469600722010-11-01T14:02:00.002-04:002010-11-01T14:27:40.591-04:00My GrandpaMy Grandpa went to a better place last week. Although our hearts are broken and we miss him dearly, we have so many wonderful memories.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5j8ET4lce-N01RB3tvTOuXYPqL4OBk73MSJrZT5TXBqSRWS_sIxkVFA2iOuJQFC_Zq6TVNM5KKj9l6oTln8Dc5KSRAKEzygnPOkS6lWfag0IzXie3Nmuj4d3gvdz3BdWgXFjlkyIusH9/s1600/203.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534644410383279858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5j8ET4lce-N01RB3tvTOuXYPqL4OBk73MSJrZT5TXBqSRWS_sIxkVFA2iOuJQFC_Zq6TVNM5KKj9l6oTln8Dc5KSRAKEzygnPOkS6lWfag0IzXie3Nmuj4d3gvdz3BdWgXFjlkyIusH9/s400/203.JPG" border="0" /></a> It has been difficult explaining everything to the kids. Ella and Mason are too young to understand but Haiden is just at that age where he understands but is really confused. With Haiden being so literal and seeing me a wreck, he has had a hard time. I told him that Gramps is with God but when he saw Gramps at the visitation he said, "You told me Gramps was with God so why is he sleeping in that bed?" Before I could think of an answer Haiden said, "Oh, is he dreaming that he is with God?" I said, "Yes." <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTyi79qENDDq-h2DsvKjZQLWhE8Atd9upcwcKxJFkPPI0WJePCUpsHtH81ukGkyv8B1h6sGqAoHqBT1wp1BClqDspxWDk3k6cYjBqb9-798N5NI6WmBXX3BPmuj8W20gU5OLDyp0-FPxX/s1600/108.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534644404687534306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 277px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTyi79qENDDq-h2DsvKjZQLWhE8Atd9upcwcKxJFkPPI0WJePCUpsHtH81ukGkyv8B1h6sGqAoHqBT1wp1BClqDspxWDk3k6cYjBqb9-798N5NI6WmBXX3BPmuj8W20gU5OLDyp0-FPxX/s400/108.JPG" border="0" /></a> I was able to speak at Grandpa's service and I am so happy that I did. Below is what I said:</div><div> </div><div>There are not enough words to describe one of the greatest men I have ever known. My grandpa had so many admirable qualities. He was a strong man, very giving, caring, helpful, gentle, hard working, loving, courageous, full of wisdom, and a man of God. He always made us want to be better without even saying a word. Though I think he was most proud of being called a devoted husband, a father, a grandpa, and Gramps. He loved his family unconditionally and always put his family first. We were his world and he always let us know that. I am so grateful for the wonderful memories he made. From our trips to Florida, sporting events, plays, holidays, birthday parties, or just hanging out, he was always there. We will always hold these memories in our hearts. While trying to find comfort in Grandpa's passing I found this poem. As I was reading it I knew it was what Grandpa would say now that he is with the Lord.</div><div>You can shed tears that I am gone but please smile because I have lived.</div><div>You can close your eyes and pray that I'll come back but please open your eyes and see all that I left.</div><div>Your heart can be empty because you can't see me but please be full of the love we shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday but please be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.</div><div>You can remember me and only that I'm gone but please cherish my memory and let it live on.</div><div>You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back but please do what I'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on. </div><div>Grandpa we will miss you so much. Thank you for always being there, thank you for the cherished memories, thank you for being the best Grandpa in the world.<br /><br /></div><div></div>McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5229257880126520177.post-27437319990381350582010-10-14T13:02:00.002-04:002010-10-14T13:13:15.818-04:00It's the Little ThingsOne of the many perks of being a stay-at-home mom is that I am able to have lunch with Haiden at his school! With Ella in preschool two days a week, Mason and I went to lunch with our big man. I walked out of there with a huge smile on my face for many reasons.<br />1. As Haiden was walking with his class he saw me, turned to his classmate, and said, "Hey look, there is my mom! Hi Mom, I am so happy you are eating lunch with me today. Oh, and there is my little brother, Mason."<br />2. As they walked into the cafeteria, two of his classmates yelled, "Haiden, Haiden, sit with me!"<br />3. While sitting at the table Haiden was having a "typical" conversation with his peers! <br />4. When it was time to go Haiden was in a hurry to be with his friends and took off. He then turned back around and said, "Hey, I want to give you a hug."<br />There were so many things about this short 30 minutes that made my heart swell. The fact that he has formed meaningful relationships with peers is HUGE! The fact that he keeps conversations going back and forth and on topic is even more HUGE! <br />Haiden has no idea the leaps and gains he has made in the past 4 years, but I do and that is why I am crazy obsessive about educating people on autism recovery. It's possible folks!McKinney Clanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431128170861222773noreply@blogger.com3