Life of Thomas

Snow Day/College With Ral!

2014-01-21T12:21:00.001-05:00

This morning, with the calling forecast of snow, Thomas stayed home from school with his Ral! I had an online college course, which means being glued to the computer and my notebook/book for about an hour or more! Thomas will sometimes sit and watch me watch, but today he was eagerly listening to the professor talk. For instance, Thomas would repeat and mimic exactly what the teacher would say, showing me he was paying attention and trying to help his sissy! We enjoyed coffee and class together!

Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful day!

Out and About With Ral!

2014-01-21T12:16:00.000-05:00

Friday which was meant to be a full school day, ended up being a half day for Thomas! He called for a cheering up talk, which ended up in a conversation of persuasion to come get him early from school. Of course once I shared with him what I would be doing, he was all cheerful and eager to join!

After picking up my buddy from school, we made our way to get my car serviced, but not before stopping for a tasty snack at Chick-fil-A (of course..hehe!) Next we went to the hospital to visit our Grandma, recovering from surgery. After our few stops, we worked up quite an appetite, so we headed to see our favorite waitress and sister!

On our Friday outing, Thomas convinced me to purchase him a Batman shirt. I had to post the picture of him wearing it because for one it's his new favorite shirt and two because he looks so cute wearing it! Still working on getting him to say, "I'm Batman!"

Christmas 2013!

2014-01-21T12:08:00.001-05:00

Christmas was nothing short of wonderful for Thomas! Santa brought him all he asked for, especially more VHS tapes and a teddy bear named, "Teddy!"

Christmas Eve consisted of baking sugar cookies for Santa and watching a movie before bed together!

Of course, Thomas was the first up come Christmas morning! Wide awake and wondering through the house, the rest of us peeled out of bed to greet Thomas!

We hope and wish you all had a VERY Merry Christmas!

All Star Bowling Christmas Party!

2014-01-21T11:50:00.000-05:00

Thomas, mom and I headed out for what we imagined a usual Saturday of All Star Bowling. Much to our surprise, it was a Christmas party / Award Ceremony. Santa eagerly greeting us into the celebration along with the All Star staff. Thomas was so thrilled to hear his name being called, to accept his bowling award and a present from S-A-N-T-A!! Surprise, surprise he got VHS tapes from the jolly ol' man himself!

Christmas Town!

2014-01-21T11:43:00.006-05:00

Every year right before school is dismissed for the Winter break, we go on a class trip to Busch Gardens, to visit Christmas Town! The park is entirely lit up, literally every inch, with assorted lights, decorations, themes, and christmas trees galore!

The kids and chaperones all bundled up, make our way through the park. This year the kids particularly enjoyed the musical christmas tree, that lights and activates with the sounds of Christmas music. After we enjoyed dinner and a show in the Fest Haus.

Thomas and his class, thoroughly enjoyed another year at Christmas Town!

Christmas Wishlist 2013

2013-12-06T22:18:00.004-05:00

HIS CHRISTMAS WISHES FOR 2013:

1. Barney Campfire Sing- Along VHS tape

2. Cooter's Place "Keep It Between The Ditches" Sweatshirt

3. The Dukes of Hazzard VHS tape, any will do :)

4. Angry Birds T-shirt

5. Angry Birds Moustache Pig Hoodie

6. Barney Exercise Circus VHS tape

The Letter To Santa:

With an adorable letter like this, how can one not love this sweetheart! He even drew a little sometime, to give it "character!" I know Santa will be extra good to this boy this year, for he has been truly good all year long!

Lunch Date With Ral!

2013-12-06T22:01:00.004-05:00

After working around the house all morning, since school was closed and Thomas spent the night at our house, we decided to finally grab some lunch! But not before, completely the "Christmas Chores" i.e.

D | E | C | O | R | A | T | I | N | G

Thomas was a wonderful assistant, staying warm and toasty under the blanket, while watching Ral hang lights! Needless to say, our house can be seen for all to see and everyone who passes by! So after working hard, Lunch was much anticipated! With the agreement of spaghetti, we headed to just the place! You can tell from his face in the above picture, he was more than happy with our lunch choice! After his first bite, he said, "It's GOODD!" My response, while shoveling in my spaghetti, was "Yes it is!"

We had a great lunch together, and as always it was a pleasure to have Thomas come spend the night with us!

If I could make a living out of lovin' you

I'd be a millionaire in a week or two

Well said....Clay Walker!

Saturday Date With My Girlfriend!

2013-12-06T21:51:00.001-05:00

So comfortable with her, he feel asleep during the movie!

Pure joy, can be seen through their eyes!

A Saturday bowling trip, turned into a day/evening date for these two adorable souls! After two games at the alley, it was movies, popcorn, and snuggling on the couch! They hold hands, laugh, share their popcorn, and carry on conversations. Nothing short of "normal" <3

Thomas loves to see his girlfriend, Lauren! She calls him her "love buddy" and habitually sends home homemade cards she wrote and drew on, with all her love in each stroke! They give each other smoochies and hugs, all most of all care for one another. Lauren has been known to assist Thomas in eating, reminding him to eat more, and cleaning up after him. It's wonderful to see Thomas have a connection with someone, especially the ever sweet Lauren!

After two movies and dinner, the date concluded....but not forgotten :)

Visiting Emily at Work!

2013-11-22T09:46:00.000-05:00

On our after school outings, we typically run errands or try and do something fun together! On this day, we had to drop off a package with FedEx, then decided we both could use a snack, plus we wanted to see our sister! We had a nice visit with her, a yummy snack, and a fun time together :)

Visiting The Sound!

2013-11-22T09:35:00.002-05:00

This past weekend, Thomas visited the sound in Nags Head, North Carolina! He was happy to see some sand after months away! He and my parents drove down to have a visit and enjoy the weather! Although we are still enjoying the Fall season, the beach is always a beautiful and fun place to visit no matter the weather! (Although a hurricane...that's a different story!) Thomas was able to visit his favorite movie theater and enjoy the yummy popcorn and best fountain drinks around! He also visited his favorite pizzeria, Slice...so yummy!! And managed to get two free slices to go, lucky duck :) Overall, his trip was well worth it, and much enjoyed by all!

ARRGGHH Matey, It's Halloween!

2013-11-10T22:03:00.001-05:00

This year like normal, Thomas and I hand out candy to the kids in town or our visiting trick or treaters! However, in the past we have dressed as our normal selves. So this year we decided to make a change, and participate in dressing up as someone other than our beautiful selves! Our costumes consisted of one male pirate and one zombie pirate! Thomas was rocking his striped ragged capris and head scarf! I loved my headband as well, it totally completed the look for both our costumes! Thomas had fun handing out candy with and even enjoyed visiting with fellow trick or treaters! One of the very first to ring our door, was Madison, our favorite special angel also with Down Syndrome! She used to live next door to us, however we still love her <3 Thomas and Maddie talked and took pictures together! She was "Brave" for Halloween, red wig and all....SOO adorable if I might add! By the time we had handed nearly all of our candy out, we were exhausted. Two hours of manning the ship, I'd say we were some pretty awesome pirates!

Thomas's New Sofa!

2013-11-10T22:02:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, the new sofas were arriving at Thomas's house to be placed in the living room or "back room" as we call it! The old couches had been worn out and didn't nearly seat as many people as there were in the room, on any given time. So one afternoon, we accompanied mom to the furniture store to browse, but low and behold, Thomas lounged in one sofa set, and that was all she wrote! Mom told the sales woman, "SOLD!" If only all things in life were so simply!

Needless to say, once the sofas were delivered, Thomas was eager to watch the men carry them in, and anxious to take a seat! It's funny how something so simple as a new couch, can be so exciting?! Thomas along with everyone home at the time, joined in and took a seat on the big comfy sofas! Today makes day two of enjoying the sofas and breaking them in...and Thomas was yet again found in "his" spot lounged out and happy as a lark!

Thomas Pack's Shoeboxes!

2013-11-09T23:01:00.000-05:00

You might wonder what packing a shoebox is all about.....well let me fill you in!

Samaritan's Purse is an organization in which our church choose for our annual Christmas ministry. It's all apart of Operation Christmas Child. This was established in 1993, were more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God’s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan’s Purse works to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ.

If you would like to be apart of such a wonderful opportunity and joyous honor, please click the link below and find out how you can make a difference in a child's Christmas/life this year!

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

Unfortunately, I was unable to get a picture of Thomas that morning packing and working hard to help get those boxes ready to be shipped! I had my phone playing Christmas music (which is usually my camera and eyes) and our hands were filled with wrapping paper, tape, toys, and fun goodies to stuff in those boxes!

What I would do is wrap the shoeboxes two at a time, then stop and have Thomas fill those two with all the necessary supplies and goodies, close them up and designated for which age group and gender each box was for. After all that was finished, we would then start on our next two! By the time our wrapping and stuffing group got done, we had completely filled and stuffed 47 boxes!!!!!!!

God is SOOOO good in so many ways, but the true joy of filling those boxes for these children across the world, was far morning meaningful than anything that could be wrapped under a tree! Knowing that our shoeboxes would make a difference in another childs life, was heartwarming and memorable!

Howl-O-Scream 2013

2013-10-27T17:27:00.004-04:00

Friday, the kids played a little hookie from school, and we visited Busch Gardens Amusement Park, for Howl-O-Scream 2013! We decided to visit the park during the day, because the scare factor was basically non-existent, making our day more enjoyable for Thomas and his girlfriend. When we first got into the park, we visited Elmo's Forest of Fun, where Thomas got to see Elmo and Count Dracula :) They then stopped for ice slushies or what I like to call "slurpee's" before walking onto the next attraction. We made our way into Italy, were we rode the Teacups, Battering Ram, and visited the Arcade.

Next, we made our way into Oktoberfest, where we stopped to few one of the games along the way, a soccer shoot out contest. Thomas was very eager to participate, so money gave him $5 and he entered. And this is how it went.....

Thomas had three shots, 2 out of 3 meant a small prize and 3 out of 3 meant the larger prize! Thomas played two times and won a prize both times for making 2 out of the 3 soccer balls in the goal!!! So proud of our sweet man :)

After the excitement of soccer, we worked up quite an appetite for a snack and something to drink. We made our way in the Fest Haus, where we grabbed some yummy french fries and a coke to chow down on, until the show "Night Beats" would shortly begin. We saw dancing, singing, and a live band play during our time in the show.

Our final activities in the park included: Riding the ride Darkastle and the Carousel. Then stopping to watch Thomas's girlfriend get face painted. Watching the show Fiends, and taking a train ride all the way around the park, seeing lights, animals, and Halloween decorations. Needless to say our day was jam packed with many exciting treats! Thomas very much enjoyed himself and spending time with his girlfriend on their date <3

Celebrating Ral's Birthday!

2013-10-24T21:34:00.002-04:00

God blessed me with another year of life on this Earth! I was so happy and overjoyed to share it with all of my loved ones and dear friends! My competition cheering girls came over for dinner and cake, and helped in making my day one to remember :) Thomas especially helped in making my day extra wonderful, by giving me a beautiful vase of flowers and an engraved necklace, that read: "Loves you Ral" and "Woobitz loves Ral." Both of those engravings are statements in which Thomas makes to me, and words in which I deeply cherish <3

Thomas helped in the singing of "Happy Birthday" by queuing everyone with a 1...2...3! He also assisted in helping me blow out my candles, making my birthday wish extra special, and sure to come true!

Watering Some Plants!

2013-10-24T21:19:00.002-04:00

Simple things like watering plants, turn into helping Thomas learn basic skills and fine tuning his fine motor skills! So I first asked Thomas to turn on the water, from the knob attached to the side of the house (also another fine motor skill ) Then I handed him the water hose and instructed him to begin watering all the plants. He started out a little slow, but then got the hang of gripping the sprayer! By the time Thomas got to the fifth plant in the flower bed, he decided it would be funny to spray his sister! Now consider this, it's Fall, the water isn't warm, and I have a cast on that is NOT water proof! Needless to say, he thought it was the funniest thing in the world, as I am shouting "STOP!" So he begins to water another plant, slowly pretending to of listened to me. And yet again, he turns the water hose on me, laughing all the while! By this time, I'm already soaked from the knees down, and I cannot help but laugh along too! He tried three more times to soak me some more!

After watering the plants and his sister, his task was complete :)

Pumpkin Time!

2013-10-24T21:12:00.001-04:00

Last night at church, we had a pumpkin carving, gathering everyone together in God's house to carve up some beautiful pumpkins! Thomas of course, wanted to turn his pumpkin into an Angry Bird :) I gladly obliged and went straight to carving away! I used Thomas's Angry Bird sweatshirt as a template of sorts, and sketched out the bird. Of course carving a pumpkin means hollowing out the inside...not my favorite part! But however, I took it like a champ for my brother!

After carving out the Angry Bird, we had to pose with our masterpiece :)

Thomas Signs Ral's Cast!

2013-10-24T21:11:00.001-04:00

As soon as I got my cast put on, a little over two weeks ago, Thomas was one of the first people to sign my bright orange cast! Of course, when Thomas signs/writes his name, the "S" at the end of his name, is dramatically exaggerated. I believe this is so, not only to uniquely set his name apart from others, but to show a sense of importance and specialty!

When I first came, crutching through the door, he was looking very intensely at my leg. The look he portrayed was that of curiosity and intrigue. He has done a GREAT job helping me out over these past couple of weeks, considering ordinary tasks have been rather difficult to complete. Thomas loves to be needed, and I love him for it <3

I added a little gold heart by the "T" - for Thomas's heart is made of GOLD to me <3

And a blue and gold, Down Syndrome, ribbon to complete his signature :)

A Stroll With The Dogs!

2013-10-19T19:33:00.000-04:00

Lately, it's been a bit hard for me to walk the dogs, due to the bright orange cast I have been fashionably wearing on my left leg/foot! So during our afternoons together, Thomas helps me walk the dogs as soon as he gets off the van. This task gives Thomas a responsibility, one of which is very important to him! We thankfully walk our gorgeous down town area, which displays a view of the river and shore scenery. Thomas is proud to walk, Penny and Cindy, each step of the way :)

Pumpkin Photoshoot!

2013-10-19T19:12:00.001-04:00

A day after school turned into, a pumpkin photoshoot with my handsome man! I had just pulled out my camera, saw the bright orange pumpkin and thought....great opportunity to photograph my buddy!

He was adorable as I imagined, pumpkin in all :)

It's hard not to take pictures of him, he's so darn cute! But again, I am bias just a tad bit!

Thomas was so excited to have his picture taken with a pumpkin! He would say "Halloween" and "Scary," things he relates to pumpkins! The second to last picture above, in which Thomas is rubbing his hands together, that's the look he makes when he is interested in something. Or when he simply is intensely thinking about something. In those moments, I wish I knew what was going on inside that beautiful head of his, because he makes noises and smiles!

Tape Delivery!

2013-10-09T10:45:00.002-04:00

Have I mentioned VHS Tapes are like finding gold at the end of a rainbow or the equivalent of Christmas morning!?!

Well for Thomas, receiving VHS tapes in the mail, is ALL of the above! Especially when it's something he truly loves to watch, such as: Barney, The Land of The Lost, The Big Comfy Couch, or Dukes of Hazzard. He gets really giddy, which includes clapping, laughing, smiling, and shouting "OPEN IT!" It's hard not to get excited with him! This week, Thomas received two out of the four tapes he ordered on Amazon, which included two Land of the Lost tapes! He tells me, their are dinosaurs and "Chaka", which of course I already know this, but he loves to remind me anyways!

Two more tapes are expected to arrive this week, and I am more than sure he will remind me every day to "check the mail" in hopes for a new arrival! I always love his enthusiasm, and love for life, found even in the smallest things!

Birthday Shots!

2013-10-05T21:47:00.000-04:00

Crab Carnival

2013-10-05T20:13:00.000-04:00

Today, marked the second day of our town's Crab Carnival! We got up bright and early to grab breakfast and showers, in order to make our way around town again! Today we would be walking through the streets to visit vendors and see more entertainment! Of course carnival treats and food would be experienced! I had already planned to enjoy a fresh squeezed lemonade and corn-dog, and Thomas wanted a Cheeseburger and coke :) We accomplished both of our food desires, and enjoyed them too!

Walking around, we spotted more people we knew, and explored all the cool vendors camped on the streets! Christmas gifts were purchased and crafty art was admired! After walking around we ventured back to the house, to hang out and rest a bit until the parade started.

Right before parade time, we walked over to see my cheering girls and gather them for the parade walk! Thomas is spotted with the girls again in another team photo, which of course made the blog! We enjoyed watching the girls cheer with the band, and all the beautiful timeless cars and participants in the parade! Thomas especially enjoyed the marching bands and the kids showing off their karate moves! He was practicing his karate on the sidewalk and shouting "Jackie Chan!" He loves Jackie Chan movies, particularly because of the karate scenes!

Over all our Crab Carnival weekend was a success :)

Street Dance / Fireman's Parade

2013-10-05T20:03:00.000-04:00

We have this festival/tradition in our little town, called Crab Carnival! It consists of two days, in which celebrate our town, crabs, and gathering people together with good food, crafts, vendors, and entertainment! Friday starts the carnival off with a street dance, fireman's parade, and ends with a fireworks show on the river!

Thomas, myself, and my husband enjoyed Friday night out on the town starting off first with the Fireman's parade. Thomas likes watching all the fire-trucks parade through, but doesn't so much like the loud sounds and noises they make. So in conclusion to previous experiences, we now watch all fireman's parades with head phones, to help muffle the sound! I still like to hold the headphones tightly to his hears, just to keep any excess sounds out!

After the parade, we walked around town, greeting people we knew and checking out the food vendors! Thomas and I spotted an ice cream truck, and made our way over for a delicious treat! A cup of chocolate for him and a strawberry for me...YUMM!

We visited a local thrift store to let Thomas check out their VHS tape selection, in hopes of spotting some Barney :) He walked away with three new movies as happy as can be!

We finally made our way to the end of our street, to get in a good viewing spot for the fireworks show! Camped out on the ground, we eagerly awaited the illuminating light show! And so it began, a beautiful and colorful display of many fireworks to end our fun night out on the town!

Spending Time With Ral!

2013-10-05T19:32:00.002-04:00

Days when it's just the two of us, usually include getting out of the house and going out to eat! But then there are days when we stay in and cuddle on the couch, watching movies and shows together! He's the best cuddler :)

On this day though, we ventured out for lunch at Firehouse Subs and shopping around town! Thomas and I love their subs, so good if you haven't tried one! He loves his meatball sub and I love my Italian FULLY loaded! What is even better is that their subs come with a dill pickle....any sandwich is better with a pickle!

I had to take a picture of Thomas with my new APP on my iphone :) It's called the Duck Dynasty Beard Booth, free which is awesome! You can take picture of someone, while giving them a beard, or you can add a beard to a picture you already have! Thomas is sporting Willie's beard, QUACK QUACK :)